lens recommendations for an FE-2?

105/2.5 AIS rocks...
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85/1.8 isn't too shabby either...
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The 24/2.8 AIS is sharp as hell...
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but my all time favorite is the 50/1.2, I bought my FA just for a place to hang this lens ;) The bokeh is wonky at times but still kewl!
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Sorry for all the pics but they speak louder than words...

Todd
 
Great shots, Todd! This whole Nikon adventure for me is such a whim. The last thing I need is a new "system". But I don't know, I just want a super solid SLR that feels and operates like a vintage camera (but with aperture-priority). I'd like to get some longer lenses, something like that 105 for portraits that I'm a little shakier on with my rangefinders. And for me, a 50mm is always such a great starting point. But after seeing your shots, I think the 105 might be next.
 
I also like the 28mm f/2.8 AIS - but I use it on D50 more.
Another lens I enjoy is the 105mm f/4 Micro AI
Have fun, Morgan. Ming
 
I think the 55/2.8 micro nikkor is a fantastic lens, can be used for all purpose photography as well as for macro.
I have the 50/1.4 also and s a great piece of glassss!

BTW. a 28/2.8 is another gem you can get for not-too-much cash
 
A voice for the 50mm f1.8 Nikon E.
Very compact lens something I learend to appreciate when I carried my Nikon around with me whole days.
 
About which lenses will and won't mount on an FE2 - they simply need to be AI or newer, so AI, AI-S, AI-P, AF, AF-D, AF-I, and AF-S.

AI lenses are manual focus, AF lenses are autofocus. AI-P lenses are denoted by a P after the aperture number in the designator, i.e. 1:2.8P. AF-D lenses are denoted by a D in the same place as the P above.

AF-I and AF-S lenses may also be AF-D, in which case they'll be marked AF-S Nikkor 1:2.8D or something like that.

As a caveat, watch for G-type lenses (look for a G after the aperture number). These lenses will mount on the camera, but without modification will shoot only at minimum aperture. That said, modification is quite simple and non-destructive.

Also watch for Non-AI lenses, as mounting these will damage the camera. These can be generally identified by the metal fluting on the rings, as opposed to rubber on AI versions. Some such lenses have been converted to AI though, and you can usually tell by looking at the little ears at the 5.6 position on the aperture ring. If they both have a little hole cut through them, on either side of the gap in the middle, it's probably an AI lens.

Other than that, any lens mounted will function fully.

I bought an FE2 about 2 months ago now, on a whim as well. I've been eyeing off an 85 or 105, but for now I rarely remove my AI 35/2. Being in the middle of the whole 28/50 thing, I think it offers a good compromise of width, price, and size.

Whether you buy an FE2 or FM3A, you won't be disappointed by the precision feel of the camera, the silky-smooth wind, the comfortable bulk of the copper-silicon-aluminium body, and the fabulous quality of the lenses.

Oh, IMO, the silver bodies look better. The black is a novelty, sure, but the silver just has that vintage charm.
 
Hey guys, just a quick update. I just won an FE-2 that looks in decent shape (new back and focus screen) and a 50/1.8 off of fleabay for $120.00. Not too bad! Insta-kit. I can't wait for it to get here!
 
Hey guys, just a quick update. I just won an FE-2 that looks in decent shape (new back and focus screen) and a 50/1.8 off of fleabay for $120.00. Not too bad! Insta-kit. I can't wait for it to get here!

What a thread killer!!!
Now the rest of us can't tell you what we have and what you should get...;)
 
Just out of curiosity has anyone ever used the 58mm 1.2 noct-nikkor? My nikon set up consists of a 28mm 2.8 ais, 2x 50mm 1.8(AF +series e) and an 85mm f/2. I've shot weddings, portraits, events ect with this set up and its served me very well attached to my D200, and my FM. All those lenses are as sharp as anybody will ever need for 35mm.
 
Please still tell me what to go after! :)

I'll definitely get something longer first, and then maybe that uberfast 50.

Thanks for the lens tips jb17kx.
 
The FE2 is a fine choice. I have two and would never sell them. I have no complaints with the 50 f/1.4. I never noticed any flare with the f/1.2. It is however very low in contrast wide open. The 50/1.8 is the best performer, if you don't need the fast aperture. Some of my favorite lenses, which I consider outstanding: 24mm f/2.8 AI. 28/2.8 AIS (it has floating elements). And the 55mm Micro-Nikkor.
 
Must...resist...GAS...attack...

These Ais lenses are good enough even for fondling. 105/1.8 yummm.
 
If I can only have one Nikon lens, it'd be the 35mm f2. I currently have the AF version used mainly on my F100. It's a *very* versatile lens.

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... another one that I had so much fun with, is the 20mm f3.5 AIs :)
 
yes

yes

I've only owned a 50/2 "H", but have read several places that there is more distortion in the 50s that are faster than f1.8 in the Nikon lens lineup.

On the 28/2.8, yes, the newer close focus version (.2m) is preferred over the .3m version (which I have).

No need for the 50/1.4 -- I think the 50/1.8 is the best of all the Nikkor 50s. Definitely the 28/2.8 AIS (an improved design from the AI), and then I'd recommend the 100/2.8 Series E. It's excellent and light in weight and inexpensive -- a good match for the FE2.

I've owned several FE2s and have never had the mirror hangup problem mentioned above. Nikon electronics are quite reliable, I find.
 
I have a few lenses, but not many in Nikon mount.

Nikkor 55mm/3.5 micro => razor sharp
Nikkor 50mm/1.4 and 50mm/2.0
Nikkor 105mm/2.5
Nikkor 24mm/2.8
Nikkor 43mm-86mm
 
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Hi Raid

Hi Raid

That last one I presume is in F mount, the first version of the 43-86 is very special, has "the glow", despite the distortion and all...

I have a few lenses, but not many in Nikon mount.

Nikkor 55mm/3.5 micro => razor sharp
Nikkor 50mm/1.4 and 50mm/2.0
Nikkor 105mm/2.5
Nikkor 43mm-86mm
 
That last one I presume is in F mount, the first version of the 43-86 is very special, has "the glow", despite the distortion and all...


I used to have this zoom and then I sold it. Now, many years later, I got another one. Both are in F mount. I recall Herbert Keppler using such a zoom ona trip to India.
 
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