Nikon FM2

35mmSLRMount: Nikon F
Introduced: 1982
Nikon FM2
Image: Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka — CC BY-SA 4.0

Nikon FM2 is the canonical Nikon manual SLR — produced 1982-2001, with FM2N variant from 1984 introducing 1/250 flash sync. The FM2 refined the FM with titanium-blade shutter rated to 1/4000 (vs FM's 1/1000) and a stronger meter circuit. It is the manual-focus Nikon SLR most photographers default to recommending in 2026 for its combination of reliability, build quality, and feature set.

Key features

  • F-mount bayonet — AI/AI-S compatible
  • Mechanical vertical titanium-blade shutter — 1s to 1/4000 + B
  • Manual exposure only — no AE
  • LED metering display in viewfinder
  • Battery-independent for shutter; battery for meter only
  • 1/200 flash sync (FM2 standard); 1/250 flash sync on FM2N variant
  • 19-year production run — most-produced Nikon manual SLR

Practical notes

  • FM2 bodies on used market: $250-450 working examples; FM2N variant slightly more
  • The "honeycomb" titanium shutter blades are visually distinctive (vs FM2N's all-aluminum blades)
  • The MD-12 motor drive is the matched accessory
  • Often recommended as the first Nikon manual-focus film body for new film photographers

Related cameras

Native lenses

Compatible with all AI/AI-S Nikkors