Nikon FM (circa 1977).

This is my latest find; an early Nikon FM. The FM was the successor of the Nikkormat range of cameras, labeled by Nikon as the first compact reflex camera. The FM is a fully manual camera with built-in exposure meter - similar to the one Nikon used in the DP12 prism of the F2AS.

Early FM examples carried the engraved Nikon logo above the serial number, plus several other notable differences; the rewind crank and the outer ring of the shutter release were knurled, not smooth like on later models.

The FM was an instant success due to the improvements made over previous Nikkormat models. The new camera included Ai metering, usable with both non-Ai and Ai Nikkor lenses.

The FM has gone through an amazing production cycle; over 20 years, the longest in Nikons history; the last model being the FM3A, a hybrid auto/mechanical camera.

The FM is still enthusiastically treasured by photographers today; some 36 year after it was launched - a timeless classic if ever there was one!

My Names Not Susan, but I Am a Nikon Collector!

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