Nikon FE Series Models - Archived 101-150 Message Board/Guestbook

Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Nikon FE Series Models - Archived 101-150 Message Board/Guestbook

From benny stevens (Thu Jul 1 21:55:23 1999 ):
I bought a used FE2 that could use some new parts. Can anyone help with a bottom plate, a camera back and DOF preview lever new or used at good price)? Also the meter needle is jumpy, but only with the ISO ring on 50ISO. Probably a bad contact in the ring or worn at that spot... what to do? Thanks.
From Lars (Thu Jul 1 00:13:56 1999 ):
Gwen! - at the bottom of this page there is a link to the FE series site! - just below where you typed in your request! At the FM message board there are a short description of defferences (FM/FM2/FM2n) and even a link to an FE/FE2 review! good luck!
From neil (Wed Jun 30 12:01:15 1999 ):
i need a fre assembly for a FE please help
From Gwen (Wed Jun 30 08:57:43 1999 ):
Photographer recommended that I purchase an FE2 or FM2. What is the difference in these cameras and FE or FM. WOuld like to understand before I make the purchase. Thanks much!!
From JohnB (Tue Jun 29 04:23:37 1999 ):
Hello, I've got an FE in outstanding condition- not a scratch or dent on it. Only problem is, it has an intermittent problem. Occasionally, when I depress the shutter button, in either manual or 'A' mode, the mirror locks up but the shutter does not fire. The only way to unlock the thing is to turn the speed dial to 'B'. I was told by Premier Camera Service in Schaumberg, IL, USA that it needed a new FRE metering unit. Is this accurate? Does anyone know if they are reputable or have any recommandations on getting it fixed?
From Lars (Mon Jun 28 00:05:01 1999 ):
Du Wei! - could you explain in more detail what you did? Did you take a whole film witout batteries? How do you know that the shutter worked? Could it be that the only the mirror was still functioning? Did you try to test it with no film, open back, no lens and no batteries?
From Ron (Fri Aug 6 08:08:20 1999 ):
A friend of mine was wondering if he could get a camera guide for a camera He is thinking about buying. The no. is FE=3545534 on front of the camera . Also,if so what the price would be. And where would he order it from. If you can give me this information. Please, e-mail me this information. Thank You, Ron
From CWoods (Fri Jul 30 17:07:46 1999 ):
TO: BRIAN: I think you must have miss-placed or lost the battery holder for your camera, check if it looks like this:http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fe2/basic1.htm If this is what you are looking for - It is a common and cheap accessory where the current FM2n is also using it, don't have to worry, just order from any Nikon dealer and tell them it is the battery holder for your "FM2n".
From Brian (Wed Jul 28 03:23:57 1999 ):
Looking for a replacement part for my FE. It is the battery box (plastic cylinder) which holds the two watch type batteries. The inside plastic broke allowing the center contact to fall out. Called NIKON parts in Torrance, Calif. The part is no longer available. Bummer! Does anyone know where I could procure this part? P.S. Best camera I've ever owned.
From Peter S. (Tue Jul 20 07:36:27 1999 ):
Robert, I recently purchased a Sunpak 433D dedicated for Nikon and the FE2. It works in three modes: manual, automatic (thru its own thyristor), and automatic thru the FE2's off-the-film sensor. It also takes advantage and uses the FE2's LED ready-light, that is above the viewfinder, to indicate the flash is ready. I was pleased with the instructions for use with the Nikon FE2 and well as the features of power and bounce flexibility. Cost was $200.00 in Canada ... likely $150.00 US
From Robert Winters (Tue Jul 20 00:53:18 1999 ):
I recently acquired a used FE2 and would like to buy a Spedlight flash or other which will work TTL with the body. I may buy new or try and find used. I do not want to overpay for alot of features that will be unuseable with this camera. Can you make some suggestioins of some models which I should consider. Thanks Bob Winters
From Lars (Sun Jul 11 19:45:03 1999 ):
Dear Yucatan - I am sorry to hear about your experiences with Nikon FE10. I also just recently heard that FE10 and FM10 was not made by Nikon. Interestingly they are the first F-mount cameras not made by Nikon to carry the Nikon name. Mamiya and Ricoh have earlier made Nikon F-mount cameras but they had slightly different names (see http://cameraquest.com/nfrex.htm). I think the Cosinas over which the FM10 and FE10 are supposedly built are called C1 and C1s. Cosina has a web site but their English SLR page is dead! There is a picture of the C1 at their polish page and it certainly has some resemblance to the new Nikons [http://www.cosina.com/slr/slrp.html]. I think it will be difficult to get an official confirmation. As an alternative you could consider the FG as a handy manual focus backup (including TTL and P mode). It is reviewed by Andrew Kim @ http://www.mit.edu/people/andy_roo/photography/fg-review.html (the link might not work at the moment due to net problems at MIT).
From Yucatan T. da Silva (Fri Jul 9 01:39:21 1999 ):
Hello everybody It was nice to find out that I can share my worries and pains of being another very unhappy owner of this hellbound Nikon FE10. I bought it to work as a manual backup for my AF Nikon F90 X on the belief that (no matter its cheap plastic construction, its poor show on flash photography work and other weaknesses) it held the legendary quality of other Nikon products meaning, for instance, the well known, very simple and reliable FM2. Eventually I understood that I made a serious mistake. Having, as I had, continuous exposure problems with my FE10, and knowing it wasn´t me who was doing anything wrong (I am an amateur with long years doing nature photography ) I sent it in for repair with the local Brazilian Nikon´s representative and asked them to have it checked thoroughly. They did that, or at least they told me so, and the FE10 just kept on its very poorest metering. It was only in the last month that I came to learn the reason for it. IT IS NOT A NIKON PRODUCT, IT´S A FAKE. Nikon´s buzz men greediness led them to think a way of selling more in 3rd word countries like Brazil spending the least in project design. What did they do ? They took an existing Cosina´s model (E1 or C1s, I am not sure) and ADAPTED in it 3 new features which are:self timer, multiexposure capability and aperture priority AE. Besides, they provided it with zinc covers on top and bottom and, above all, stamped the NIKON label in front of it. The camera is assembled within the Cosina´s facilities. Well, anyone with the least knowledge of design engineering is aware that it is close to impossible to improve a device like a SLR camera without expending money - and time - in redesign and retooling. That´s what Nikon did not want to do and that´s the reason for a metering that does not work properly. I sent Nikon´s people an e-mail complaining about it and the only answer I got was that they would not make comments on this issue cause it was not their politics to discuss corporative decisions with consumers. I don´t have any prejudice against Cosina´s products but I would like to know when I am buying one. Furthermore, I don´t think that just for being a consumer of a 3rd world country is a reason strong enough to be tricked and led to buy a well labeled garbage. Sincerely yours Yucatan T. Silva
From Lars (Tue Jul 6 03:44:52 1999 ):
Bertrand! - I am not quite sure if I understand what you want! Do you want to sell your equipment this is not the place! Do you want advice on how to (or who would be able to) modify your old Nikkors? A Nikon FE wiil work with meter coupling lever retracted using stop down metering. Bob - FE10 does NOT do TTL flash metering with ANY flash! Try Craigs Camera for manual.
From Bob Wilcenski (Mon Jul 5 08:47:46 1999 ):
I recently bought a used SunPak flash model #422D at a photo fair. It has a module for Nikon FE,FE2.Does anyone know if this flash will work TTL/Auto on a new Nikon FE10 w/Nikon 35-70 Zoom lens? Also where I might buy or find an instruction manual forthe old Sunpak 422D flash? Would appreciate any help in this matter. Thks, Bobski
From BERTRAND C. BELLAIGUE (Mon Jul 5 07:17:18 1999 ):
COULD ANYONE SELL TO A LENS ADAPTATOR (Nikkor-H.C. Auto 52 mm, 200mm ref. 724858 and 28 mm Auto ref. 892941 Auto). My NIKKON FE ref. is FE 3843347. Answer with offer. Many thanks. BELLAIGUE
From Jeff Feinstein (Sat Aug 21 02:56:40 1999 ):
I'm interested in flash units for me FE. Any web pages sell them? What units are compatible?
From Rick W. (Fri Aug 20 09:47:35 1999 ):
What a great website! Thank you.
From Will D. (Thu Aug 19 19:54:32 1999 ):
I just got a flash SB-16 without manual. Can anyone help explain how to use and read the dial on the back ?
From Dave Boyle (Wed Aug 18 00:23:21 1999 ):
FE2 vs. NAI mount lenses would sum up this post. I have a fe2 and fg (one bought used, the other inherited) I have a bunch of different lenses, all of which are AI mounts. The real question is I was at my local photo store and they had a $20 360mm telephoto lens that was non-ai (or NAI I guess is the proper way to describe it) so I bought it, can't go wrong at that price. I haven't tried to mount it on my FG since I know that it wouldn't work, but it mounts fine to my fe2 without any resistance and I shot a roll and all is well. So my question is can I use NAI on my fe2's? I am not going to mount it on the camera by force mind you, but the the lense slid in place with no problems. I just have to meter by way of stepping down, which isn't a problem. Everyone says that it is a big no-no to do this (nai on fe2's) but so far can't see anything wrong. Can someone give me a good definative answer? Some people say no, some people say no problem but you lose metering. Help! Thanks and happy photo's love both my bodies btw, and highly recommend the fe2 as a great fully functional manual body. -Dave
From Mike (Tue Aug 17 02:28:58 1999 ):
I am having a shutter problem with my FE. I love this camera but the shutter sticks and can only be released by m-90. The other day it stuck and would not release at all. The camera is in mint condition and I have 2 tamron lenses that are also pristine. I don't want to get rid of the camera. Is this a common problem with this model? Is there an easy fix. I hesitate to send it off to be repaired, I don't want it scavanged for parts. Any help would be appreciated. Oh, and I love your sight.
From vicen (Sun Aug 15 21:03:21 1999 ):
I have problems with the mirror with a second hand FE2, Can anybody help me.
From JWooods (Fri Aug 13 14:16:37 1999 ):
TO RON: The camera with a FE before the serial number should be a Nikon FE. There is a site quite comprehensively covers that particular model here: http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fe/index.htm and information in there should be good enough for you to understand more than what a general camera instruction manual can provide. Alternatively, you can mail this guy @: john@craigcamera.com and ask him for a copy (Should be less than US20-00 per copy). I hope these info may help. Cheers.
From Lars (Thu Aug 12 19:11:20 1999 ):
S. Dowmns! - Have a look @ http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens3.htm
From S. Downs (Wed Aug 11 12:51:31 1999 ):
I'm shopping around to replace an FE-2 lost during a divorce. Without my tech manuals, I'm lost. Can you tell me if the Nikon E series lenses are compatible with the body? Thanks!
From Maintainer (Sun Aug 8 15:12:54 1999 ):
New section for discussion on lenses, bookmark for future reference: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/messageboard/lenses/optic.msql
From Anthony (Sat Sep 18 14:19:41 1999 ):
I actually fixed it tonight. I took off the bottom plate and fiddled with things manually, and now it works. =) woohoo!
From JWoods (Fri Sep 17 10:49:08 1999 ):
Just spend a little of your time go through this page, most often one would bypass the basic camera setup section: http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fe2/basic1.htm
From Tom Bracken (Fri Sep 17 03:37:43 1999 ):
I'm another owner of an FE2 with "the shutter problem" - shutter locks at any setting but M250 and B. Has anyone received a successful fix? Thanks.
From Anthony (Sun Sep 12 12:39:36 1999 ):
Hi all. I have a Nikon FE that keeps breaking down. Once I got to the end of a roll and pushed the advance lever too far to the end and it got jammed in the out position. I had it fixed which cost like $130 or so. About a month later (me now being much more careful with it) it happened again, out of the blue, about 20 into a 36 roll. This time, it won't go all the way out, and pressing the shutter release does nothing. Anyone else have this problem before? Is it at all possible for me to fix myself, or am I just being stupid? I don't want to put more money into it if it's just going to break again. I know I should have brought it back when it broke the second time, but it happened after I moved out of the area, so it wasn't easily done. Anyway, any suggestions? I don't even have any concept of what a camera like this is worth. Thanks.
From jimmy parker (Sat Sep 4 19:59:48 1999 ):
Had bad experiences with FE10s. First one was a birthday present to replace my ageing Lordonar C35. I had a great idea - take a photo every day of 1999, last year of the millenium in an album. Personal shots, landscapes, whatever, forcing me to use my FE10 and improve my photography. After about three rolls of film, the shutter stops working - a faint click. Returned under warrenty for repair. It worked for a while but then the same problem occurred intermittently. Returned it again. It worked for a while then ... Returned it....Asked my dealer for a replacement which they agreed to. Took my new FE10 on holiday to South Africa . Durban, Drakensbergs, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, 25th wedding anniversary ..all captured on my new camera, I wish. Two rolls of film developed in South Africa were completely blank! Shutter not working. I wrote to Nikon over a week ago and I'm waiting for their reply - should I write to Cosina?
From steve (Sat Aug 28 13:43:12 1999 ):
Does anyone have a recommendation on a good lens for taking my son's football games. Have a 70-210 f3.5, but need a little more range. What lens seems to work out better with an FE. Comments welcome.
From Lars (Tue Aug 24 18:50:54 1999 ):
FE10 made by Cosina?? As I asked my photo dealer the other day if he had any insights on the "FE10 and FM10 made by Cosina"-issue he just showed me the new Voightlander Bessa L. Now I am convinced. See for yourself @ http://www.cosina.co.jp/bessa/2.html The OM2000 also has "striking similarities" with FM10 (@ http://www.olympus.com/product.asp?s=12&product=223&huge=1) and Cosina C1 (@ http://www.cosina.com/slr/slrp.html)! For some reason the FE10 and FM10 is not mentioned in Nikon's newly redesigned and pages @ http://www.klt.co.jp/Nikon/35mm/index.html Is Nikon ashamed of its own products?
From Carlos (Sat Aug 21 22:01:35 1999 ):
I'm interesred in the retail value of my Nikon FE2. It is in good condition. Can sell with existing lenses, or not, depending on purchaser. Can you direct me where I can get an estimate on the cost of this camera?
From Lars (Sat Aug 21 14:32:26 1999 ):
Hi Bob. The Micro-Nikkor-P 55/3.5 is a pre-AI coupled lens (yours seems to be from between 1970 and 1975, see http://home.ait.ac.nz/staff/rvink/nikon3.html). I prefer to call it pre-AI instead of NAI (non-AI; a lot of things can be said to be non-something). It is not directly compatible with FE10 since the camera have a non-adjustable METER COUPLING LEVER (refer to http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fe10/index.htm). A pre-AI lens can however be modified by milling away some of the aperture ring edge. This will leave room for the cameraís METER COUPLING LEVER and it will work with full aperture metering as an AI lens. Check http://www.aiconversions.com/ for details and illustrations. I assume you have already studied http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm carefully. You could also get an early Nikkormat (pre-1977) to use with the lens - very nice for macro work with their mirror lock-up and Nikon-feel, see http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikkormat/index.htm
From Bob (Sat Aug 21 12:40:21 1999 ):
Lars, I need your expert help on lens compatibility for an FE-10. I recently purchased an older 55mm Micro-Nikkor-P Auto f/3.5 lens (s/n #664975) on an eBay on-line auction for a fair price. I am mainly interested in doing macro work on coins, stamps,and jewelry. The on-line image of the lens showed the "rabbit-ears" but not clear enough to see any holes in them. Being a novice to Nikon lenses, I did some research and came to the conclusion that this lens would probably work O.K. on my camera in a stopped-down metering mode. Then I got real confused with all this non-AI, AI, and AI-S and AI-mod jargon that I'm not so sure any more. The lens is now being shipped to me and I want to be sure it won't damage my camera mount if I try to install it. I'd appreciate if you or anyone else with expertise in this area could give me some guidance on this subject. This lens seems to be a hot item on eBay so if it's not compatible with my camera I could easily resell it and try for a 60mm f/2.8 D-type lens. Thanks, Bobski2@pacbell.net
From John Zaldonis (Thu Oct 7 11:28:20 1999 ):
I am having a problem getting my FE repaired. A repair shop in Georgia returned the camera to me as unrepairable due to a broken VRE ring. They claim parts are no longer available, which does not surprise me too much. Does anyone know who can do repairs on a 19 year old FE AND has access to hard to get parts? Thanks for your reply.
From B. J. Ram Rao (Sun Oct 3 11:59:59 1999 ):
I have a Nikon FE2 black body which I bought new in California in January 1985. The camera's performance has been so flawless that it has been my only camera. (My son uses an FM2) I had the FE2 camera serviced by Shriro, Singapore (authorized Nikon service) in August 1997. This was basically replacement of deteriorated foam and rubber parts. The camera has mostly been used with a MD-12 motor drive so the shiny shutter release on the body had not been used for a couple of years. When I tried it recently, it returned to the up position in a slow sticky damped motion, instead of swiftly as when new. This problem was solved by exercising the shutter release forty or fifty times. Recently the camera has a new behavior. In the "B" and M250 mechanical settings, it gives a fixed exposure of approx. 5 seconds. The mirror returns to the cocked position after approx. 5 seconds even in the "B" setting. Can you please tell me what is happening and recommend a course of action. I would also appreciate knowing who performs "Authorized Nikon Service" in India? Thank you. Ram Rao
From Wayne (Fri Oct 1 12:18:19 1999 ):
Hello: Liked the size and weight of the camera best of all. Have a question: Should the exposure needle stay locked as you recompose ? Mine does not and wondering if I should get it checked.
From Steve levine (Wed Sep 29 09:51:30 1999 ):
I shoot weddings(candids)with FE & MD-11and a Metz auto flash(60-CT).My question:should I shoot M90 shutter speed?I dont use the meter anyway.Using the hot shoe automatically sets speed to 1/90th.M90 being slower than 1/125 should be okay for sync?
From david (Tue Sep 28 09:51:53 1999 ):
I have two MD-12s that both have developed stress cracjs in the top plastic cap on the motordrive's grip. The crack is slightly to the right of the shutter button and starts at the bottom of the cap. On one MD12 it starts in the back (camera side of the grip) and travels up diagonally towards the shutter button for about 8 mm. On the other MD-12 the same crack exists on the back and a second crack, nearly twice the size of the rear crack runs up the front. The two cracks seem to be seeking each other at the tangent to the shutter button. Has anyone else had this problem with the MD-12s? If so, what should be done about it? Will Nikon repair this for a reasonable charge? I'd like to know if anyone has experience with this problem. Thanks.
From michael meyer (Tue Sep 21 20:11:54 1999 ):
tom-- change your battery if you haven't already done so. it sounds like your camera has run out of juice and will therefore only work at the two mechanical speeds: M250 and "B." If that doesn't work, nothing for ya'. mike meyer
From Paul Schmidt (Tue Sep 21 07:31:50 1999 ):
Is it just me or are today's cameras just butt ugly? After having pulled out my trusty Nikon FE(bought in '80) from the closet I was looking around at new cameras today and can't get over how bulky, bulbous, and grotesque looking they are nowadays. I think the current line of Nikon N60, N70 are a damn eyesore. The most elegant looking cameras IMHO are still the oldies from the late 70s like the FE, F3, Canon A-1(especailly all black) and AE-1 and the Olympus OM-1. Not only are modern cameras ugly but they lack many features that the oldies had like DOF preview, multiple focusing screens, mechanical speed for when the battery fails and other goodies. The N70 cost $300+ for the body and has no DOF preview!?! I don't really care for AF, give me manual focus any time. And I much prefer dialing the shutter speed with my hand then fumbling with buttons and a UI. I dunno, I guess I am just old fashioned :)
From Paul Schmidt (Tue Sep 21 00:45:17 1999 ):
Lars: Thank you so much! You were right, the meter coupling lever was "up" in the disengaged position. Woohoo, I can meter without the DOF lever! Ok, now all I have to do is replace the foam sealant on top of the focus screen. I barely noticed last night that it had all eroded away. I found a URL for explaining the procedure so wish me luck :) Thanks again. What a great website this is to find this kind of help so fast!
From Lars (Mon Sep 20 19:55:56 1999 ):
Paul! - The Nikon Series E should be just fine! It sound like the Adjustable METER COUPLING LEVER of the FE could be in it's disengaged position. It could also be the AI coupling that is broken. If it is a so called AI-S lens wont make any difference (a Series E lens is also AI-S coupled).
From Paul Schmidt (Mon Sep 20 10:57:52 1999 ):
Hello FE fans. I have a question regrading my 19-year old Nikon FE. It's been collecting dust for many years now but suddenly I've got the itch to get back into photography. My question is about the "Series E" lens (50/1.8) that is currently on it. It's a really old lens that requires the depth-of-field preview lever to be held in in order for the meter to work. It's really a pain in the rear especially in low light and I would like to replace it with something more modern manual focus type lens. Will a Nikkor AIS lens do the trick? Thanks.
From Rezucha (Fri Oct 22 05:08:00 1999 ):
SORRY ! At first, tell me, how can I remove badly writen messages. Second, sorry, but I am owner of NIKON FE2, not FM2, as I have written on other messages. Sorry.
From Latzo Rezucha, Slovakia (Fri Oct 22 04:52:00 1999 ):
Help me please! I have fell with my Nikon FM2 camera on rocky trial in High Tatra Mountains. Result : lens (28 mm) is OK, but measuring unit is gone. I have tryed in vain repair services both in Slovak and Czech Republic, and Hungaria as well. None could help me. I have my dream fulfilled by buying this camera. But,after few months I have reached deepest disapointment ever in my carrier as an amateur photographer. I can use my camera with flash unit only, because shutter speed adjusment and measuring unit are out of order. Who can give me an advise, where can I get my camera fixed, or how can I get spear part for it.I am doing my best for it for two years, already.
From Latzo Rezucha, Slovakia (Fri Oct 22 04:48:57 1999 ):
Help me please! I have fell with my Nikon FM2 camera on rocky trial in High Tatra Mountains. Result : lens (28 mm) is OK, but measuring unit is gone. I have tryed in vain repair services both in Slovak and Czech Republic, and Hungaria as well. None could halp me. I have my dream fulfilled by buying this camera but,after few month I have reached deepest disapointment ever in my carrier as an amateur photographer. I can use it with flash unit only, because shutter speed adjusment is out of order. Who can give me an advise, where can I get my camera fixed, or how can I get spear part for it.
From M. Kinneer (Thu Oct 21 07:23:46 1999 ):
I have an FE with a rather unique problem: One day as I attempted to open the camera back, the film rewind knob came OFF of the camera, leaving the camera closed and various components rattling around inside the body. Does anyone know how to get an FE open w/out use of the rewind knob? I'm stumped. Thanks for any help rendered!
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