While idly surfing the Net a month or two back, following memories of a favourite old camera, I stumbled on a “for sale” ad for a Nikon FM. In fact, I perused a number of offerings from e-Bay to a camera shop in Montreal, Quebec.

It was the camera at Ciné Monde Canada though that really caught my eye, complete with a 50mm f/1.8 Series E lens, just like the kit I bought in 1980.

The Nikon FM became my constant companion for the next 2 decades, on climbing and skiing expeditions, kayaking trips and cycling adventures. I used it to make thousands of portraits, catalogue photos and magazine ads. I shot news and family photos, friends and foes. I chased the “decisive moment” on city streets, until it was stolen after a wedding shoot (maybe that’s why I hate wedding photography). I replaced it with 2 Nikon FM2s.

The camera on Ciné Monde’s site looked in very good shape — all in working order, with new seals — but the photos didn’t prepare me for the camera and lens I unboxed in the video above. Both look nearly unused.

I’ll let the video tell the story of my love affair with what was one of Nikon’s most celebrated cameras. Reunited at last!