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Going Old School: Nikon's Film Camera: Hello FM10
Ideal for students and film enthusiast, the FM10 is on top of it's game with total 35mm control. Combining essential image control with Nikon dependability and capability, this manual control camera has broad compatibility with the NIKKOR lens system. The Nikon FM10 is a perfect fit in the Nikon SLR line. Renowned for their high quality and durability, Nikon cameras are built to last. The FM10's tested technology and stability allow for this camera to be in any budget with its sub $300 price range.
Review of FM10 film camera
Many long-time photographers cut their teeth using manual film cameras. Manual film cameras allowed creativity by teaching the user to master aperture and shutter speed settings. A lot of photographers today may forget that cameras used a film advance lever and rewind crank at one time. One example of a good manual film camera is the Nikon FM10.
Introduced in 1995, the FM10 was one of only two film cameras produced by Nikon to survive the full switch to digital models in 2006. The company ceased production of all other film cameras. The FM10 is an ideal camera for the beginning 35mm SLR photographer who really wants to learn photography the right way. The camera does not do everything for you; although it does a few things.
The FM10 works with its own dedicated flash unit; the Nikon SB-M. Its Built-in ISO hot shoe allows for using a number of quality manual flash and Nikon speedlight units also. The metering and the dedicated flash are the two automations that are offered to the user; the rest is up to you. That may not be a bad thing though, adjusting the f-stop and shutter speed on your own means taking creative control of your photography. The FM10 is perfect for the student photographer who wants to create the picture instead of letting a fully automatic camera do so.
A simple metering system helps the photographer find the perfect exposure. A plus sign, minus sign and zero symbol in between are visible in the camera’s viewfinder. Turn the aperture ring or shutter speed dial until the zero is lit to get the right exposure. Adjust your settings to light the plus or minus signs to purposefully over or under expose your picture. This is true creative control.
For Nikon purists, the camera’s plastic construction is a downer. Mounting surfaces are still metal, and users find the camera durable, but it is a sticking point for many users. The camera is lighter than many manual cameras because of the plastic. It also allows for double-exposures and has a depth-of-field preview button.
The ISO range on the FM is 25 to 3200. This is set manually. The shutter speed range is 1 to 1/2000 of a second plus B. The film speed and shutter speed ranges will accommodate most shooting situations except for the fastest action. A great benefit of the camera is the wide selection of Nikkor lenses that can be used, in addition to the aftermarket lenses that use the Nikon F bayonet mount. That may mean as many as one hundred or more lenses under the Nikkor brand alone.
What’s in the box? The FM10 comes with an Everyready case, two LR44 1.5-Volt batteries, lens cap, strap and a 35-70 Nikkor short telephoto lens.
Many Nikon traditionalists have criticized the FM10 because it is supposed to be built by Cosina to Nikon specs, but not by Nikon. This, in addition to the plastic, has been the bane of some. Most users have praised the FM10 as a back-to-basics camera with good engineering and a good feel.
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