i bought my gf a nikon fm2n for christmas with a basic lens and now she needs a new lens and since her b-day is coming up i thought it'd be a good time. the only thing is i'm clueless about equipment and i don't know what lenses are compatible with the camera and what a good buy is. if somebody could help me out i would really appreciate it. and keep in mind it's gonna be on a college kid's budget. thanks
Hi coreye:
The fm2n is a fine manual camera that is found in the bottom of many pro photographer's camera bag as it is small, and be used without battery power.
There are a wide variety of lenses available for it. Here is a list of some of Ken Rockwell's recommendations:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikkor.htm#mfrex
I could say don't spend extra money on an auto-focus lens - either AF or AF-S, but there is a great variety of AF lenses that will work with the fm2n - just stay away from "G" type auto focus lenses, and other lenses that do not have an aperature ring - they won't work. This will greatly expand your choices.
You may also want to check out used or online deals because many pro-quality manual lenses may be going for a song, by peolel who want auto-focus.
P.S. Don't ignore 3rd party lenses by companies such as Tamron, Vivitar, Toikina, and Sigma if you are on a budget. Any reputable camera store should be able to show you what is available - just let them know that your camera is a Nikon "F" mount, manual focus, manual exposure SLR.
Sorry I couldn't be more help.
awesome. toad you're the man! or woman! anyway you rule!
No problem - happy to help.