You See What You Get

Out off all the things I wanted this year for Christmas it was the Nikon FM10. I have always preferred manual cameras and for one main reason. What you see is what you get. Unlike other cameras where you can look through the viewfinder, see a great shot and get poor results, a manual camera delivers all the way.

I have had experience using many different types of cameras, from point and shoot, digital, and of course the Polaroid! And of all these my favorite has been the 100 percent do it yourself manual camera. After all film does cost money. Why waste your money on film and developing when you’re using a bad camera. Step up to a camera you know will work.

When I got my Nikon, I did plenty of research. Since this is not a “cheap” purchase, I wanted to make sure that I got exactly what I wanted. My first choice has always been the Minolta X-700 but to my dismay Minolta quit making those about 5 years ago. Basically, I was a day late and a dollar short for this choice. I also researched the Cannon Rebel, the Minolta X-370 and of course the Nikon FM10. The Cannons body was plastic and very light weight. I didn’t want to spend money on something that felt like a dime store camera. The Minolta X-370 had all the options I wanted but only came as body only, no lenses. In the end it would have cost a lot more to complete the set. Finally I looked into the Nikon FM10. I found a strong body, fully functional manual camera that came with a 35-70 somewhat of a zoom lenses.

The Nikons body, I will admit has both good points and bad points. The top and bottom are made of plastic. To the touch it feels cheap. The middle area is made of a more solid case with a rubber coating on the back and side for easy grip and less slip. The lenses that came with the camera is the 35-70 mm zoom as Nikon calls it. The lens does offer somewhat of a zoom option but nothing major. Don’t expect a close up when you’re a hundred feet back. But with the included Aperture ring, Distance scale and Focusing ring, a little twist and turn and you’re bound to get that perfect shot.

The Nikon takes two LR44 type batteries, which are included with the package. These batteries last for some seems like ever. Also included in the package are a neck strap and a typical standard case, which covers the camera and lenses only. This is not the type of case that you can fill with goodies.

More features of the Nikon FM10 include:

Adjustable film speed
Exposure settings
Multiple exposure options
A 10 second self timer
A hot foot for flash mount
Depth of field preview
Eyepiece correction lenses option for those with glasses
Infrared photography which requires a red filter (not included)
Tripod mount

The word manual is a big work with the Nikon FM10. So be aware, everything is manual. You focus it yourself, advance the film yourself and rewind yourself. Ever heard the term, if you want something done right then do it yourself? Well here you go! Enjoy!