FE vs FE2

[Juan Valdenebro]

This is the best FE2 site, if you have plenty of time for reading:
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fe2/
The FE2 is a better camera than the FE because it's more capable and more trustable. You can read the reasons by yourself...
The FE is not a bad camera. It just does less things, and can require repairs more often.
All details about the FE2 in the link... It's one of the best cameras ever, IMO: I've used 2 black FE2's for close to 20 years, both working, bought used, I never needed repairs nor servicing, and they're just great. I've used lots of Nikon SLRs and the FE2 is my favorite.
Cheers,
Juan

 

[GarageBoy]

The FE2 is terribly underrated these days, IMHO - always lives in the shadow of its now cheaper older brother (which can be had for dinner pricing), the F3 (which people prefer for it's "pro" image and features) and the FM2 (for people who don't trust electronic cameras)

Lightweight, beautiful view finder, higher sync speed, handles well, 1/4000 shutter speed - buy one

 

[racoll]

The FE2 is terribly underrated these days, IMHO - always lives in the shadow of its now cheaper older brother (which can be had for dinner pricing), the F3 (which people prefer for it's "pro" image and features) and the FM2 (for people who don't trust electronic cameras)

Lightweight, beautiful view finder, higher sync speed, handles well, 1/4000 shutter speed - buy one

Agreed! While I love the handling and feel of the F3, the FE2 offers more capability over a wider range of situations through its higher shutter speed and higher flash sync speed.

Andy

 

[kshapero]

I have had 3 FE's and they all worked flawlessly. (Gave one as a gift).

 

[Mablo]

Just bought a mintish FE2 to replace my old but trusty FM which is still in good shape but tends to overlap frames from time to time.

 

[Finglas]

I had an FE for 28 years.
The battery was replaced just 3 times.

First lasted 5 years, next battery 14 years, and last battery was there when I traded the FE as part payment for FM3a.

I was never won over by the FE2, but that's just me. The FE was a lifer.

John

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I liked my brother's Nikon FE so much I bought an FE2.
Not sure why but I preferred his older model.
FWIW both had the same screen.

I also preferred my FM to the FM2n I later owned...

Chris

 

[dtcls100]

Own a chrome FE2, black FM3a, but have used FE, FM, FM2. All very good cameras. Prefer FE2 to FE, due to higher shutter speeds, particularly higher flash synch as i am using more and more fill and white card bounce to daylight shots to add a little eye sparkle and to lighten shadows. FE2 also has better focusing screen, and is compatible (without adjustment) with FM3a screen that does not blackout with slower lenses.

Also recently got Nikon DB-2 external battery pack that holds 4 AA batteries and enables one to keep batteries warm in pocket while shooting in subfreezing temps. Works with all FM, FE, FE2, FM3a, and other Nikons using button cell batteries.

 

[Rob-F]

I bought two FE2s back around 1987. Last year I sent them both in for a checkup. They replaced the foam seals. And that was it. Everything else was perfect, including the shutter speeds. I have taken many, many shots with these two cameras. I've carried them over mountains in Colorado, used them in cold weather and hot, dry and drizzly. Never a problem. My FA and F3 may or may not go; but at least one FE2 always goes.

 

[mdx]

Is the FE2 that much better than the FE?

All things being equal, except that the FE is black body vs the chrome FE2, which would you let go first?

I think Nikon FE is better than FE2 (my experience).

 

[Dirk]

I can't compare my FE to the FE2, as I've never owned or used a FE2, but I know which one is better looking. Photo courtesy of the one and only...

Nikon FE by FilmFlamMan, on Flickr

 

[raid]

I used to own the FM, FE, and the FE2. I kept only the FE2.