Nikon FM10
The Nikon FM10, launched in 1995, was an affordable manual-focus SLR designed to provide traditional photography experience to students and enthusiasts seeking hands-on learning. This compact 35mm camera featured full manual exposure control with match-needle metering, encouraging photographers to master fundamental exposure principles. The FM10's simplified mechanical design incorporated center-weighted metering, a bright viewfinder with exposure indicators, and compatibility with AI and manual Nikkor lenses. Key characteristics included purely mechanical operation that functioned entirely without batteries, reliable shutter speeds from 1 to 1/2000 second, and robust construction suitable for educational environments. The camera was specifically created for photography education and manual-focus enthusiasts who valued traditional techniques over automation. The FM10 served as an excellent learning tool, providing access to the renowned Nikon lens system while teaching essential skills like manual focusing, exposure calculation, and compositional awareness in an increasingly digital world.
Files
Service manual for the Nikon FM10