Lomopedia: Nikon FM10

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Everyone has to start somewhere, even the pros. In this installment of Lomopedia, we take a look at an SLR camera that can teach beginners a thing or two about photography basics and camera handling — the Nikon FM10.

Nikon FM10 © Joe Ravi via Wikimedia Commons

First released in 1995, the Nikon FM10 was intended for sale in Asian countries but is now widely available in Western countries too. The FM10 is a manual focus 35 mm film SLR camera that shoots true with its reliable Center Weighted metering and a high-quality lens.

The FM10 is actually manufactured by Cosina in Japan, lens and chassis included for Nikon. With its wide array of design features and easy handling, the FM10 can be an easy favorite for SLR shooters who are looking for a quick change in shooting style. The Nikon FM10 comes in a robust metal and plastic body that blend seamlessly to provide a solid grip without sacrificing too much weight.

Even if the Nikon FM10 was designed for photography newcomers, it can definitely produce high-quality photos once in the right hands.

Photos Taken by Our Community Members

Credits: dbyremus15, miyuki, jrcolville, uncle_jay, yuvs & guanatos

Technical Specifications

Type of Camera: Manual focus 35 mm SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera with a focal plane shutter. Includes Zoom Nikkor 35-70 mm f/3.5-4.8 lens.
Exposure Modes: Manual
Picture Format: 24 mm × 36 mm (standard 35 mm film format)
Lens Mount: All metal Nikon F Mount.
Usable Lenses: All Nikkor AF-D, AI-P, AF-I, AI-S, and AF-S lenses.
Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level, pentaprism type; Diopter: Standard -1 DP (optional diopter adapter available)
Focusing Screen: Fixed with split image microprism and matte field
Shutter Speeds: 1 to 1/2000 second, plus Bulb
Shutter: Vertical-travel, metal focal plane shutter
Flash Synchronization: X sync only at 1/125 or slower
Accessory Shoe: Standard ISO-type hot shoe.
Self Timer: Mechanical self-timer, approx. 10-sec release delay.
Depth of Field Preview Button: Built-in
Multiple Exposure: Available
Power Source: 2-SR44 (1.55V) or 2 A- LR44 (1.5V)
Weight (without batteries): Approx. 14.7 oz.
Dimensions: 5.5 × 3.4 x 2 inches (W×H×D)
EV range: EV 2 to 19 at ISO 100
Exposure control: Manual control, guided by a built-in light meter
Frame counter: Additive type automatically resets to S when camera back is opened
Frame coverage: Approx. 92% with 50 mm focal length set at infinity
ISO range: 25 to 3200 (manually selected)
Magnification: 0.84x with 50 mm set at infinity
Tripod socket: Standard 1/4" x 20 thread
Viewfinder information: LED exposure display using - O + display
Optional Accessories for FM10: DK-5 Eyepiece Cover, Eyepiece Adapter, Eyepiece correction lenses - 0 DPTR., +0.5 DPTR., +1.0 DPTR., +2.0 DPTR., +3.0 DPTR., -2.0 DPTR., -3.0 DPTR., -4.0 DPTR., -5.0 DPTR, Zoom Nikkor 35-70 mm f/3.5-4.8: Attachment size: 52 mm, Zoom Nikkor 35-70 mm f/3.5-4.8: Dimensions and weight: Approx. 63 mm diameter × 64 mm extension (2.5" x 2.5"), Approx. 200 grams (7 ounces), Zoom Nikkor 35-70 mm f/3.5-4.8: Minimum shooting distance: 0.4 meters

All information used in this article were sourced from Nikon, Camerapedia, BH Photo Video, and Photography Review.

written by cheeo on 2014-06-18 #gear #review #camera #nikon-fm10 #lomopedia

7 Likes

carblkm5, b2377, akula, sifree, stanko, guanatos & uncle_jay.

15 Comments

beblo · 2014-06-18 14:46
" Even if the Nikon FM10 was designed for photography newcomers, it can definitely produce high-quality photos once in the right hands. " I agree with you, Mr. cheeo. A true "artist' is different from an expert camera man.
guanatos · 2014-06-18 16:13
this was my first slr :)
clownshoes · 2014-06-18 16:15
I've bought one of these for someone who was interested in starting film photography. The body is super light compared to similar Nikons I own like the Nikon FT. I'd recommend this back.
cheeo · 2014-06-19 06:38
@beblo @guanatos @clownshoes Just got one for myself and all I can say is that it really is a legit SLR. Can't wait to try it out since I've been meaning to do some shooting.
wideangle · 2014-06-20 02:46
If this camera interests you keep an eye out for the Nikon FM2. It's a rugged all manual camera that was released in the early Eighties. The earliest ones have flash sync at 1/200, and there is a separate X200 shutter speed. Not long after this the flash sync was increased to 1/250, and the X200 shutter speed disappeared from the control.
beblo · 2014-06-20 06:16
Mr. cheeo, this Nikon FM10 slr film camera is highly rated by the first owners (original owners) of the unit. Most of the buyers may be beginners or students in photography, but their potential as a photographer was seen thru the use of this camera. The current price is around US $320 on the internet, brand new.
cheeo · 2014-06-20 07:39
@wideangle Looking forward to get my hands on the FM2 after I tinker with the FM10.
@beblo can't argue with that. It appears that many skilled photographers honed their shooting chops with the FM10. That $320 price tag is hefty during initial shell out but I guess you can't really put a price on a learning.
beblo · 2014-06-20 08:57
The lens design and construction of the Nikon FM 10 (made by Cosina of Japan) is very good. It may not be as rugged / robust as that of professional NIKON slr film cmeras but, with extra care it will serve you well and long enough, until you produce your 1st photograph master piece.*@:-)
jvujnovi · 2014-07-03 13:09
It"s the main camera I use for my "serious" photographs. The zoom lens is the chief advantage. I really like the fact that it's fully manual and has a range of shutter speeds (I've taken some great night photographs in black & white without a flash on this camra).
robotmonkey1996 · 2014-07-14 14:41
That's not a Nikon, that's a dirty little Cosina.
jimmybuzaid · 2014-08-21 04:34
^
jimmybuzaid · 2014-08-21 04:34
^
jimmybuzaid · 2014-08-21 04:35
I suggest you vouch for an FM2, usually much cheaper
jimmybuzaid · 2014-08-21 04:42
Also it's the same camera as all the following: Canon T60, Cosina CT1G, Cosina CT1 Super, Nikon FM10[1], Olympus OM2000, and Yashica FX-3.
carblkm5 · 2021-10-27 00:33
Great camera. I love mine.