Where was this video 15 years ago when I got my FE? So much knowledge in one video it’s insane. I only learned how the light meter works earlier this year (don’t judge…) and I thought I knew everything until your video. Thanks for posting, great content that’s straight to the point!
There is no going back now. Once you discover the zen-like pleasures of slow, thoughtful film photography, the digital world seems like cheap fast food.
Thanks for another interesting video. I bought my FE in 1979. Had it for many years until I visited Canon for a period. Now I have been back at Nikon for several years and still have an FE. In many ways, I found this to be better and more intuitive to use than my F3, which I also have. Love the way it shows correct exposure.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It is similar to many of us. I fully agree that FE is more intuitive than F3. Although the F3 is also very highly regarded and has a cult status, it has a number of useability issues. The camera which came close to the FE's ease of light metering is Contax RTS.
Thank you again for putting such informative and entertaining content. I watched all of your Nikon video series, and there is no doubt that it's a labor of love more than anything else. Looking forward to watching the rest, and the many new ones that hopefully will come.
your video is making me want to use my FE and F again! They have been in camera bags in my closet for a long while! Been shooting Leica M film and digital for a while but I will say how simple and more Leica like my two Nikon bodies are! I have 3 FE and 1 F besides many Nikon digital bodies I still own! Great video! Inspiring me again! Thank you!
Fantastic video. The best I've seen on TH-cam. I use aD600 for digital , F100 and Fe for film . Prefer the Fe rather than the Fe2 I used to have. I even have my first camera which is a Fujica stx1 which has a match needle system and still works fine!!! 😅 Thanks again 😊
Another great video. Actually I ‘ pre empted’ you and bought a black FE on eBay a month or so ago. I have had to put new light seals in but it is in lovely condition. I already have an FM since new (1979) but I consider the FE a step above with the needle metering. It’s a nice handy size. I look forward to using it.
Thanks for the positive feedback. I promise if a camera is not worth it, I will say so. For example I have not been kind to the Mamiya C3 or Press cameras which have actually attracted the largest viewer numbers. Also I was not hugely enthusiastic about Canon AE-1. But they have their unique places in the Technology Heritage.
@@TechHeritage My first serious camera was an AE-1 in 1979, but when coming back to film photography some years ago, I went with Nikon as the used prices were affordable now, unlike when I was a teenager. Cheers!
I had an Fe and an F2 for years but I sold the F2 because I just always picked up the Fe. The metering is so much nicer to use. The film loading tip is great, I would use a film loading bag if you have one.
You got the batteries upside down. My FE suddenly had dead batteries in it, and when I examined it more closely and put a fresh set in, the metering circuit is dead. The old batteries were dead as a post, but a couple of sets of fresh new ones make no difference. It had been sitting with the MD-11 attached and I wondered if it had drained them, but I can't see how. Anyway, everything was turned off, and it had been like that for weeks, with me occasionally checking the batteries and getting the OK LED in response. Looks like I'll have to take the covers off, checking for a bad solder joint or a broken wire, these meter circuit wires are fairly small. Bit disappointed, as it had been rock-solid until then, but 40+ year old electronics are likely to fail around now. Many of the FE's cheaper rivals from other makes have failed in large numbers already.
Thanks for the sharp eyes. The incorrect battery direction was cut out of the video. It is the first time I have heard such a problem as your FE. My understanding is that it shows Battery is OK, but it does not work on the Auto settings or light metering. This is commonplace with a lot of Canon AE-1's and numerous conremporary Minolta cameras, to the point that our video on how to fix the Minolta power issues is the most viewed video of all. In the case of Minolta, it is almost always a dead capacitor under the bottom plate, which is fixed in a few minutes. But in the case of FE, I am not familiar with its circuitry as such problems are so rare. Usually any problem that requires removing the top plate is much harder to fix. I wonder if there is somethign simpler that is overlooked. Does the shutter work on the Mechanical setting M90? Is the mirror stuck in the up position?
I have many 35mm nikons. One of my FE's meter was dead. The camera had been sitting for a while. I installed new batteries to no avail. I then put some rubbing alcohol on a q-tip cotton swab, cleaned inside the battery chamber, (including the tension spring), installed the batteries, and bingo, the camera was working perfectly. Good luck.
One more very pleasant video to watch. Thanks a lot. Some weeks ago I was looking for a Nikon FA but then I realised that I love to shoot with my Canon A1, and the Rolleiflex SL35E, and the Leica R4, and the Olympus OM2n so I asked my self, what's the point of the Nikon FA? And I answered to myself that it's time to have a classic Nikon SLR to shoot from time to time and give some use to those Nikkor D lenses I have. Then I realised, that to those lenses I already have and enjoy a lot to shoot the F70, and the F80 and the F100, and the F4 and the F5. So, again, I asked what's the point of the Nikon FA? And sadly I couldn't find the proper answer. So I decided to stay with my assortment and, about new cameras, just keep watching this videos :) Regards
Thanks for sharing your journey over time. Coincidentally I have been looking for a good Nikon FA, to complete all the double digit semi pro. Nikon reviews. I wonder if you saw our video on the first Rolleiflex SL35.
Yes indeed. Thats what you get after 7 years of gradual refinement. I forgot to mention that the metering methodology is almost the same as Contax RTS of 1975. Contax replaced the needle with a column of tiny red LED's.
His your Tech Heritage Film Camera Chronology table accessible in any net address? I found it most interesting to look and consult any time we are looking for alternatives on any camera model. For sure, it's a colossal job you have done for photography's history and culture.
The TechHeritage Camera Chronology can be downloaded from this link for one week (until October 20th 2024): www.qdox.net/downloadtransfer/670c1284a7b407ze0og You need to copy and paste into your browser as it may not be clickable in this comment section. This Chronology is regularly updated as more cameras are added from our collection of 350 cameras. If you need something that is not on this version, please check with me again and the latest version will be provided.
@TechHeritage Thank you very much, you are most kind. Tables are a very good way to look for information. For instance I was looking for the best relation features-cost-size for a pocketble compact zoom digital cameras (small sensor) and it was after looking for 104 cameras data that I could decide to go for the Sony HX90V. That was possible because I made an Excell table with the sensor size and resolution, the zoom range, the camera size, the aperture range, EVF or not, screen size, resolution and tilt or not, and release year, for 104 diferent models. Once again thank you very much for sharing your Chronology table.
As a FE shooter, this is the most concise feature demonstration I have seen yet. Many details other reviews miss.It's my favorite 35 mm to use.
Glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful. There is more where that video came from.
Where was this video 15 years ago when I got my FE? So much knowledge in one video it’s insane. I only learned how the light meter works earlier this year (don’t judge…) and I thought I knew everything until your video. Thanks for posting, great content that’s straight to the point!
There is no going back now. Once you discover the zen-like pleasures of slow, thoughtful film photography, the digital world seems like cheap fast food.
Thanks for another interesting video. I bought my FE in 1979. Had it for many years until I visited Canon for a period. Now I have been back at Nikon for several years and still have an FE. In many ways, I found this to be better and more intuitive to use than my F3, which I also have. Love the way it shows correct exposure.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It is similar to many of us. I fully agree that FE is more intuitive than F3. Although the F3 is also very highly regarded and has a cult status, it has a number of useability issues. The camera which came close to the FE's ease of light metering is Contax RTS.
Thank you again for putting such informative and entertaining content. I watched all of your Nikon video series, and there is no doubt that it's a labor of love more than anything else. Looking forward to watching the rest, and the many new ones that hopefully will come.
Thank you. The reward for the labor of love is comments like yours.
your video is making me want to use my FE and F again! They have been in camera bags in my closet for a long while! Been shooting Leica M film and digital for a while but I will say how simple and more Leica like my two Nikon bodies are! I have 3 FE and 1 F besides many Nikon digital bodies I still own! Great video! Inspiring me again! Thank you!
This was always the grand master plan; to make you rediscover your Nikon minor F cameras. Enjoy and share the experience.
Fantastic video. The best I've seen on TH-cam. I use aD600 for digital , F100 and Fe for film . Prefer the Fe rather than the Fe2 I used to have. I even have my first camera which is a Fujica stx1 which has a match needle system and still works fine!!! 😅 Thanks again 😊
Thanks a lot!
Another great video. Actually I ‘ pre empted’ you and bought a black FE on eBay a month or so ago. I have had to put new light seals in but it is in lovely condition. I already have an FM since new (1979) but I consider the FE a step above with the needle metering. It’s a nice handy size. I look forward to using it.
Thanks for the positive comment. It looks like your experience closely matches my conclusions on this wonderful camera. Enjoy!
Great tips on getting extra frames. Enjoying this series, except each one tempts me to buy another camera! Cheers!
Thanks for the positive feedback. I promise if a camera is not worth it, I will say so. For example I have not been kind to the Mamiya C3 or Press cameras which have actually attracted the largest viewer numbers. Also I was not hugely enthusiastic about Canon AE-1. But they have their unique places in the Technology Heritage.
@@TechHeritage My first serious camera was an AE-1 in 1979, but when coming back to film photography some years ago, I went with Nikon as the used prices were affordable now, unlike when I was a teenager. Cheers!
this would have been perfect if i saw this last week when i got my FE
I hope you don't regret buying it.
I had an Fe and an F2 for years but I sold the F2 because I just always picked up the Fe. The metering is so much nicer to use.
The film loading tip is great, I would use a film loading bag if you have one.
Watch our video on the F2 and maybe you will miss the one you sold.
@ don’t tempt me!
You got the batteries upside down.
My FE suddenly had dead batteries in it, and when I examined it more closely and put a fresh set in, the metering circuit is dead. The old batteries were dead as a post, but a couple of sets of fresh new ones make no difference.
It had been sitting with the MD-11 attached and I wondered if it had drained them, but I can't see how. Anyway, everything was turned off, and it had been like that for weeks, with me occasionally checking the batteries and getting the OK LED in response.
Looks like I'll have to take the covers off, checking for a bad solder joint or a broken wire, these meter circuit wires are fairly small.
Bit disappointed, as it had been rock-solid until then, but 40+ year old electronics are likely to fail around now. Many of the FE's cheaper rivals from other makes have failed in large numbers already.
Thanks for the sharp eyes. The incorrect battery direction was cut out of the video. It is the first time I have heard such a problem as your FE. My understanding is that it shows Battery is OK, but it does not work on the Auto settings or light metering. This is commonplace with a lot of Canon AE-1's and numerous conremporary Minolta cameras, to the point that our video on how to fix the Minolta power issues is the most viewed video of all. In the case of Minolta, it is almost always a dead capacitor under the bottom plate, which is fixed in a few minutes. But in the case of FE, I am not familiar with its circuitry as such problems are so rare. Usually any problem that requires removing the top plate is much harder to fix. I wonder if there is somethign simpler that is overlooked. Does the shutter work on the Mechanical setting M90? Is the mirror stuck in the up position?
I have many 35mm nikons. One of my FE's meter was dead. The camera had been sitting for a while. I installed new batteries to no avail. I then put some rubbing alcohol on a q-tip cotton swab, cleaned inside the battery chamber, (including the tension spring), installed the batteries, and bingo, the camera was working perfectly. Good luck.
We need a video on nikon rangefinders
Yes, it's coming soon. It includes Nikon S1, S2 and SP. But first, Nikon F6.
Having FE2 since 1985, I never saw/got/.. that trick with cocking the shutter prior of loading new film. Cool !👍
Anything to save 3 shots is worth it.
One more very pleasant video to watch. Thanks a lot.
Some weeks ago I was looking for a Nikon FA but then I realised that I love to shoot with my Canon A1, and the Rolleiflex SL35E, and the Leica R4, and the Olympus OM2n so I asked my self, what's the point of the Nikon FA?
And I answered to myself that it's time to have a classic Nikon SLR to shoot from time to time and give some use to those Nikkor D lenses I have.
Then I realised, that to those lenses I already have and enjoy a lot to shoot the F70, and the F80 and the F100, and the F4 and the F5. So, again, I asked what's the point of the Nikon FA? And sadly I couldn't find the proper answer.
So I decided to stay with my assortment and, about new cameras, just keep watching this videos :)
Regards
Thanks for sharing your journey over time. Coincidentally I have been looking for a good Nikon FA, to complete all the double digit semi pro. Nikon reviews. I wonder if you saw our video on the first Rolleiflex SL35.
@@TechHeritage Yes, of course I did. I never miss one of your videos, really.
Shame the metering heads of the F2 don't have the same clear, easy to use system as the FE.
Yes indeed. Thats what you get after 7 years of gradual refinement. I forgot to mention that the metering methodology is almost the same as Contax RTS of 1975. Contax replaced the needle with a column of tiny red LED's.
@@TechHeritage I didn't know that. Thanks for responding.
The real question is where did you get that beautiful leather half cover?
from Aliexpress. The search term is this: "Handmade Genuine Leather Camera Case For Nikon FM2 FM FM2N FE FE2 camera Half case Cover Bag"
His your Tech Heritage Film Camera Chronology table accessible in any net address? I found it most interesting to look and consult any time we are looking for alternatives on any camera model. For sure, it's a colossal job you have done for photography's history and culture.
The TechHeritage Camera Chronology can be downloaded from this link for one week (until October 20th 2024): www.qdox.net/downloadtransfer/670c1284a7b407ze0og
You need to copy and paste into your browser as it may not be clickable in this comment section.
This Chronology is regularly updated as more cameras are added from our collection of 350 cameras. If you need something that is not on this version, please check with me again and the latest version will be provided.
@TechHeritage Thank you very much, you are most kind. Tables are a very good way to look for information. For instance I was looking for the best relation features-cost-size for a pocketble compact zoom digital cameras (small sensor) and it was after looking for 104 cameras data that I could decide to go for the Sony HX90V. That was possible because I made an Excell table with the sensor size and resolution, the zoom range, the camera size, the aperture range, EVF or not, screen size, resolution and tilt or not, and release year, for 104 diferent models. Once again thank you very much for sharing your Chronology table.
F3 starts in 1980
Yes, and mentioned in the video. There is also a separate highly detailed video on the F3 for your interest.
I vote the Nikkormat EL over the FE for general reliability 😮
Thank you for sharing your personal experience.