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Nikon

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

EI

iloMENcLAruRE f
speed/AsA/lSO film speedring O Shutter release button @ Shutter release lingerguard @ Shutter eyelet @ Neckstrap ieldpreview lever @ Depth-of-f lever @ Self-timer flange @ Lensmounting

ADR window@ Metercoupling lever@ Synccord terminal @ Lensmounting index @ Focusing screenrelease latch@ Lensrelease button @ Reflex mirror @

@ fitm advance lever @ Ready-light eyepiece @ Viewfinder fork @ Rewind curtains @ Shutter chamber @ fitm cartridge pin @ F i l mg u i d e @ f i t m g u i d er a i l s @ Databackcontacts

Filmsprockets @ number Serial @ Filmtakeupspool@

F i l ma n t i - c u r roller l @ Locking catch@

ieldindicators /Lensmounting ring @ Depth-of-f index @ Aperture/Focusing comoensation index @ Infrared shoe @ Metercoupling ridge coupling @ Meter contact @ Hot-shoe contact @ Ready-light shoe @ Accessory backlocklever @ Camera knoo @ fitm rewind crank @ fitm rewind indicator @ fitmplane drive s h u t t ec r oupling @ Motor @ Motordrivecoupling button @ Fitmrewind
ffilt ,rlii i

Distance scale@ ring @ Focusing Aoerture scale@ Aperture ring@ ADRscale@ speedindex@ Shutter Shutter speed dial @ Multiple exposure lever@ Frame counter@ ASA/ISO filmspeedindicator @ ASA/lSO film speed dial @

#$riltii

Tripodsocket @ Motordriveelectrical contacts@ chamber lid @ Battery

@ Memoholder

plate@ Filmpressure Cameraback @

CONTENTS
]{OilE]ICLATURE. . . 2-3 FOREWORD.... .......5 BAS|COPERAT!O]|.... ..6-15 GoNTROLS tl' DETA|L.... ....16-35 Filmadvancelever. ........16 Frame counter ...... 16 Shutter elease button. .....17 ASA/ISO f i l ms p e e d d i a l .. . ... ... . t8 Shutterspeeddial/exposuredetermination. 18-25 Settingthe shutterspeed . 18- 19 S e t t i n tg h ea p e r t u r e . . . . . .....20 E x p o s u rd ee t e r m i n a t i o n . . . ....21 E x p o s u rd ei s p l a y . ......2'l Metering rangeof exposure meter ... 22 Stop-down exposure m e a s u r e m e n. t. . .... 23 measurement Exposure in specialcases. ...24 Duplication work and photomicrography. . . .25 Viewfinder/viewing & focusing ..... 26-27 previewlever.. Depth-of-field 28-30 Self-time le r ver.. .... 30 Multipleexposur lever.. ...31 Memo holder. .......32 lnfrared compensation index. . ... .32 F l a s hp h o t o g r a p h y . ... 33-35 Ready-light . 34-35 AGCESSORTES.

Interchanseaore ioclsiil ;reen;... ...

.. 30-32
.......38 .. . 39 ....40 ....41 . . .. .42 ........ 42 ........ 42 .....42 ....... 42 ......42 ..... .. 43 ... 43 ...... 44 .. . 44 ...... 44 ....45 .... . 46-47 48-49 ......50

..36-44

Close-upequipment M o t o rD r i v e MD-12 . ... . . NikonSpeedlights..... DataBackMF-16...... Anti-ColdBatteryPackDB-2. Right-AngleViewA i ntg tachmen t R-3. D E y e p i e cM e a g n i f i eD r G-2. R u b b ee ryecup. Eyepiecc eo r r e c t i o n lenses CableReleaseAR-3. Filters. L e n sh o o d s Camera cases Neckstraps Compartmen ct ases. T I P S ( , 1 { B A T T E R YU S E . TIPS ON CATERA GARE SPECTF|CATTOI{S IilPORTANTI...

* FoREwoRD
Welcometo the FM2's uniqueworld of photography!With an your maximum shutter speed of 1/4000sec., unprecedented today.This featureis comcamerais the fastestSLR available '11250sec., plemented the speedof by a flash synchronization That's because the fastest availablein 35mm photography. vertical-traveling, FM2 uniquely uses semi-beehive-etched, titanium mechanical shutter curtains. Other creativity-enhancingfeaturesare the wide ASA/ISO range of 12 to 6400, the built-inLED ready-light focusing screens, interchangeable and motor drive as well as capability for multiple-exposure photography.Additionally,the FM2 has a battery powersaving feature:a light touch of the lockableshutter release button activates the meter and the LED exposure display system,which automaticallyswitches off some 30 seconds later. To obtain the best resultswith the FM2, be sure to keep this instructionmanual handy until you've fully mastered operation-just a few minutes for many years of rewarding photography.

BASIC OPERATION

Remove the battery chamber lid iu . a coin to unscrew Use thelidina counterclockwise direction. Ir r

W i p e t h e b a t t e r yt e r m i n a l s clean a n di n s e r t h e b a t t e r i e s m , aking s u r et h a t the + signs a r eu p U s a b l e b a t t e r i ea sr e : e 3 Vl i t h i u m (t unit) battery o 'l.55Vsilver-oxide batteries, 3.1V ( 2u n i t s ) o 1.5V alkaline-mangane bs ae tteries 3,V , (2units) Caution: Keepbatteries away frominfants and small children. ln case a battery is accidentally swallowed, call a doctorimmediately as the material inside thebatteries can cause serious oroblems.

D r

Install the battery.

a v'

Put the battery chamber lid back in its place.

Slipthe battery clip back intothe camera body baseplate and screw it clockwise tightly intoplace. Note:Formoreinformation on batteries, refer topage 45

Full out the film advance te"er - to unlock the shutter release button z . The film advance lever doublesas a buttonlock You can unshutterrelease buttonby simply lockthe shutterrelease pulling out the film advanceleverslightly position. f romthef lushto the standoff ,A E'

tr Press the shutter v' release button lightly to switch the erposure meter on.
the buttonactivates The shutterrelease pressedThe meterwhenlightly exposure 30 sec. meter itselfstayson for approx. after you have takenyour fingeroff the button.

looking through the viewfinder.lf one or two of the red LED exposure indicator lamps inside lights up, this would mean normalcondition. Note: When the shutter speed dial @ is on B indicatorlampswill buld, noneof the exposure light up. Be sure to set the dial at another posi' tion lf none of the exposureindicator lamps Iight up, either the battery is improperly installed-in which case you should install it properly-or battery power is not sufficient, in which case you should change the battery.

BASIC OPE RAT lO J{- sontinued

focusing index@ on the lenswith the lens mounting index@ on the camera body.Then twist the lens mountingring @ counterclockwise until it clicks into place. Confirmthat the aperture/focusing indexis righton top. To remove:Pushthe lens release button@ and turn the lens mounting ringclockwise untilthe lenscomesoff. Note:When /enses changing withfilm loaded in thecamera, be careful notto expose themirror boxtodirectsunlight.

60. Op Pus @ counterclockwise with your indexfinger w h i l el i f t i n g the filmrewind k n o b @ .T h e camerabackwillpopopen. e -t Caution: Never touch theshutter curtains.

tr
Insert the film leader aI I I I W i nd the f i l m advance l ever to advance fi l m in the takeup spool. film cartridge c h a m b e r@ w i t h t h e f i l m Pullthe leader acrossgentlyand insertit onto the takeup spool . towards the takeupspool into one of the slots in the film takeup Wind leaderpointing lever anddepress thefilmadvance @, and pushthe rewindknobbackdown spool. Slowly rotate the takeup spool the shutter release button untilthe film to secureit in olace. surethe sprockets withyourthumb,making on rnwards theperforations @ engage youwind the first or sec- theedges Note:You can useanyof the 35mmtilmcar- latchin the slot engages Make sure of thefilm. lt is advisable ond oerforation on the market. tildges available alonqthe sideof the film thelever fully it comes toa stop. until to handlefilm in the shadeto avoiddirectex- leader. posure tosunlight {fl rYr

BASIC OPERATION-continued

$ ru;l
aD r-r Close the camera back.
@ and rotate it in the directionof the arrow on the film rewind knob until it stops. Thenfoldthe crankbackin. Close thecamerabackuntilit snapsshut, making sure that the perforations are perfectly meshed with the sprockets and thatthe film is set between the f ilm guide rails @. Make blank exposures until the frame COunter is reaCheS frame 1. Press the shutterrelease button andwind the film advance lever until the frame counter reaches f rame1.As youwindthe lever,confirmthat the film rewindknob rotatescounterclockwise. This indicates the film has been loadedand is being advanced correctly.lf the knob fails to rotate, reload the filmcartridoe. aA, r-rrr

speed. film speedring e and Lift the ASA/ISO rotate it in eitherdirectionuntil the red @ is oppo' film speedindicator ASA/lSO in film speedindication site the ASA/lSO is set correctly, thef ilmspeed use Unless For you cannotobtaincorrectexposure. in the ASA/lSO film speedsnot indicated f i l ms p e e d d i a l @ ,r e J etro p a g e1 8 .

{l l y 5r,

S e t th e A SA IIS O fi l m

Hold the camera and {I 1:1 vr point it at the subject.


posture: Basicholding Useyour lefthand to cradlethe camera,with your fingers wraooedaroundthe lens and the elbow yourbodyfor support, propped as against you lookthrough the viewfinder. Useyour right hand'sindexfingerto depressthe buttonand your thumbto shutterrelease wind the film advancelever.Wrap the other fingersof your right hand around the camera body. You can adapt this and verto both horizontal basicposture To holdthe camera ticalformatshooting. to leanon or against it is advisable steady, (e.g.,a wall). a n ds t a b l e s o m e t h i ns gt r o n g inder the viewf Also,you can lookthrough with the rightor left eye, with the other or open. eyeclosed
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-- BASIC OPERATIOJ{- contimued

settrngsof lens aperture but not of shutter 'l2mm-diameter circle)ofthe fieldof view inside the viewfinder. soeedare usable. Note: The meter reads the light over the entire focusing screenbut has Thenturn the shutter speeddial @ and/orlensaperture ring@ area. until the LED lamp for the symbol for correct exposureo a distinctbiason the central 12mm-diameter lights up.

lmportant! lntermediate

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Focus on the subiect by rotating the lens f o c u s i n g r i n g + o. with theTypeK2 foThe FM2 is provided Lookthrough screenas standard. cusing thefocusing w r h i l et u r n i n g t h ev i e w f i n d e of the splitimage ringuntilthe two halves perfectly to form a coincide rangefinder i m a g ea n d t h e i m a g ei n unbroken single grid appears sharp.Corthe microprism rectfocuswillthenbe secured { Q rtur

Out of focus

ln focus

IJ

'

BASIC OPERATIOJ{-sontinued

ffi
button *s . the f ilm to the After the last exposure Lookthrough the viewfinder, and depress far as it willgo to transport has been made, the shutterrelease button.In depressing nextf rameand readythe camerafor the turn the cameraupsidedown and press next shot. Do not applyexcessive pres- the film rewindbutton,so that the exthe shutterrelease button, applylightbut the lever. steady pressurewith the ball of your surein winding Youcannot wind posedfilm can be rewound back into its indexfingerto avoidcamerashakethat the leverwhenthe f ilm is at an end-you cartridge. Youdon't haveto depressthe thenrewind should might thef ilm. r e s u l itn i m a g e blur. button all thewav.

Depress the shutter release button.

Df I I -

Press the film rewind

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qrD

--r Liftthe film r d crankand turnit in the direction of the arrow. At the you will feel a slight end of film rewind, resistance. Continue windingone or two m o r et u r n su n t i lt h e c r a n kf e e l s l i g h t e r ; t h i sw i l l i n d i c a t e t h a t t h e f i l m l e a d e ri s nowf ullyrewound intothe cartridge.

Rewind th

lm.

Remove the film cartridge. Pushthe cameraback lock lever in the direction of the arrowas you lift the film rewindcrank to open the cameraback. Takeout the film cartridge. Avoidunloadi n gf i l mi n d i r e c t sunlight. O.i, -vr

Put the film advance 6 A 3f t lever back into place. Closethe camerabackand pushthe film advancelever into place.When you're you should not usingthe camera, set the film advanceleverto this position which locks the shutter release button and keeps the exposureindicator lamps inside the viewfinder switchedoff even if the shutterrelease buttonis accidentally pressed. Note:Even if the exposure indicator lampis lit, it willautomatically be switched off in approx. 30 sec, and the exposure measuring circuit willsimultaneously becutoff.

CONTROLSIN DETAIL

Gi.*

ooli6f

Film advance lever @


leveralsofunctions as a lock for the shutter The film advance whenthe Theshutterrelease buttonis unlocked release button. position. the f ilm, To advance leveris pulledout to the standoff wind the lever to the right all the way until it stops. lt autoposition the momentyou take to the standoff returns matically your thumb off it. A single,completed strokeof the leveradcocks vancesthe film by a singleframe and simultaneously theshutter.

from S '1 2 4type framecounteris graduated The additive indicated by white with odd numbers up to 36 in evennumbers Evenif there'sno film in the the evennumbers. dotsin between by a single advancing the frame counteris operative, camera, frame every time the film advancelever is fully wound.After will not operrollof f ilm,the counter frame36 of a 36-exposure pressthe shutterrelease buttonand ate evenif you repeatedly however, wind the film advancelever;film will be advanced, untilthe actualend of the film roll.The counteris automatically resetto S whenthe camerabackis opened.

Frame counter @

to

Shutter release button @


The shutterreleasebuttonalso servesto activatethe FM2's meter. built-in exposure When the film advanceleveris in the flushposition, the shutterrelease buttonis lockedand will not pull out operate. To release the buttonfrom its lockedposition, position. the film advanceleverto the standoff Slightpressure on the shutterrelease buttonwill then switchon both the exposuremeterand the LED exposure information displayinside theviewf inder. The meterand the display remain on for approx. 30 sec. afterthe fingeris removed f rom the button, afterwhich theyare automatically off to conserve switched batterypower. Pressing the shutterrelease buttonall the way down releases the shutter When you depressthe button,touch the fingerguard@ with the tip of your indexfingerand depressit lightly with smooth, even pressure. This makesshutterrelease operationsmoothand stable. With a shuttersoeedof 1/30 sec. or slower, it is advisable to attachthe camerato a tripodand use a cablerelease to release the shutter, thiswill prevent camera shake which resultsin blurredphotographs. The cable connectorcan be screwed intothe holeat the centerof the shutter release button.lf the tripodhas a largehead,contactbetween the lensbarreland the headmay makeit impossible to turn the lensaperturering.In this case,use 'thespecialtripodadapter supplied with the camera betweenthe triood head and the camerabody

II

-CONTROLS lN DETA|t-continued

ASA|ISO film speed dial @


The ASA/ISOscale on the dial has numberedsettingsfor speeds f romASA/lSO12to 6400.Thedots betweeneach oairof ASA/lSO numbers standfor intermediate settings, such as 64, 80, etc. The illustration above gives the speedsfor all intermediate settings. ASA/lSO 100and 400 are indicated in red as theyare usedquiteoften. ASA/lSO is a numerical ratingof the film'ssensitivity to a given amountof light. The higherthe number, the greaterthe sensitivity, and vice versa. The ASA/lSO of your film is indicated on the cartridge itself.lt is also printedon the film cartonand on the datasheetoackedinside.

Shutter speed dial 6D I erposure determlnation


Setting the shutter speed Toset the shutterspeed, turn the shutter speeddialto the right or left untilthe desired shutterspeednumberclick-stops and is aligned with the shutter speedindex @. The dial has indications for B (bul'b) andfor shutter speeds f rom 1 to 'l/4OOO sec.The250 engraved in redindicates thefastest syncspeed for an electronic flashunit.On B, the shutter curtains openfor as long @ remain as the shutterrelease buttonis keptdepressed. 1 is for indicatingonesecond, 2tor 112 sec., 60 for 1/60sec.andso on.Oneof the two adjoining numbers, excluding B is two timesor 112 as much as the exposure amountof the other number. Note that shutter speeds betweenprinted numbers(i.e., intermediate speeds)cannot be used. Since you can alwaysconfirmthe you don't haveto shutterspeednumberinsidethe viewfinder, see the shutter speeddialas vou turn it.

1B

rastsnutJr speed

StowsnuttersDeed 19

-GONTROLS

lN DETAllrcontinued

t!*tu

Setting the aperture The lensaperture the amountof lightreaching determines the film plane.Generally, when you turn the aperturering one graduation in the direction of the largernumbers, the amountis (tnis is what stopping reduced by 112. downby one graduation means.) whenthe aperture ringis turned On the otherhand, one graduation in the direction of smallernumbers, the amountof (tnis is knownas openingthe apertureby 1 light is doubled. lensaperture ringclicksat the position stop.)The of the numbers lensapertures intermediate are usable engraved although congreatly tinuously. Lensaperture affectsdepthof f ield(seepage 2B).With the exception of a few speciallenses,Nikkorano

Mffi

light measurement NikonSeriesE lensesenablefull-aperture ringis moved. whichare Theselenses, evenwhenthe aperture stop down to the set said to have an automaticdiaphragm, aperture only at the instant the shutter release button is deoressed.

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Exposure determination by a the film planeis determined The amountof lightreaching of the shutter speed and the lens aperture.A combination sec. letsin twiceas much lightas a setshutter speedof 1/5OO s e c .A n s e c . ,a n do n l yh a l fa s m u c hl i g h ta s 1 / 2 5 0 t i n go f 1 / 1 0 0 0 letsin twiceas mucftlightas f /16,halfas of f /'11 aperture setting much as f/8. Thus, if the correct exposurefor a particular or at f/'16 picture-takin i s 1 / 5 0 0a t f / 1 1 ,t h e n 1 1 2 5 0 sg ituation lt is very convenient 1/1000 at f/B will givethe sameexposure. when considering depthof field.The to knowthis interrelation between shutter the interrelation followingtable illustrates speed andaperture.

Exposure display lampscan be seenon the rightside indicator The LEDexposure The shutterspeed framewithinthe viewfinder. of the viewfield The LEDexposure in use are alsovisible. number and f/number exposurefive ways, as shown in the table displayindicates of eachexposure. withthe conditions in accordance below, by morethan 1 stoP Overexposure by 1/5to 1 stoP Overexposure Correctexposure by 1/5to 1 stoP Underexposure by morethan 1 stoP Underexposure display the LED exposure is approached, As correctexposure within and easily to changerapidly is liable inside the viewfinder to turn the lensaperthe very narrowrange,so it is important intermediate Although speeddialcarefully. ture ringand shutter lens apertures shutterspeedscannot be used, intermediate ringfor fine adjustment. can-just turn the aperture dialis set at B bulil, the LEDexposure Note:When theshutterspeed off. inderis turned theviewf inside display

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*FF

I-CONTROLS TN DETAILTGONIINUEd
Metering range of exposure meter Whenthereis a proper combination of lensaperture and shutter o lights speed, up, indicating correctexposure. Thissignwill not lightup whenthe aperture and shutter speedcombination is not suitable for correct exposure. Also, if the combination of aperture and shutterspeed is improperfor the brightness of the subject, the exposure meterwill not give an indication for correct exposure even if you vary the neighboring settings within a very narrow range.You shouldtry altogether differentcombinations of aperture and shutter speed.lf you stillfail to obtain an indication for correctexposure, then subjectbrightness is probablybeyondthe meteringrange of the exposuremeter. lt is necessary to illuminate the subjector to use an ND (neutral density)filter to adjust brightness. Note that in full-aperture measurement, the rangeof brightness that can be measureo by the meter varieswith the maximumf/numberof the lens in use,as follows: With a 50mm f/1.4lens(1 sec. at'fli.4 and 1/4000 sec. at f/8) andASA/lSO 100film,the EV rangeis f rom EV 1 to EV 18. ' l 3 5 m m ( t s e c .a I I l 2 . B W i t ha f/2.8lens and1/4000 s e c .a t f / 1 6 ) andASA/lSO 100film,the EVrangeis from EV3to EV2O

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Stop-down exposure measurement This exposuremeasurement method is used when the diaphragm on the lensdoes not linkwith the metercoupling lever suchas whena non-Al @ on the camerabody, lensor an extensionringis mounted on the camera. Theprocedure is as follows: t )Set theASA/tSO numDer. yourpicture 2)Compose andsecuresubject focus. 3) Press theshutter release buttonlightly to turnthe meteron. 4) Perform exposure measurement, depending on the type of l e n su s e d : o Lenswithautomatic diaphragm Determine the correctexposure whilepressing the depthpreview of-field lever@ , then takeyour fingeroff the lever anddepress theshutter release button.

o Lenswithout (PC-ruikkor automatic diaphragm tens) First, determinethe correct exposureby adjustingthe shutterspeedand aperture. Then,focus at full aperture. Shiftthe lensso that you get the desired composition. Returnthe aperture position setting to the preset andshoot. . Lenswithfixedaperture (Reflex-Nikkor lens) Exposure cannotbe changed according to the aperture becausein this type of lens,the aperture is fixed.Determine the correctexposure by turningthe shutterspeeddial. lf correctexposure is unobtainable, use an ND (neutral density)filteror change the illumination to adjustthe exposure.

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'-GONTROLS lN DETAllrcontinued
Exposure measurement in special cases The exposuremeter of the Nikon FM2 adopts the centerweightedexposuremeasurement system in which approximately60ok of the total amountof light is measured by the 12mm-diameter circleat the centerof thefocusing screen. Whenthe background of the mainsubjectis too brightand the main subjectis not centeredwithin the frame, the result rs (see Fig. 1).When the background underexposure is too dark and the main subjectis too brightwith the same framingas above, the result is overexposure Tocomoensate1)Focuson the main subjectwith the composition you have i nm i n d . 2) Movethe camerato centerthe mainsubjectin the viewfinder (seeFig.2) andperform exposure measurement. 3) Movethe camerabackto the position described in 1)withthe exposuresettingdescribedin 2) and depressthe shutter release button. Thisway,youwillbe ableto obtain correctexposure
t; _l 56 |

Underexposure E

I-

F4

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Fig.2

Correctexposure

I t

Duplication work and photomicrography you r The exoosure In copy work, slide duplication, comoensation valueslistedbeloware reference and photomicrography, referring to the FM2's whengeneral-purpose filmwas used. dataobtained Withcolor by simply obtain correctexposure cannot filmor microfilm for duplication work,it is advisable to meter displaybecausethese types of photography reversal exposure Exposure compensation takeadditional shotswith -r one-stop exposure compensation unusual contrast situations. reoresent between as thesefilmshaveverysmallexposure latitude. Shownhereis the tableof the relationship is required. you can makethe exposure the by turning phototypesand properexposure. Sincethis is meant . To avoidvibration, specific on n a n do f f. you should makefurther.compensation i l l u m i n a t i o in practice to be a guide, o lt is advisable to usea cablerelease vibration. to avoidcamera properresults. achievelthe untilyou by experimentation
Subject Photographs and pictures withcontinu" ous gradation Copy work Documents and drawings of high contrasl
General film with con. tinuous gradation

Methodof exposure measuremenl

Exposure compensation Compensation not necessary

Reouired accessories

Remarks

For hioh-contrast subiects, useof an 1B%


refleclance gray card in determining exposure is recommended. With the card, no exposure compensation is required regardlessof whether the background is black or white.

Full-aperture or stop-down

Slide duplication

Film of documents and drawingsphotographed

Stop-down

A p p r o x+ . 1to +2 Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 stopsfor blackletters Cablerelease on whrtebackground, approx - 1/2to - 1 stop for white letters on blackbackground. Approx.+1to+2 stops Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 A p p r o x+ . 1-112Io Nikon Slide Copying + 2-l/2 stopsfor black AdapterPS-6 letters on whitebackFocusing NikonBellows orouno Attachment P8-6 0 to approx - 1/2stop lor whiteletters on blackbackqround
^^Lt^ VdUIE -^l^^^^ I EIEdSE

WhenusingNikonSlide Adapter PS-6, Copying set the floodlamp 30cm away from its opal plate,

Photomicrog raphy P r e p a r e d s p e c i m e n

Stop-down

Approx. + 1 stop

Microllex PFX

resultscome out betterwith more Generally, Thecompenexposure in photomicrography. valueon the leftis onlya guide; sation determine the compensation valueby test shootinq.

+: more exposure;-. /essexposure.

25

l-

!-COI{TROLS IN DETAllrcontinued
Inside the viewfinder: Fresnel 1. Finematte/ outerf ield 2. Microprism collar rangefinder 3. Split-image spot 4. 12mm-diameter reference circle

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ViewfinderlYiewing & focusing


The conventional way of securing correctfocus is to turn the lens focusingring until the image in the viewfinder appears sharp. The K2 focusing screenthat comeswith the cameraas standardequipment has three focusingaids.When focusing with the split image,turn the ring until the image in the two halves becomes grid,turn the ring whole. With the microprism untiltheshimmering image appears sharp. Withthe matteouter field, turnthe ringuntilthe image appears sharp. Thesplit-image rangefinder workswellfor subjects with definite lines, contours and boundaries. The microprism collaris for focusing on fastmovingsubjects or thosewith indistinct lines,whilethe matte outerfieldis suitable for close-ups or when usinglenses with a maximum aperture smaller thanf/4.5. There'sanotherway of securing correctfocus. Usingthe distancescale@ on the lens,set the focusing ring in accordance with the measured distance.Be sure to gauge the distance between the subject andthefilmplaneindicator+@.
Note: The FM2 viewfinder coversapprox.93ok of the image area of the actualphotograph so the actualpicture comes out larger than the image in the viewfinder.Note that the picture cornes out tilmmed down in the printsfrom neqatives. case of mounteds//desor service-size

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Split-image focusing

Out of focus Microprismgrid locusing

ln focus

Out of focus Matte outer field focusing

In focus

Out of focus

ln focus
ZI

-GONTROLS

lN DETAllrcontinued
Note,too, that in the case of lenseswith differentfocal lengths but of the samemaximum f/number, the shorter the focallength of the lens,the largerthe depth of field,and vice versa.The depthof field at the takingapertureis indicated by the colorcoded lineshavingthe same color as that of the aperture set and which correspond to the distancescale on the focusing ring.The rangeis indicated by the distance between the lines. of the difference Shownin the photois an example in depthof fieldwith a 50mm f/1.4 lenswhen usingdifferent aperture settingsat a set focusing distance ol 2m. Control of depthof f ield enablesselectiveblurringof the background elementsof a pictureeitherto let the major subjectstandout or for overall sharpness, so that all elements in the entirepicture fieldappear sharp. Thiswill giveyourpictureits own character, thus making it different fromotherpictures. Gettingthe subjectin focus is only one aspectof photography. Whenyou take pictures, be sureto consider depthof field,too.

Depth-of.fleld prevlew lever @


What depth of field is Whenyou focuson your subjectat a certainaperture, you will find that not only is the subjectitselfin focus but objectsin a certaindistancerange both in front of and behindit.appear sharp. Objects increasingly out of this range become increasingly out of focus. This"in-focus zone" is knownas "depth of field."When this zone of sharpness is large,the depth of field is said to be deep;when it is small,the depth of field rs saidto be shallow. The followingcan be said of depth of field, given the same focusing distance: t)tne smallerthe takingaperture(i.e.,tne higherthe f/stop number), the deeperthe depth of field,and the largerthe aperture, the shallower the depthof f ield. 2)The fartherawaythe subjectis f rom the lens,the deeperthe depthof fieldbecomes; the closerto the lens,the shallower thedeothof f ield. 3)There'sgreaterdepthof field behindthe main subjectthan in f rontof it.

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Lensset aIf 11.4 s u b j e cits i n f o c u s . O n l ym a j o r

Lensset at f/16 nearto far are in focus. Mostobiects

-CONTROLS lN DETA|L-continued

Depth-of-field preview lever @ Whena lenswith an automatic diaphragm is used,the image in the viewfinder is viewedwith the aperture diaphragm of the lens wide open. However, pressing preview the depth-of-field lever willcausethe lensto be stopped downto the f/number set to enableyou to examine depth of field beforeshooting. The "darkens"accordingto the selected imagein the viewfinder f / n u m b e r - t h e s m a l l e rt h e a p e r t u r e( i . e . ,t h e l a r g e r t h e f / number), the "darker" the image.Components of the picture that appearin focus when the lever is pressedwill be in the zoneof sharo focus. Note.'8e preview sure topress fhedepth-oflield lever fully. Also, release youdepress thelever when theshutter release button

Self.timer lever @
Thisdeviceis usefulin self-portraits or whentakinga pictureof yourself withotherpeople. Setthe self-timer by turning the lever as far as it will go in the direction of the arrow shown in the photo.This can be done eitherbeforeor after the film is advanced.After the self-timer has been set, press the shutter release button. Reflex mirror@ willgo up and the self-timer will startto operate; the shutteris released aftera delayof approx. 10sec. lf you want to cancelself-timer operation afterthe lever has been set, move it back to its originalposition with your f inger. Youcan thentakethe picture the standard way as before. However,turning the self-timerlever when it is already in operation will resultin the shutter's beingreleased the moment position. the leveris back in its original for B (bulb), Except the self-timer can be usedat anyshutter speed.

30

Multiple exposure lever @


Taking a picture of different subjects or two or moreof the same To makea subject on the sameframemeansmultiple exposure. multiple thefollowing: exposure, observe thef irstshot.(Press the shutterrelease button.) t ) Take leverin the direction of the arrow Z) puttthe multiple exposure leverfully. shownin the photo,as you wind the f ilm advance Thef ramecounter will not advance; onlythe shutteris ready to be released again. Although the fingerpulling the multiple leverwill automatically exposure slipoff the leveras the f ilm advancelever is wound, multipleexposureoperationwill havebeenperformed correctly. 3)Rtterwindingthe film advanceleverfully,take the second shot. Totakethreeexposures or moreon the samef rame,repeat the procedures in 2) and3). described
Note: In multiple exposure photography, the FM2 is designed to reduce film dislocation to the minimum But it may occur due to film curling, film slack or inapproprrate film winding
q

Ir

-CONTROLS lN DETA|L-continued

ffiffi_

Memo holder @
yourself To remind of the film typeand numberof exposures on the roll of film in use,clip off the end of the film package and insert it intothe memoholder. you can usethe memo Of course, holder to storeanything, yournamecard. including

Infrared compensation index @


Whenyou shootinfrared film, note that the planeof sharpest focus is slightlyfartheraway than that in visible-light photography. As a rule of thumb,you can compensate for this shift in focusby referring to the infrared compensation index(in the formof either a dot or a line)nearthe focusing index on the lens barrel (Somelenses, including the ReflexNikkor, do not neeo compensation.) Afterfocusing the imagesharply through the viewfinder, check the focused distance and turn the focusing ringto the left until the redinfraredcompensation index lines up withthe prefocused distance. Be sure to shootwith appropriate filter,such as the R60,etc.,(tn this photo,the subiect-to-camera distanceis ser
at oo.).

32

Flash photography
A Nikon electronic flash unit will prove very convenient for i n d o o ro r n i g h t t i m es h o o t i n go r f o r u s e i n t h e d a y t i m e a s s u p p l e h o t - s h o ec o n t a c t @ e n a b l e s m e n t a r yl i g h t i n g T h e F M 2 ' s b u i l t - i n , B-'168 d i r e c tm o u n t i n go f t h e N i k o n S B - 2 0 ,S B - 2 2 ,S B - 1 9 ,S B - ' 1 8S S p e e d l i g h tr , e q u i r i n gn o s p e c i a lc o n n e c t i n gc o r d s . W h e n or SB-'15 s h o o t i n gw i t h a f l a s h u n i t , y o u s h o u l d d e t e r m i n e t h e a p e r t u r e s e t t i n gt h a t c o r r e s p o n d st o t h e s h o o t i n gd i s t a n c e a f t e r c h e c k i n g t h e g u i d e n u m b e r o f t h e e l e c t r o n i cf l a s h u n i t o r f l a s h b u l bi n u s e A l s o , i f t h e s p e e d l i g h tr e q u i r e s t h e u s e o f a c o n n e c t i n g c o r d , i n s e r tt h e c o r d i n t o t h e c a m e r a b o d y ' s s y n c c o r d t e r m i n a l @ . S i n c et h e F M 2 ' s h o t - s h o ec o n t a c t b e c o m e s a c t i v e o n l y w h e n a n electronicflash unit is mounted, touching it accidentally is harmless T h e u s e o f f l a s h u n i t s n o t p r o v i d e dw i t h a h o t - s h o e c o n t a c t * i s n o t r e c o m m e n d e db e c a u s e a c c i d e n t a lf i r i n g i s l i k e l y t o o c c u r d u e t o s h o r t c i r c u i t i n ga t t h e c o n t a c t W h e n u s i n g s u c h f l a s h u n i t s ,S e a l t h e h o t - s h o ec o n t a c t o n t h e c a m e r a b o d y w i t h v i n y l t o i n s u l a t ei t . t a p e o r s o m e t h i n ga p p r o p r i a t e

o n l yw i t h a n X - c o n t a cfto r s y n c h r o n i z a t i o n , T h e F M 2 ,p r o v i d e d s p e e ds e t i s w t h e nt h e s h u t t e r w synchronize si t ht h e s p e e d l i g h 11250 sec.or slower.


* Old type flash unitswith metallicleaf spnngon mounttng portion Synchronization Range
/1000 1/500 1/250 / 125 1/60 1/30-1 B

sr p e e d 1/ 4 0 0 0 1/ 2000 Shutte ( s e c)
S p e e d l ih gt M F Pa n d M F Flashbulbs

SYnchronized ffi,,,,',.i1'.i,be used Cannot lilii Note,' When using a specralelectronic f lash unit with provision for time lag, an electronic flash unit with long flash duration, the Medical-Nikkor 120mm f/4 tF, or the Nikon Repeating Flash Unit S8-6 at 1/2 or f ull output, adjust shutter speed down to 1/125sec or slower. With flashbulbs, set shutter speed at 1/30 sec or slower.

33

CONTROLS lN DETA|L-continued
%,,. $x J'

Ready-light @ Whenthe SB-20, SB-22, SB-19, SB-18, S8-'168, or SB-.15 is


a t t a c h e d t o t h e F M 2 , t h e b u i l t - i nL E D r e a d y - l i g h t e l l s y o u w h e n t h e s p e e d l i g h ti s r e c y c l e d a n d r e a d y t o f i r e o r w h e n t h e s h u t t e r speed is set outside sync range, without your having to remove your eye from the viewfinder. Before you shoot, make sure the ready-lighi ts o n . T h e m o m e n t t h e s h u t t e r i s r e l e a s e d ,t h e s p e e d l i g h tw i l l f i r e a n d t h e r e a d y - l i g h t illgo out. w l f t h e s h u t t e rs p e e d i s s e t b e t w e e n 1 / 5 0 0 s e c .a n d 1 / 4 0 0 0s e c . , t h e r e a d y - l i g hw t i l l b l i n k w h e n t h e s p e e d l i g h ti s f u l l y c h a r g e d ,t o w a r n you that the shutter speed is outside sync range. F o r r e a d y - l i g ha t vailability with speedlights other than the SB-20, S B - 2 2 ,S B - 1 9 ,S B - ' 1 8S , B - 1 6 8 ,a n d S B - 1 5 ,r e f e rt o p a g e 3 5 .

Picture t a k e nb y b a l a n ic n g t h e f l a s h e x p o s u r ew i t h d a y l i g h t 34

Ready-Light Status Per Shutter Speed Dial Setting

Gombination Ghart of Nikon FM2 and Nikon Speedlights

1/400s 0 e c - ' 1 l 5 0 0s e c Blinks 1 1 2 5s 0e c - 1 s e c L i g h t su p c o n t i n u o u s l y Lights upcontinuously IVotes.' 1)No matter how the shutter speed dial is sef, the speedlight will fire is on the moment the shutter releasebutton is when the ready-light depressed of whether the cameras ex2) fne ready-lightwill function regardless posuremeterison or off. 9 Wnen the camera'sexposuremeter is on, the LED exposuredisplay insidethe viewfindershows the exposure condition of the moment regardless of whetheror not the flash fires.lf the shutterspeed is sef at B, the LEDexposure displaywillnot be activated Caution:For flashphotography, it is recommendedthat you use a Nikon dedicated electronic flash unit which operatesat a low voltagecurrent. Useof any other flashwhich operatesat high voltagesmay damage the camera'scircuitry.Any damage caused by such use is not covered by the NikonWarranty,

SB-21A
SB-218

Vi a45- 6c oupl er
Direc Direc Direc Direc Via 45-6 coupler Via 45-6 couoler

sB-20/sB-22
SB. SB- R S B- 7 S B. 6A S B. 6 B S B. 5
\l

D i r ec t D i r ec t
Via SC-'1'1 sync cord V i a S C - 1 3s e n s o r c o r d Via SC-23 TTL remote cord

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes


No

Manual Manual

Auto,m anual Auto


Manual

Auto,manua MD Auto, manua MD Auto,manua MD Auto.m anua MD


Auto**, manual

sB-11 t14t140 SB-12


SB.1O

ViaA5-6coupler D i r ec t
Via AS-2 coupler Direcl Via SC-6 sync cord Via AS-2 couoler with SC-9 extension cord Via sync cord (provided) Via sync cord (provided) Via 2-pin sync cord SC-20 (provided) Via 3-pin sync cord SC-22 (provided)

Yes Yes Yes Yes


No

Auto* * , m anual
Manual Manual Auto, manual Auto, manual

S B.7E SB-E S B- 6
R i n g l i g h tU n i t SR-2 Macro Ringlight UnitSM-2 Medical-Nikkor 120mm tl4lF

Yes
No No No No No

Auto
Manual

Auto,m anual
Manual Manual

Yes

* Flash output is determined by the lens' ASA/lSO ring setting The focusing ring is coupled to the diaphragm, so as the lens is focused,the aperture is simultaneously set to provide the correct exposure ** With tlash photography S B - 1 4 0 ,u s a b l e o n l y f o r v i s i b l e - l i g h f

35

ACGESSORIES

lnterchangeable focusing screen$ To change focusing screens,follow this procedure: 1. Remove the lensf romthe camerabody. Threedifferent typesof focusing screensare usablewith ihe (thatcome with the 2. Slipthe smalltip of the special tweezers NikonFM2.The TypeK2 screencomeswith the cameraas a optional screens) underthe focusing screenrelease standard latch@ accessory. Two optionalfocusingscreens, Type 82 (matte/Fresnel at the top frontof the mirrorbox castingand pulloutward to with focusing spot)and fVpe E2 (matte/Fresner spring openthe holder. with focusing spot and etchedgrid lines)are also available for 3. Take the screenout by grasping the smalltab withthe tweezthe FM2to matchyourparticular requiremenrs. ers. 4. Carefully position anotherscreenin placewith the flat side facingdownandthe side withthetab facingup. 5. Thenpushthe f rontedgeof the holder upward withthe tweeze r su n t i l itclicks i n t op o s i t i o n . Note: Toavoidgettingsmudges or fingerpilnts on the screen'sopticat surface, donothandle thescreen withyour fingers

JO

Focuslng Screen Selector Guide

Suitable for general photography Has microprism collar arqund the c e n t r a l s p l r t - r m a g er a n g e f r n d e r s p o t range Splil-image With PC-Nikkoror lenses having a fi n d e r / m i c r o p r i s m maximum aperature slower than J/4 5, system t n e s p l r t - i m a g er a n g e f i n d e r o r m i c r o prism collarrs dim In this case, Jocus on the surrounding matte area Works well for general photography, close-up photography and duplication work Especiallyuseful f6r people who prefer to focus on the matte focusing spot at the center of the s c r e e n ,o r w h e n i l i s i n c o n v e n i e n t o use the splil-image rangelinder for locusing, as is the case with lelephoto tenses

Type K2 screen clear-matte

Type K screen

|\/attesystem

Caution: TypeK2/82/E2focusingscreenshave a notchedtab. lf you use compensation. K/B/Escreen,you must makeexposure the Type

Horizontal and vertical line etched system

compoExtremely uselulin pictorial of Type82 matteJield sition Consists wilh etchedhorizontal and vertrcal with PC-Nikkor lines Alsouseful lenses

37

ACCESSORI ES r continued
Glose.uF equipment
The following are some of the accessories you can use for photography. close-up 1)Close-Up Lenses N o .O ,N o . 1 , N o . 2 , N o . 3 T ,N o . 4 T ,N o . 5 T , No.6T. Sincethese lensesare attachedto the front of the lens in use,metering can stillbe doneat fullaperture. 2) AutoExtension Rings PK-11A, 12and 13. g) Bettows pB-6. Focusing Attachment TheAutoExtension Rings and the pB-6are attached between the lensand camerabody.lf one of the ringsis usedwith an Al lens,exposure determination is at full aperturebecause the exposure meteris linkedto the automatic diaphragm of the lens.As for the PB-6, stop-down exposure measurement is necessary because the exposure meter is not linked with you can changemagnithe automatic diaphragm of the lens. f ications continuously by extending the bellows. Note,too, that it is possible to use a crose-up lens,ringand the PB-6 allat the sametime. 4) Micro-Nikko r5 m m f 1 2 . 8 , 5 A F M i c r o - N i k k o5 r5 m m i l 2 . 8 , 105 mm f l2.Band200mm t 14lF lenses. Thesespecially designed lensesfor crose-up photography offercontinuous focusing f rom infinitydownto 1l2Xlifesize. The closest focused distanceof the lenses are o 25m ( o . g z t t )o , 23m (o.zstt)0 , .41 m ( t . g + t t ) ,a n d 0 . 7 1 mQ . a + f t ) , respectively. Notethat in close-up photography, the depthof field is generally shallow. Thus,you shouldstop down as much as possiblein photographing a subject withverylittle depth. Also,it is advisable to use the TypeK2's matte outer field for focusing(or to change focusing screens) becauseit is not easyto focus with the spLitimage ormicroprism ring. 38
IVote: Non-Al extensron rings such as the pK-1, 2, 3, pN-l , etc cannot be attached to the FM2

MicroN ikkors

Auto Extension Rings

Close-Up Lenses

-12 Motor Drive IUID


Theuse of the MD-12motor drive unit with the FMz enables trigger buttonis pressed. whenthe unit's f ilmadvance automatic f i r i n ga t t h e t o s i n g l e - f r a ms , ontinuous eh o o t i n gc In addition (i.e.,when rate of 3.2 f ramesper secondis possible maximum and 1/4000sec.).tne theshutterspeedset is between11125 when shootingfastmotordrive unit provesvery convenient does not haveto wind moving sincethe photographer subjects inder. or takehiseyeoff theviewf filmmanually onto the FM2 by simplyinserting TheMD-12can be mounted its built-in screw intothe tripodsocket @ at the andtightening pressing the MD-12's Notethat lightly of the camerabody. base meter. the FM2'sexposure trigger activates

Nikonspeedlights a r e c o n v e n i e n tf o r s h o o t i n g i n d i m l i g h t o r , s wellas for synchro-sunligh t a k i n gb a c k l i tp o r t r a i t s a sth o o t i n g V a r i o u sm o d e l s a r e a v a i l a b l e - f r o m s p e e d l i g h t sf o r b e g i n n e r s . h e N i k o n S B - 2 0 ,S B - 2 2 ,S B - 1 9 ,S B - 1 8 , t o t h o s e f o r p r o f e s s i o n a l sT S B - 1 6 8 ,o r S B - 1 5 S p e e d l i g h tc a n b e d i r e c t l y m o u n t e d o n t o t h e FM2's built-in hot shoe. These speedlights also activate the c a m e r a ' s L E D r e a d y - l i g h ti n s i d e t h e v i e w f i n d e r w h i c h l i g h t s u p when the flash unit is fully recycledand ready to fire, and blinks w h e n t h e s h u t t e rs p e e d s e t i s o u t s i d et h e s y n c h r o n i z a t i o n rangeall without having to remove your eye from the viewfinder (see page 34)

S8.15

:,Ii#,sn*e'

SB.16B

40

Tokeeptrackof whenphotos weretaken,the FMz acceptsthe lightweigh D t a t aB a c kM F - 1 6T . h i sb a c ka t t a c h e s in place slim, of the FM2'sregular cameraback with no sync cord required .e a r l m o n t h l d a y T h r e ei m p r i n t i n g m o d e s a r e p r o v i d e d 'y d,a y l ( u p t o 2 0 0 0 ) ;e a c h m o d e i s hour/minute o,r p i c t u r ec o u n t i n g d i s p l a y eo dn t h e d a t a b a c k i n c l e a r L C Dn u m e r a l s andprinted by LED's, ee d n u m e r a l sS . erving o n t h e p h o t oi n u n o b t r u s i v r a sa h a n d y clock, a quartz t i m e rw i t ha l a r mi s i n c o r p o r a t e d .
Note; The Nikon FM2 also accepts Data Back MF 12 ln this case, use the cord provided with the data back to connect the socket contact of the MF 12 to the sync termrnal of the camera

MF.16

piececorrection lens most suitable for you only after actually In cold weather, use the Anti-Cold BatteryPack DB-2,which tryingoutvarious models at the camera shop. acceptstwo AA-type powersupply batteries, as an alternative to the batteries insidethe camera body.Simplyconnectthe DB-2to the camerabody,then slip the assemblyinsideyour The screw-type AR-3makesfor vibration-free shutterrelease pocketor coat to keepit warm.Thisassures that the camera's metering systemwill functioneven in very cold temperatures. to,to provide Screwsontothe viewf indereyepiece a viewfinder imageat a 90o angleto the camera's opticalaxis.Veryhelpful photography, forcloseup duplication workandphotomicrography.

Attached to the viewfinder eyepiece, this accessory enlarges the imageat the centerof the viewfinder to assure everprecise focusingin closeupphotography, duplication work and telephotography.

Attached to the findereyepiece, this eyecupexcludes strong prevent light andhelps eyefatigue.

Accessory lensesthat screw onto the viewfinder eyepiece to photographers near-and enable farsighted to takepictures without havingto wear eyeglasses. Nine models are available, offering a c h o i c eo f t h e f o l l o w i n g d i o p t e r s:5 , - 4 , * 3 , - 2 , 0 , + 0 . 5 , + 1 , + 2 a n d + 3 ; t h ed i o p t e r r t ec o m b i n e d se p r e s e n th dioptryof the viewfinder and lens,and not the dioptryof the eyeprece correction lensonly.For best results, choosethe eye42

WWW
DR.3 DG-2 Rubbee r yecup
dae\&s@h k*--j k*;' /@tr@q@\ \a* J U / %*^f s&. / Eyepiece correction lenses

AR3

As is shownon the table,Nikonfiltersare broadly dividedlnto t h es c r e w - i n d,r o p - i na , n db a y o n etty p e .F o rt h e N i k o nF M 2 ,t h e filter factorcan be ignored exceptin the caseof the R6O. When using t h e R 6 Oi n t u n g s t e n lighting s,e t t h e a p e r t u r e onef/stop wider thanthe f igureindicated by the exposure meter. Alotes.'
protection, 1)For lens the L37Cis recommended. il Whenshootinga backlitsubjector if there'sa brighttight sourge in the frame,a ghost image is likely to result from the use of a filter. In this case,you shouldtake thepicture withouta filter.

F o r 8 o 1 hC o l o ra n d B ack and.Wh te F m

For Black and

F o r B o l h C o l o ra n d B ack and-Wh le F n

2-111 !)
2 4 t \11 \2\

!r, 4 0 0( 8 3 l 2
F o r C o l o rF m

r 2!/rl (1)

12 l ' / , ) I 6('1'i 2?\ 1 ' / ^ t

Recommended to preventextraneous light from strikingthe lens,Nikon's lens hoodscome in four styles:screw-in, slip-on, snap-on, and collapsible-rubber. Everylensshould be fittedwith thelenshoodspecially designed for it. Note,however, thatsome lenshoods can be usedin common bv several lenses.

43

cases, such as Ihe CF-27,CF-28and CF-29,are Semi-soft the FM2 mounted The CF-27case accommodates available. w i t h a l e n s s m a l l e rt h a n S O m mf / 1 . 4 .T h e C F ' 2 8 i s l o r t h e f/2.5. f r o m5 0 m mI l 1 . 2 I o1 0 5 m m mounted w i t ha n yl e n s camera case. to the FM2,usethe CF-29 Whena motordriveis attached Thesoft-type CS-16 caseis alsoavailable.

: . ,:
neckstrap webbednylon Available are the leather AN-l (black), neckstrapsAN-4Y (yellow)and AN-48 (black), and wider webbednylonneckstraps AN-6Y(yellow) and AN-6W(brown).

from a A wide selection of six types to choosefrom, ranging typeto a largetypewhichcan accommodate largeor compact , B-16 b u l k yc a m e r ae q u i p m e n tF : B - 8 ,F B - l 1 A ,F B - l 4 , F B - 1 5 F andFB-'17.

TIPSON BATTERYUSE
. Keep batteries away from infantsand small children. In case a battery is accidentally swallowed, call a doctor immediately as the material inside the batteries can cause serious oroblems. o Batterypowerfallsoff in extremely cold temperatures and this may causethe camera's photometeric circuitto malfunction. In this situation, use new batteries and protect the camerabody from the cold. Note that batterypower will be recoveredas soon as the temperaturebecomes normal. o Should the battery be left in the battery for a long chamber period, insufficient contact may occur due to battery leakage. Thus,it is goodpractice to periodically cleanthe batteryand the contact sectionin the batterychamber with a soft cloth.lf the batterychamberis stained with a leaking battery, remove the battery at once and clean t h ec h a m b e r . . lf you'reusinga pairof batteries, change themat the same time;nevermix newandold batteries. o When not usingthe camerafor a long period,, take batteriesout, andstorethemin a cool,dry place. o Never disassemble batteries or discard themin f ire. r Whenusinga pair of batteries, makesure they are of the samemaKe. o Alwayscheck batterypower before the shootingsession because battery power can become exhaustedwithout warning. lt is a good ideato havesparebatteries on hand during a protracted shooting assignment. o In normaluse,a battery's lifespan is aboutone year.The batterypackedwith this camera,however, is for test purposes onlyso its lifespan maybe shorter thanusual. 45

Although the FM2is a tough a n dd u r a b l e camerab , e a ri n m i n dt h a t i s a p r e c i s i o n optit, c a li n s t r u m e na n dt h a tc a r e l e s s o r r o u g hh a n d l i n g may damageit. Observethe following t i p s ,a n d t h e F M 2 w i l l alwayswork as perfectly as t h ed a yy o ub o u g h itt .

. D o n t t o u c h t h e r e fl e x m i r r o r o r the focusing screen to prevent thern from getting scratched Removedust with a blowertype brush

. Do nol touch the shutter cur tains

. Clean glass surfaces such as t h e e n s o r t h e fi n d e ' e y e p r e c p w r t h a b l o w e r - t y p eb r u s h . a v o i d uslng lens Irssueas mucn as possible. Gently wipe dirt, s m u d g e s o r f i n g e r p r i n l sw i t h soft cotton moistened with a smarl amount o' absolute a. cohol. using a spiral motion from center to periphery Make s u r e y o u l e a v e n o w r p r n gt r a c e s

c
. G e n e r a ly , t h e c a m e r a d o e s n o l n e e dl u b r r c a t i o n o lf the camera body rs exposed to rain or mist, wipe moisture g e n t l yw i t h a s o l l c t o t h a n d d , y t h e c a m e r a A ft e r u s i n g t h e ca"nera near salt water, take care that you wipe it with a cloth moistened with pure waler to remove possiole traces of salt.

0
o W h e n n o t u s i n gt h e c a m e r a l o r a long time, take out lhe battenes and store the camera away from high temperature, h i g h h u m i d i t y , n a p h t h a l i n e ,o r camphor

o l f t h e i n s i d eo f t b e c a m e r a b o d y gets wet. its interaccrdentally nat prectsron parts may gel rusty Take the camera righl away to the nearestauthorized I ' J( O p 6 9 3 t g r 1 9 ' a C n p c k u p w h r c h m a v r e O U ' r er e p a i r p a y menl

4t)

Caution: Please note that the use of a spray-gun type blower to clean the lens may cause posstb/e damage to the g/ass (especially when ED g/ass ls 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 away from the lens surface and move

the nozzle around so that the stream of air is not concentrated tn one spot.

. Clean metallic parts with a b l o w e r ' t y p eb r u s h o r w i t h a d r y , s o ft c l o t h

. Before using the camera, it ts a good praclice to check tt thor' o u g h l yf i r s t

xffi
r l n a h u m i de n vr o n m e n t , t is bestto sto'e the cane'a In a v r n y b a g w r t h a d e s i c c a ntto k e e p a w a y d u s t ,m o i s t u r e and
^^ +
> d l

r N o t et h a t s t o r i n g leather cases r ^ a v , n y lb a g n a y c a u s et h e leather to deteriorate s,o e x e r ^ U ^^ )E i ,^ UUE ^^,^ UdI E.

47

spEctFtcATtoNs
35mm single-lens reflex(SLR) focal planeshutter camera U s a b l ef i l m : Any cartridge-type 35mm film Pictureformat: 24mmx 36mm Lens mount: NikonF bayonet mount Shutter: Vertical-travel, metalfocal plane shutter with titanium curtains ;4 Shutter speed settings: 1 s e c . n , 1 / 4 0 0s0 e c . ,B ( b u l b ) 1 fixedsettings in all Self-timer: Set/cancel type provided; approx. 1O-sec. shutterrelease delay Viewlinder: Eye-level type,with 93 % f rame coverage Viewfinder display: Shutter speed, f/number, and LED exposure displayfor overexposure o and under+, correctexposure exoosure Focusing screen: Split-image microprism type(Type K2)provided as standard; matte type(B)and mattewith horizontal (f ) and vertical lineetchings optionally available. Mirror: type Quick-return Type of camera: Leverprovided; 30o standoff angle and135o winding angle Automatic film advance: Possible with ootional MotorDrive MD-12 Multiple exposure lever: Provided, disengages frame counter for correctcount Frame counter: Additive type(S,0.v36);automatically resets to S whencamera back is opened Film rewind: By crankprovided afterfilm rewind buttonis pressed Flash synchronization: Built-in hot shoefor mounting flash unit;synccord terminal also provided; 1/250sec. sync Ready.light: Provided inside the viewfinder Exposure meter: TTL center-weighted full aperture measuring exposure systemusing photodiodes) a pairof SPD's(silicon as photoelectric element; measures from EV 1 to EV 18 at ASA/lSO 1 0 0a n dw i t h5 0 m mf / 1 . 4l e n s( i . e . , from 1 sec. at f 11.4lo1/4000 sec.at f/B) Film advance:

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ASA/lSO12,-6400 Choiceof one 3V lithiumbattery, two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries, or two'1 .5Valkaline-manganese batteries Exposure meterswitch: Lightpressure on shutterrelease meteron; meter buttonswitches stayson for approx.30 sec. after fingerleaves thenautobutton, matically off switches Battery power check: inside viewLEDexposure display finderlightsup whenthe exposure meteris switched on if thereis power(i.e., tne shutter sufficient speeddialshould be set anywhere exceotB) Popsopenwhen the film rewind Camera back: knobas the cameraback lock is pushed; memoholder detachable; orovided. Dimensions: A p p r o x1 . 42.5 m m ( W )x 9 0m m (H )x (camera body only) 60mm(D) Weight: Approx. 5409

Film sensitivityrange: Power source:

(camera body only)


I

Specifications are subject to change withoutnotice.

IMPORTANTI
The Nikon FM2 is an Al-type(Automatic MaximumApertureIndexing) camera whichperforms full-aperture metering withAl-type lenses suchas theAl-Nikkor and NikonSeriesE lenses. The apertureringsof these lensesare fittedwith meter (seeillustration). coupling ridges Almostall lenses now manufactured by Nikonare pleaseconfirmwhetheror not your lens is Al beforeusing the Al type.However, i t w i t ht h e F M 2 . Although almostall Nikkor lenses that havethe NikonF bayonet mount, as well as the NikonSeriesE lenses, can be mounted on the FM2,the FM2 cannotbe used with Nikkorlenses that havenot yet beenmodified to offerthe Al facility and with a few special-purpose lenses because the FM2'smetercoupling ridgeis fixed, and t h e F M 2 d o e sn o t h a v ea m i r r o rl o c k - u p , f e rt o t h e m e c h a n i s mF . orparticulars re tablebelow.
Fisheye-Nikk rm f / 5 6 6o m
F i s h e y e - N i k k o lrO m m f / 5 6 O P

Requir es m ir r or lock- up Not usable

PC-Nikko r mmt1 4 29
PC-Nikkor 35mm f/2 8 R e fl e x - N i k k o r1 0 0 0m m f / 1 1 R e fl e x - N i k k o r2 0 0 0 m m f / 11

Hits camera's meter coupling lever

S e r i a l N o 1 8 0 9 0 1a n d h i g h e r u s a b l e Serial Nos 851001to 906200 not usable S e r i a l N o l o w e r t h a n 1 4 2 3 6 1a n d h i g h e r t h a n 1 4 3 0 0 0u s a b l e S e r i a l N o 2 0 0 3 1 1a n d h i q h e r u s a b l e Serial No 300491 and hiqher usable S e r i a l N o 1 7 4 1 6 7a n d h i q h e r u s a b l e S e r i a l N o 1 7 4 0 8 8a n d h i q h e r u s a b l e Not usable R e q u i r e sA l m o d i f i c a t i o n

Z o o m - N i kko 2r 0 0 -6 0 0 mm f/9 5 Z o o m - N i k kE oD r 1 8 0 - 6 0 0 m mf / B
Z o o m - N i k k o rE D 3 6 0 - 1 2 0 0 m m f / 1 1

F o c u s i nU gnit AU-1
O t h e r N i k k o r l e n s e st h a t h a v e n o t b e e n m o d i f i e dt o o f f e r the Al facility

Note.' The modificationat reasonable cosf of most non-Al Nikkor /enses having a meter couplingprong is availablefor the convenienceof Nikkor lensusers For further information concerning Al lensmodification,pleasecontact your local authorizedNikondealer.
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