Nikon FM2 or FE2?

[sevo]

BTW, will the FE2 work with a 50mm 1.8 D AF lens?

Sure. If you can do without metering or screw some rabbits ears to it, the 50mm AFD would even work on a F.

Essentially there are only two Nikkor lens types that will not do on recent respectively ancient bodies: Pre-AI lenses need a retractable coupler on the camera side (last mid-range bodies with them were the original FM/FE, last pro bodies the F3/F4), and G lenses (without aperture ring) need camera-side electronic aperture setting (and accordingly are stuck on minimum aperture on all aperture priority AE and manual bodies).

 

[paulfish4570]

i will give you an FE2 with nikkor 50/1.8 with one qualifier: if you ever lose interest in it, it must go free to another RFF member or someone else interested in film photography ... 🙂

 

[rover]

Can't beat that.

 

[NIKON KIU]

FM2 is a great deal and less prone to quirks and breakage.
Even better if it's FM2n.
Merry Christmas.
Kiu

 

[dave lackey]

Hmmm...Paul, I sent you an email earlier...will get back with you on that offer!

Kiu, Merry Christmas! And to all RFF'ers here, before I forget with the house cleaning, cooking, etc. for the family get-togethers...


M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S !!!!

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

Hi Dave!

Get Paul's kind offer! FE2's are great cameras (I use two of them) and they're very complete tools, and small too... And a mechanical 1/250th is always there...

Give it a chance and you won't regret it...

Cheers,

Juan

 

[Rob-F]

I have owned and used a pair of FE2s since 1987 with no failures. I value them for their accurate electronic shutter control. Exposures with Velvia 50 and Velvia 100 have been excellent. The MD12 is rather fiddly but works OK if you need it.

 

[Lflex]

For the past 10 years I have used only mechanical cameras but prior to that I owned a FE for 23 years and I must say that I still miss the ease of the automatic shutter. The FE and FE2 has the most unobtrusive finder display you can get, and yet all the information you need - without distracting light display. I wold also claim that the manual overide in the FE/FE2 is more intuitive than the diodes of the FM/FM2. I don't belive the FE2 should be more prone to errors nor have I had a problem with batteries in my FE. Batteries last a long time and frankly how hard is it to carry an extra set.
The MD12 is a noisy and heavy addition you probably would want to be without. (with that said - 100USD is a nice price for a nice functional FM2 and also very tempting)

 

[NIKON KIU]

Wow, this way you can have both to try for $100.

Double Merry Christmas.

🙂

Kiu

 

[RObert Budding]

The FE2 is a superb camera. I carried one throughout Europe during my younger days (it was my first serious camera).

 

[raid]

Dave,

Take Paul's offer, and use your own money for something else.

 

[RMontgomery]

BTW, will the FE2 work with a 50mm 1.8 D AF lens?

Dave, To answer your question - yes the 50mm 1.8 AFD will work on the FM/FE/FM2/FE2. The AFD lenses are considered AI-s spec lenses.

I have and shoot all of these bodies and if I was ever to start thinning the herd, I would at the very least keep a FM around. They are all (FM/FE/FM2/FE2/FM2n) a joy to use. Hope this helps,

 

[gilpen123]

I would choose FM2n as I also like the LED < o > better than match needle. FM2 should be ok just make sure you look at the light seals and change it if it shows wear. Simple and cheap to DIY.

 

[gilpen123]

I can also give you an F2 that needs some cleaning but still operating in good condition. It has been sitting in my office drawer for many years. As I am from the Philippines, consider shipping cost can be an issue. Also same condition as Paul.

 

[Vincent.G]

I would take up either Paul's or gilpen123's offer and save some money. 🙂

Bunch of generous people here in RFF.

 

[bdeyes]

I like the FE2 better for one reason. I never warmed up to the LED display of the FM2 -- middle LED if you are within +- 1/5 of correct exposure, 2 top or 2 bottom LEDs if you are within 1/5 to 1 EV of correct exposure, top or bottom LED if > 1 EV of correct exposure. Whereas the FE2 gave you a needle analog readout where you could tell if you were within 1/2 or 1 or 1-1/2 or 2 etc of proper correct exposure. Only caveat is that the needle on the FE2 could be hard to see in dim situations.

 

[Frontman]

The FE and FE2 are the best value in the Nikon manual focus line. You can shoot them manually as you like, or simply set to "A" if you want a perfect exposure without guesswork. The meter is excellent, and if you like to shoot at night (stars, or night landscapes) simply push the shutter button and the shutter will stay open for as long as necessary.

I ended up getting the best of both worlds by getting an FM3A.

 

[bigeye]

I'd rather have Paul's 1.8 with the camera, too, over the AF-D. No difference in performance, but the focus ring moves much better and the build is more satisfying on the older manual AI-s and earlier lenses.

Grab any one of the types above. We're splitting newt hairs. They're all almost free and among the best cameras ever made, basically a M7 in SLR form. Forget the bodies, the old AI and AI-s lenses are the real treat.

.

 

[dave lackey]

Wow...like has been said before about RFF members...an awfully nice bunch of folks! It's the gear that brought us here and the people who keep us here.🙂

Paul, will call you today in between chores for the festivities tomorrow!😉

Gil, will PM you as well.

All the responses and feedback have been amazing! Thank you all!:angel:

 

[gilpen123]

Merry Christmas Dave !!! Just PM me, shipment will be after New Year as we'll all be busy I'm sure during the holiday season.