Nikon INSTRUCTION MANUAL CE
NOMENCLATURE CD Shutter speedlASAIiSO film speed ® Shutter release button ® Shutter release fingerguard ADR window @ Meter coupling lever @ Sync cord terminal @ Lens mounting index @ ® Depth-of-field preview lever ® Self-timer lever (J) Lens Focusing screen release latch @ Lens release button @ flange Reflex mirror @ ® Film advance lever Film sprockets ® ® Serial number ® @J Viewfinder eyepiece (jj) Rewind fork @ Shutter curtains @ Film cartridge chamber ® Film guide pin @ Film guide rails @
Distance scale @ Focusing ring @ Aperture scale @ @ Meter coupling shoe Aperture ring @ @ Meter coupling ridge ADR scale ® Shutter speed index ® Shutter speed dial ® ® Hot-shoe contact @ R ..
CONTENTS--------------------------NOMENCLATURE . . ......... . . . ... ... . ..... . .. ... . 2-3 FOREWORD . . .. . ....... . . . . . . . .. . . . ........ . . .... ... 5 BASIC OPERATION .. .... . . . ....... ... . . ........ . 6-15 CONTROLS IN DETAIL .......... . . .. ... . . . . . . . . . 16-35 Film advance lever .. ................ . ... ... .. . . . . .. 16 Frame counter ... . .. . ... . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . ... .. . 16 Shutter release button . . .... . .... . .. . .. .. . . .. . . . . . .
FOREWORD--------Thank you for your purchase of the Nikon FM2 and welcome to Nikon's world of photography. The Nikon FM2 offers many special features including top shutter speed of 1/4000 sec., and flash synchronization speeds as fast as 1/250 sec. The FM2 also incorporates a TTL full·aperture metering system and high-precision mechanically-controlled shutter curtains.
BASIC O P E R A T I O N - - - - - - - - - - - - " 1 Remove the battery • chamber lid 58 • Use a coin to unscrew the lid in a counterclockwise direction. 2 Install the baUery. • Wipe the battery terminals clean and insert the batteries, making sure that the + signs are up. Usable batteries are : • 3V lithium battery (1 unit) • 1.55V silver-oxide batteries, 3.1V, (2 units) • 1.5V alkaline-manganese batteries, 3V, (2 units) Caution: Keep batteries away from infants and small children.
4 Pull out the film advance • lever (lI to unlock the shutter release button (g • The fi lm advance lever doubles as a shutter release button lock. You can unlock the shutter release button by simply pulling out the film advance lever slightly from the flush to the standoff position . 5 Press the shutter • release button lightly to switch the exposure meter on. The shutter release button activates the exposure meter when lightly pressed. The meter itself stays on for approx. 30 sec.
-BASIC OPERATION-continued---------- 7. Mount the lens onto the camera. • Place the lens onto the camera, lining up the aperture/ focusing index @ on the lens with the lens mounting index ® on the camera body. Then twist the lens mounting ring ~ counterclockwise until it clicks into place. Confirm that the aperture/focusing index is right on top. To remove: Push the lens release button @ and turn the lens mounting ring clockwise until the lens comes off.
Install the film cartridge. • Position the film cartridge in the film cartridge chamber @ with the film leader pointing towards the takeup spool @, and push the rewind knob back down to secure it in place. Note: You can use any of the 3Smm film cartridges available on the market. It is advisable to handle film in the shade to avoid direct exposure to sunlight. 10 Insert the film leader • In the takeup spool. Pull the leader across gently and insert it into one of the slots in- the film takeup spool.
-BASIC OPERATION-continued---------- 12 • Close the camera back. Close the camera back until it snaps shut, making sure that the perforations are perfectly meshed with the sprockets and that the film is set between the film guide rails @. 10 13 Take up film slack. • Fold out the film rewind crank @ and rotate it in the direction of the arrow on the film rewind knob until it stops. Then fold the crank back in. Make blank exposures until the frame counter 53 reaches frame 1.
15 Set the ASAIISO film • speed. Lift the ASA/ISO film speed ring CD and rotate it in either direction until the red ASAIISO film speed indicator ® is opposite the ASAIISO film speed indication in use. Unless the film speed is set correctly, you cannot obtain correct exposure. For film speeds not indicated in the ASAIISO film speed dial ®, refer to page 18. 16 Hold the camera and • point It at the subject.
-BASIC OPERATION-continued---------- 1l Set the correct exposure. • First, position your main subject at the center (i.e., the 12mm-diameter circle) of the field of view inside the viewfinder. Then turn the shutter speed dial ® and/or lens aperture ring @ until the LED lamp for the symbol for correct exposure 0 lights up. 12 Important! Intermediate settings of lens aperture but not of shutter speed are usable.
18 Focus on the subject • by rotating the lens focusing ring 46 • The FM2 is provided with the Type K2 focusing screen as standard. Look through the viewfinder while turning the focusing ring until the two halves of the split image rangefinder coincide perfectly to form a single unbroken image and the image in the microprism grid appears sharp. Correct focus will then be secured.
-BASIC OPERATION-continued----------- 19 Depress the shutter • release button. Look through the viewfinder, and depress the shutter release button. In depressing the shutter release button, apply light but steady pressure with the ball of your index finger to avoid camera shake that might result in image blur. 14 20 Advance the film. • Wind the film advance lever as far as it will go to transport the film to the next frame and ready the camera for the next shot.
22 Rewind the film. • Lift the film rewind crank and turn it in the direction of the arrow. At the end of film rewind , you will feel a slight resistance. Continue winding one or two more turns until the crank feels lighter ; this will indicate that the film leader is now fully rewound into the cartridge. 23 Remove the film • cartridge. Push the camera back lock lever in the direction of the arrow as you lift the film rewind crank to open the camera back. Take out the film cartridge.
CONTROLS IN DETAIL- - - - - - - - - - - Film advance lever ® Frame counter ®l The film advance lever also functions as a lock for the shutter release button . The shutter release button is unlocked when the lever is pulled out to the standoff position. To advance the film , wind the lever to the right all the way until it stops. It automatically returns to the standoff position the moment you take your thumb off it.
Shutter re.e ••e button ® The shutter release button also serves to activate the FM2's built-in exposure meter. When the film advance lever is in the flush position, the shutter release button is locked and will not operate. To release the button from its locked position, pull out the film advance lever to the standoff position. Slight pressure on the shutter release button will then switch on both the exposure meter and the LED exposure information display inside the viewfinder.
-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued--------.- • , '. " - • • .:.-:: ASAIISO film speed dial ® The ASAIISO scale on the dial has numbered settings for speeds from ASAIISO 12 to 6400. The dots between each pair of ASAIISO numbers stand for intermediate settings, such as 64, 80, etc. The illustration above gives the speeds for all intermediate settings. ASAIISO 100 and 400 are indicated in red as they are used quite often . ASAIISO is a numerical rating of the film 's sensitivity to a given amount of light.
Fast shutter speed SlOw snutter speed 19
- CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued- - - - - - - - - Setting the aperture The lens aperture determines the amount of light reaching the film plane. Generally, when you turn the aperture ring one graduation in the direction of the larger numbers, the amount is reduced by 1/2 . (This is what stopping down by one graduation means.) On the other hand, when the aperture ring is turned one graduation in the direction of smaller numbers, the amount of light is doubled. (This is known as opening the aperture by 1 stop.
Exposure determination Exposure display The amount of light reaching the film plane is determined by a combination of the shutter speed and the lens aperture. A shutter speed of 1/500 sec. lets in twice as much light as a setting of 1/1000 sec ., and only half as much light as 1/250 sec. An aperture setting of 1111 lets in twice as much light as 1116, half as much as 118.
-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-contlnued----------, Metering range of exposure meter When there is a proper combination of lens aperture and shutter speed, 0 lights up, indicating correct exposure. This sign will not light up when the aperture and shutter speed combination is not suitable for correct exposure.
Stop-down exposure measurement This exposure measurement method is used when the diaphragm on the lens does not link with the meter coupling lever on the camera body, such as when a non-AI lens or an extension ring is mounted on the camera. The procedure is as follows: 1) Set the ASA/ ISO number. 2) Compose your picture and·secure subject focus . 3) Press the shutter release button lightly to turn the meter on.
-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued------ - - Exposure measurement in special cases The exposure meter of the Nikon FM2 adopts the centerweighted exposure measurement system in which approximately 60 % of the total amount of light is measured by the 12 mm·diameter circle at the center of the focusing screen. When the background of the main subject is too bright and the main subject is not centered within the frame , the result is underexposure (see Fig . 1).
Duplication work and photomicrography In copy work, slide duplication, and photomicrography, you cannot obtain correct exposu re by simply referring to the FM2 's exposure meter display because these types of photography represent unusual contrast situations. Expos ure compensation is required. Shown here is the table of the relationship between specific photo types and proper exposure. Since this is meant to be a guide, in practice you should make further.
-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued--------Inside the viewfinder: 1. Fine mattel Fresnel outer field 2. Microprism colla r 3. Split-image rangefinder spot 4. 12 mm-diameter reference circle 2 3 4 V.l ewflnder/vlewlng & focusing The conventional way of securing correct focus is to turn the lens focusing ring until the image in the viewfinder appears sharp. The K2 focusing screen that comes with the camera as standard equipment has three focusing aids.
Split· image focusing Microprism grid focusing Matte outer field focusing Out of focus In focus 27
-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued--------Depth-of-fleld preview lever ® What depth of field is When you focus on your subject at a certain aperture, you will find that not only is the subject itself in focus but objects in a certain distance range both in front of and behind it appear sharp. Objects increasingly out of this range become increasingly out of focus. This " in-focus zone" is known as "depth of field .
Lens set at 1/1.4 Only major subject is in focus. Lens set at 1/16 Most objects near to far are in focus.
-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued--------- Depth-of-field preview lever ® Self·tlmer lever ® When a lens with an automatic diaphragm is used, the image in the viewfinder is viewed with the aperture diaphragm of the lens wide open. However, pressing the depth-of-field preview lever will cause the lens to be stopped down to the fin umber set to enable you to examine depth of field before shooting _The image in the viewfinder " darkens " according to the selected f/number-the smaller the aperture (i.e.
Multiple exposure lever 5 Taking a picture of different subjects or two or more of the same subject on the same frame means multiple exposure. To make a multiple exposure, observe the following : 1) Take the first shot. (Press the shutter release button.) 2) Pull the multiple exposure lever in the direction of the arrow shown in the photo, as you wind the film advance lever fully. The frame counter will not advance ; only the shutter is ready to be released again.
- CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued- - -- - -- - - Memo holder 4 To remind yourself of the film type and number of exposures on the roll of film in use, clip off the end of the film package and insert it into the memo holder. Of course, you can use the memo holder to store anything , including your name card. 32 Infrared compensation index ® When you shoot infrared film , note that the plane of sharpest focus is slightly farther away than that in visible -light photo graphy.
Flash photography A Nikon electronic flash unit will prove very convenient for indoor or nighttime shooting or for use in the daytime as supplementary lighting . The FM2's built-in hot-shoe contact @ enables direct mounting of the Nikon S8-27, S8-26, S8-25, S8-24, S8-22, S8-20, S8-19 or S8-168 Speedlight, requiring no special connecting cords.
-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued--- - - - - - II 11 1111111 III ' I I l Ready-light ® When the 8B-28, 8B-27, 8B-26, 8B-25, 8B-24, 8B-22, 8B-20, 8B-19 or 8B-16B is attached to the FM2 , the built-in LED ready-light tells you when the speed light is recycled and ready to fire or when the shutter speed is set outside sync range , without your having to remove your eye from the viewfinder. Before you shoot, make sure the ready-light is on.
Ready-Light Status Per Shutter Speed Dial Setting Shutler speed dial setting I Speedlight charging I Speedlight charging complete incomplete 1/4000 sec. - 1/500 sec. Blinks Off 11250 sec. - 1 sec . Lights up continuously Off B Lights up continuously Off Notes: 1) No matter how the shutter speed dial is set, the speedlight will fire when the ready-light is on the moment the shutter release button is depressed.
ACCESSORIES--------------------------- Interchangeable focusing screens To change focusing screens, follow this procedure: Three different types of focusing screens are usable with the Nikon FM2 . The Type K2 screen comes with the camera as a standard accessory. Two optional focusing screens , Type B2 (matte/Fresnel with focusing spot) and Type E2 (matte/Fresnel with focusing spot and etched grid lines) are also available for the FM2 to match your particular requirements . 1.
Focusing Screen Selector Qulde Type I Name/style Split-image range- finder/microprism system I Features Suitable lor general photography. Has microprism collar around the central split-image rangefinder spot. With PC-Nikkor or lenses having a maximum aperature slower than f/4 .5, the split-image range finder or microprism collar is dim. In this case, focus on the surrounding matte area. Matte system Works well for general photography, close-up photography and duplication work.
-ACCESSORIES-continued-----------Close-up equipment The following are some of the accessories you can use for close-up photography. 1) Close-Up Lenses No. 0, No. 1, No. 2, No. 3T, No. 4T, No. 5T, NO. 6T. Since these lenses are attached to the front of the lens in use, metering can still be done at full aperture. 2) Auto Extension Rings PK-llA, 12 and 13. 3) Bellows Focusing Attachment PB-6. The Auto Extension Rings and the PB-6 are attached between the lens and camera body.
Motor Drive MD·12 The use of the MO-12 motor drive unit with the FM2 enables automatic film advance when the unit's trigger button is pressed. In addition to single -frame shooting, continuous firing at the maximum rate of 3.2 frames per second is possible (i.e., when the shutter speed set is between 1/125 and 1/4000 sec.). The motor drive unit proves very convenient when shooting fastmoving subjects since the photographer does not have to wind film manually or take his eye off the viewfinder.
-ACCESSORIES-continued-----------Nikon Speed lights Nikon speed lights are convenient for shooting in dim light or taking backlit portraits, as well as for synchro-sunlight shooting . Various models are available-from speed lights for beginners to those for professionals. The Nikon 88-28, 88-27, 88-26, 88-25, 88-24, 88-22, 88-20 , 88-19, or 88-168 Speed light can be directly mounted onto the FM2's built-in hot shoe .
Data Back MF·16 To keep track of when photos were taken, the FM 2 accepts the slim , lightweight Data Back MF-t6. Th is back attaches in place of the FM 2's regular camera back with no sync cord requ ired . Three imprinting modes are provided : year /month /day, day/ hour/ minute, or picture counting (up to 2000) ; each mode is displayed on the data back in clear LCD numerals and printed by LED 's, on the photo in unobtrusive red numerals. Serving as a handy clock, a quartz timer with alarm is incorporated.
-ACCESSORIES-contlnued-----------Anti-Cold Battery Pack DB-2 In cold weather, use the Anti-Cold Battery Pack OB-2, which accepts two M -type batteries, as an alternative power supply to the batteries inside the camera body. Simply connect the OB-2 to the camera body, then slip the assembly inside your pocket or coat to keep it warm. This assures that the camera 's metering system will function even in very cold temperatures.
Filters As is shown on the table, Nikon filters are broadly divided into the screw-in, drop-in, and bayonet type, Because the FM2 incorporates a TIL full-aperture metering, the filter factor can be ignored except in the case of the R60, For example, when using the R60 in daylight, set the aperture three f/stops wider than the figure indicated by the exposure meter, Notes: 1) For lens protection, the NC filter is recommended, 2) When shooting a backlit subject or if there's a bright light source in the frame
-ACCESSORIES-contlnued----------Camera cases Semi-soft cases , such as the CF-27, CF-28 and CF-29, are available. The CF-27 case accommodates the FM2 mounted with a lens smaller than 50 mm f/1 .4. The CF-28 is for the camera mounted with any lens from 50mm fl1 .2 to 105mm f/2 .5. When a motor drive is attached to the FM2, use the CF-29 case. The soft-type CS -16 case is also available.
TIPS ON BATTERY USE • Keep batteries away from infants and small children . In case a battery is accidentally swallowed, call a doctor immediately as the material inside the batteries can cause serious problems. • Battery power falls off in extremely cold temperatures and this may cause the camera 's photometeric circuit to malfunction . In this situation, use new batteries and protect the camera body from the cold. Note that battery power will be recovered as soon as the temperature becomes normal.
TIPS ON CAMERACARE- - - - - - - - - - Although the FM 2 is a tough and durable camera, bear in mind that is a precision optical instrument , and that careless or rough handl ing may damage it. Observe the following tips, and the FM2 will always work as perfectly as the day you bought it. • Don't touch the reflex mirror or the focusing screen to prevent them from getting scratc hed . Remove dust with a blower·type brush . • Do not touch the shutter curtains.
Caution: Please note that the use of a spray-gun type blower to clean the lens may cause possible damage to the glass (especially when ED glass is used for the front lens element), by suddenly lowering the temperature on the lens surface. To avoid damage , hold the blower upright, keep its nozzle more than 30cm (approx. 12 inches) away from the lens surface and move the nozzle around so that the stream of air is not concentrated in one spot. xap~ \ • In a best vinyl keep salt .
SPECIFICATIONS-----------35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) focal plane shutter camera Any cartridge-type 35 mm film Usable film : Picture format: 24mmx36mm Lens mount: Nikon F bayonet mount Shutter: Vertical-travel, metal focal plane shutter Shutter speed settings : 1 sec _"' 1/4000 sec ., B (bulb) ; 14 fixed sett ings in all Self-timer: Set/cancel type provided; approx. 10-sec.
Film sensitivity range: Power source: ASAIISO 12"'6400 Choice of one 3V lithium battery, two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries, or two 1.5V alkaline-manganese batteries Exposure meter switch: Light pressure on shutter release button switches meter on ; meter stays on for approx. 30 sec . after finger leaves button, then automatically switches off Battery power check: LED exposure display inside viewfinder lights up when the exposure meter is switched on if there is sufficient power (i.e.
IMPORTANT! The Nikon FM2 is an AI-type (Automatic Maximum Aperture Indexing) camera which performs full-aperture metering with AI -type lenses. The aperture rings of these lenses are fitted with meter coupling ridges (see illustration). Almost all lenses now manufactured by Nikon are the AI type. However, please confirm whether or not your lens is AI before using it with the FM2.
No reproduction in any form of this manual, In whole or In part (except for brief quotation In critical articles or reviews). may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION. r Nikon , '~ NIKON CORPORATION FUJI BLDG.
