Nikon FE2 35mm SLRs
Nikon FE2 35mm SLRs
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[Dec 30, 2000]
Anup Mishra
Intermediate
Strength:
rugged,exposure compensation,bright view finder,relatively light
Weakness:
Difficult to do manual metering in dark. Other than that I cant think of anything else This is one of the best cameras I have ever used. A great camera for beginners as well as experienced ones. Customer Service Never needed Similar Products Used: FE, F3 |
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[Feb 25, 2001]
Horace Lau
Expert
Strength:
Easy to handle. Reliable. Fastest shutter speed (1/4000) was even better than the contemporary F3. Viewfinder is bright enough and not clustered with too much info as in "modern" SLRs. Very good for beginners, in fact this is the camera I use to teach my 10- and 8-year-old boys.
Weakness:
Not AF. No program mode. A nice, beautiful manual (+ aperture priority) vintage SLR for users of any photography experience. Having used it for 17 years, I still finds it a joy. Customer Service Local Nikon Service Centre for CLA. Similar Products Used: Leica M3 & M6, |
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[Mar 13, 2001]
Victor de Bruyne
Intermediate
Strength:
Bought a Nikon F5 in 1998 to replace the my then 15 year old FE2, in 2001 I still use the FE2 (for B&W and slide photos) as often as I use the F5 (which is my glorified point and shoot camera). It's comparatively light, very robust. Quietly effective. The shutter mechanism is as smooth as ever, build quality is good (if not quite tank like).
Weakness:
After 17+ years, its quite hard to pick any real weaknesses. It's been such a good workhorse that they are all minor. It could be a little more weatherproof. The removable screen is hard to clean (I've put a plain screen in), the foam throat is quite delicate (no need to disturb it too often though). The AE lock (reverse the self timer) is not evident (as I noted in an Amateur Photographer article on a comparison with the new FM3a in which it was said that there was no such device on the FE2) If I could buy it new again for £208(UK) as I did in 1983 with the Nikkor 50 f1.4AIS that it came with, I would buy it without hesitation Nikon F5 notwithstanding. In the UK now, it's equivalent FM3a is £500 without a lens, that's not fantastic value. I would rate a mint second hand FE2 at a good price as an excellent buy, especially if you mean to buy a good camera for heavy use. I can only rate its value against how much I've used it against how long it's lasted, shame that you only allow 5 stars Customer Service Always excellent in the UK, Nikon Professional services have always performed well since I first used them in 1984 for repairs and in 2000 for lens servicing. Similar Products Used: SLR's Nikons F5,F301,F401, FM,EM Canons EOS1n, EOS888 (5000)Pentaxes SP1,ME Super, P30T |
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[Mar 22, 2001]
John Pape
Intermediate
Strength:
Aperture priority + manual, TTL flash metering, needle instead of distracting LED's in viewfinder, Handy exposure lock, DOF preview, multi-exposure lever, interchangeable viewfinders, mirror lock-up with timer, exc. construction/reliability, etc.
Weakness:
Can't see exposure needle in the dark. A great camera for a dedicated amateur. What I really like is the simplicity of use while retaining control of the exposure. I never have to leave the viewfinder to easily adjust aperture vs. shutter speed, switch to full manual, lock exposure, shoot a multi-exposure, or get a depth of field preview. The only control (besides the aperture ring which is adjusted by the left hand holding the camera) that isn't immediately accessible to the right hand is the exposure compensation dial, but I never use it anyway--it's better to just turn the shutter speed dial over to the manual setting or use the exposure lock lever. I like to watch the needle while moving the camera around the scene; I get extremely accurate exposures using this method even with unforgiving slide films. Customer Service Used once to fix mult-exposure lever. (After 12 years of hard use.) Similar Products Used: Pentax 1000, Nikon F & 4004s, Canon AE1, etc. |
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[Apr 21, 2001]
Brent Jones
Expert
Strength:
What can I say? All these people know this cameras strength. I vouch for all of them!
Weakness:
The only problem I have had is not being able to crop correctly on certain shots. What a great camera! I got this off of my brother who needed money back about 13 years ago, and I have never regretted paying $500.00 for all of his equipment (which cost him well over $1200.00) I only wish I could find another one, and retire this one for my daughter when she turns 16. Customer Service none Similar Products Used: Cannon E0S, Minolta, Pentax.... |
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[Jun 15, 2001]
Emil Ferjancic
Intermediate
Strength:
simple, reliable, handy, interchangable screens
Weakness:
exposure needle hardly seen in the dark, exposure meter doesn't work until exposure #1. Occasionally, I feel tempted to buy something more fancy. But when I would have to choose what to take with me on a field trip, the first alternative would be the FM2 or this new FM3. So... Customer Service After pushing a finger thru the shutter and replacing the curtains with tweezers by my own I was told at the service that the camera works fine and that I shouldn't worry. Only nine years later, first problems occured with the shutter. 116 $ for replacement and the problem has benn solved. Similar Products Used: Pentax ME Super, Canon AE1, Nikon F60 |
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[Jul 24, 2001]
Jeremy Tamayo
Intermediate
Strength:
-A very stable workhorse
Weakness:
-Not Auto Focus I love this camera. It was given to me by my dad. Great for compositions. I leave my other cameras behind when I go to trips, I like the old manual better. I wouldn't trade it for anything..even my girlfriend! It's just like driving an old stylish vintage sports car. Great for Begginers, they will learn the basic and the art of taking photos, not just point and shooting. No gizmos that will desrupt user from taking the right pix. People who wants to learn true photography and serious enthusiasts in the field should buy the FE2. Dum-dums...DON'T! Customer Service Is there such a thing in the Philippines?!?! Similar Products Used: Canon EOS |
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[Jul 28, 2001]
Marc Meeks
Expert
Strength:
Durability, reliability, accurate metering.
Weakness:
Match needle metering in dim light. No spot metering. For anyone looking for the perfect non-autofocus, classic electronic/manual camera that will last, last, last, look no further. I bought mine for cheap used with a slightly dented prism and in comparison with my N90's meter it is still spot-on accurate after fifteen years plus of usage. So far no parts broken, it has never let me down. I have shot hundreds of rolls with this camera -- many with MD12 -- and so far, not a glitch. Nikon has since wisened up and rereleased the FE2, disquising it as the FM3A. This is why I stick with Nikon, I don't feel neglected. They appreciate serious photographers who still use manual focus cameras and lenses. Customer Service None needed. Similar Products Used: N90, FM2, Pentax K1000, Olympus 0M2, Minolta SRT101 |
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[Aug 11, 2001]
Wahyuddin Halim
Beginner
Strength:
Fast shutter speed, fast flash sync, rugged, TTL, DOF, multiple-exposure, exposure compensation and wide range of lens used (from manual to AF)
Weakness:
Quite noicy for quiet situation, dark view finder in dark situation, no mirror lock, no hand grip. What can I add? What the http://www.mir.com/photography (MC.Lau?) says about this camera is enough and represent my satisfaction with this unit, and it was due to its commentary then I decided to buy FE2. Customer Service I just own it for 2 months now, but sure won't need to visit any service store (i can feel it) Similar Products Used: Nikon F60 (bough it new but then sold it for purchase this current FE2) |
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[Aug 27, 2001]
Elson Tan
Intermediate
Strength:
1) Durable / Rugged
Weakness:
1) Discontinued I bought this body not long ago from the internet. Shoot 2 rows with it, and I realised why it is widely regarded as one of the best camera Nikon have ever made. Though discontinue long long ago, if you can get hold of one unit, you will still not be disappointed by the service it can provide for many years to come. A major disappointment is that Nikon actually discontinued the production of such a wonderful piece of design and make the FE10 instead. It will be great if they can consider producing a FE3 in the future which have better function to the new FM3a. A good buy for me at such a good price. Get one and try, if you like FM2n, you will love this baby. Similar Products Used: None |