Nikon Fe Serial Number Year Chart

Nikon FM/FE/FA (main technical specifications of all cameras in this chapter in a ) Mid 1977 Nikon introduced the successor of the Nikomat/Nikkormat series: the first Nikon compact reflex camera, the Nikon FM. It is a full mechanical, all metal single lens reflex camera with fixed prism, but with built-in exposure meter, shutter speeds from 1 - 1/1000 sec. + flash sync. Of 1/125 sec.

The shutter is the newly developed Copal CCS-M shutter. The bayonet mount has the new locking tab for the AI-lenses, but it can be lifted for the use of all earlier lenses, except some fisheye-lenses, as the mirror can´t be locked up. This camera is still a ´wanted´ camera, because of its durability and versatility.

The Nikon F3AF and the Nikon F3P since April 1983; the Nikon F3Limited since October 1993 If you take off the back door you'll see a production code (above 00AF); the first two digits may refer to the year.

Serial numbers of the Nikon FM started at 2100001. One year later (April 1978) an automatic version was presented, the Nikon FE. This camera has the same features plus an aperture-priority program.

The electronic shutter runs from 8 - 1/1000 sec. The very first version of the FM differs a bit from later versions and the FE: the collar around the shutter release button can be rotated to lock the shutter. Serial numbers of the Nikon FE started at 3000001.

Mechanical Nikon FM (in front) and electronic Nikon FE Black Nikon FM with contemporary Nikkor 1.2/55 mm. Kukla amigurumi spicami marini golden mk 3. The back of a heavily used Nikon FE explains the different metals that were used. Left on top the ISO selector and exposure compensation selector. Below these selectors the battery check. At right on top the shutter speed selector with M90 and B as the only mechanical speeds.

All other speeds need electric power. On the right side of the film winding lever the double exposure button. The success of both cameras made Nikon Corporation to improve both cameras and to introduce a more sophisticated version in March 1982: the award winning Nikon FM2, followed one year later with its electronic sister, the Nikon FE2 (see below). Serial numbers of the Nikon FM2 started at 7000001, the Nikon FE2 started at 2000001. Both cameras have a very fast shutter, running from 1 - 1/4000 sec.

In those days a world record! In fact Nikon engineers were trying to increase the flash sync of the camera, which they did (1/200 sec., later 1/250 sec.); as a coincidence the top speed was increased as well.!

The Nikon FM2 received some modifications in March 1984; known as the New Nikon FM-2 or Nikon FM-2n. The flash sync (1/250 sec. In red on the dial) was increased and the serial number was preceded by an N. In October 1989 the Nikon FM-2 received aluminum shutter curtains. The FM2 has got another sister in December 1993: the Nikon FM2/T.

A ´normal´ FM2 but with its top and bottom made of a titanium alloy. Many publicists make us believe that the camera back is made of titanium as well, but that´s not true. Early this century, after nearly 20 years of production, the Nikon FM2 (and the FE2) was succeeded in July 2001 by a (technically) combination of the Nikon FM2 and Nikon FE2, the Nikon FM3a.