drsoma765's Full Review: Nikon FM10 35mm Film Camera
Out of the many Nikon cameras I have dealt with this one is by far the most disappointing. I hate to say that because I know that I can't blame Nikon. . . they didn't make this camera. Cosina (at least I think that is the company's name) made this camera for Nikon. They (Cosina) also made this same camera for the Olympus company. Olympus calls it the OM-2000. This camera has been marketed as a 'student' SLR and it is a poor example of both Nikon and Olympus cameras (which have some of the best manual focus SLR lines in the world).
The main problem with this camera is that you'll be spending your money for a new camera that isn't anything to brag about, when you could be buying a used camera with a few more features. I can't really complain enough about this, because beginning photo students are always told to get 'manual' cameras. These can be bought cheaply when new, and it is indeed as manual as you can get (in reality, a photography class only requires a camera that allows you to choose the amount of light coming in, and the amount of time you allow the light to strike the film. . . everything else is just secondary). You can't really grow with this camera. You can't change focal screens. . . or a motor drive (which, granted are 'professional' features on the new cameras), and there are a ton of plastic gears in here that can get screwed up (it happened in my Olympus variant -- the self timer just stopped and locked up the entire camera). Of course, the features that I mentioned aren't going to guarantee that you will be a better photographer, but when you consider the fact there are probably better cameras collecting dust on the used/consignment shelf of your local camera store there is really no good reason to buy this.
Despite the evidence at hand, this camera is not so poor a choice that it is useless. It does have a few strong points. The most important being that it takes Nikon lenses. There are plenty of Nikon lenses out there and Nikon made them all basically interchangeable. It also has a multiple exposure mode. I know that when I was a beginner I wanted to do "special effects" (basically just double exposures) with my camera. It does have a spot meter, that's kind of nice, but one could just manually compensate for variances in light. Last, and certainly least (most all older manual focus cameras have this), it has a little screw hole for a cable/air release.
I would recommend that instead of getting this camera you go to a reputable used camera shop and buy a used camera. Go with someone you trust and go to a place where they will give you a guarantee/warranty that will allow you to return it if it is a piece of junk. Better yet, go out and buy an autofocus camera that is a model back from the new one (something like the Canon Rebel G) because at least that camera usually comes new with a one year manufacturer's warranty and it is supported by an extensive line of accessories.
No matter what you do. . . just try to buy something that will not disappoint you in the long run. Photography, like many other endeavors, is often difficult at first and it is not a good idea to start off with a disappointing camera.
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