Which Nikon film SLR? Nikon F2 or FM3? Film SLR advice needed

Alright so here's my delimna. I'm In search of what brand and model I should search for. I realize condition and prices and such have a big part to play in what I'll actually purchase but I've narrowed it down to these two.

I already looked at the Minolta X-700, Canon F1 and Pentax K1000 and I find that the Nikon F2 and FM3 are better in the end and closer to what I'm looking for. I'm looking for durability and as many options as possible but still fully manual when wanted.

The real question is what's the difference between these two models? I understand the FM2 was a cheaper and lighter weight version of the F2 on paper but it seems to have faster shutter speeds and flash synch. So I'm not understanding the reason why some say the F2 is still best. And the reason I'm asking between the F2 and FM3 is because the FM3 is obviously an upgraded version of the FM2.

Any other model or even brand suggestions are welcome!

The Nikon F2 is a higher end model than the F2 but in terms of age (1971 - 1980), it is older than the FM3a (2001 -2006). The FM3 is an 'entry level' model in the Nikon film SLR range. Both the F2 and FM3 can be operated in full manual mode - i.e. Everything will work without a battery except for the light meter.

If you are looking at a basic manual film SLR, then both of these are a good choice. Since the cameras will be quite old, you will have to look at the condition of before deciding. The F2 is a professional grade body and can withstand quite a fair bit of punishment. Having said that, they are also probably more 'used' than a FM3. All Nikon film SLRs are well made and would last a lifetime if well taken off.

Nikon F2 was a pro workhorse in its day, with interchangable finders etc. It's an old camera now and would need a service to check it's in good order, I would opt for the much more recent FM2 or FM3.

The FM2 & 3 are more compact, cheaper, will have less wear and tear and have a mechanical and electronic shutter, which means the camera can be used without a battery or in conditions where a battery has failed (extreme cold) yet still give you the benefit of faster electronically controlled shutters and flash synch under most conditions.

The F2 may not make great sense of more modern lenses such as Ai and AF-D depending on it's age, wheras the FM cameras will work with any Ai or AF-D lens and older (in manual focus mode of course)

I vote a nice FM2 or FM3

Nikon FM 2 Black Camera is a serious, spectacular camera. It hearkens back to a time when Photographers had to know their stuff. It is 100% mechanical, which is why it's the preferred camera of certain National Geographic photographers. There are no electronic shutters to jam, or batteries to die in freezing weather. It is heavy, you will know if you have to carry it around all day. It adjusts in full stops only.