Nikon FE Series Models - Archived 301-350 Message Board/Guestbook

Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Nikon FE Series Models - Archived 301-350 Message Board/Guestbook

From Tom Passanisi (Wed Jul 26 12:08:44 2000 ):
I've started to again use my FE-2 and realize how good of a camera it really is. I want to purchase a zoom lens for it. Do you have any ideas what would be a good quality lens...should I just stick with Nikon lens AF or get a third partly lens. Any ideas? My price range is approximately $300.00 Also thanks for such a great web site.
From evan (Mon Jul 17 03:30:51 2000 ):
I just wanted to say that I really appreciate this site. I am just getting into photography, and have an FE/MD12 combination. This site has taught me things about my camera that I didn't know existed, because I don't have a manual. Thanks to the Malaysians!
From Steve (Fri Jul 14 22:37:20 2000 ):
I have been an original owner of a Nikon FE for quite some years. The metering needle in inside the viewfinder sometimes jumps to the full up position as if changing F-stops on my lens. Also when using 1/125 flash sync with a flash in place, the shutter locks up. Any ideas if it is still repairable. I love this camera and want it to be back to its fully operating condition.
From MC (Wed Jul 5 16:19:09 2000 ):
To: mayacomm ****** You email address is invalide. Please email me off list. Thanks.
From MC (Mon Jul 3 13:00:07 2000 ):
*****FE Manual********* I managed to locate my FE Instruction Manual recently. Those who are in dire need of the manual, please contact me off list. Thanks.
From Andrew (Mon Jul 3 05:26:49 2000 ):
My Nikon FE is around 20 yrs old. None of the electronics work on it, including the shutter speeds and the meters. Only the battery indicator light works. Does anyone know what is wrong with it and what it takes to fix it? Thanx.
From uzi (Sun Sep 10 17:07:00 2000 ):
Im looking for good cheap lenses for my FE. If someone has smth. in mind please send an offer:))))))
From Diego (Mon Sep 4 04:50:56 2000 ):
**Kenneth** I have no idea qhat are you talking about. please clarify. I'm the first to admit that I aint a Nikon, specialist just a user, happy with his cameras.
From Patti (Sun Sep 3 21:18:50 2000 ):
I have an FE2 and would like to get a macro (used) lense. Can someone tell me what lense I should be looking for? Thanks in advance.
From Brian (Sun Sep 3 13:30:44 2000 ):
Hello there. I am in need of a Rewind Arm w/ Pin for my FE. Any idea of where to get one? Thanks
From Kenneth (Mon Aug 28 13:25:36 2000 ):
**Jim William**: Jim, there is NOTHING wrong on your Nikon FE2's curtain, in fact, as you read carefully with the last few sections in the general comments section in the FE2 site, it did mentioned some of the SLR that went back for last cleaning and servicing of the FE2 during the early '90 was returned with a new shutter that used the newer Aluminum-Alloy type of shutter curtain. There are three Nikon models shared those Titanium blades: Early FM2, Nikon FE2 and Nikon FA. **Diego**: I think you should read the last few sections commenting on the possibilities out of the impossible of a likely "FM3" by leofoo at, although does not sound very nice with the fact that it talks a lot of sense and reveals many pity facts we are facing right now: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfmseries/fm2/index.htm
From Diego K. (Sat Aug 26 07:32:49 2000 ):
Hi everybody, just found this msg board an wated to share :) WEll I started in photography 8 years ago with my father's FE, unfortunally, I broke it in a photo shoot. then got a N90, then a FE2, then an F4e and no more. I regret the day I sold the FE2, Ho I forgot in 94 my granpa also gave me as a present a nice FE. Botom line the F4 and FE2 are the 2 best Manual cameras NIkon ever made (ye I know, but I see F4's AF system as a nice freebe when Af is needed, but when in real need I got MF), more over this are the 2best cameras Nikon ever made, with the FE a close second. I love this cameras Iwould buy another FE2 if it wasnt because I dont have nothing to do with it, now days I shoot medium format and not so frequent 35mm. The Nikon camera I would love to have? an FE2 with MD12, with spot, matrix, cw metering Focus confirmation.... well an F4 reduced to the FE2 body, the motor built in is not that important. the md12 with power overide (like MD15) is ok. done in titanium of corse. NIkon are you listening? here goes another wish: a F4T, the same camera with the F5 tedhnology, mainly a good silent drive, usefull AF, and a better located green iluminator. Can you nikon do this? I dont think so but we can dream cant we? Diego K.
From Lee Abrams (Fri Aug 25 13:19:50 2000 ):
Please help I just purchase a Nikkor-H f28mm auto 1:35 len can some tell me about this lens. when I look up lens I see 28mm 3.5 ect. but never 28mm auto1:35 Lee Abrams
From Jim Williams (Wed Aug 23 23:23:05 2000 ):
Hello from Winnipeg, Canada. I have recently purchased a used FE2 for my daughter who is entering an architecture program at university (photography is part of the syllabus). I liked her FE2 so much that I bought one for myself. After about a week of proud ownership I looked more closely at the shutter curtain mechanism. I noticed that it does not resemble the shutter curtain shown in the photos at this site (i.e. the patterned striations are missing and the surface is completely flat). Does this mean that I do not have a titanium shutter mechanism? Should I be concerned? Are other Nikon shutter mechanisms compatible with the FE2? Thank you in advance for any feedback that may be sent to me. I do enjoy reading the comments of our global community of FE users. Jim
From scott (Wed Aug 16 04:35:37 2000 ):
my sister gave me an old FE that she had..i love it but now have a problem ... the first batteries that i put in it lasted for more thatn 10 rolls of film but when i put in new ones nothing happens.. have tried the suggestions about clean batteries ect. and reading here i see several people have had electrical problems with this camera can some one recomend a shop that can mabye fix this camera?
From John (Sun Aug 13 07:12:01 2000 ):
I have a FE2 with an annoying habit. The FE2 body has a Zoom Nikor 35-70mm f/3.3-4.5 lens. I have a consistant overexposure problem. What could I have missed?
From Pat Cunningham (Tue Sep 19 19:31:13 2000 ):
I own a Nikon FE and just aquired a SB-15 speedlight. Will the sb-15 unit work completely with my FE? If not is there an adapter that will make it compatible? Need your help!
From Andrea (Tue Sep 19 16:04:27 2000 ):
I am looking for a flash for mt FE2, what types will fit and what is a good price range. I'm a college student and I need HELP! Please mail me if you have an answer.
From Dick Olson (Tue Sep 19 07:08:35 2000 ):
I just had a light meter replaced in my Nikon FE by the Camera Clinic in Seattle, WA. This was after several local shops in Denver told me that parts were not available. Doug at the Camera Clinic did an excellent job at a fair price.
From Andrew (Mon Sep 18 01:15:13 2000 ):
***To anyone experiencing electronic difficulties, esp Marco.***** the VRE ring in your camera may be bronken. I have a broken FE w/ a broken VRE ring. The LED battery light works, but nothing else. This may be your problem. Does anyone know where a replacement ring can be found?
From MC (Fri Sep 15 15:55:06 2000 ):
***** Farens **** The LED battery indicator should function even without film loaded. I suspect the LED may need replacement.
From ML Nichols (Fri Sep 15 11:05:00 2000 ):
PLEASE HELP!!! I have a 20 year old FE2 that I love, but the light meter is broken an according to the camera store, is beyond economical repair. Does any one have any suggestions. I live in Boston. Sould I sell the body with the broken meter. What is is worth?
From Marco (Wed Sep 13 11:07:49 2000 ):
I have an old FE that has a broken ""lens ring in the front and some sort of rope coming out from it! where can I find a repair manual for the FE and...most important .. the parts for it?? I live in NJ USA
From G. Farens (Mon Sep 11 10:55:16 2000 ):
I have a Nikon FE with newly installed, fresh batteries. The battery test light on the back of the camera will not illuminate (even if I reverse the polarity of the batteries). Is it necessary to load the camera with film in order for the test light to work?
From Jeff (Mon Sep 11 10:20:27 2000 ):
After checking the documentation on this site again, I found my problem, the batteries were facing the wrong way. Thank you, your site is a godsend.
From Jeff (Mon Sep 11 10:10:34 2000 ):
Hi, this site has been very helpful. I didn't even no what type of camera I had until I found this page(it's an FE). I got the camera from a friend for a photography class, and am excited about using it. However, it does have a problem with it, the same that a few other posters have. After shooting a shot the shutters stay closed unless I set the shutter speed to the B or M 90 settings. While the shutter is closed the film advance will not work. I have tried putting a new battery in, with no result, and am wondering if anyone else know how to fix this problem. Thanks again
From Michael Smith (Mon Oct 23 05:35:59 2000 ):
I just picked up a Black FE@ at a flee market. I would like to learn how to repair it myself. It's not working. Are there any online resources or manuals for repairs? Thanks, Michael Smith
From Laurin (Fri Oct 20 12:21:21 2000 ):
I have a lense compatibility question. Can a nikon AF D zoon 80-200 mm 1:45-5.6 D lens be used with a nikon FE2?
From Niels H. S. Nielsen (Thu Oct 19 22:08:25 2000 ):
I have the following problem w. my FE: If I don't use the camera for about a week, the shutter will stay open and mirror will stay up for the first exposure, until I change the speed dial to M90 or B . Subsequent photos can be taken without problems in Auto mode. I have changed the batteries, cleaned the contacts in the battery compartment but the problem persists. The meter and battery check seems to work. I would be happy to hear what may be the solution if you had a similar problem.
From Eric (Mon Oct 16 18:29:06 2000 ):
Wondering if anyone knows why black FE2's and FA's are more costly than the silver colored versions?
From Clark Lloyd (Sat Oct 14 17:31:22 2000 ):
Hello, I am hunting a insruction and repair manual for a Nikon FE-2 Thanks
From Andrew (Tue Oct 10 01:38:25 2000 ):
Is Ebay a good place to buy an FE?
From Frank B (Tue Oct 3 05:39:31 2000 ):
Hello all. I have an FE that is about 20 years old. The shutter sticks (the mirror stays up) while set to automatic. It drops/closes when the speed dial is moved off automatic. I have been told that the problem is a damaged timer circuit that is controlled through the main FPC. I have also been told that the part is no longer available. Does this make sense? Is my favorite camera really beyond repair? Any assistance, including referrals to competent repair shops would be appreciated.
From Sonyia (Sun Oct 1 13:31:15 2000 ):
I have an Nikon fe I am needing to have it cleaned, does anyone have the address for repair, or a phone number?
From D. Delannay (Thu Sep 21 21:01:15 2000 ):
I have a Nikon FE but I don t have the manual so could you advice me for get one in french because my english is not so good as yours. Thank you very much for your help !
From JWoods (Tue Sep 19 21:54:15 2000 ):
*** Pat Cunningham***: SB-15/Nikon FE works perfectly fine and it will works more than a SB-10/FE combination because the flash has more features to offer. Naturally, you can used Manual flash and the "MD" setting (Be careful, the guide number will drop drastically and depending on the film speed - it is NOT advisable to shoot beyond 8 ft in repeating flash mode. The AUTO modes will be handy if you are not too sure on flash exposure; but AVOID setting the flash at "TTL" mode as the Nikon FE is not a TTL OTF flash enabled SLR camera. There is a Instruction Manual section on the SB-15 in Leonard's site: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/flash/sb15/index.htm ***Andrea***: There are some third party flash for your FE2, but since the camera has TTL flash feature, it is advisable to take full advantage with some Nikon dedicated flash such as the SB-15 mentioned earlier. Some of the AF flash is also usable in the TTL mode, other than the highly portable SB-15 compact flash, another immensely popular non-AF flash is SB-16B. For buying reference on other units, see here: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/flash/sb16ab/index.htm and follow the link at the bottom of the page to go for the respective models; in fact many surfers don't realize there is a COMPLETE information on the listing of EVERY Nikon made flash models stretching from the old BC-7 and SB-1 to the macro flash SB-21. Great Stuffs !
From ManuelK.S. (Thu Nov 9 16:48:49 2000 ):
To Gina: Between Nikon FE, FE-2 and Canon AE-1, the best featured camera is the FE-2 but it may cost significantly more to the Nikon FE or the AE-1. The best value for money body could well be the Nikon FE which provides Manual Exposure Control with an easy to use Aperture Priority Auto mode. The camera has a moderately high 1/90 sec sync (But far from FE-2's 1/250 sec). It also has a mechanical backup speed just in case camera battery is depleted but the most important factor remains at the lens mount section, Nikon FE accepts ALL new or old versions of non-AI-, AI, AIS and even current autofocus Nikkor lenses (FE-2 must have a minimum specification of AI). Canon AE-1 is a weaker model in comparison in many aspect; firstly, it does not has a manual override exposure control other than a a simple Shutter Priority AUTO mode. The sync speed is a below average 1/60 sec and a shutter curtain made of cloth as opposed to that of the metal shutter curtain used in the Nikon FE design (The Nikon FE-2 shutter is made of a real tough Titanium!). Lastly, the Canon FD mount is NOT supported anymore by Canon although you can still find plenty of used accessories lenses in popular outlets like Ebay etc. IF Canon is your preference, look for the newer Canon AE-1 Program model instead - although it may cost you more but it has many significant improvement made over the AE-1 such as interchangeable focusing screens and a capable motor drive unit (original AE-1 has a fixed screen and a slow power winder); While on the other hand, BOTH FE and FE-2 has similar screens change option and has a great motor drive MD12. I would give you a recommendation on the Nikon FE (Please ensure you have a friend who is good enough in camera to check condition for any used unit before committing any purchase). Hope it helps.
From Gina (Thu Nov 9 02:47:19 2000 ):
I am in the process of trying to decide between the Nikon FE,FE2 and a Canon AE-1, I am just beginning and would appreciate any and all advice. Thanks
From preston (Sun Nov 5 07:34:28 2000 ):
HELP!!! I'm trying to locate a shutter assembly for my FE and nikon no longer makes it. Any suggestions from anyone out there would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Preston
From Fiori (Thu Nov 2 11:27:29 2000 ):
Hi... I was wondering about how much does an FE camera cost? I´m interested in buying one but I have no idea. It´s in good condition and just had a service done.Thanks for your help.
From Martijn (Thu Nov 2 00:51:03 2000 ):
GOOD SITE!!!
From Amani Hmaed (Tue Oct 31 05:25:05 2000 ):
Thank you for a wonderful messageboard.. as for me I had my FE2 camera since 1988 and it never let me down once.. it is a gem!! I am thinking of buying a teleconverter for the camera.. Can anyone recommend me a compatible teleconverter with a good reasonable price? Since I am resident in the UK, are there any reputable internet retailers in the US who can sell camera accesories (even second hand) outside USA? regards amani
From david (Mon Oct 30 02:50:58 2000 ):
Hi, I am afraid I did something stupid to damage my MD-12 and need some repair advice. The motordrive was removed from the camera with the power on and this caused it to stay in the wind position (two prongs at 12 and 6 o'clock rather than 9 and 3 o'clock as required to mount on the camera). This not really knowing why this happenned I began fiddling with the camera/motordrive to see if I could get it to work. This basically meant coupling them together, turning the motor drive on and off and changing the batteries. In frustration, and knowing this winder mechanism to ordinarily have some play in it, I physically moved it counter clockwise to the 9 and 3 position. It would not move clockwise. After placing it in the 9 and 3 position it would not move in either direction. Since this time I have discovered that by removing the MD-12 with the motor on I froze the motor,I have sinced followed Moose Peterson's instructions and placed a quarter over the 4 brass contacts. The MD-12 makes a winding sound but the motor doesn't release its grip on the crank and the MD-12 will not advance the film or trigger the shutter. Did I screw this up by stupidly forcing the mechanism into what I thought was the proper position. Is their a quick fix (w/o unscrewing the MD-12 and tinkering on the inside)? Is their an at home fix for the mechanically inclined? How much would Nikon charge?
From chix (Sun Oct 29 20:43:04 2000 ):
i have a nikon FE and wondering what would be a good flash to go with it. i'm looking for a really good one and it doesn't have to be a nikon flash- any suggestions? also, would D lenses work with my FE? thaks.
From JWoods (Tue Oct 24 12:55:57 2000 ):
**Eric**:Wow, answers to your question can be very subjective; firstly, most older SLRs were silver chrome and projects a heavy, tough, rugged and "value for money" feeling for every penny a consumer spent; during the mid-seventies, some of the black chrome SLRs were introduced because some journalists thought that can helped to stealth themselves better during assignments rather than a bright offensive silver chrome camera hanging on their neck. Well, a little shift of taste among consumers also has helped to cause and affect manufacturers to introduced black bodied version of any new models. But unlike silver chrome bodies, a black chrome camera MAY require additional work for applying heavy duty painting or plating over standard metal shell and thus, that could leads to slight price hike than silver chrome version. However, I don't think the choice or demands of black chrome bodies was entirely market driven, because during the mid-seventies, successes of all plastic bodies like Canon AE-1 and so on ... have generally inspired all camera manufacturers that they can actually made more profit using such a new materials where we consumers "approved" (WHY ? Canon AE-1 sold more than 5 million during its life cycle and looked like we endosed it, right? ). Well, I don't have to tell you black bodied camera can hide a plastic feel than a full metal jacket .... Peace. *** Clark Lloyd ***: For repair manual - See earlier message to Mr "MichaelSmith"; BUT if you are looking for a operational manual for the camera, it starts here: http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fe2/basic1.htm Browse, pal !
From JWoods (Tue Oct 24 12:37:03 2000 ):
**MichaelSmith**: Nikon FE is an electronic camera, I am not doubting your capability but sometimes such works could be more costly than sending the service shops for repair. But if you seriously wanting a service manual, you may try Mr John Craig or www.craigcamera.com and ask how much does he sells one. Good Luck. ***Laurin***: I think the site has a pretty comprehensive explanation of how to get the right lenses for your FE2 in the site; But if you don't have the time to browse around, may be I can provide a quick summary - i.e. basically - FE2 shares the same F-mount which Nikon designed for their Nikon F since 1959. But unlike earlier midrange SLRs by Nikon, the FE2 camera is designed to work ONLY with AI (Automatic Indexing), AI-Modified, AI-S, Series E Nikkor optics. The current AF lenses and your mention of the AF-D Nikkor are also workable without any modification done (Naturally, you cannot expect the camera to autofocus for you where you have to slide the "A-M" switch on the AF lens to "M" (Manual focus) setting and turn the focusing ring to focus.
From ManuelK.S (Mon Nov 20 21:38:55 2000 ):
To Frank: Frankly, exterior appearance is always on our priority list whenever considering to buy a used camera. You do not sound very confident in your earlier posting and I would assume you are not too familiar with camera and lenses. I would encourage you to get assistance from a experienced photographer to help to identify the internal, and did a t lest a visual check with the lens in particular to see if it matches the external condition of the camera as you have described. A Nikon FE in excellent condition should fall around USD150-00 to 210-00. Knock the prices DOWN since he is no longer interested in keeping the camera and welcome to the Nikon community.
From Frank (Sun Nov 19 23:33:49 2000 ):
What I mean is - What is the most one should pay for a FE that is all black like the FE2 pictured above and is in excelent condition? It looks like it has never been used and comes with original case and 50mm (1:1.4)Nikkor lens.
From Frank (Sun Nov 19 23:15:45 2000 ):
How much would I expect to pay for a FE in mint condition?
From Jack (Sat Nov 18 04:41:30 2000 ):
I have a Nikon FE which has a broken FRE. My camera repairer, the largest in NYC, has been unable to obtain a replacement FRE since Nikon discontinued making replacements. I have desperately tried to find a FRE but have completely failed. If you know where I could purchase a FRE, please email me directly "Smarts@galaxy.net". Thanks, Jack
Messages : 001-050 | 051-100 | 101-150 | 151-200 | 201-250 | 251-300 | 301-350 | 351-400 | 401-450

| Back | to Index Page of Nikon FE Series SLR Camera(s)
| Back | to Message Board for Nikon FE Series SLRs

Nikon FE | Nikon FE2 | Nikon FE10 | Nikon FA

| Nikon F | Nikon F2 | Nikon F3 | Nikon F4 | Nikkormat(s) |
| Nikon FM Series | Nikon FE Series | EMFGFG20 |
| Nikkor Resources | Series-E optics |

| Back | Index Page of Michael Liu's Nikon SLR Models
| Back | Main Index Page of Pictorial History of Nikon SLRs

* The Eyes of Nikon ...

Home - Photography in Malaysia

Copyright © 1999. leofoo ®. MIR Web Development Team. Credit: MCLau, EEWyn, CyLeow, Chuck Hester, Ted Wengelaar etc. Made with a PowerMac, broadcast with a Redhat Linux powered server.