The Nikon FM10 is a single lens reflex camera. It dates back to the 90s and is aimed at amateurs. The housing of the camera is made of plastic. The model was built for Nikon by the Japanese company Cosina. The design is based on the CT-1 Super.
The lenses of the 35mm camera are interchangeable. Lenses with a Nikon F bayonet can be used. The bayonet was first introduced in the 1950s. Since then, the lens bayonet has been redesigned again and again.
Lenses are not only manufactured by Nikon itself. Not all modern lenses can be used with the old film cameras. The lens is focused manually. The photo camera does not have an autofocus.
The Nikon FM10 has a built-in light meter. It was designed for films with a sensitivity from ISO 25 to ISO 3200. With the 35mm SLR, the exposure is measured through the lens (TTL). Aperture and exposure time can be freely set by the photographer.
The camera comes with a bulb mode. Hot shoe flashes can be used with the Nikon FM10. There is also a PC flash socket. The Nikon FM10 can be mounted on a tripod. A thread for a cable release is also available. In addition, there is a self-timer.
The camera weighs 420 grams and the dimensions are 13,9 x 8,6 x 5,3 cm. The power supply for the 35mm camera is provided by two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Nikon FM10
Which films are required for the Nikon FM10? The camera is designed for 35mm films. For this film format, there is still a good selection of material for color and black and white images. A 35mm film for color pictures is the Agfaphoto Vista 400*. A possible black and white film is the Kodak T-Max 400*.
The color film is designed for development in the C-41 process. This is offered by almost every photo lab.
The negatives of Nikon FM10 have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. A 135-36 film can hold at least 36 shots. The film must be winded manually by the photographer.
The Nikon FM10 is no longer manufactured. The price for a used copy depends on the condition. Although the camera is not very popular and also not very high quality, it is still not cheap. Probably due to the small number of pieces, one can still pay up to 150 euros for one copy.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/2000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 3200 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 2x LR44 batteries |
| Size | 13,9 x 8,6 x 5,3 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.47 x 3.39 x 2.09 inches |
| Weight | 420 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 146,95 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 23 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 207,80 Euro (224.06 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 157,31 Euro (169.94 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 178,60 Euro (192.67 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Nikon FM10
Is the Nikon FM10 a digital or film camera?
The Nikon FM10 is a film camera, specifically a 35mm SLR. It uses 35mm film rolls and requires manual film advancement. It's not a digital camera.
How do I focus the lens on this vintage camera?
The Nikon FM10 has manual focus. There's no autofocus; you'll need to manually adjust the lens's focus ring until the subject is sharp. This is typical for cameras of its era.
What kind of batteries does the 35mm camera need?
The Nikon FM10 runs on two LR44 batteries. These are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Make sure to use fresh batteries for reliable operation.
Can I use modern lenses with this older camera model?
The Nikon FM10 uses Nikon F bayonet mount lenses. While you can use many older lenses, compatibility with modern lenses is not guaranteed. Check compatibility before purchasing.
Does the camera have a built-in flash?
No, the Nikon FM10 doesn't have a built-in flash. However, it has a hot shoe and a PC flash sync terminal, allowing you to use external flash units for additional lighting.