Contax NX

[Overrank]

I asked “AI” (Microsoft Copilot) to tell me what were the best film cameras in 2024 (*) and one of them was the Contax NX. I’ve never heard of this camera - has anyone owned one and why would I want one in 2024 vs, say, a Nikon FM2 or Nikon F100.

(*) In order, from 1-5, Pentax 17, Nikon FE, Leica M6 TTL, Canon QL17 Giii and Contax NX

 

[Heritage Cameras]

I asked “AI” (Microsoft Copilot) to tell me what were the best film cameras in 2024 (*) and one of them was the Contax NX. I’ve never heard of this camera - has anyone owned one and why would I want one in 2024 vs, say, a Nikon FM2 or Nikon F100.

(*) In order, from 1-5, Pentax 17, Nikon FE, Leica M6 TTL, Canon QL17 Giii and Contax NX

There's a comprehensive review of the Contax NX here:

https://casualphotophile.com/2020/03/09/contax-nx-review/

The main drawback compared to something like a Nikon F100 is the lens mount. Kyocera chose a new mount which was not compatible with earlier Contax manual focus SLR cameras, and no third party lenses were ever made as far as I remember. The original Zeiss T* lenses were very good, but some of the later ones like the 28-80mm seemed to be Sigmas in drag.

While it's an "interesting" camera, I can't see any justification for claiming it's one of the best models in 2024. Frankly, I'm amazed that the AI nonsense managed to choose five models that were actually film cameras and not digital, movies or fish.

 

[Overrank]

I asked “AI” (Microsoft Copilot) to tell me what were the best film cameras in 2024 (*) and one of them was the Contax NX. I’ve never heard of this camera - has anyone owned one and why would I want one in 2024 vs, say, a Nikon FM2 or Nikon F100.

(*) In order, from 1-5, Pentax 17, Nikon FE, Leica M6 TTL, Canon QL17 Giii and Contax NX

There's a comprehensive review of the Contax NX here:

https://casualphotophile.com/2020/03/09/contax-nx-review/

The main drawback compared to something like a Nikon F100 is the lens mount. Kyocera chose a new mount which was not compatible with earlier Contax manual focus SLR cameras, and no third party lenses were ever made as far as I remember. The original Zeiss T* lenses were very good, but some of the later ones like the 28-80mm seemed to be Sigmas in drag.

While it's an "interesting" camera, I can't see any justification for claiming it's one of the best models in 2024. Frankly, I'm amazed that the AI nonsense managed to choose five models that were actually film cameras and not digital, movies or fish.

Thanks. Given that the lenses seem to be very expensive, and a few of the cameras I could find had AF problems it does seem like a bit of a dead end (now).



The AI looked like it had listed some popular / recommended camera - but the Contax was a new one to me

 

[Gesture]

Which was the model that attempted focus by moving the film plane?

I did once own a Contax 139, which I liked for its minimalist design. This was the era when the OEMs came out with compact SLRs, something that Pentax was probably the best at in my view. Although I know Olympus has its devotees.

 

[Overrank]

Which was the model that attempted focus by moving the film plane?

The Contax AX - https://cameralegend.com/2016/03/01/tuesday-titans-the-contax-ax-film-camera/ (I had heard of that one)

I did once own a Contax 139, which I liked for its minimalist design. This was the era when the OEMs came out with compact SLRs, something that Pentax was probably the best at in my view. Although I know Olympus has its devotees.

Ive bought a couple of Olympus bodies recently (as they’re quite cheap) and, to date, they’ve been lovely cameras.

 

[Scrufftie]

I don't see the NX as a good stating point for entry into film photography. I have an AX, which is esoteric enough for me. Contax have great lenses but that's priced in and I wouldn't stake my life on their electronics (the big weakness of film cameras).

I'd start with something simple reliable and reasonably priced. Mainstream is good.

if I were starting out, purely looking at SLRs, I would consider a Pentax ME Super, Nikon FE or Olympus OM2. Or any of the similar variants. I'd favour something with an auto exposure option and fairly simple electronics.

Even though I started with a Canon A-1, I'm not convinced that their cameras of that vintage are priced well enough and are more heavily electronic than others. I'd love an F-1, tho.

There are tons of lenses available for these cameras.

 

[verybiglebowski]

The first to come was N1, followed by NX and N Digital. which was I think the first full frame digital camera.

I have many Contax cameras with 159 being actually one of my top five picks. (Small, great viewfinder, 1/250s flash sync, program, Av and manual modes.)

Some of their cameras were a significant effort in technological achievement. Already mentioned AX with moving film plane for AF, RTS iii with a vacuum pressured back for the flat film plane, RX with focus aid in the viewfinder etc.

More famous were probably their point and shoot, commanding insane prices today, but their SLR line was top notch in its time.

They had produced also two mechanical cameras S2 and S2b.

--
http://verybiglobo.com/
https://500px.com/p/verybiglobo?view=photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/viktor_viktor/

 

[Overrank]

@Scrufftie / @verybiglebowski - totally agree, I can’t see why the Contax NX is being recommended either when their are much more obvious choices (I would have thought Canon AE1 or Pentax K1000 would be recommended given the amount of pages devoted to them )

 

[verybiglebowski]

@Scrufftie / @verybiglebowski - totally agree, I can’t see why the Contax NX is being recommended either when their are much more obvious choices (I would have thought Canon AE1 or Pentax K1000 would be recommended given the amount of pages devoted to them )

Well it is hard to judge Ai today I believe that NX is a great camera by its specificarion and quality. Feature wise it kills K1000 and Canon AE1 hands down, but it is hard to establish the criteria for the best film camera today imho.

If you consider reliability, Contax NX was introduced around 2001-2002 which makes it one of the “youngest” old stock, and Canon AE1 has more probability of electronic failure given its age.

I can hardly understand the hype around K1000, since KX or even KM are better featured cameras of the same age and often cheaper (I sold my K1000 for 200 EUR few weeks ago).

You can find NX for less than 200 EUR today.

I am also selling my Nikon Fm3a, but I am asking for the premium price, since I am not in a rush, but it is all about fear of upcoming possible failures.

Since there are not new film cameras that will fulfill my requirements, I am fond of keeping the cheaper ones till they work.

FWIW my top five 35mm cameras are recently Leica R6.2, Canon T90, Contax 159, Olympus OM 3 Ti and Leicaflex SL2. Three of them are mechanical and thus more probable to be repaired if needed, but Canon T90 and Contax 159 are gems till they work.

I am not a big fan of rangefinder, but I still have a few. My top five (that I have experience with) are: Zeiss Ikon ZM (sold it a few months ago), Canon 7sZ, Leica M6 TTL (sold it two years ago, stupid me), Leica CL and Leica IIIf.

My top five medium format cameras are Hasselblad 500c/m, Rolleiflex 2.8F (sold it, stupid me), Yashica MAT 124G, Minolta Autocord, and Contax G1 (I’d like to have Mamiya 7, Norita 66, Exacta 66 and many others, but never had an opportunity to try them).

Of course, Contax N645 would be great too, but same as with Contax NX, it would mean significant investment in lenses.

My LF cameras that I am still struggling to use more, are Linhof Technica (I have model IV with bellows that need repair) and Cambo (I have three of them, but had used only Master for just a few photos).

In a conclusion, Ai might had considered Contax NX as a top recommendation in 2024 due to its features and relative youth, despite its niche appearance and expensive lenses.

Since we are all looking for the camera that will be reliable and have features that we need, you might try to add more specifics in order to get results closer to your expectations.

 

[flektogon]

@Scrufftie / @verybiglebowski - totally agree, I can’t see why the Contax NX is being recommended either when their are much more obvious choices (I would have thought Canon AE1 or Pentax K1000 would be recommended given the amount of pages devoted to them )

Well it is hard to judge Ai today I believe that NX is a great camera by its specificarion and quality. Feature wise it kills K1000 and Canon AE1 hands down, but it is hard to establish the criteria for the best film camera today imho.

If you consider reliability, Contax NX was introduced around 2001-2002 which makes it one of the “youngest” old stock, and Canon AE1 has more probability of electronic failure given its age.

I can hardly understand the hype around K1000, since KX or even KM are better featured cameras of the same age and often cheaper (I sold my K1000 for 200 EUR few weeks ago).

You can find NX for less than 200 EUR today.

I am also selling my Nikon Fm3a, but I am asking for the premium price, since I am not in a rush, but it is all about fear of upcoming possible failures.

Since there are not new film cameras that will fulfill my requirements, I am fond of keeping the cheaper ones till they work.

FWIW my top five 35mm cameras are recently Leica R6.2, Canon T90, Contax 159, Olympus OM 3 Ti and Leicaflex SL2. Three of them are mechanical and thus more probable to be repaired if needed, but Canon T90 and Contax 159 are gems till they work.

I am not a big fan of rangefinder, but I still have a few. My top five (that I have experience with) are: Zeiss Ikon ZM (sold it a few months ago), Canon 7sZ, Leica M6 TTL (sold it two years ago, stupid me), Leica CL and Leica IIIf.

My top five medium format cameras are Hasselblad 500c/m, Rolleiflex 2.8F (sold it, stupid me), Yashica MAT 124G, Minolta Autocord, and Contax G1 (I’d like to have Mamiya 7, Norita 66, Exacta 66 and many others, but never had an opportunity to try them).

Of course, Contax N645 would be great too, but same as with Contax NX, it would mean significant investment in lenses.

My LF cameras that I am still struggling to use more, are Linhof Technica (I have model IV with bellows that need repair) and Cambo (I have three of them, but had used only Master for just a few photos).

In a conclusion, Ai might had considered Contax NX as a top recommendation in 2024 due to its features and relative youth, despite its niche appearance and expensive lenses.

Since we are all looking for the camera that will be reliable and have features that we need, you might try to add more specifics in order to get results closer to your expectations.

Well, you had to be a very good boy if Santa (Jezisek) brought you over the years so many goodies . Yes, you must have a very nice collection, comparable even with what the Petzval museum in Spisska Bela has (I donated them two my cameras). But I don't see any CSR product, like Flexaret, Milona, and some others made by Meopta.

Anyway, happy Christmas and everything best in the new year!

Regards,

Peter

--
Regards,
Peter

 

[verybiglebowski]

@Scrufftie / @verybiglebowski - totally agree, I can’t see why the Contax NX is being recommended either when their are much more obvious choices (I would have thought Canon AE1 or Pentax K1000 would be recommended given the amount of pages devoted to them )

Well it is hard to judge Ai today I believe that NX is a great camera by its specificarion and quality. Feature wise it kills K1000 and Canon AE1 hands down, but it is hard to establish the criteria for the best film camera today imho.

If you consider reliability, Contax NX was introduced around 2001-2002 which makes it one of the “youngest” old stock, and Canon AE1 has more probability of electronic failure given its age.

I can hardly understand the hype around K1000, since KX or even KM are better featured cameras of the same age and often cheaper (I sold my K1000 for 200 EUR few weeks ago).

You can find NX for less than 200 EUR today.

I am also selling my Nikon Fm3a, but I am asking for the premium price, since I am not in a rush, but it is all about fear of upcoming possible failures.

Since there are not new film cameras that will fulfill my requirements, I am fond of keeping the cheaper ones till they work.

FWIW my top five 35mm cameras are recently Leica R6.2, Canon T90, Contax 159, Olympus OM 3 Ti and Leicaflex SL2. Three of them are mechanical and thus more probable to be repaired if needed, but Canon T90 and Contax 159 are gems till they work.

I am not a big fan of rangefinder, but I still have a few. My top five (that I have experience with) are: Zeiss Ikon ZM (sold it a few months ago), Canon 7sZ, Leica M6 TTL (sold it two years ago, stupid me), Leica CL and Leica IIIf.

My top five medium format cameras are Hasselblad 500c/m, Rolleiflex 2.8F (sold it, stupid me), Yashica MAT 124G, Minolta Autocord, and Contax G1 (I’d like to have Mamiya 7, Norita 66, Exacta 66 and many others, but never had an opportunity to try them).

Of course, Contax N645 would be great too, but same as with Contax NX, it would mean significant investment in lenses.

My LF cameras that I am still struggling to use more, are Linhof Technica (I have model IV with bellows that need repair) and Cambo (I have three of them, but had used only Master for just a few photos).

In a conclusion, Ai might had considered Contax NX as a top recommendation in 2024 due to its features and relative youth, despite its niche appearance and expensive lenses.

Since we are all looking for the camera that will be reliable and have features that we need, you might try to add more specifics in order to get results closer to your expectations.

Well, you had to be a very good boy if Santa (Jezisek) brought you over the years so many goodies . Yes, you must have a very nice collection, comparable even with what the Petzval museum in Spisska Bela has (I donated them two my cameras). But I don't see any CSR product, like Flexaret, Milona, and some others made by Meopta.

Anyway, happy Christmas and everything best in the new year!

Regards,

Peter

 

[Hippo Graius]

(*) In order...

if these are "the best", we have nothing to worry about from AI

 

[Overrank]

(*) In order...

if these are "the best", we have nothing to worry about from AI

It’s really just putting together what other articles think are the best (do a google search for “best film cameras” and you’ll very likely get one or more of the other four cameras). It’s just that I’ve never seen a Contax NX mentioned, so I’m can’t see where the training data is coming from (whereas a Canonet QL17 Giii is mentioned all the time).

(I find it best to think of generative AI as a decent natural language processing interface to a search engine, and an output routine that does a good precis of the information it matches. It’s not intelligent, nor does it claim to be - you can ask it !)

 

[fotosean]

I am also selling my Nikon Fm3a, but I am asking for the premium price, since I am not in a rush, but it is all about fear of upcoming possible failures.

Hmm...

I have been extremely lucky with my F3HP and FM2N...both in perfect working order. But I worry about that LCD meter in the F3 giving up the ghost someday (supposedly, Kamerastore and a few other East Coast USA outfits can repair/replace them) and even the LED meter in the FM2N can fail (and I don't know if they can be repaired, for lack of parts.) Neither are late production models...F3 1985, FM2N 1989.

The one I don't worry about is the FM3A, which is also an early production-run body. A few years ago, I brought a Zenit TTL and Kiev-88 to one of the few old-timers left in town for some work, he has done a lot of work for me over the past 20 years. I brought all 3 Nikon bodies in, and just asked him to do a once-over, figured the light seals on the F3 and FM2N needed replacing (they didn't, but as they would eventually he did them anyway, so I don't have to worry about that for a while.) He took a peek at the innards of the FM3A and told me -- 20 years later -- it was in "as new" condition. And this dude knows what he is talking about, and is not prone to hyperbole.

Having said that - you can (and should) demand market value if you are selling your FM3A. I look at the prices on eBay and just shake my head, what they are going for these days. The trusted Japanese sellers on eBay that I have done business with in the past -- where u know what you are getting, kind of like Japan Camera Hunter and Gray's of Westminster -- are getting a small fortune for them these days.

The rangefinder bug never really bit me. At the time I got into film and serious film cameras in the mid to late '80s, rangefinders were somewhat considered out of vogue. I should have back then, just to try it...could have gotten a Nikon SP back then for a song. Now try finding an SP in working order...and get ready to pony up the bucks. Every so often, Gray's finds a couple of these that have been sitting in a warehouse for the last half century -- and they price them premium, and they almost never last on their website for a day or 2.


F3HP, AI-S 50mm f/1.8; FM3A, AI-S 35mm f/2; FM2N, AI-S 28mm f/.8

--
Location: Below the Tear Line
--... ...-- -.. . -.- ----- -..- --.-
fotosean.com

 

[Hal Wilson]

I am also selling my Nikon Fm3a, but I am asking for the premium price, since I am not in a rush, but it is all about fear of upcoming possible failures.

Hmm...

I have been extremely lucky with my F3HP and FM2N...both in perfect working order. But I worry about that LCD meter in the F3 giving up the ghost someday (supposedly, Kamerastore and a few other East Coast USA outfits can repair/replace them) and even the LED meter in the FM2N can fail (and I don't know if they can be repaired, for lack of parts.) Neither are late production models...F3 1985, FM2N 1989.

The one I don't worry about is the FM3A, which is also an early production-run body. A few years ago, I brought a Zenit TTL and Kiev-88 to one of the few old-timers left in town for some work, he has done a lot of work for me over the past 20 years. I brought all 3 Nikon bodies in, and just asked him to do a once-over, figured the light seals on the F3 and FM2N needed replacing (they didn't, but as they would eventually he did them anyway, so I don't have to worry about that for a while.) He took a peek at the innards of the FM3A and told me -- 20 years later -- it was in "as new" condition. And this dude knows what he is talking about, and is not prone to hyperbole.

The FM3A is the one I'd be concerned with the most; the FM2 and F3 were built to the very highest standards; the FM3A, not so much (Nikon were far more invested in emergent digital technology, and the FM3A was made to serve an enthusiast rather than professional market like the F3 and FM2). It's a lot more complex than the other two, so a lot more to potentially go wrong. Still a great camera though. Your copy may well be great, but is it being put through the same kind of abuse that F3s and FM2s were regularly subjected to? Those cameras were ubiquitous in war zones etc, and many saw a lot of action. My FM2 is over 40 years old, and despite having slightly less parts than when new, is still functioning perfectly. They built things properly in those days.

Having said that - you can (and should) demand market value if you are selling your FM3A. I look at the prices on eBay and just shake my head, what they are going for these days. The trusted Japanese sellers on eBay that I have done business with in the past -- where u know what you are getting, kind of like Japan Camera Hunter and Gray's of Westminster -- are getting a small fortune for them these days.

The rangefinder bug never really bit me. At the time I got into film and serious film cameras in the mid to late '80s, rangefinders were somewhat considered out of vogue. I should have back then, just to try it...could have gotten a Nikon SP back then for a song. Now try finding an SP in working order...and get ready to pony up the bucks. Every so often, Gray's finds a couple of these that have been sitting in a warehouse for the last half century -- and they price them premium, and they almost never last on their website for a day or 2.

The SP re-release was only ever to excite a very small number of collectors, and never intended as something that would ever actually be used much. So Nikon didn't make many. Hence the rarity value and high prices. The FM3A was made in much smaller numbers than the FM2, so likewise there's a lot less of them and many haven't been used much anyway. This is why prices are high; FM2s are loved by people wanting to actually do film photography; FM3As are for collectors.

 

[Overrank]

I am also selling my Nikon Fm3a, but I am asking for the premium price, since I am not in a rush, but it is all about fear of upcoming possible failures.

Hmm...

I have been extremely lucky with my F3HP and FM2N...both in perfect working order. But I worry about that LCD meter in the F3 giving up the ghost someday (supposedly, Kamerastore and a few other East Coast USA outfits can repair/replace them) and even the LED meter in the FM2N can fail (and I don't know if they can be repaired, for lack of parts.) Neither are late production models...F3 1985, FM2N 1989.

The one I don't worry about is the FM3A, which is also an early production-run body. A few years ago, I brought a Zenit TTL and Kiev-88 to one of the few old-timers left in town for some work, he has done a lot of work for me over the past 20 years. I brought all 3 Nikon bodies in, and just asked him to do a once-over, figured the light seals on the F3 and FM2N needed replacing (they didn't, but as they would eventually he did them anyway, so I don't have to worry about that for a while.) He took a peek at the innards of the FM3A and told me -- 20 years later -- it was in "as new" condition. And this dude knows what he is talking about, and is not prone to hyperbole.

The FM3A is the one I'd be concerned with the most; the FM2 and F3 were built to the very highest standards; the FM3A, not so much (Nikon were far more invested in emergent digital technology, and the FM3A was made to serve an enthusiast rather than professional market like the F3 and FM2).

Not making an comment on the quality of the FM/FM2 vs the FM3a, but the FM/FE/FM2/FM2 were built as consumer cameras rather than the professional F2 and F3 bodies [no interchangeable heads, small number of focus screens, no bulk backs etc]. They were a continuation of the Nikkormat line. They were used by professionals as backup cameras though.

Having bought (and returned) a couple of Nikon FMs with issues (e.g. foam visible across the viewfinder) I’m aware that the FM/FE are nearly 50 yrs old, and the FM2 can be 40 years old. They are all probably in need of a good service .

It's a lot more complex than the other two, so a lot more to potentially go wrong. Still a great camera though. Your copy may well be great, but is it being put through the same kind of abuse that F3s and FM2s were regularly subjected to? Those cameras were ubiquitous in war zones etc, and many saw a lot of action. My FM2 is over 40 years old, and despite having slightly less parts than when new, is still functioning perfectly. They built things properly in those days.

Having said that - you can (and should) demand market value if you are selling your FM3A. I look at the prices on eBay and just shake my head, what they are going for these days. The trusted Japanese sellers on eBay that I have done business with in the past -- where u know what you are getting, kind of like Japan Camera Hunter and Gray's of Westminster -- are getting a small fortune for them these days.

The rangefinder bug never really bit me. At the time I got into film and serious film cameras in the mid to late '80s, rangefinders were somewhat considered out of vogue. I should have back then, just to try it...could have gotten a Nikon SP back then for a song. Now try finding an SP in working order...and get ready to pony up the bucks. Every so often, Gray's finds a couple of these that have been sitting in a warehouse for the last half century -- and they price them premium, and they almost never last on their website for a day or 2.

The SP re-release was only ever to excite a very small number of collectors, and never intended as something that would ever actually be used much. So Nikon didn't make many. Hence the rarity value and high prices. The FM3A was made in much smaller numbers than the FM2, so likewise there's a lot less of them and many haven't been used much anyway. This is why prices are high; FM2s are loved by people wanting to actually do film photography; FM3As are for collectors.

 

[Hal Wilson]

The FM3A is the one I'd be concerned with the most; the FM2 and F3 were built to the very highest standards; the FM3A, not so much (Nikon were far more invested in emergent digital technology, and the FM3A was made to serve an enthusiast rather than professional market like the F3 and FM2).

Not making an comment on the quality of the FM/FM2 vs the FM3a, but the FM/FE/FM2/FM2 were built as consumer cameras rather than the professional F2 and F3 bodies [no interchangeable heads, small number of focus screens, no bulk backs etc]. They were a continuation of the Nikkormat line. They were used by professionals as backup cameras though.
Having bought (and returned) a couple of Nikon FMs with issues (e.g. foam visible across the viewfinder) I’m aware that the FM/FE are nearly 50 yrs old, and the FM2 can be 40 years old. They are all probably in need of a good service .

The FE/FM/2 cameras were produced to complement the professional F3 cameras. There wasn't such the concept of 'consumer' cameras back then; the EM, FG and FG20 were the 'consumer' cameras of that period. The FE/FM/2 cameras were every bit as well made as the F3. They just lacked the interchangeable viewfinders and the fast motordrive. The /2 iterations had the faster top shutter speed, and all had a faster flash sync speed, although they also lacked the TTL flash control of the F3. They were very popular with lots of professionals. Bear in mind there's no such thing as a 'professional camera', as any camera can be used professionally. The F3 may have been the flagship, but the FE/M/2s were just as 'professional'.

Many FE/M/2 cameras have been used heavily (often professionally), hence the need for servicing. The FM3A was released when most pros had moved over to AF cameras anyway, and many were switching to digital. Hence many have not been used much, if at all. So it's very easy to find one in excellent condition. A mint FM2 will set you back nearly as much though, in reality. And the FM2T and FM2 special editions can cost way more.

 

[Overrank]

The FM3A is the one I'd be concerned with the most; the FM2 and F3 were built to the very highest standards; the FM3A, not so much (Nikon were far more invested in emergent digital technology, and the FM3A was made to serve an enthusiast rather than professional market like the F3 and FM2).

Not making an comment on the quality of the FM/FM2 vs the FM3a, but the FM/FE/FM2/FM2 were built as consumer cameras rather than the professional F2 and F3 bodies [no interchangeable heads, small number of focus screens, no bulk backs etc]. They were a continuation of the Nikkormat line. They were used by professionals as backup cameras though.
Having bought (and returned) a couple of Nikon FMs with issues (e.g. foam visible across the viewfinder) I’m aware that the FM/FE are nearly 50 yrs old, and the FM2 can be 40 years old. They are all probably in need of a good service .

The FE/FM/2 cameras were produced to complement the professional F3 cameras. There wasn't such the concept of 'consumer' cameras back then;

Thats the thing though, Nikon did have consumer cameras, they were the Nikkormats, named so as not to compete with the Nikon F and F2. The FM etc replaced the Nikkormats, although they were called Nikons. This was different from Canon etc which ran everything under one name.

the EM, FG and FG20 were the 'consumer' cameras of that period. The FE/FM/2 cameras were every bit as well made as the F3. They just lacked the interchangeable viewfinders and the fast motordrive. The /2 iterations had the faster top shutter speed, and all had a faster flash sync speed, although they also lacked the TTL flash control of the F3. They were very popular with lots of professionals. Bear in mind there's no such thing as a 'professional camera', as any camera can be used professionally. The F3 may have been the flagship, but the FE/M/2s were just as 'professional'.

The F3 has some weak spots - I’ve been told in the past to avoid any that have had a blow around the rewind crank, as there’s lots of wiring there which is easily damaged. The motor drive on the F3 is arguably less advanced than the MD12 as you can’t mount / unmount it with a film loaded (in daylight). But the F3 was really designed to be used 100% with the MD4 mounted - the balance is superb then.

Many FE/M/2 cameras have been used heavily (often professionally), hence the need for servicing. The FM3A was released when most pros had moved over to AF cameras anyway, and many were switching to digital. Hence many have not been used much, if at all. So it's very easy to find one in excellent condition. A mint FM2 will set you back nearly as much though, in reality. And the FM2T and FM2 special editions can cost way more.

 

[Heritage Cameras]

The FE/FM/2 cameras were every bit as well made as the F3. They just lacked the interchangeable viewfinders and the fast motordrive. The /2 iterations had the faster top shutter speed, and all had a faster flash sync speed, although they also lacked the TTL flash control of the F3.

The FE2 (only) did have TTL flash control, as did the later FM3A. Nikon even made at least one flash unit that could be used with TTL on both types of camera with interchangeable feet, in the form of the SB-16A and SB-16B.

https://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fe2/basic9.htm

 

[Hal Wilson]

The FE/FM/2 cameras were produced to complement the professional F3 cameras. There wasn't such the concept of 'consumer' cameras back then;

Thats the thing though, Nikon did have consumer cameras, they were the Nikkormats, named so as not to compete with the Nikon F and F2. The FM etc replaced the Nikkormats, although they were called Nikons. This was different from Canon etc which ran everything under one name.

The concept of 'consumer' cameras is a relatively modern one, and coined not by manufacturers, but by economic analysts and commentators. Plenty of professionals used Nikkormats. Nikkormat and Nikon were just brand names used by the same company; yes they were used to differentiate product lines, but not really along 'professional/amateur' lines or anything. If we look at the EM and FG/20 cameras, then we can see the birth of the 'consumer' lines in Nikon's range. But it's not really until the mid-late 80s we really start to see the 'consumer' SLR cameras come in; things like the F301, then the F601 and F401, then later with the F50/55/60/65/70/75/80 cameras, and then the D3xxx/5xxx/7xxx ranges in the DSLR era. Most people using cameras used smaller, simpler compact cameras, 127 and 110 film cameras etc, in the mid SLR era of the late 60s through to the early 80s. Then it was the AF compact camera era; many millions of units of these were sold over the next decade and a half, until cheap digital compact cameras flooded the market. And now, the 'consumer camera' is the smartphone.