Nikon FE2
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| Nikon FE2 by Icy (Image rights). |
The FE2 was a 35mm SLR from Nikon, which was launched in 1983 as the successor to the Nikon FE. It was manufactured until 1987. In 2001, Nikon launched the Nikon FM3A as the successor to this camera as well as the Nikon FM2. Unlike the Nikon FE, the Nikon FE2 cannot use non-Ai Nikkor lenses because the Ai prong cannot be flipped up. Most Ai-type Nikkor lenses, as well as Autofocus Nikkors up to, but not including the "G" series of lenses, will work with the FE-2.
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| Nikon FE2 with motordrive by Icy (Image rights). |
Features
The Nikon FE2 was the first camera to feature a minimum flash sync speed of 1/250th of a second. This is possible because of the advanced Titanium shutter, with speeds from 8 seconds to 1/4000th of a second (actually in "A" mode the FE2 can expose much longer than 8 seconds). Similar to most Nikon models from the period, the FE2 features the 60/40 integral metering system. Initially Nikon planned to use the new matrix system, which was then under development in the FE2, but it was not ready on time and therefore was first installed on the Nikon FA. The Nikon FE2 has only a few bells and whistles, but it is extremely well built and therefore still sought after today (2010) by users. Two features, which are related to the self-timer lever aren't the only ones, which are not immediately obvious. Pushing the lever towards the lens functions as the AE exposure lock. If the self timer is enabled (which when fully engaged takes 10 seconds to release the shutter), the mirror flips up immediately after pushing the shutter button, thus minimizing vibration during the exposure. The FE2 is equipped with TTL OTF flash. Most Nikon flashes with TTL capability are supported, with the notable exception of the Nikon SB-900, which is only capable of iTTL OTF functionality.
Accessories
The accessories for the Nikon FE2 are the same as for the other members of the Nikon FE and FM camera series, including the most recent model Nikon FM3A. The motor winder Nikon MD-12 is probably the longest manufactured accessory in the entire history of Nikon. The winder MD-11 also works with the FE2. Two data backs were available, the MF-12 and the MF-16, whereas the latter one does not need a special cable to function, but uses the contacs in the camera body instead. Both of these data backs can only imprint data within the visible area of the negative and have a very simple feature set.
The Nikon FE2 today
By now, this camera model is over 20 years old. Nikon service doesn't repair this model any longer, but there are still some independant repair shops, which do. As the FE2 features several electronic components, it is prone to fail. A typical sign of an electronic component failing is the "jittery needle" syndrome. If the match needle in the viewfinder begins to "jump" after the shutter button has been depressed half way, the camera is about to fail. Another typical sign is the intermittent failure to complete an exposure in "A"-mode, which is indicated by the mirror failing to return to the viewing position.
Links
In English:
In French:
- Nikon FE2, Nikon FE2 noir on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand
