The Nikon FM is a fully mechanical 35mm film single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1977 as a durable, manual-exposure workhorse for serious photographers. Here’s a detailed description of the body:
Construction & Build
Material: Copper-aluminum alloy chassis with a chrome or black enamel finish.
Dimensions: Approximately 142 × 89.5 × 57.5 mm.
Weight: About 590 g (body only).
Design: Compact, solid, and ergonomically balanced with a classic angular top plate and mechanical control dials.
Controls & Layout
Top Plate:
Shutter speed dial (1s to 1/1000s + Bulb and mechanical M90).
Film advance lever with a frame counter.
Rewind crank on the left side.
Hot shoe for flash.
Front:
Depth-of-field preview button.
Self-timer lever.
Lens release button (Nikon F-mount).
Rear:
Viewfinder eyepiece with 92% frame coverage and 0.86x magnification.
Bottom:
Tripod socket and battery compartment (for light meter only).
Viewfinder & Metering
Bright viewfinder with split-image microprism focusing aid in the center.
Match-needle system for exposure indication (center-weighted metering).
LEDs or needle scale along the right side of the frame.
Lens Mount
Nikon F-mount (AI and later lenses compatible).
Manual focus lenses primarily used; no autofocus capability.
Power & Operation
Fully mechanical shutter – works without batteries at all speeds except for meter.
Two LR44/SR44 or one CR1/3N battery powers only the meter.
Extremely reliable in harsh environments.
Notable Features
1/1000s top shutter speed.
1/125s flash sync speed.
Self-timer.
Multiple exposure capability (with careful lever manipulation).
Known for its ruggedness and long lifespan.