Expert: John Oliverio - 3/16/2009

Question
I recently aquired a Nikon FM from ebay and would like know its age if possible.  The serial number is 2168231.  It also has a concentric switch next to the shutter speed dial with two positions - black and red selected by turning the wheel.

Thanks for your help.

Regards Ian

Answer
Ian,

Hello. Thanks for the questions.

The FM was made between 1977 and 1982.  Nikon does not provide a list of serial numbers with production dates.

The collar switch with the dots is to change the winding mode.  Turn to the red dot for operation with the MD-11 motor drive.  The white dot is for normal manual winding.

You may have also noticed a switch next to the film advance lever.  This allows you to make double exposures.  When you activate it, it disengages the film advance and only cocks the shutter so you can make two exposures on one frame of film.  

John