The Nikon FM10 has all the features necessary for creating vibrant pictures. The incredibly lightweight 35-70mm zoom lens, which comes with the FM10 kit, covers a broad range from wide-angle to normal to telephoto. At the wide-angle end, you can take spectacular landscapes or group portraits. The mid-range setting has a natural perspective and is ideal for general photography, while the telephoto end brings you closer for those beautiful, detailed portraits. The choice is yours: you can take dramatic sports pictures where you "freeze" the action with a fast shutter speed, just when your favorite player scored a goal, for example, or you might use a slow shutter speed to highlight the movement of water flowing over rocks in a river. A variety of compatible, optional Nikon Speedlights are available for those brilliant nighttime portraits of your favorite people or fill-in flash for daytime photography with back-lit subjects.
When I bought my FM-10 in October last year, I had no idea about photography. The closest I'd come to anything technical camerawise was winding on a disposable. I was looking for an all-manual camera because, as someone mentions in another review, it would force me to learn the ins and outs of photography.
I've since taking some stunning shots using the supplied 35-70mm Nikkor lens. It is easy to use, fairly versatile as far I as can make out, and the price allows the purchase of more goodies to stick on to it. I've since bought an 80-205 Albinar auto-zoom which does the job very nicely thank you very much.
I don't know much about cameras. But I've read good reports from professional photographers who carry an FM-10 as a second camera as it is light and practical. If you don't want to spend an arm and a leg (God knows Nikon system is expensive) then the FM-10 is a great entry-level camera for a beginner. No automatics here, at least not for the time being.
Strength
Versatile (accepts all Nikon lenses except G-series). Cheap. Durable. Reliable. Terrific photos . People with point-and-shoots think you're a pro.
Weakness
Suspect finish (expect damage from tripod)
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3.00 out of 5
after 2 votes
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Written By
PINNOLA(Unregistered User)
From
Rio de janeiro/Brasil
Date Created
05/22/2002
Summary
It´s a simple and lightweight camera. Perfect for travels. I used to took photos every month since 1997 and only in 2001 I had to fix a little part of the mechanism that advance de film.
Strength
Chep, accept all Nikon lens, lightweight, simple.
Weakness
Not a robust camera. Not for professional uses, but I have used it in some professional works with no problems at all.
Visitors rate this review
3.33 out of 5
after 3 votes
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Written By
bogrod(Unregistered User)
Date Created
05/19/2002
Summary
Questioning the build quality is for sure one way of easily tearing this camera to shreds in terms of offering a review for this Nikon product. However, how many of us need a camera built like the old Nikon F? Pros for sure - but an amateur like me who lives in the burbs? Hogwash! I got into photography with this camera, and won an award 6 months after starting my photographic efforts with a major Detroit newspaper using an old beat up Nikkor UD 20mm f/3.5! It''s the skill of the camera user that really counts. I didn''t expect much out of paying $299 for the camera and lens, and I for sure believe in the theory that you get what you pay for. But, for a beginner photographer - why invest a whole lot of bucks if you aren''t even sure you''ll enjoy picture taking?
Strength
Great beginner camera, where you have to LEARN photography and cannot resort to program or semi-automatic modes!
Weakness
Build quality is indeed questionable, but buy an old Nikon F or FM-2 if you''re looking for something built like a tank!
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5.00 out of 5
after 1 votes
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Written By
acalaw(Unregistered User)
From
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Phi
Date Created
04/20/2002
Summary
I purchased the camera because it is within my budget for my second non-auto camera. The fact that I was looking then for a SLR fully manual camera FM 10 was in the right time. I have plans to perfect this hobby and a fully manual camera could only be the best thing to start with.
The FM 10 has not failed me. Before I started using it, I studied its limitations and capabilities. Since then I was able to experience control over camera and not the other way around. I learned the proper use of priorities as to its shutter speed and apertures and 99% of its results are excellent. The built-in metering is working perfectly. But experimenting combinations of priorities has not yet failed me due to its dept-of-field preview.I am still perfecting its multiple exposure capabilites and have already produce some great results (post card quality! the way I want it to be.)
I am still in the process of discovering the capabilities of FM 10 as to its "B" setting and infrared features (Anyone who could help me on it?).
And still experimenting on its flash photography capabilities.
Want to be excellent in your photography? FM 10 is a good start to learn patience and achievement.
My FM 10 is a Japan made. Whether it is plastic made or not, it does not matter as long as it delivers my objectives. With what I have learned and have been learning, my FM 10 is worth more than $150.00. In fact after 3 years of use, it still looks brand new, except as to minor scratches caused by its film advance lever.
With FM 10 or maybe any other fully manual camera, anyone can learn to use his/her capabilities or creativeness and not that to be used by the camera.
Strength
less weight; cheap; could accept most F mount lenses.
Weakness
makes me patient and creative.
Visitors rate this review
2.33 out of 5
after 3 votes
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Written By
seph_sp(Unregistered User)
From
São Paulo, SP - Brazil
Date Created
04/17/2002
Summary
I choose this one to be my first camera ''cause it''s fully manual, and I''m not disapointed! Sharp photos, great user-control.
Strength
Depht-of-field preview
Good lenses for the price
Sharp photos
Fully manual
Weakness
It''s pretty hard to see the photometer in low light.
Visitors rate this review
3.00 out of 5
after 1 votes
4 of 5
