masato_a Discusses | A Transformative Film Experience with One Camera | Nikon New FM2 | Knowledge #246
Cover photo by masato_a
Creators who love photography share their stories with their cameras. The existence of a "beloved camera" reflects each individual's worldview and values. In this series, masato_a, who uses the Nikon New FM2, makes an appearance.
While it's easy to take photos with smartphones nowadays, the film style of "cherishing each shot" is gaining attention again. Among this trend, masato_a chose the classic mechanical SLR, the New FM2, as his first film camera.
Photo by masato_a
Nikon New FM2 Basic Information
The Nikon New FM2 is a manual focus SLR film camera released in 1984. It boasts a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 seconds and a flash sync speed of 1/250 seconds, which were high-performance specs at the time. With a robust metal body and a mechanical shutter, it can shoot even without batteries, adding to its toughness. Its simple, rugged design and reliable operation continue to be loved by many fans today.
Was It Chance or Destiny?
The encounter with the camera was truly destiny. Seven years ago, during the "camera girl" boom on social media, I was captivated by the design of a film camera I happened to see. As I researched, I found the New FM2, known as a standard in photography schools. I was drawn to its somewhat rugged and simple look and felt "this is it" with its manual operation.
Photo by masato_a
I miraculously found the FM2 at a nearby long-established camera shop. The elderly shopkeeper kindly taught me how to use it and even gave me a roll of film for free—this warm memory is why I still cherish this camera.
Why Each Shot is Precious
The FM2 is a fully manual camera. You have to adjust the exposure and focus yourself, which takes time and effort to take a single photo. Moreover, the number of shots you can take is limited. Within these constraints, the act of repeatedly looking through the viewfinder and concentrating on taking a shot gives each photo a weight and depth of memory that is completely different from smartphone photos.
Photo by masato_a
"Turning everyday scenes that don't remain in memory into a drama"—meeting the FM2 made this idea clearer to me.
Commitment to Lenses and Film
The lens used is the Nikkor 50mm f1.4. The 50mm, also known as a standard lens, beautifully captures images on film and can turn even slight mistakes into charming elements, making it a "magical focal length."
Photo by masato_a
The film I frequently use is Kodak gold200. This film, which is easy to obtain and has beautiful blue and green tones, perfectly matches my style of shooting in search of light and the sea. Additionally, I make a bulk purchase of Portra400 once a year. This film, with its natural and delicate skin tone depiction, is chosen for special shoots.
Photo by masato_a
Recently, my favorite is Cinestill 800T, known for cinematic use. Its bluish tint and red-tinged highlights express an atmosphere like a scene from a movie.
Capturing Scents and Sounds in Memory
It's not just the beautiful moments; I feel like even the shutter sound and the smells of that time remain in my memory. Photos taken with the FM2 have a mysterious sense of encapsulating the air of that moment as it is.
Photo by masato_a
Through film cameras, I feel that small everyday events transform into special scenes that remain in memory. Since discovering the charm of such photos, I continue to take pictures with the FM2, aiming to capture a shot that, even if unseen by anyone, might reach someone somewhere in the world.
INFORMATION
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