Nikon FM2 or FE2?

[eurekaiv]

The FE2 has aperture priority and the FM2 has a better meter readout... IMO anyway. I have an FE2 because I prefer to shoot in A where possible. YMMV. If you weren't able to take up the offer of the nice gentlemen earlier in the thread, I'd say the FE2 was priced too high and that a motordrive is kind of a waste of time unless you really think you need to rattle off 10 frames of the same subject in quick succession. All it does is cost, size and weight to what is otherwise as fairly compact and lightweight body. And FWIW, I got my FE2 for $75 from keh because someone had scratched their name in it at some point. It's otherwise nearly perfect.

 

[paulfish4570]

now that the FE2 has been passed along to dave (posted this morning), i am looking for a solid FM2n body, chrome or black, ready to shoot (clean, good seals, mirror bumper, meter working) - but i DO expect to pay for it ... 🙂

 

[kshapero]

I have owned them all and all excellent, but the one I go to all the time is the FE. The business about batteries is bunk to me. I have been shooting the FE for 5 years or so and never changed a battery. Anyway I keep a set in my wallet so what's the big deal? The FE is simple as hell to use. Just pull advance lever out halfway and the meter turns on (The opposite turns it off). In AE the shutter speed will go up to 1/4000. And best of all, you get them for about $75.

 

[kshapero]

 

[Mablo]

Just remember to wind on until the <1> frame when loading a new roll. That's what the FE2 needs to switch the meter on. It's irritating when you forget it

 

[KoNickon]

Paul, let me look and see what I have. I may have a spare FM2n (I know I have spare FMs, if you're interested) but am not sure. I do have a mint-in-the-box chrome FM2n I put away years ago, still works perfectly, but I'm thinking that's not what you want.

But maybe others will step up in the meantime.

I don't know how I missed this thread initially, but that was an awfully nice gift on your part. One thing that didn't get mentioned in the earlier postings is that the FE2 has TTL flash capability, which I don't think the FMs have. Either camera is incredibly reliable; I've owned various of the models for well over 20 years and I think they're my favorite of all SLRs.

now that the FE2 has been passed along to dave (posted this morning), i am looking for a solid FM2n body, chrome or black, ready to shoot (clean, good seals, mirror bumper, meter working) - but i DO expect to pay for it ... 🙂

 

[paulfish4570]

thanks, ko. the fe2 was given to me; it was a joy to pass it along to an RFF member. 🙂
i just like film mechanical over AE because i shoot a lot of high contrast things with the meter on the brightest objects. i'd rather change fstops by hand than mess with + ev or -ev.

 

[dave lackey]

Yes, Paul, that was nice. Very nice and very much appreciated.

The Fe2 will put in service with my own cameras in a photography class I am teaching. It is a free class using only MF Nikons and film. Not your everyday approach. The current group of students include a young reporter from the local newspaper and Ritz camera employee, both in their 20s.

This is what it is all about.... sharing the light...not pixels.😉

 

[paulfish4570]

aye, matey ... 🙂