Type of camera:	35mm single-lens reflex (SLR)
Picture format:	24mm x 36mm (35mm film format)
Lens mount:	Nikon bayonet type
Lenses available:	Nikkor 50mm f/1.2, f/1.4, f/1.8, f/2, or 55mm f/1.2 as standard; more than 50 interchangeable Nikkor lenses in all
Shutter:	Vertical - travel focal - plane shutter with speeds from 8 to 1/1000 sec., “B” and M90 (mechanical, 1/90 sec.); automatic shutter speed selection within a range of 8 sec. to 1/1000 sec.; manual shutter speed selection for the 8-1 /1000 sec. range plus “B” and M90; shutter speed selected indicated in the view field; shutter release via shutter button or self-timer. Manual speed of 1/90 second (M90) and B in case battery falls flat or fails to function normally during extreme change of temperatures. Lever also used to unlock the shutter if it jams during exhaustive of power supply.
Flash synchronization:	Built-in ISO-type hotshoe contact with safety switch for synchronization with electronic flash units; built-in ready-light for use with the optional Nikon Speedlight Unit SB-10, serves also as a sync warning signal; sync terminal provided
Synchronization range:	For electronic flash units, 1/125 sec. to 8 sec. plus “B” and M90; for flashbulbs, 1/30 sec. to 8 sec. plus B; sync speed of 1/90 sec. fixed when the SB-10 (or equivalent dedicated Nikon flash Units) is mounted on the “AUTO”- set FE camera body and the flash unit is switched on, Flash sync via accessory hot shoe or PC terminal.
Accessory shoe:	ISO-type built into the finder housing; fitted with hotshoe contact and electrical safety switch which turns on contact as flash unit is mounted; fitted also with ready-light contact for use with the SB-10 Speedlight Unit, alternate way using PC terminal.
Viewfinder:	Fixed, non-removable eye level pentaprism type with built-in through-the-lens (TTL) exposure meter; shutter speed indicated to the left within the view field; lens aperture setting indicated in the finder when lens in use is fitted with a meter coupling ridge and an aperture-direct-readout lens aperture scale, it yields 0.86x magnification with a 50mm lens and Screen field coverage: 93% of picture frame
Focusing screen:	Matte Fresnel focusing screen with central split-image rangefinder spot and microprism collar (Nikon K screen), two other types of screens available optionally (Types B and E)
Reflex mirror:	Automatic instant-return mirror
Self-timer:	Can be set for approx.8 to 14 sec. delay; setting "cancelable"; serves also as a memory-lock lever
Exposure metering:	Through-the-lens, center-weighted, full-aperture exposure measurement employing two silicon photo diodes (SPD's) with Nikkor lenses fitted with meter coupling ridge; stop-down metering applies for other Lenses; exposure correctly set either automatically or by matching two needles; meter cross-coupled with both lens diaphragm and shutter speed controls, meter powered by two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries or one 3V lithium battery
Metering range:	EV 1 to EV 18 (i.e., f/1.4, 1 sec.- 1/16, 1/1000 sec.) with 50mm f/1.4 lens at ASA 100; built-in meter coupling lever can be locked up, enabling use with both Al-type and non-AI-type Nikkor lenses; aperture coupling range f/1.2 to f/32; film speed setting ASA 12 to ASA 4000; exposure compensation range EV +2 to EV -2 (up to -1 at ASA 3200 and 4000; up to +1 when set at 12)
Film winding:	Via single - stroke lever with 135º winding angle and 30º standoff angle; lever also serves as meter ON/OFF switch; automatic film winding also possible using the optional Motor Drive Unit MD-11/MD-12
Frame counter:	Additive type; automatically resets to “S” two frames before "0," when camera back is opened. (Additive, automatic-resetting type frame counter with "S" and three frames indicated before "1").
Film rewinding:	Manual crank type (rewind crank and rewind button)
Depth-of-field preview:	Via lever provided on front of camera
Camera back:	Hinged, swing-open type; removable; memo holder provided and replaceable with optional data back
Dimensions/Battery:	142 mm (5.59 in.) x 89.5 mm (3.52 in.) x 57.5 mm (2.26 in.) : Powered by: one 3v lithium, or two 1.5v silver-oxide or alkaline batteries.
Weight:	590g (1.18 Ibs.) (body only, approx.)