Which Nikon film cameras can be used without a built-in exposure meter?
Asked 6/11/2015
1 views
2 answers
0
I'm looking for a first Nikon film camera and want something mechanical that doesn't require an exposure meter. I know the Nikon FM and FM2 have meters, but I've heard they still work fully without batteries. Did Nikon make any film cameras that either had no meter at all, or could be used with a non-metered finder?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
3
There have been a few, these are the ones I know about --
(These are all, of course, film cameras)
The Nikon SP, a rangefinder camera not using the F mount
The Nikon F, the first F mount SLR from that company. The viewfinder/pentaprism was removable and while there was an optional viewfinder with an exposure meter but you didn't have to use one.
The Nikon F2 also had the exposure meter built into a removable viewfinder, but they made viewfinders without meters.
Note the FM and FM2 (my favorite) do have built in exposure meters -- but that is the only thing electronic about them. Pull the battery and the camera is still fully functional.
Originally by user2228. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2228
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. Nikon made several film cameras that either had no meter or could be used without one.
Common examples mentioned are:
- Nikon F: originally meterless; metering was available via optional finder prisms.
- Nikon F2: also used interchangeable finders, including non-metered ones.
- Nikon SP: a rangefinder, and not an F-mount SLR.
The Nikon FM and FM2 do have built-in meters, but they are still fully mechanical cameras. The battery powers only the meter, so the camera will still operate normally without a battery.
So if you want a Nikon with no meter at all, look at early Nikon F or F2 configurations with plain prisms. If you just want a mechanical Nikon that can be used meterless, an FM or FM2 is also a practical choice—just ignore the meter or remove the battery.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI11y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How was exposure estimated before built-in light meters?
Does a Canon IIIA rangefinder need batteries?
Can vintage selenium light meters still be trusted, and are they useful for checking old camera meters?
How did old film cameras without user controls set exposure?
What 35mm film SLRs are similar to a Yashica TL Electro and can still use M42 lenses?