Nikon FM2: what owners say, prices and what to check

The short answer

The Nikon FM2 is a fully mechanical 35mm SLR made from 1982 to 2001, and Nikon billed it as the first model with the world's fastest shutter, 1/4000 s.

Owners praise it as tough and dependable: the batteries only run the meter, and 19 of the 21 owner and reviewer opinions on reliability are positive. On October 28, 2026, Brooklyn Film Camera listed serviced bodies at $910 to $960; Digital Camera World put good used ones under $500 in March 2025.

Made: 1982 to 2001
Lens mount: Nikon F, AI lenses
Batteries: 2 x LR44/SR44, meter only
Viewfinder: 93% coverage

Check used prices What owners say

Built from 145 opinions from 31 pages and videos. Not yet tested by Camera Dojo. Updated October 28, 2026.

Photo: BastienM, CC BY-SA 3.0

Is the Nikon FM2 a good camera? The short version

It is manual only. You set the shutter speed and aperture yourself, and three LEDs in the finder tell you over, correct or under. If you want aperture priority, the FE2 and the older Nikon FE offer it on the same compact body; the FM2's draw is that it keeps shooting with a dead battery.

Buy by version and condition. The FM2n (1984 per Nikon, 1983 per camera-wiki) raised flash sync from 1/200 to 1/250, and titanium honeycomb shutter blades gave way to aluminum in 1989. Johnny Martyr had titanium curtains fail several times, while other owners report years without trouble. Plan on new light seals; Garry's Camera Repair in Illinois lists a $98 flat rate for FM/FM2 work, parts extra.

Good fit if

You want a camera that shoots with no battery at all: every speed from 1 s to 1/4000 s is mechanical.
You know manual exposure, or want to learn it on a camera with few distractions.
You want AI and AI-S Nikkor lenses, including manual-focus glass you also use on a Nikon DSLR.
You shoot in rough weather: owners report bodies working from bitter winter days to 100F heat, and Wikipedia gives an operating range of -40 C to +50 C.
You want fast speeds for wide apertures in sun, or 1/250 flash sync on the FM2n.

Think twice if

You want auto exposure: there is no aperture priority or program mode.
You want a needle that shows how many stops off you are; the three LEDs only say over, correct or under.
You need to see the whole frame: the finder shows 93% of it.
You plan to use G-type or DX lenses: they mount but don't work properly without an aperture ring.
You're on a tight budget: the older Nikon FM and the Pentax K1000 are also mechanical and cost less, with a 1/1000 top speed.

What owners and reviewers say, topic by topic

We sorted 145 opinions about the FM2 from 31 pages and videos on 24 websites and channels. Each row shows how many people raised a topic and how many of them were positive. Open a row to read short quotes, each linked to its source.

Most voices are owners writing on blogs and in reader comments (35mmc, Johnny Martyr, Kosmo Foto, Photo Thinking, Richard Haw and others), plus editorial reviews and five YouTube videos. Reddit, Ken Rockwell, Lomography and Photo Stack Exchange pages could not be read, so none of them is quoted. Casual Photophile and Beau Photo write about the titanium FM2/T, which is an FM2n with a titanium shell.

Reliability today90% positiveof 21
The most praised topic: 19 of 21 are positive, with bodies still working after 20 to 30 years and in rain, deep cold and summer heat; the two negatives are one owner's failed titanium shutter curtains and another's sticking film advance.
- “My silver FM2 has been with me for 30 years without any hiccups”
  Naza Hamed, 35mmc reader comment 2022-12Owner
- “I have two FM2ns that have been going strong for 20 years or more.”
  Armand Di Meo, Casual Photophile reader comment 2019-01Owner
- “they both work very well and have not had any issues with the shutters.”
  Marius Andrei, Johnny Martyr blog reader comment 2021-06Owner
- “The Nikon FM2n is rugged and can take plenty of punishment before tapping-out.”
  Richard Haw (blog) 2018-11Owner
Controls and features84% positiveof 19
Owners like the 1/4000 top speed, the advance lever that doubles as a shutter lock and the multiple-exposure lever; the sore point is that the protruding lever pokes left-eye shooters in the face.
- “However, I appreciated the fast shutter speeds of the FM2.”
  Máté Krausz, 35mmc 2024-06Owner
- “The camera layout is well thought off and intuitive to use.”
  MunKeat Photography 2014-08Owner
- “The advance is super short, and you don't even need to take your eye away from the viewfinder to operate.”
  Alex Luyckx (blog) 2015-08Owner
- “I like the safeguards but the implementation is not my favorite.”
  Jittery Pixel 2016-02Owner
Lenses100% positiveof 15
All 15 opinions praise the Nikon F mount: AI and AI-S Nikkors are plentiful and affordable, and some owners share them with a Nikon DSLR.
- “The lenses available for these cameras are also phenomenal”
  Max Kent (maxsphotoblog) 2022-03Owner
- “Giving the camera an amazing set of glass at your disposal.”
  Alex Luyckx (blog) 2015-08Owner
- “Fortunately, there are many affordable lens options for this camera.”
  John Feole, 35mmc 2023-08Owner
- “The Nikon F mount works with almost all the lenses from the 50's till now”
  MunKeat Photography 2014-08Owner
Build quality71% positiveof 14
Most of the 14 opinions praise a tough, tightly built metal body; the mixed and negative ones single out plastic parts such as the memo holder, film door release, rewind and advance levers and printed dials.
- “The build quality is top-notch.”
  Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog 2021-06Owner
- “take hits like a masochistic MMA fighter and keep going in for more.”
  Beyond Bokeh 2017-11Owner
- “The focus on a quality build is obvious, with tight tolerances all around.”
  Jittery Pixel 2016-02Owner
- “It's a robust little camera that was mostly made using brass and aluminium alloys but some of the details and fittings were made of plastic.”
  Richard Haw (blog) 2018-11Owner
Viewfinder and focusing77% positiveof 13
Ten of thirteen call the finder big, bright and clear; the three complaints are its 93% coverage, a view smaller and dimmer than the Olympus OM-1's, and checking focus on wide lenses without a split-image screen.
- “The FM2 view finder is not as wide or bright as the OM1”
  MunKeat Photography 2014-08Owner
- “the viewfinder is nice, big, and bright with near 100% coverage.”
  Alex Luyckx (blog) 2015-08Owner
- “The viewfinder is nice and bright, obviously dependant on the lens maximum aperture.”
  Theo, Photo Thinking 2019-07Owner
- “The size of the camera is perfect in my opinion and the viewfinder is nice and bright.”
  Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog 2021-03Owner
Light meter and exposure73% positiveof 11
Eight of eleven are positive: owners call the meter accurate (one even for slide film), easy to see in daylight and in the dark, and sensitive up to ISO 6400. The doubts are that the three LEDs don't show how far off you are and that bright centers or low-contrast scenes can fool it.
- “The meter is dead-on accurate”
  Alex Luyckx (blog) 2015-08Owner
- “The LED meter is great because you can see it in low light.”
  russ, Johnny Martyr blog reader comment 2022-04Owner
- “The meter is very accurate (great for slides) and the size and weight is just perfect.”
  Sam Westenskow, 35mmc 2023-06Owner
- “The 60/40 center weighted metering system is very reliable, if not perfect.”
  Kathy K, Beau PhotoOwner
Size and weight80% positiveof 10
Most find it light and compact for an all-metal SLR; the mixed voices note it is bigger than an Olympus OM-1 or Pentax MX and less discreet than a rangefinder for street work.
- “Small, compact and indestructible with magnificent optics.”
  Steven Segal, Cultured Kiwi reader comment 2019-06Owner
- “While the FM2n is a compact camera it fits perfectly in the hands.”
  Alex Luyckx (blog) 2015-08Owner
- “It has a hefty feel without being bulky or too heavy to carry around.”
  Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog 2021-06Owner
- “With the camera around my neck I was not as inconspicuous as using a rangefinder with a wrist-strap.”
  Ted Ayre, 35mmc 2022-12Owner
Price and value50% positiveof 10
Split: several call it a lot of camera for the money, but others say its popularity has pushed prices up and point to the cheaper FM or FE, and the titanium FM2/T costs two to four times as much.
- “FM2s have gotten very expensive recently”
  Christof Bircher, 35mmc reader comment 2022-12Owner
- “for that alone this camera is worth the money to me.”
  Jittery Pixel 2016-02Owner
- “It is an amazing camera that can be had for a great price.”
  Ben Kepka, Cultured KiwiHands-on review
- “the FM2N is clearly a better option but it's significantly more expensive.”
  Max Kent (maxsphotoblog) 2022-03Owner
Ease of use78% positiveof 9
Seven of nine voices call it simple and quick to learn; of the two mixed ones, one says you need to understand manual focus and exposure first, and the other misses his FE2's aperture priority now and then.
- “Despite being all manual, it is easy to use.”
  BSmith, The Noisy Shutter 2021-06Owner
- “they are lighter, easier and nicer to handle and take the same lenses.”
  David Hill, 35mmc reader comment 2023-08Owner
- “it's fairly easy to use. Maybe that's why most beginners started off with one.”
  MunKeat Photography 2014-08Owner
- “once in a while, I miss the aperture priority mode that I had in my Nikon FE2”
  Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog 2021-06Owner
Batteries and power78% positiveof 9
Owners like that cheap LR44 cells run only the meter, so the camera shoots without them; the two negatives are a meter that died from dirty battery contacts and old batteries that corroded the compartment.
- “The light meter on one of my FM2n's just abruptly stopped responding.”
  Johnny Martyr (blog) 2020-11Owner
- “Also, being fully mechanical, the shutter did not rely on batteries.”
  BSmith, The Noisy Shutter 2021-06Owner
- “it feeds on the readily available LR44 battery which are pretty cheap.”
  MunKeat Photography 2014-08Owner
- “The great thing about the FM2 is that the camera requires the batteries for nothing more than the meter.”
  Stephen Dowling, Kosmo Foto 2013-09Owner
Repairs and servicing83% positiveof 6
Owners say it is easy to repair, parts are still around and one commenter thought a refurbishment worth paying for; Max Kent expects buyers to replace the light seals on a used body.
- “it's worth the repair in my opinion as parts are still available”
  Johnny Martyr, Flickr Nikon FM2 group 2012-09Owner
- “For expert repair on Nikon FE, FE2, FM, FM2n, F3 and FA, Jim Holman is my go-to guy.”
  bodegabayf2, Johnny Martyr blog reader comment 2020-11Owner
- “Paid about the cost of the camera extra to have it refurbished but well worth it to me.”
  Roy Wales, Photo Thinking reader comment 2020-06Owner
- “You'll also probably need to replace your light seals which is very common in old SLR cameras.”
  Max Kent (maxsphotoblog) 2022-03Owner
Image results100% positiveof 5
All five opinions are positive: sharp, detailed HP5 Plus frames, pleasing results from the Series E 50mm, night shots on Delta 3200, excellent slide-film results and well-exposed frames (one reviewer used a handheld meter).
- “When I saw the photos on my computer I was really pleased with how they came out.”
  Matthew T Rader, EMULSIVE 2022-06Owner
- “Again I have to praise the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E lens as I think it renders very pleasing results.”
  Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog 2021-03Owner
- “The Nikon FM2 is a great camera that is lightweight, reliable, accurate and takes incredible pictures.”
  Norman, Kosmo Foto reader comment 2014-04Owner
- “Most of the Nikon FM2 photos were perfectly metered.”
  What is a Film Camera? 2012-05Hands-on review
Film availability33% positiveof 3
Only three voices, mostly about film in general: fewer labs and pricier rolls, against one commenter whose wife bought up the Agfa APX 100 at their local dealer for his FM2n.
- “it's unfortunate there aren't many film labs left”
  Norman Dong, Kosmo Foto reader comment 2014-10Owner
- “the films disappeared from the drugstore shelves and now a single film costs more than”
  Jens, 35mmc 2024-07Owner
- “My wife bought all the Agfa APX 100 rolls at our local dealer for it.”
  Dirk Saeger, 35mmc reader comment 2022-12Owner

PositiveMixedNegative

Nikon FM2 vs FM2n vs FM2/T: which version is which

Nikon sold the FM2 from 1982 to 2001, and the name on the front never changed. The original FM2 syncs flash at 1/200 s. The FM2n, introduced in 1984 according to Nikon and Wikipedia (1983 according to camera-wiki and Mike Eckman), raised that to 1/250 s; you spot it by the N before the serial number and a red 250 on the speed dial.

The shutter blades changed too. The original FM2 and early FM2n use titanium blades etched in a honeycomb pattern; in 1989 (1989 to 1990 by some accounts) Nikon switched to smooth aluminum alloy blades. Open the back and you can see which one you have.

The FM2/T, made from 1993 (1994 by some accounts) to 1997, has a titanium top, bottom and back and listed at $1,120. Casual Photophile notes it often sells for double to four times a comparable FM2 or FM2n while doing the same job. The FM2/2000 Year of the Dragon edition, 2,000 made in champagne gold with a matching 50mm f/1.4, is a collector's piece.

FM2 versions at a glance
Version	Flash sync	Shutter blades	How to spot it
FM2 (from 1982)	1/200 s	Titanium, honeycomb	No N before the serial number
Early FM2n (1984 to 1989)	1/250 s	Titanium, honeycomb	N before the serial, red 250 on the dial
Late FM2n (1989 to 2001)	1/250 s	Aluminum alloy, smooth	N before the serial, smooth blades

Every version says FM2 on the front, so check the serial number and the shutter blades, not the name plate.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imaging.nikon.com, camera-wiki.org, mikeeckman.com, casualphotophile.com

How to check a used Nikon FM2 before you buy

Most FM2 faults show up in a few minutes with the back open and fresh batteries in. These checks come from repair writer Richard Haw, owner Johnny Martyr and Mike Eckman's review.

1
Confirm the version
Look for the N before the serial number on the back if you want the FM2n's 1/250 flash sync. A plain FM2 is fine for most shooting, just a little slower with flash.
2
Look at the shutter
Open the back and look at the blades without touching them: a honeycomb pattern means titanium. Wrinkled blades, or a shutter that doesn't close fully after firing, point to a CLA or a shutter replacement, which most shops do as a whole unit.
3
Fire every speed
The shutter is mechanical, so 1 s to 1/4000 and B should all work even with the batteries out. Richard Haw suggests checking the slow and fast speeds, the dials and levers, and the mirror movement.
4
Test the meter with fresh cells
Pull the advance lever out to its standby position and half-press the release, with the dial off B: the LEDs should light. Turn the aperture ring and watch the reading follow; a slow response points to a sticking AI tab, and a meter that jumps from + to - without settling on o needs repair, Johnny Martyr says.
5
Check underneath and the seals
Skip bodies with a dented bottom plate, since the winding and battery parts live there. Look for corrosion in the battery chamber, and plan on new light seals: Mike Eckman says the original foam is well on its way to failing on most bodies.
6
Buy where you can return it
Digital Camera World and Johnny Martyr both suggest a reputable dealer. Serviced bodies cost more up front; Brooklyn Film Camera's came with a 6-month warranty in October 2026. Our guide to buying and testing used film cameras lists more places to look.

Sources: camera-wiki.org, johnnymartyr.wordpress.com, richardhaw.com, mikeeckman.com, digitalcameraworld.com, brooklynfilmcamera.com

How to load and shoot the Nikon FM2

The FM2 has no automation, so shooting it means setting speed and aperture yourself and reading three LEDs. If the exposure triangle is new to you, start there.

1
Fit the batteries
Unscrew the cover on the bottom with a coin and drop in two LR44 or SR44 cells, or one 3V CR1/3N lithium. They only power the meter.
2
Load the film
Lift the rewind knob to pop the back, drop the cartridge in on the left and pull the leader across to the take-up spool on the right. Keep your fingers off the shutter curtains while the back is open; our film loading guide walks through the rest.
3
Set the film speed
Lift and turn the outer ring of the shutter speed dial to the box speed, anywhere from ISO 12 to 6400.
4
Turn on the meter
Pull the advance lever out to its standoff position and half-press the release; the meter stays on for about 30 seconds. With the lever pushed flush against the body, the release is locked.
5
Read the LEDs
+ means more than a stop over, - more than a stop under, and o alone means correct. o lit together with + or - means you are within a stop. The shutter speed and aperture stay visible in the finder even with dead batteries.
6
Watch bright skies and subjects
The meter puts 60% of its weight on the central 12mm circle, so a bright sky or bright subject can skew it. Owners adjust differently: Cultured Kiwi's reviewer errs toward overexposure with a bright center, while The Noisy Shutter's owner shoots big skies with o and - both lit, 1/3 to 2/3 stop under the meter.
7
Make a double exposure
The multiple-exposure lever beside the advance lever disconnects the film advance, so the next stroke cocks the shutter without moving the film. Our double exposure guide covers how to set exposure for two frames.

Sources: photothinking.com, maxkent.co.uk, brooklynfilmcamera.com, mikeeckman.com, 5050travelog.com, culturedkiwi.com, thenoisyshutter.com, camera-wiki.org

Which lenses work on the Nikon FM2

The FM2 takes AI and AI-S manual-focus Nikkors, Series E lenses, and AF or AF-D lenses that have an aperture ring (you focus them by hand). Older pre-AI lenses must be AI-converted first. G lenses mount but have no aperture ring, so you can't set the aperture, and IX Nikkors made for APS cameras must not be mounted, because Wikipedia says their rear elements can intrude into the mirror box and cause damage.

A 50mm is the easy start. Unique Photo's sold-out listings show a 50mm f/1.8 AI-S in Good condition at $99.95 and a 50mm f/1.4 AI-S in Excellent at $169.95. One owner paid $120 locally for a 50mm f/1.4 AI-S and preferred its wider focus ring to the small Series E 50mm f/1.8. Read listings closely: Unique Photo also had a non-AI 50mm f/1.4 in stock for $89.95, which won't fit unconverted.

Beau Photo singles out the 35mm f/1.4, 105mm f/2.5 and 180mm f/2.8 ED as standouts and calls the 43-86mm zoom one of the worst. According to Beau Photo, Steve McCurry made his Afghan Girl portrait on Kodachrome with an FM2 and the 105mm f/2.5 AI-S.

Focusing screens are interchangeable. Most bodies have the K2 split-image screen, with B and E types as options, and the brighter K3, B3 and E3 screens made for the FM3A also fit, though Nikon has discontinued them. Richard Haw paid $19 for a K3 that is much brighter than his original.

No aperture ring means no aperture control on the FM2, so check for one before you buy any lens for it.

Sources: brooklynfilmcamera.com, photothinking.com, en.wikipedia.org, uniquephoto.com, 5050travelog.com, beauphoto.com, johnnymartyr.wordpress.com, richardhaw.com

Batteries, film and flash for the Nikon FM2

Portra 400

The meter runs on two 1.5V button cells: SR44 silver-oxide (also sold as 357 or 303) or LR44 alkaline (also sold as A76). Silver-oxide holds more charge, about 170-200 mAh against 110-150 mAh. One 3V CR1/3N lithium cell can replace the pair, and a commenter on Johnny Martyr's blog recommends it to anyone with battery issues. The battery finder lists more equivalents.

Carry spares and check their dates: Photo Thinking's reviewer lost his meter on a trip because his spare cells had expired. Take the batteries out for storage, since old cells that corrode can jam the battery cover, Max Kent warns.

Any 35mm film works, and the meter covers ISO 12 to 6400. Max Kent suggests Kodak Portra 400 or 800 for color and Ilford HP5 Plus for black and white. Kosmo Foto's editor calls the ISO 6400 limit essential for shooting bands at dim soundchecks; our guide to pushing film covers shooting that high.

The finder has a ready light for Nikon Speedlights such as the SB-15 and SB-16B, and flash syncs at 1/200 s on the FM2 and 1/250 s on the FM2n. There is no TTL flash metering; Nikon added that on the FE2.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, johnnymartyr.wordpress.com, photothinking.com, maxkent.co.uk, kosmofoto.com, camera-wiki.org, imaging.nikon.com, en.wikipedia.org

Nikon FM2 vs FE2: mechanical or aperture priority

	Nikon FM2	Nikon FE2
Shutter	Mechanical, 1 s to 1/4000 s	Electronic; only M250 and B work without batteries
Exposure modes	Manual only	Aperture priority and manual
Flash	Ready light, no TTL metering	TTL flash metering
Serviced price at Brooklyn Film Camera, Oct 2026	$910-$960	$885-$895

Pick the Nikon FM2 if

You want a camera that keeps shooting when the batteries die.
You shoot manual anyway and want the simplest possible camera.
You shoot in deep cold, where batteries fade fast.

Pick the Nikon FE2 if

You want aperture-priority auto for fast-changing light.
You use a Nikon flash and want TTL exposure.
You don't mind carrying spare batteries for every speed but two.

Sources: brooklynfilmcamera.com, brooklynfilmcamera.com, imaging.nikon.com, 5050travelog.com

Nikon FM2 problems and what repairs cost

Most reported FM2 problems come with age: foam seals, old batteries and dirt, plus a long-running argument over titanium shutters. Garry's Camera Repair in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, lists one $98 flat rate for FM/FM2 work, parts extra, with a 90-day warranty.

Worn or failed titanium shutter (FM2 and early FM2n)

Raised in 1 opinion

How you notice: The shutter doesn't fully close after firing, the mirror stays up and the advance lever won't move; the honeycomb blades may look wrinkled.
Fix: Shops replace the whole Copal shutter unit rather than rebuild it, and Nikon fitted the later aluminum-blade shutter when it replaced titanium ones. Owners disagree on the risk: Johnny Martyr had titanium curtains fail several times and avoids those bodies, while others report years without trouble.
Typical cost: No US shop we found publishes an FM2 shutter replacement price. Garry's Camera Repair charges $98 flat for FM/FM2 work plus parts; Brooklyn Film Camera's past camera CLAs ran $325-$850.

Sources: johnnymartyr.wordpress.com, flickr.com, richardhaw.com, garryscamera.com, garryscamera.com, brooklynfilmcamera.com

Sticking AI tab on the lens mount

How you notice: The meter reacts slowly or gives wrong readings when you turn the aperture ring, and it can get worse over time.
Fix: The plastic AI tab works with a spring and string under the mount; cleaning and lubricating it fixes the problem, and Johnny Martyr treats it as a job for a repair tech.
Typical cost: Part of a standard overhaul: Garry's $98 FM/FM2 rate includes meter calibration.

Sources: johnnymartyr.wordpress.com, garryscamera.com

Dead or intermittent light meter

Raised in 1 opinion

How you notice: No LEDs light with the advance lever pulled out and the release half-pressed.
Fix: Try known-fresh batteries first: Photo Thinking's reviewer traced a dead meter to expired spares. Then clean the battery cover threads and contacts, which brought Johnny Martyr's meter back. If that fails, a tech checks the wiring under the bottom plate.
Typical cost: Free if it is the batteries or dirty contacts; Garry's $98 FM/FM2 rate if it needs a repair.

Sources: johnnymartyr.wordpress.com, photothinking.com, garryscamera.com

Crumbling light seals and mirror damper

Raised in 1 opinion

How you notice: Light leaks on the film, and bits of old foam can fall into the shutter.
Fix: Replace the hinge and door channel seals and the mirror cushion. Max Kent expects most buyers to need new seals, as on most old SLRs.
Typical cost: $85-$150 for light seals at Brooklyn Film Camera (typical past range); included in Garry's $98 FM/FM2 overhaul.

Sources: mikeeckman.com, richardhaw.com, brooklynfilmcamera.com, garryscamera.com, maxkent.co.uk

Advance lever locks or the shutter won't release

Raised in 2 opinions

How you notice: The lever stops partway or won't wind, or the release button does nothing.
Fix: First check that the lever is pulled out from its flush, locked position. If the shutter didn't finish its cycle, the mirror stays up and the lever won't advance; Johnny Martyr warns that forcing it can make things worse. A true jam needs the winding mechanism cleaned and lubricated.
Typical cost: $90-$150 to unjam at Brooklyn Film Camera (typical past range); Garry's lists stuck advance levers under its $98 FM/FM2 rate.

Sources: garryscamera.com, brooklynfilmcamera.com, flickr.com, johnnymartyr.wordpress.com, 5050travelog.com

Sluggish in extreme cold

How you notice: The meter fades or fails in deep cold; one owner with an aluminum shutter reports the advance lever not locking at about -20 C.
Fix: Use fresh batteries and keep the camera warm. According to the manual, battery power returns as the camera warms up, and Nikon sold the DB-2 Anti-Cold Battery Pack for the meter. Richard Haw says aluminum-shutter bodies handle cold better.
Typical cost: Usually no repair needed.

Sources: cameramanuals.org, johnnymartyr.wordpress.com, richardhaw.com

Leaking batteries left inside

Raised in 1 opinion

How you notice: A corroded battery chamber and a battery cover that won't unscrew.
Fix: Take the batteries out for storage, and clean the chamber at once if a cell leaks.
Typical cost: Free if caught early; Brooklyn Film Camera quotes corrosion repair after a $50 inspection, credited to the repair.

Sources: cameramanuals.org, maxkent.co.uk, brooklynfilmcamera.com

Photos taken with a Nikon FM2

Photos taken with a Nikon FM2 by Wikimedia Commons contributors: Osaka and Kyoto in 2015 on Kodak UltraMax 400 and Agfa Vista Plus 400, and Jaipur in 2005.

Dotonbori, Osaka, September 2015, on Kodak UltraMax 400 with an AI Nikkor 50mm f/1.4SPhoto: Toomore Chiang, CC BY 2.0
City Palace gates, Jaipur, India, 2005, with a 200mm Nikon lensPhoto: Steve Evans from Bangalore, India, CC BY 2.0
Eizan Railway train leaving Ichijoji Station, Kyoto, 2015, with an AI Nikkor 50mm f/1.4SPhoto: Toomore Chiang from Taipei, Taiwan, CC BY 2.0
Inside an Eizan Railway 800 series train, Kyoto, September 2015, on Agfa Vista Plus 400Photo: Toomore Chiang from Taipei, Taiwan, CC BY 2.0
Kurama Station platform, Kyoto, September 2015, on Agfa Vista Plus 400Photo: Toomore Chiang from Taipei, Taiwan, CC BY 2.0

How much is a Nikon FM2 worth in 2026?

On October 28, 2026, the only FM2 in stock at the US shops we could check was a serviced silver body at Brooklyn Film Camera for $960, with a 6-month warranty. Unique Photo and Austin Camera still list sold-out FM2s from $224.95 with a lens to $499.99, but the pages don't say when they sold. eBay, KEH, MPB and B&H could not be checked, so they are not listed.

Brooklyn Film Camera
Serviced, grade A, 6-month warranty, in stock, Body only, silver (black sold out)
$960
See listing
Brooklyn Film Camera
Serviced, grade B to A, 6-month warranty, Body only, price by grade
$910-$960
See listing
Austin Camera
Used (sold out), Body + 50mm f/2 lens
$499.99
See listing
Unique Photo
Used, Excellent (sold out), Body only, silver
$399.95
See listing
Unique Photo
Used, Excellent (sold out), FM2N body only, black
$349.95
See listing
Unique Photo
Used, Fair (sold out), Body only, black
$269.95
See listing
Unique Photo
Used, Good (sold out), Body only, silver
$249.95
See listing
Unique Photo
Used, Fair (sold out), Body only, silver
$229.95
See listing
Unique Photo
Used, Excellent (sold out), Body + 50mm f/1.8 AI-S lens
$224.95
See listing

Prices checked on October 28, 2026. They move every week, so treat them as a range, not a quote. Older dated estimates: good used bodies under $500 (Digital Camera World, March 2025); $325-$400 for a body and $400-$500 with a lens (Max Kent, 2022); and one owner paid $480 including shipping and taxes for a near-mint FM2n from Japan in 2021. For comparison, Brooklyn Film Camera's serviced FE2 was $885-$895 and its FM3A $2,000 (sold out). Repairs: Garry's Camera Repair charges $98 for FM/FM2 work plus parts, and Nippon Photo Clinic in New York charges $5 per item to inspect.

Video reviews worth your time

Review - Nikon FM2
Matt Day, 2015
The reviewer considers the Nikon FM2 to be an exceptionally reliable, well-built, and versatile 35mm film camera.
- 0:07 Host introduces the Nikon FM2 camera
- 1:25 Demonstrating how to set film speed on shutter dial
- 2:57 Showing the multiple exposure feature mechanism
- 4:43 Opening camera back to show honeycomb titanium shutter
Nikon FM2 & Nikon FE2 Review
Analog Insights, 2023
The Nikon FM2 is an exceptionally reliable, high-quality, fully mechanical 35mm SLR camera that offers superb manual control and access to a vast lens ecosystem.
- 0:41 Comparing the Nikon FM2 and FE2 SLR cameras
- 1:12 Highlighting shutter speed and mechanical operation features
- 12:28 Examining the titanium honeycomb shutter mechanism of the FM2
- 18:28 Discussing lens compatibility across the Nikon F-mount system
From Afghan Girl to Everyday Legend: Nikon FM2 Review
The Filmmakers, 2026
The reviewer gives the Nikon FM2 a 9/10, praising its mechanical reliability, compact portability, and lens ecosystem while noting minor build compromises compared to flagship professional bodies.
- 0:00 Introduction to the Nikon FM2 film camera review.
- 0:18 Mention of the Afghan Girl photo taken with FM2.
- 1:44 Demonstration of the mechanical shutter operation without batteries.
- 3:52 Comparing dial craftsmanship between the FM2 and F2.
Nikon fm2 review
lewis williamson, 2019
The reviewer considers the Nikon FM2 a feature-rich, versatile, and affordable 35mm SLR camera supported by an expansive lens ecosystem, despite its viewfinder lacking a split-prism focusing screen.
- 0:53 Showing the 28mm f/2.8 lens attached to the camera
- 1:20 Demonstrating the 50mm f/1.4 prime lens
- 3:07 Close-up view of shutter lock and shutter speed dial
- 3:45 Demonstrating the double exposure lever operation
Why The Nikon FM2 Is So Damn Good - 48 Hours With The FM2
Max Kent, 2023
The reviewer regards the Nikon FM2 as an exceptionally durable, reliable, and simple mechanical camera that encourages thoughtful photography.
- 0:23 Close-up view of the Nikon FM2 camera body
- 1:37 Preparing the camera and loading film at sunset
- 2:09 Changing camera lenses while sitting on a park bench
- 4:31 Taking street photos in town with a telephoto lens

Specifications

Questions people ask about the FM2

Is the Nikon FM2 a good camera?

Most owners say yes. The shutter is fully mechanical from 1 s to 1/4000 s, the batteries only run the meter, and reviewers from Cultured Kiwi to Kosmo Foto praise how simple and dependable it is. The caveats are some plastic parts, a 93% viewfinder, no auto exposure and the titanium shutter failures Johnny Martyr reports.

Sources: culturedkiwi.com, kosmofoto.com, casualphotophile.com, beauphoto.com, johnnymartyr.wordpress.com

How much is a Nikon FM2 worth?

It depends on condition and service history. On October 28, 2026, Brooklyn Film Camera listed serviced bodies with a 6-month warranty at $910 to $960, and Unique Photo's sold-out listings ran from $229.95 (Fair) to $399.95 (Excellent) for a body. Older guides put good used bodies under $500 (Digital Camera World, March 2025) or at $325-$400 (Max Kent, 2022).

Sources: brooklynfilmcamera.com, uniquephoto.com, digitalcameraworld.com, maxkent.co.uk

Which is better, the Nikon FM or the FM2?

The FM2 adds a 1/4000 top speed (the FM stops at 1/1000) and faster flash sync (1/250 on the FM2n against 1/125 on the FM), and Max Kent calls the FM2n clearly the better camera but significantly more expensive. The FM keeps one advantage, Richard Haw notes: its folding AI tab still takes pre-AI lenses, which need conversion on the FM2. If you rarely need fast speeds, the FM or the [Nikon FE](/cameras/nikon-fe/) saves money.

Sources: maxkent.co.uk, richardhaw.com

Which is better, the Nikon FM2 or the Olympus OM-1?

It depends on what you value. MunKeat Photography finds the [Olympus OM-1](/cameras/olympus-om-1/) finder wider and brighter, and Beau Photo notes the OM-1 is smaller, but neither has the FM2's 1/4000 top speed. The FM2 also opens up the huge range of Nikon F-mount lenses.

Sources: munkeatphotography.com, beauphoto.com

Does the Nikon FM2 need a battery?

Only for the light meter. Every shutter speed from 1 s to 1/4000 s, plus B, works with no battery, and the speed and aperture stay visible in the finder. The meter takes two LR44 or SR44 cells or one 3V CR1/3N lithium.

Sources: brooklynfilmcamera.com, photothinking.com, en.wikipedia.org

How do you tell an FM2 from an FM2n?

Both say FM2 on the front. The FM2n has an N before the serial number on the back and a red 250 on the shutter speed dial for its 1/250 s flash sync; the original FM2 syncs at 1/200 s. Late FM2n bodies, from 1989, also have smooth aluminum shutter blades instead of honeycomb titanium.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, camera-wiki.org

Is the titanium or the aluminum FM2 shutter better?

Owners disagree. Johnny Martyr had titanium curtains fail several times and advises against those bodies, and Richard Haw says the later aluminum shutters cope better with cold. Mike Eckman sees no evidence that either type is better, and several owners report titanium shutters working for years without trouble.

Sources: johnnymartyr.wordpress.com, richardhaw.com, mikeeckman.com, photothinking.com

Why won't my Nikon FM2 advance or fire?

Check the advance lever first: pushed flush against the body, it locks the release, so pull it out to its standoff position. If the lever won't move at all, the shutter may not have finished its cycle and the mirror is still up; Johnny Martyr warns that forcing it can make things worse, and the camera needs a CLA or a new shutter.

Sources: 5050travelog.com, flickr.com

What people compare it with

Nikon FE
The 1978 aperture-priority sibling on the same compact body; owners point beginners who want auto exposure to it, and a 35mmc commenter suggests it as a cheaper option now that FM2 prices have risen.
Nikon FM3A
The 2001 successor, with a hybrid shutter that runs mechanically or in aperture priority. It costs far more used: Brooklyn Film Camera's sold-out serviced one was $2,000.
Nikon F3
Nikon's pro body of the era, with aperture priority; Brooklyn Film Camera sells it with a 50mm f/1.8 for similar money to a serviced FM2.
Olympus OM-1
A smaller mechanical SLR that people cross-shop with the FM2; it has a bigger, brighter finder but a slower top speed.

Is the Nikon FM2 a good camera? The short version

Good fit if

Think twice if

What owners and reviewers say, topic by topic

Nikon FM2 vs FM2n vs FM2/T: which version is which

How to check a used Nikon FM2 before you buy

Confirm the version

Look at the shutter

Fire every speed

Test the meter with fresh cells

Check underneath and the seals

Buy where you can return it

How to load and shoot the Nikon FM2

Fit the batteries

Load the film

Set the film speed

Turn on the meter

Read the LEDs

Watch bright skies and subjects

Make a double exposure

Which lenses work on the Nikon FM2

Batteries, film and flash for the Nikon FM2

Nikon FM2 vs FE2: mechanical or aperture priority

Pick the Nikon FM2 if

Pick the Nikon FE2 if

Nikon FM2 problems and what repairs cost

Photos taken with a Nikon FM2

How much is a Nikon FM2 worth in 2026?

Video reviews worth your time

Specifications

Camera

Shutter and exposure

Viewfinder

Body and power

Questions people ask about the FM2

Is the Nikon FM2 a good camera?

How much is a Nikon FM2 worth?

Which is better, the Nikon FM or the FM2?

Which is better, the Nikon FM2 or the Olympus OM-1?

Does the Nikon FM2 need a battery?

How do you tell an FM2 from an FM2n?

Is the titanium or the aluminum FM2 shutter better?

Why won't my Nikon FM2 advance or fire?

What people compare it with

Nikon FM3A

Every source behind this page

Independent blogs 21

Manuals and references 16

Video reviews 5

Editorial reviews 3

Forums 1

Retailer customer reviews 1

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