Inspiration from Nikon FE2

[dave lackey]

Weird. Inspiration is manifesting itself in the black Nikon FE2 I picked up from Ralph last year. Haven't used it much because I had the 50mm 1.8 AF lens on it. But I just received the 50 1.8 Series E lens with the bright ring...now I just need a fast 35 for the other body. Got the flash and cords. Got the filters. Got the macro lenses. Etc.

Purfect!🙂

Now with the black Lance strap (extra long) and the new lens which is very smooth, I am ready just to go walking with the camera I loved so much in my younger days! Will I take a photo this time? Yes, but I am not going out to do that, just to get reacquainted with an old friend.

An old love is great for inspiration, right😛

 

[Tejasican]

How do find that it compares to your R4?

 

[Cpitch]

Having FUN with a past love is always great.
I often return to my FE2 combo or FE, enjoy Dave.
Chris
PS Hows the Lance neck strap working out

 

[dave lackey]

The FE2 (as any other Nikon SLR) is not really comparable to the R4, although the size is almost identical and the controls are in similar locations. The R4 is much nicer in feel, viewfinder, lens, build quality and works seamlessly with the M3.

The reason I like the FE2 is it is like an old pair of blue jeans...just comfortable and if it gets dinged up or whatever, no real problem. I would use it in rougher environments than I would my Leicas. Not that they would not handle it well, I just want to take care of them and keep them in nice condition for as long as possible. The Nikon FE2's are just so darned light and familiar to me that all I would change is adding a brace of FM2n cameras (1 black and 1 silver). Then, my Nikon kit would be complete...yeah, I know..I know. These little Nikons are addicting. I love 'em.

The R4 is amazingly good with the Cron. Even the lens turns the same way with a similar throw distance as my Summarit 1.5...Totally different feel from my Nikons and that is why I prefer to use it over any of the Nikon SLRs. But I still do love using the FE2 with a small pancake lens. I would love an FM2n one day to fill out my small body Nikon kit from the past.

 

[dave lackey]

Having FUN with a past love is always great.
I often return to my FE2 combo or FE, enjoy Dave.
Chris
PS Hows the Lance neck strap working out

Ah...that Lance strap works really well with the FE2. Not so much on the M3 or other Leicas. Seems that the A&A flexes at the ring whereas the Lance has a large, long loop and leader where the strap is tied back together and covered with rubber rings...it doesn't flex/fall away from the camera until a couple of inches from the strap lug. The A&A works better on the Leicas and the Lance is perfectly good for me on the Nikon...YMMV.

The extra long strap is a joy to use bandolier-style across one's chest.🙂

 

[David_Manning]

Dave,

Glad to hear that your FE2 is getting some love. I've recently spun mine up again, after purchasing it last summer.

To be honest, every single one of my digital cameras feels flimsy after shooting two rolls this weekend. I sure like the handling better than anything else in my stable.

I have a Gordy's strap for mine, and it's nice, but I wish it was a bit longer...I like carrying bandolier-style.

 

[dave lackey]

Dave,

Glad to hear that your FE2 is getting some love. I've recently spun mine up again, after purchasing it last summer.

To be honest, every single one of my digital cameras feels flimsy after shooting two rolls this weekend. I sure like the handling better than anything else in my stable.

I have a Gordy's strap for mine, and it's nice, but I wish it was a bit longer...I like carrying bandolier-style.

Yes, they are so nice. Small and light and when carrying bandolier-style, one hardly notices it. The little Series E lens is terrific.

Today, with the longish strap and small, smooth lens, I realized how quickly I can bring the camera to the eye, focus and shoot. THAT is saying a lot.🙂