Nikon FM

Well thinking tonight I have decided to buy a Nikon FM camera. Along with 5 x 36 rolls of film.

Some people may ask why, my reasoning is that I love the feel and look of film. I also like the fact that I have to think about everything and nothing can really be fixed in post. I hope this makes me a better photographer and that it helps me think more about what I am photographing rather than just snapping and moving on. I am sure it will make me slow down and think.

I am looking forward to sharing my journey here and see if digital has made me a better photographer or made me lazy

The Nikon FM is Manual everything, doesn't really need batteries unless I want to use the light meter. I am thinking I will need to use the light meter or to buy one.

Link to the manual - http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/manuals/fmfefa/fm.pdf

Keep us updated with your progress, will be a very interesting.

oh, i thought i'd be tuning in

Why shoot film? Lots of reasons:

Film slows you down.
It has a look and feel that digital does not.
You end up learning photography all over again.
You'll love it when you 'get it' and it all comes together.
You stay focused on taking pictures.
You will make mistakes, and you will learn from them.
You end up with actual, physical photos.
You'll learn to 'get it right' in the camera.
It will transport you back in time.
Appeal of darkroom work (seeing image appear in developer).
Cost.
Old cameras are beautiful cameras.
It will help you stand out.
It makes you look cool.
The smaller size & weight is amazing.
For better tonal / dynamic range.
You’ll learn where the craft came from.
You'll be a part of an experience few people understand.
It's fun.
Analog lasts longer (archivability).

And this camera came out 2 years after I was born

Let me help you with your budget...

You will need that light meter... just cuz'
You'll need a scanner... think $300-400+ at minimum to get the resolution you'll need
If you don't plan on developing, then film availability is limited to C-41 and drug stores...
You'll need all new lenses (with aperture rings)

I love my F4s...

FredKingston said:

Let me help you with your budget...

You will need that light meter... just cuz'
You'll need a scanner... think $300-400+ at minimum to get the resolution you'll need
If you don't plan on developing, then film availability is limited to C-41 and drug stores...
You'll need all new lenses (with aperture rings)

I love my F4s...

Click to expand...

My 14/50/85 all have aperture rings

I have a scanner

I have ordered Kodak ektar 100 film x 5

We still have photo labs in Australia that develop film here

Do local labs process b&w? Many here don't. If they do, ask for develop only, no prints if you don't want to pay for 4x5 prints.

Developing your own b&w is easy and will cost around $150AU to get started.

480sparky said:

Do local labs process b&w? Many here don't. If they do, ask for develop only, no prints if you don't want to pay for 4x5 prints.

Developing your own b&w is easy and will cost around $150AU to get started.

Click to expand...

I am unsure if they do B&W, I am trying out some colour film first then B&W

Scott Murray said:

I am unsure if they do B&W, I am trying out some colour film first then B&W

Click to expand...

Ask about b&w while you're there.


And be sure to check out their policy of what happens to your negatives. Some labs here in the States will ship your film off-site to be developed, where they then scan it and email the files to the local store for printing. By the time you go in to pick up your (low-resolution) images, the negatives have been destroyed.

480sparky said:

Ask about b&w while you're there.


And be sure to check out their policy of what happens to your negatives. Some labs here in the States will ship your film off-site to be developed, where they then scan it and email the files to the local store for printing. By the time you go in to pick up your (low-resolution) images, the negatives have been destroyed.

Click to expand...

Normally they give you back the negatives, I will definitely be asking for them back. I will also be asking for Hi-res images.

Probably use something similar to this one - Film Processing services in Perth Australia

Scott Murray said:

Normally they give you back the negatives, I will definitely be asking for them back. I will also be asking for Hi-res images.

Click to expand...

Asking may not be enough. If their policy is to destroy them, then they will be destroyed. You need to read their terms.

And some labs think 1200-pixels-on-the-long-end is 'high res'. I'd rather scan them myself and get 10,000 x 6,700 pixels.

Scott, I agree with you and have found myself looking at used Maiyaflex medium format. I had one back around 1970 and have never enjoyed shooting with anything since, don't misunderstand, my nikons are great but just tools. I would not use it for work but boy' s need to have a little fun once in a while!

Next will be a Bogan enlarger lol

Scott Murray said:

Probably use something similar to this one - Film Processing services in Perth Australia

Click to expand...

Ha, I was going to say if you can't find anywhere that does B&W, then ship your film to me and I can take it to Fitzgeralds. I send all my Medium Format B&W film there.

kevy73 said:

Ha, I was going to say if you can't find anywhere that does B&W, then ship your film to me and I can take it to Fitzgeralds. I send all my Medium Format B&W film there.

Click to expand...

Yeah I think they are the best that I have found so far.

They can scan your negatives for you too, as well as printing them.

Look what arrived today, they included 4 x rolls B&W film aswell which was a nice surprise.

Looks the goods Scott.

Did the 50 f1.4 come with it ?