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Thinking of dabbling in film
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This site has a lot to answer for… since joining I’ve been seeing all the wonderful work displayed by those still working from film and have been tempted to go back and have a stab myself. Not the developing side yet, but more the taking side.
Had a quick scout around ebay and saw some Nikon FM cameras very cheap, anyone got any verdict on this, or any other film based camera for recommendations. Not fazed by manual controls and already have a Nikkor 50mm 1.8 for my D70s which should work on these older models (it’s the one with the ap ring)
Cheers in advance,
-petewif I were you, I pick up the nikon F3 that is currently on sale on the buy/sell section of this forum ;)
maybe also with the 35mm lens, but that’s because I have serious problem (I keep buying photographic gear).and I will also pick what’s needed to develop the film, because it’s great fun..
The FM is a great little camera. If you want aperature priority too then consider an fe (the electronic version). The only limitations really with these models are the 1000 top speed, not a big deal.
If you want to spend a bit more then the FM2 is just that bit better and newer with a 4000 top speed, but starting to cost more money. This is what I have but I have had it since about 1995.
Bear in mind these are old cameras now and the film seals are likely to be poor now unless they have been replaced. Also the FM being mechanical may well need a service at this point to get the shutter speeds accurate, I just had my FM2 done as it was sticky on slow speeds.
These cameras are a joy to use but to be honest I would pick up some AI/AIS manual focus lenses to use with one. The 50mm 1.8 AF is a horrible piece of plastic with a very poor manual focus feel.
The more modern AF Nikon bodies can be had for very small money to and are worth considering. The F100 is an excellent camera, maybe a bit overkill if you just want to dabble, or the F90 is good value.
Thanks guys, I’ve found an FM on ebay for around £40 inc postage at present. Seems to suggest that it’s been serviced too, including light and dust seals, mirror damper and new batts.
F3’s might be overkill maybe….
The F80 would be worth checking out too. I love mine. Never a duff exposure.
Some of the older Nikon lenses can be picked up for very little as well. I bough a 55 f2.8 Micro lens a while back for £50.00Happy shopping!
Sinead
I got an EM for very little money and it was like new with two lens and a flash gun
It is aperature priority or auto and very easy to use
I also got Sineads recommendation of the F80 which is a super camera(just need a lens for it now) I am using my old manual lens and the moment which dont auto focus or meterMy first serious camera was a Nikon FM and I loved it.
There is so much to choose from only you know whats best for your needs.
Have you found the Mir Nikon info?
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/htmls/models/index.htm
Thanks Fintan, that page cropped up on my wanderings around the net, very detailed and a great source on historical stuff.
Only served to further peak my interest in film again (even though I’m a long way from being any good in digital but hey ho !)
Got a few bids in on ebay so we’ll see how they progress….
PeteW wrote:
Got a few bids in on ebay so we’ll see how they progress….
Excellent, post back and let us know what you get :P
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