Nikon FM

The classic, compact, all-mechanical manual SLR.

Nikon FM
80/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 12
Performance 16
Durability 20
Price 15
Usability 17
Brand Nikon
Model N/A

Key Features

SENSOR 35mm film format, full-frame analog capture
PROCESSOR None, fully mechanical operation
AUTOFOCUS Manual focus only
PHASE DETECTION None, manual split-image/microprism focusing screen
VIDEO Not applicable
STABILIZATION None
BURST RATE Manual film advance, up to 3 fps
VIEWFINDER Eye-level pentaprism, 93% frame coverage, 0.86x magnification
DISPLAY None
CONNECTIVITY PC sync terminal, cable release socket
MEMORY CARD 35mm film roll
WEATHER SEALING None, robust all-metal brass body construction
BATTERY LIFE Uses two S76 or LR44 cells for meter only

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Nikon FM

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✗ Not Present Fully manual
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✗ Not Present
Dedicated ISO Button ✗ Not Present Manual dial
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ✓ Present On lens
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ✓ Present
AF-ON Button ✗ Not Present
Main Command Dial ✗ Not Present
Sub-Command Dial ✗ Not Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✗ Not Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✗ Not Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present Mechanical lever
Monitor Mode Button ✗ Not Present
Video Record Button ✗ Not Present
Drive Mode Control ✗ Not Present

How-to Use Nikon FM

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Nikon FM Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
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The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Nikon FM

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor 35mm Film
Resolution Dependent on film stock
ISO Range ISO 12-3200
Autofocus None
Shutter Speed 1s to 1/1000s, Bulb
Burst Rate Manual
Video None
Stabilization None
Viewfinder Pentaprism
LCD None
Memory Card 35mm Film
Connectivity PC Sync
Battery Life Long-lasting meter battery
Weight 590g
Dimensions 142 x 89.5 x 60.5 mm