I just bought a Nikon FM2n just the body, need a lens but am new with cameras?

I thought I'd be able to use my Nikon D60 lens with the FM2n, but my photography teacher said I couldn't because the lens had no meter or something? I've tried looking online but I really have no knowledge of cameras and lenses so it was a bit confusing. I found that the f/1.4 lenses work, but don't know the difference between AI, non AI, or AI-s. Can anyone recommend a cheaper lens to me?

The meter is in the body, not the lens.

Your D60's lens uses the same Nikon F mount as the FM2, first introduced in 1959.

For lenses, I'd recommend the 50mm f1.8 AI lens.

That camera does not take DX lenses. All the current kit lenses are DX. You have a lot of lenses to choose from, it will take Ai and Ai-s but also the AF and AF-D lenses. The latter can be used as manual focus lenses on your D60.

Budget buys, a 50mm, anything Ai or better, the old 35-70 f3.3-4.5 zoom, a 28-80 D version…

AI, AIS, AF, AF-D, series E lenses would work. Non-AI, DX, AF-G, AF-S (without an aperature ring) will not work.

Good cheap lenses for your camera are Nikon 35mm f2 AI, 50mm f2 AI, 50mm f1.8 AI about $100

You can actually use an AF lens. Just avoid those designated with DX (for digital crop sensors, won't cover whole frame of film) and G (no aperture ring). Of course, you won't be able to autofocus with it but the construction would make the lens (and eventually the whole camera setup) lighter.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/...y-lens.htm

There was a time when my dirty gear (camera and lens setup for belly on the sand type of shots) was a hefty fully manual and meterless Nikkorex F with a 50mm f/1.8 AF lens.

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Ooops! I think I screwed that one. Checking the pic of an FM2n I noticed that it uses the bunny ears. I guess you're limited to AI and AI-s lenses for the meter (which is in the camera) to work.