Nikon FM Instruction Manual
Summary
The Nikon FM is a compact, reliable 35mm single-lens reflex camera designed for both professional and amateur photographers. This comprehensive manual serves as your ultimate guide to mastering advanced shooting techniques. It covers everything from initial setup and battery management to detailed operation of exposure controls, focusing depth of field, flash synchronization, and mounting various Nikon System accessories, ensuring you capture optimal images every time.
Page 1 Text Content
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Page Summary Contents For Nikon FM Instruction Manual
Page 1
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Page 2
Shu ter Speeed AS A se lec tor ring Lens aper ture direct readout window Shu ter re lease bu ton Meter coup ling lever Shu ter re lease fingerguard Meter coupling lever release eckstrap eye let Sync t...
Page 3
Focusing distance sca le Aper ture distance sca le index Focusing ring Meter coup ling shoe Aper ture ring Depth-of-fie ld indica tors Meter coup ling ridge Aper ture-direct-read out sca le lm rewind ...
Page 4
Foreword. .5 Focusing.....................................................16 Preparation for use.........................................6 Infrared photography.........................18 Installing th...
Page 5
The Nikon FM is a compact 35mm single-lens re- flex camera that offers a host of advanced features amateur photographers and professionals alike will appreciate.It is designed to accept virtually ever...
Page 6
PREPARATION FOR USE Installing the Batteries Checking Battery Power The Nikon FM’s built-in exposure meter is powered by two To check battery power, move the camera’s film advance le- button-cell type...
Page 7
Loading Film side (dull side) facing out. Make sure that the perforations along the edges of the film mesh with the sprockets. If neces- First, open the camera back by sliding its safety lock sary, re...
Page 8
PREPARATION FOR USE - continued Prior to Shooting advance the film, confirm that the rewind crank turns in the direction opposite the arrow. This indicates that the film has Fold out the film rewind c...
Page 9
Memo Holder Setting the Film Speed A special holder is provided on the camera back for conve- The camera’s exposure meter must be adjusted to the speed of nient storage of any relevant information. Yo...
Page 10
OPERATION OF CAMERA CONTROLS Setting the Shutter Speed the “B” setting, the shutter remains open for as long as the shutter release button is kept depressed. The Nikon FM’s shutter speed selector is k...
Page 11
Film-Advance Lever Frame Counter The film-advance lever simultaneously advances the film, Each time the film is advanced one frame by a full stroke of cocks the shutter and operates the frame counter....
Page 12
OPERATION OF CAMERA CONTROLS - continued Self-Timer and shutter speed controls, advance the film, and cock the self-timer by turning the self-timer lever downwards. Then, The built-in self-timer provi...
Page 13
UNLOADING FILM As soon as the frame counter indicates that the last exposure as far as it will go; then, remove the film cartridge. Note that has been made, or when the film advance lever can no longe...
Page 14
HOLDING THE CAMERA Camera shake is one of the most common causes of blurred, unsharp pictures, especially at slow shutter speeds. To pre- vent this, study how to hold the camera correctly and prac- ti...
Page 15
SHUTTER RELEASE OPERATION Correct shutter release operation is just as important in ob- a cable release (or some similar accessory). To attach the cable taining sharp pictures as holding the camera pr...
Page 16
FOCUSING When the FM is used with a Nikkor lens fitted with an auto- and crisp. With the matte outfield, turn the ring until the im- matic diaphragm, focusing is done at full aperture. This makes age ...
Page 18
FOCUSING - continued Infrared Photography Film-Plane Indicator The plane of sharpest focus for infrared light is slightly far- To ensure the best results in critical picture-taking ther away than its ...
Page 19
DEPTH OF FIELD When you focus on your subject, you will find that not only “stops down” (i.e., closes the lens aperture) the lens to the is the subject itself in focus but that objects both in front o...
Page 20
DEPTH OF FIELD - continued Depth-of-Field Indicators The Nikkor lens’ depth-of-field indicators come in the form of the three scales fitted on the lens barrel. The first is the lens aperture scale, wi...
Page 21
Lens at f/8:Depth of Lens at f/16:Sharp fo- field extended in front cus is extended to en- of/behind the main sub- compass the entire fore- ject. ground and background
Page 22
EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT The Nikon FM’s built-in exposure meter utilizes Nikon’s Determining Degree of Exposure proven center-weighted through-the-lens metering system which is cross-coupled with both the...
Page 24
EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT - continued Exposure Control Metering Range The amount of light reaching the film plane is determined by If the central exposure indicator LED (lo) fails to light up, a combinatio...
Page 25
High-Contrast Lighting After completing this procedure, make your final picturt com- position and shoot without readjustingeithershutte’ speed or When there is a substantial difference in brightness b...
Page 26
STOP-DOWN EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT The vast selection of lenses available for use with your Nikon FM includes some which are fitted neither with an automatic diaphragm nor a meter coupling ridge, both of ...
Page 27
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ADJUSTMENT “Correct exposure” is not an absolute value. It depends on For very specialized application, consult both the instruction the characteristics of the metering system, t...
Page 28
MULTIPLE PURPOSE Intentional multiple exposure (two or more exposures on the same frame) for creative effects are easy with the FM. First, make the initial exposure. Then, slide the multi-exposure but...
Page 29
FLASH SYNCHRONIZATION Flash photography with the FM is easy. The camera is de- signed to synchronize with electronic flash at speeds up to 1/ 125 sec. You can use its hot-sync shoe to mount any ISO- t...
Page 30
TIPS ON CAMERA CARE Tough and durable though your Nikon FM is, it is a preci- camera body. sion optical instrument, and careless or rough handling can •If condensation should form on the lens surfaces...
Page 31
MOUNTING AND REMOVING LENSES To mount a lens fitted with a meter coupling ridge, first make as described previously. Remember that stop-down exposure sure that the camera’s meter coupling lever is in ...
Page 32
ACCESSORIES M D-1 2 Motor Drive Un it The Nikon FM’s own compact motor drive. Handsomely fin- ished in black and durably constructed, the MD-12 attaches to the FM in seconds, requiring absolutely no m...
Page 33
Camera Cases Recommended for storing camera body and lenses. Differ- ent sizes available to accommodate most Nikkor lenses. Lens Hoods Recommended to prevent extraneous light from striking the lens an...
Page 34
FEATURES SPECIFICATIONS Type of camera: 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) f/32; meter powered by two 1.5 silver-oxide batteries Picture format:: 24mm x 36mm (35mm film) Shutter: Vertical-travel focal-plan...
Manual Details
| Brand | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Pages | 35 |
| File Size | 865.08 KB |
| Published | June 01, 2026 |
74 views
Enter the captcha to get the download link:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check the battery power level?
Look through the viewfinder; if any LED exposure indicator light is on, the battery power is sufficient. If not, change batteries or re-seat them.
What types of lenses are compatible with this camera?
It uses the Nikon F mount and can accept virtually every accessory of the extensive Nikon System.
Is flash synchronization supported by the camera?
Yes, it features a built-in hot-shoe contact that synchronizes with electronic flash units up to 1/125 sec.
What is the delay length for the self-timer function?
The self-timer can be set for an approximate delay of 8 to 14 seconds.