Nikon New FM2 FM2N Silver 35mm SLR Film Camera w/ MD-12 Motor Drive JAPAN #2739

Specifications

Brand: Nikon
Model: New FM2 (FM2N)
Type: 35mm Manual Focus SLR Film Camera
Film Format: 35mm Film
Lens Mount: Nikon F Mount (AI / AI-S Compatible)
Compatible Lenses: Nikon F Mount AI, AI-S, and many manual-focus F-mount lenses
Focus: Manual Focus
Exposure Modes: Manual Exposure
Metering System: TTL Center-Weighted Metering
Viewfinder: Fixed Eye-Level Pentaprism
Viewfinder Coverage: Approx. 93%
Viewfinder Magnification: Approx. 0.86× (50mm lens at infinity)
Shutter Type: Fully Mechanical Vertical-Travel Metal Focal Plane Shutter
Shutter Speed: 1 sec. – 1/4000 sec., Bulb
Flash Sync Speed: 1/250 sec.
Film Advance: Manual Lever / Automatic with MD-12 Motor Drive
Continuous Shooting: Up to approx. 3.2 fps with MD-12
Self Timer: Yes
Hot Shoe: Yes
Power Source (Camera): 2 × LR44 / SR44 Batteries (Light Meter Only)
Power Source (MD-12): 8 × AA Batteries
Body Material: Metal Construction
Color: Silver
Made in: Japan

Why We Recommend This Camera

The Nikon New FM2 (FM2N) is widely regarded as one of the greatest fully mechanical 35mm SLR cameras ever produced. Combining exceptional mechanical precision, outstanding durability, and timeless Nikon craftsmanship, it has earned a legendary reputation among professional photographers, collectors, and film photography enthusiasts around the world.

Unlike many electronic film cameras, the New FM2 features a fully mechanical shutter that continues to operate even without batteries. Batteries are required only for the built-in TTL exposure meter, making this camera exceptionally dependable in remote locations, harsh weather, and situations where electronic cameras may fail. Its remarkable shutter speed range of 1 second to 1/4000 second, combined with a 1/250 second flash synchronization speed, was groundbreaking for its time and remains highly respected today.

This camera is equipped with the genuine Nikon MD-12 Motor Drive, significantly improving both handling and shooting efficiency. The MD-12 provides automatic film advance and continuous shooting of up to approximately 3.2 frames per second, while also offering a larger, more comfortable grip for extended shooting sessions. Whether photographing sports, street scenes, travel, or documentary subjects, the MD-12 transforms the FM2 into a faster and more versatile professional tool.

Based on the serial number N7255145, this camera is believed to be an early-production Nikon New FM2, manufactured around 1983–1984. Early-production examples are particularly desirable among Nikon collectors because they represent the beginning of the FM2's legendary production history. These early cameras are also believed to feature the original titanium honeycomb shutter, a hallmark of Nikon's advanced engineering during the golden era of mechanical film cameras.

One of the greatest strengths of the New FM2 is its compatibility with the extensive Nikon F-mount system. It accepts a wide range of AI and AI-S NIKKOR lenses, along with many third-party manual-focus lenses, allowing photographers to build an incredibly versatile system for landscapes, portraits, street photography, architecture, macro work, and telephoto photography. This flexibility has helped make the FM2 one of Nikon's most enduring camera platforms.

The shooting experience itself is one of the camera's greatest attractions. The bright optical viewfinder, precise center-weighted TTL metering, beautifully damped shutter release, smooth film advance, and exceptionally solid mechanical controls create a tactile experience that modern digital cameras simply cannot replicate. Every operation reflects Nikon's commitment to precision manufacturing and long-term reliability.

As a specialty store dedicated to premium Japanese cameras and fishing reels, we greatly appreciate equipment that professionals can trust under demanding conditions. Just as flagship fishing reels are engineered for precision, strength, and years of dependable performance, the Nikon New FM2 embodies those same qualities through its robust mechanical construction and exceptional reliability. It is a camera designed to be used for decades rather than years.

Whether you are an experienced film photographer, a collector searching for an early-production FM2, or someone beginning to explore analog photography, the Nikon New FM2 remains one of the finest mechanical 35mm SLR cameras ever built. Its combination of legendary durability, precision engineering, classic silver finish, mechanical reliability, compatibility with Nikon's outstanding F-mount lenses, and the included MD-12 Motor Drive make it a truly exceptional camera that continues to be admired by photographers around the world.