Mid 1977 Nikon introduced the successor of the Nikomat/Nikkormat series: the first Nikon compact reflex camera, the Nikon FM. It is a full mechanical, all metal single lens reflex camera with fixed prism, but with built-in exposure meter, shutter speeds from 1 - 1/1000 sec. + flash sync. of 1/125 sec. The bayonet mount has the new locking tab for the AI-lenses, but it can be lifted for the use of all earlier lenses, except some fisheye-lenses, as the mirror can´t be locked up. This camera is still a ´wanted´ camera, because of its durability and versatility.
One year later (April 1978) an automatic version was presented, the Nikon FE. This camera has the same features plus an aperture-priority program. The electronic shutter runs from 8 - 1/1000 sec.
Mechanical Nikon FM (in front) and electronic Nikon FE
The success of both cameras made Nikon Corporation to improve both cameras and to introduce a more sophisticated version in 1982: the award winning Nikon FM2, followed one year later with its electronic sister, the Nikon FE2. Both cameras have a very fast shutter, running from 1 - 1/4000 sec. In those days a world record! In fact Nikon engineers were trying to increase the flash sync of the camera, which they did (1/200 sec., later 1/250 sec.); as a coincidence the top speed was increased as well.!
The FM2 has got another sister in 1993: the Nikon FM2/T. A ´normal´ FM2 but with its top and bottom made of a titanium alloy. Many publicists make us believe that the camera back is made of titanium as well, but that´s not true. Early this century, after nearly 20 years of production, the Nikon FM2 (and the FE2) was succeeded in 2001 by a (technically) combination of the Nikon FM2 and Nikon FE2, the Nikon FM3a. This camera has all features of the Nikon FM2 + FE2. It has a hybrid shutter: mechanical speeds from 8 - 1/4000 sec., but if set on A it becomes a electronic camera with aperture priority program. It is a pity that Nikon didn´t give the Nikon FM2/FE2/FM3a the folding AI-locking tab. This would have made these cameras the most versatile Nikon cameras ever.
From left: Nikon FM2/T, Nikon FM2 & Nikon FM3a
All cameras could be ordered in a chrome or black outfit. And all cameras can be fitted with either the MD-11 or MD-12 motor drive, giving them a top speed of 3.5 fps. The MD-12 is to be preferred as the MD-11 runs down the battery in the camera when the on/off switch of the motor drive isn´t set to ´off´. The exposure meter in the camera is fed by that small battery in the bottom of each camera. The batteries in the motor drives do not feed the exposure meter!
Many Nikon FM/FE/2 users became enthusiast when Nikon announced the Nikon FM10 in 1995. But what a disappointment when they found out that this camera (and the 2 years later introduced FE10) turned out to be a plastic and slimmed down copy of the successful series. The cameras were initially meant for the poorer parts of our globe. In Europe these cameras weren´t even for sale. The Europeans may be lucky as the two cameras don´t deserve the name ´Nikon´ on top of them. Of course people with a low/now budget deserve a Nikon camera, but an all-metal durable upgrade of the Nikon FM would have been a more appropriate offer. Never do this again Nikon Corporation!
In September 1983 a very sophisticated camera (for those days), related to the FM/FE-series was introduced: the Nikon FA.
It is the world´s first camera with multi-pattern metering (AMP), enabling to choose from P (Program), A (Aperture priority), S (Shutter priority) and M (Manual). LCD-window in the viewfinder, flash sync of 1/250 sec., exchangeable viewfinder screens and many more. The MD-11 and MD-12 can be fitted as well, although Nikon developed a special motor drive MD-15, which feeds the battery inside the camera too.
This Nikon FA was the start of Nikon´s success with cameras with automatic exposure programs. Even the professional Nikon F4 has borrowed some features from this camera. A pity that this camera hasn´t received a great attention in the world of professional photography.
For all cameras mentioned above 2 data backs (MF-12 & MF-16) could be ordered. The MF-12 can be fitted on all cameras, but it only works if connected via a cable to the flash contact on the camera´s front. The MF-16 doesn´t need that cable. Both have a built-in clock (running up to the year 2100).