These two affordable Nikons are a great way into film photography. They're also two of the best made film SLRs ever! Support this channel at / zenography
I owned both the Nikon FE and FE2. Relatively compact and solidly reliable workhorse cameras that left precious little wanting. True Nikon classics from the 80's.
I bought an FE twenty years ago second hand from Casanova in Barcelona. After 4 years it needed a service. The mirror mechanism got stuck, but since then, it has offered spot-on performance. I agree with you that being (in the case of the FE, almost) 100% mechanical, they force you to learn the basics, and thus, have helped me develop as a photographer no end. I was on the point of buying a Nikkormat FT2 to compliment the FE as a travel camera, but the accompanying lens put it out of my budget. I got a good deal on a Minolta SRT 303b with a 50 f1.7 lens, that seems almost identical to the FM, and is built like a Tiger Tank. The one thing I'd criticise about Nikkon is that they are pricey compared to other brands. But then, they are really good cameras.
Stuck in lockdown today and I was rummaging through a box of old camera stuff I had stashed in the back of my cubboard. I found two 'cable releases' from cameras I'd had in the past. It's watching videos like this that remind me of the good old days when cameras seemed so much simpler!
Just discovered your videos and reviews. All great, informative and helpful. Keep up the great work. Will check in regularly. Have liked all that I have watched and subscribed. Cheers
Nice simple review thanks. Just when I thought about minimising my Nikon collection and just hanging onto the F3.....sod it I'll keep them all now 😁 Subscribed👍
I have a n8008, an f2 with DP1, and now I’m planning on getting an FE. Can I use a standard shutter release cable in the FE? I plan on using the FE for low light bulb photography, as the 8008 doesn’t have a focusing prism and is too cluttered as far as controls go in my opinion.
A very informative and straightforward review; just like the cameras. I added an FE to my collection a year ago and its become a favorite. Like my OM2n, I love the feel of this camera. With the ease of the double exposure switch, I use it for that purpose exclusively. The images are fantastic and they have a softness to them that I like. Thanks for the review!
After cutting my teeth on a Zenit E I progressed to a Nikon FG and then an Olympus 2. Now retired I treated myself to a Nikon FM and an FA. I'll always prefer the looks of the Olympus but the quality of the Nikons is undeniable.
Thank you for a very good description of a Photographer's Gentleman's Camera, when these Nikon first came out in the 70's but I couldn't afford them, so I bought the Pentax Spotmatic which is very similar. In 2019 I finally bought an excellent working Nikon for less the 100 US dollars and I will admit it is a pleasure to finally have a Gentleman's Camera.
Another great video, on two of the finest cameras ever made! The FE never seemed to get the cult following of the FM yet it was probably the better camera. In practice the electro-mechanical FE has been extremely reliable and durable and doesn't seem to lose anything to the mechanical FM. Having aperture priority auto is a worthy additional feature and batteries last an awful long time. That said, I must admit that the FM is my favourite of the two simply because I like mechanical cameras, it's why I prefer the OM-1 over the OM-2, OM-3 over OM-4, MX over ME-Super etc.
another lovey video, and of two superb cameras. I got the FE in 1980, still beautiful and feels great. Will take not just the previous Nikkors, but all newer Nikon F mount lenses for SLRS including autofocus models (however the G type have no aperture ring, so would be very limited). Never had a single problem with it, except having to replace the light seals on the back door after many years. There was no comparison in quality or reliability between this and the Praktica it replaced, or my friends Zenit, and still isn't, but thanks to your vids I did get a zenit with helios 44, and i'm thinking i might get the old Pentacon 50/1.8.....just about adaptable to Nikon with an adapter with cheapo lens element. My wife says youre costing me a fortune - I prefer your word, peanuts!
Peanuts is better! The FM and FE are fantastic cameras - far better built than the FSU stuff, no doubt about it. Despite that though, there's still something compelling about the Zenit - as you seem to have discovered!
Picked up a used FM in early 1990s to complement my 801s. Still use the the FM, it’s an honest, completely reliable manual film camera that I never thought I needed more features from. My only contribution is to focus, choose an exposure and hold it steady.
Another good review. I agree with everything you said, I think these cameras and lenses are bargains in today's market. Unfortunately my FM is jammed, and my FM2 has prism rot, but my FE soldiers on. All have seen a lot of use, and had just one service, more of a tune-up years ago. Why FE's go so cheap is a mystery to me, I love mine to bits.
It’s very common on FM/FE/FA series cameras for the rubber covered eyepiece ring to be missing. Replacements can still be found at the moment but are getting harder to find. Nikkormat models and the Nikon EL2 use a different ring but I think the rubber covered FM type can also be used. For some reason the eyepiece rings don’t seem to be missing so often on these models. The covers for the hot shoe and flash terminal also tend to be missing, but replacements are readily available on EBay.
Hi..you definitely are correct about these cameras..They are the best most reliable solid cameras..We can depend on light meters 100 percent even shoot slide films..They are dream of art of photography.
I'd also note that there are actually 2 variants of the FM - you have the later variant here in which the shutter lock is concurrent with the advance lever. In the early version of the FM, the shutter release is locked and unlocked by a rotating collar around the shutter release (actually kind of similar to modern Nikon DSLRs), and the advance lever only needs to be pulled out to activate the meter. I actually prefer this variant in some ways, as it means you can still shoot with the lever fully collapsed - more comfortable when shooting vertically.
I have the FE. Like the digital camera the digital camera, the DF, the FE will also allow you y mount Pre-Ai lenses. You'll have to do stop down metering though if you close the aperture down on the attached lens
Watching your channel makes me want to buy more vintage lenses. With the gas money that I've been saving since we've been staying home, I bought 4 lenses from eBay and they are coming in a few weeks. I can't wait to play with them. Vivitar 135mm f2.8, Sonnar Carl Zeiss Jena Gold edition 52mm f2.8, Helios 44m, and Industar 52mm f2.8 chrome. :)
I am a Minolta user after many years, curious to try other philosophies in the use and design I started to acquire and use the Olympus OM-1,2 etc and I really liked the size of the camera and lens as a whole. But I did not like the lenses as much as the Minoltas although I read and read so many articles about their benefits and features I was lucky to find a Nikon FM3A with a 50 F1.8 AI-s lens at an incredible price (like new but with a inscription on the side of the viewfinder that is barely noticeable) and I decided to buy it and try the Nikon system, I only have two lenses for now but I liked it a lot and especially how easy it was for me to adapt to the camera. Perhaps the best of two worlds FM2 + FE2, but if it had not been for the incredible price I would not have bought it of course because the prices I have seen exceed those of the two cameras that I named together.
You really got a bargain there - well done! I love the design philosophy of these Nikons - very straightforward, simple even, but very, very well made! They feel very re-assuring to use and they feel indestructible too! Enjoy!
FE is great. My friend uses it on auto. My favourite Nikon is my all black, fully mechanical Nikkormat ft2 with a 50mm f2 lens. My top 35mm slr is my pristine Yashica fxd quartz with a 50mm f2 lens. The body covering was perished so I bought a kit online for £12 and replaced it. . Looks like new now. The poor man's Contax. I love the metering system on the Yashica and the electro magnetic shutter release, same as the Contax.
I own the later variant of the FM and also an FE and both are built to last forever. The amazing thing about the FM2n is the 1/4000 shutter speed. How is it even possible to achieve a 1/4000 shutter speed using only levers and springs, yet be so rugged and durable that it will work for decades? My FE is the black version which has extensive brassing over it's entire body. The amount of film that has passed through this camera must be insane, yet everything still works as it should, including the electrics. Both of these cameras are amazing feats of engineering and durability.
I have both... but consider my F5 the perfect film camera as it easily bridges the gap between film and digital...it's nearly identical to my d850 with vertical grip. 1/8000 sec, 8 fps, auto focus/focus confirmation, 1/250 flash sync, and takes G lenses. Would make the transition from digital to film almost seamless. It is heavy... about the same as my d850 with grip so big whoop. I carry it on a black rapid with the fm2n around my neck all day. Best of both worlds, vintage and modern.
I had a few Nikon FMs back when they were new. I had a Nikon F3 (I think) stolen and replaced it with an FM in the early 80’s. Eventually the film advance lever popped off by about 1988.
Oh nice ! I always feel like I should’ve bought a Nikon SLR by now since I learned photography with them before switching to fuji at the back end of last year. Still can’t pull myself away from the soviet gear :) I’ve got a 55’ Zorki 1 on the bench right now replacing the curtain 😂
Zenography it’s the videos you’ve done comparing them that made me think it’s worth the effort, it’s a great learning curve. I’m gunna use a Zenit B curtain.
I have owned an FE since 1981 and have only replaced the battery THREE times! They last forever so the admonition about M90 is really overdone. Also the con about the advance lever...c'mon man, that is such a goofy con. It is the same for all Nikons with this body style. Get over it. But we can agree that this is an awesome camera and I am so happy that you are giving it such well-deserved love...Rock on...
We can certainly agree on awesome, no question. Extraordinary machines. The Olympus OM cameras are some of my favourites too, but they don't have the 'last forever' feel of these Nikons. Enjoy!
@@zenography7923 I find that the FM is very wieldy and the color rendition with the AF NIKKOR 50mm 1.8D is rich almost succulent. It's such a good deal too. I paid £100 for the body and £69 for the lens. It's the least fussy to use camera I own and shooting sunny 16 I don't even hunt for the aperture let alone use the shutter adjust much once I've dialed in my film speed. Straight shooting camera for a straight shooting guy. You may like some of my shots: russellwelton.smugmug.com These are with a variation of cameras though, including mobiles and using a telescope. Love your channel and your pace!!! Thank you.
The late 1970s-early 1990s was the pinnacle of mechanical and semi mechanical (electronics) era of the film. If you ever use one it would be first love and will almost define the future tools and your photography. To many the Nikon FM and FE experience is enduring in this aspect, IMHO.
Great Cameras I love my FM and FE cameras even over my F1 to F5 cameras. Simple rugged they just work. My only 2 criticisms are - shutter speed and film cost...
I've had several of these cameras in the past few years. All of the FEs or FE2s either had inaccurate shutter speeds or meters. Cost of a CLA usually exceeds whatever you could sell it for. That's OK if you plan to use them. Just realize these are 35-40 years so service is often needed. The FM/FM2 however has much less that can go wrong and my FM2 works absolutely perfectly. There is beauty in simplicity. The early FMs (serial numbers starting with 2) will turn on the meter without having to pull out the film advance lever.
I have owned only one Nikon that being the F100 and it was one of the best film cameras I have ever owned. The others include Pentax Spotmatic e/w m42 mount lenses 50mm f1.4, 28mm f3.5, 135mm f3.5. , Canon AE-1 e/w FD lenses 50mm f1.8 SC and lastly the Canon EOS 1N-HS which I still own, all my EF lenses work very well on this old film camera.
Love this video. My Dad had the FM and loved it, but I favoured the FE as I found the big swinging-needle much easier & more intuitive than the tiny red LEDs & +/ - of the FM . I still look back fondly to my back FE and 50mm f1.4 Ai. Even with corroded battery connections & dead electronics, I guess you could use the FE at M90 for studio flash photography?
I've been a Nikon guy since the 70's, however I'm now avoiding these small Nikons. They don't hold up as well as their big brothers, I have five some bought because they came with a lens I wanted. The major problems are the film advance going out and film not spacing correctly. While they seem better built then the Olympus cameras my two OM-1 and OM-2 just keep going without a hiccup. Another problem is the advance lever needing to be pulled out to meter and fire the shutter, a real pain if your left handed. I have a FM that still works and a FE that I rarely use because it eats batteries. The cameras would cost more to repair then they are worth. I now stick to the professional grade F3 and if it breaks it's worth getting fixed.
Yup! I've got an FE and an FM2n. Both are excellent cameras. If I could find an FM in great condition, I'd buy it immediately. But, unfortunately most of these I've found for sale have seen hard service as some Professional's "second body" and appear to be "Beat to SXXT !" They seem to still function but, when I go out on an actual "Paying Job" my gear has to look like it's at least "worth the price"!
@@roybixby6135 I went to Photographica today (Large Camera collector’s event in London). Plenty of good looking FM and FEseries cameras available. Prices are rising, but still reasonable.
Be aware of some mecanical shutters are not as precise as the electronic shutters ! Fx the Olympus OM 1 overexposed a lot at 1/500 and 1/1000, so you have to compensate for that when you have slide film in the camera. I will recommend Nikon FE over FM ! The lightmeter are also easier to use in FE because you can see how much to adjust the shutter or aperture :D Iused both Nikon FM, FE and F3, but I changed to Hasselblad and later got the Canon New F-1 which are much better than any Nikon ! Price in 1977 of the Nikon FM was cheaper than Nikon FE as new, today it is the opposite, so the Nikon FE are a very good buy compared to FM ;)
I own two FE's that both have light meter issues. One is not working at all, the other only works properly part of the time. So unless I just have really bad luck, I'd pass on the original FE at this point (unless maybe you find one cheap enough it's worth the risk).. go with FE2 (hopefully they are more reliable, at least they are a bit newer so electronics might last a bit longer?), or FM, FM2, FM2n etc..
I really enjoyed my F3 cameras. I had two but both broke on me. The shutters stuck making them inoperative. I have an F2 and the same thing happened to it. My F3hp keeps on shooting no trouble yet. I want another Fe but afraid if i buy one the sane thing will happen.
If only classic cars were as cheap as classic cameras...I'd be wondering which car to take to the Coop, the frogeye? The MKII jag? Etc.... We are lucky with cameras.
@@zenography7923 The Nikon FE was my first 'proper' camera. The reason I think I thought about cars may be because I sold the Nikon to part finance my first car. A 1967 valencia blue Triumph Vitesse convertible. (I still had my Yashica FX-3). The car was £395.00.
@@zenography7923 That's a lovely engine, however the earlier 3 litre sixes were really smooth. I love my Nikon FE, my OM2n and they continually change places at the number 1 spot. I also love my Kiev 4, Kodak Retina ii, Olympus RC, and I learnt my photography via a Praktica MTL3 which actually did everything I ever needed for little money. Digital is great, but it's the element of the unexpected and potential failure that gives film photography that frisson of excitement.
The only problem with older Nikon cameras is that the light meter only works when the film transport lever is "folded" (i do not know the correct english expression) out. If you shoot with your left eye like i do, you have the lever in your right eye... It becomes impossible if you also wear glasses. So if you shoot with your left eye, you should reconsider buying an old Nikon SLR.
Sendean Cameras in London are said to be pretty good (never used them myself though). It's an easy job to do yourself, either with a pre-cut kit, or just cutting the foam yourself. Have a look at my video "Restoring and Using an Olympus OM10 to see how it's done.
I bought an FE last year, been meaning to re-seal it, as a matter of course, as the seals are visibly shot. Hope to get some use out of it this summer. I already have a few odd Nikon-F fit lenses and a drawerful of Tamron SPs with Nik F adapters, so might get some decent results.
Anyone happen to know the widest, fastest, and cheapest uncoated vintage lens? Probably has to be pre-war for no coating. I need it for paranormal photography. Thanks in advance.
@@zenography7923 Thank you. I learned about that one from one of your other videos. I have had my eye out on a good quality one, as well as the Leica Summitar. I'm not sure if the FED-10 is fast enough since most or all of the filming will be at night with infrared lights. Mostly because the cameras are APS-C so the f-stop is even higher. The Leica would definitely be better at f2, but so expensive for my budget lol. I love how both of those lenses look, though. I will try to buy a FED-10 and run some low light tests. I might have enough light either way since they will be fairly powerful lights, or as power as you can find with infrared. Basically 45-Watt, up to 400 feet. The only real reason I need a wide one is because the cameras stink at autofocus for video, so I figured a real wide lens wouldn't need to focus (maybe). They are 4 blue Canon EOS M and M2 cameras converted to full spectrum.
The FE and FM are compatible with almost every Nikon lens from 1959 to the last AF-D lenses from the late 1990s. The only caveats are that they need to use stopped-down metering via the aperture preview lever to get a correct meter reading with the Pre-AI (pre-1977) lenses. And obviously the AF lenses won't autofocus. Technically they are even *sort of* compatible with the G lenses from the 21st century, but without an aperture ring you're stuck shooting them at the minimum aperture so they're not really very useful. The FE2 and FM2 lost the ability to mount the Pre-AI lenses as their AI prong on the lens mount could no longer be folded out of the way like on the FM/FE. Considering how cheap these go for, they are an absolute bargain. For not much more than a Pentax K1000 or Canon AE-1, I think these are a much better choice.
I'm fairly new to the Nikon system but the two I have (FE and FM) seem the best built and feel the most solid of any SLR I've tried. Their design seems to be fairly conventional though, lacking the small size and design flair of, say, an OM1 or 2. Beautiful machines though...
@@zenography7923 I have long been itching to try out the OM system. I absolutely loved the OM-1 and 2 from the moment I held them. But the Olympus system is fairly expensive to buy into. In the case of many of the more interesting lenses (to me at least), they are even more expensive than the Nikon equivalents, like the 50 and 55mm 1.2, 35mm f2, and especially the 40mm f2, which is the one I really envy. I just haven't been able to justify adding another system vs just adding to my Nikon system.
Agreed but, for the money, you can have a fully mechanical Canon F-1. It may not have all the design cred of the Nikons but you get 1/2000 shutter speed. As you know, FM/FD lenses are pretty nice as well.
The perfect film SLR? I don't think so... I sold my FM, because although it is a good mechanical camera, it has a big weakness: its non-interchangeable viewfinder screen. For me, having a good viewfinder is essential. I have two FM2 (with FM3a screens) and one FM3a, the clarity has nothing to do with the FM! About lenses I like the 50mm 1.4. All métal, quality construction. The 50mm mark III pancake has good optics but not so good built qualité... On mine the plastic focus ring has some play, which is very annoying... I replaced it with a japanese one which is as well built as the 50mm 1.4, all metal and focus distance of 0.45m. This little gem is for sure my favorite lens! 😎
I've noticed how unpopular Canon FD cameras and lenses are compared to Nikon and even Olympus. Even on TH-cam, there is a obvious preference on influencers and the viewers are just soaking up their words. Is Canon not great enough? brand bias? Social media influence?
I've used quite a few FD lenses and have been blown away by some - the 50mm 1.4 is really extraordinary! There's a review of some of the FD lenses on this channel.
The FM2 and FE2 are the better cameras. 4000th second shutter speed, but beyond that, essentially the same cameras. The FM2A might be the greatest of them all... basically the FE2 but fully mechanical. I also think the FM2 and FE2 are better than the F3. The F3 is incredibly nice, but doesn't have that 4000th shutter. Also no aperture priority like the FE2. Removable prism is it's one leg up
I owned both the Nikon FE and FE2. Relatively compact and solidly reliable workhorse cameras that left precious little wanting. True Nikon classics from the 80's.
I'm proud to have owned a FE since 1981. One of my favorite camera of all time!
It's a very nice machine, no doubt about it!
The Nikon FE + 50mm 1.8 Series E lens was my first camera.
The FE is a lovely camera - been enjoying using mine again recently!
I bought an FE twenty years ago second hand from Casanova in Barcelona. After 4 years it needed a service. The mirror mechanism got stuck, but since then, it has offered spot-on performance. I agree with you that being (in the case of the FE, almost) 100% mechanical, they force you to learn the basics, and thus, have helped me develop as a photographer no end. I was on the point of buying a Nikkormat FT2 to compliment the FE as a travel camera, but the accompanying lens put it out of my budget. I got a good deal on a Minolta SRT 303b with a 50 f1.7 lens, that seems almost identical to the FM, and is built like a Tiger Tank. The one thing I'd criticise about Nikkon is that they are pricey compared to other brands. But then, they are really good cameras.
I’ve had an F3 for 20 years. I just recently picked up an FM and FE and really love them both. Amazing cameras
No doubt about it!
Stuck in lockdown today and I was rummaging through a box of old camera stuff I had stashed in the back of my cubboard. I found two 'cable releases' from cameras I'd had in the past. It's watching videos like this that remind me of the good old days when cameras seemed so much simpler!
Just discovered your videos and reviews. All great, informative and helpful. Keep up the great work. Will check in regularly. Have liked all that I have watched and subscribed. Cheers
Welcome aboard Charlie, glad you're enjoying the channel!
I’m a new fan. I love the quality of the footage and detailed information.
Glad you're enjoying the channel, welcome aboard!
Nice simple review thanks.
Just when I thought about minimising my Nikon collection and just hanging onto the F3.....sod it I'll keep them all now 😁
Subscribed👍
Really enjoying your channel, excellent reviews and overall camera info! I also learned a new word today, "fripperies", lol well said, cheers! 😄📸
I have both of these cameras since 1982 and still do.
Great little machines - enjoy!
I have a n8008, an f2 with DP1, and now I’m planning on getting an FE. Can I use a standard shutter release cable in the FE? I plan on using the FE for low light bulb photography, as the 8008 doesn’t have a focusing prism and is too cluttered as far as controls go in my opinion.
A very informative and straightforward review; just like the cameras. I added an FE to my collection a year ago and its become a favorite. Like my OM2n, I love the feel of this camera. With the ease of the double exposure switch, I use it for that purpose exclusively. The images are fantastic and they have a softness to them that I like.
Thanks for the review!
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
After cutting my teeth on a Zenit E I progressed to a Nikon FG and then an Olympus 2. Now retired I treated myself to a Nikon FM and an FA. I'll always prefer the looks of the Olympus but the quality of the Nikons is undeniable.
Great review... I had an FM2n camera back in the 1990s. And bought another in early 2012.
Thank you for a very good description of a Photographer's Gentleman's Camera, when these Nikon first came out in the 70's but I couldn't afford them, so I bought the Pentax Spotmatic which is very similar. In 2019 I finally bought an excellent working Nikon for less the 100 US dollars and I will admit it is a pleasure to finally have a Gentleman's Camera.
You got a bargain! Hope you're enjoying it!
Nice video. Alongside Olympus OM-1, Spotmatic and Pentax Mx, I consider the Nikon FM-2 one of the best cameras ever made.
Another great video, on two of the finest cameras ever made! The FE never seemed to get the cult following of the FM yet it was probably the better camera. In practice the electro-mechanical FE has been extremely reliable and durable and doesn't seem to lose anything to the mechanical FM. Having aperture priority auto is a worthy additional feature and batteries last an awful long time. That said, I must admit that the FM is my favourite of the two simply because I like mechanical cameras, it's why I prefer the OM-1 over the OM-2, OM-3 over OM-4, MX over ME-Super etc.
another lovey video, and of two superb cameras. I got the FE in 1980, still beautiful and feels great. Will take not just the previous Nikkors, but all newer Nikon F mount lenses for SLRS including autofocus models (however the G type have no aperture ring, so would be very limited). Never had a single problem with it, except having to replace the light seals on the back door after many years.
There was no comparison in quality or reliability between this and the Praktica it replaced, or my friends Zenit, and still isn't, but thanks to your vids I did get a zenit with helios 44, and i'm thinking i might get the old Pentacon 50/1.8.....just about adaptable to Nikon with an adapter with cheapo lens element. My wife says youre costing me a fortune - I prefer your word, peanuts!
Peanuts is better! The FM and FE are fantastic cameras - far better built than the FSU stuff, no doubt about it. Despite that though, there's still something compelling about the Zenit - as you seem to have discovered!
Hello Zenography, vielen Dank! :) I have the predecessor of the FM, the Nikkormat FT-2. Cheers, Ralf
I've never used a Nikkormat, but I've heard they are incredibly well built...
Picked up a used FM in early 1990s to complement my 801s. Still use the the FM, it’s an honest, completely reliable manual film camera that I never thought I needed more features from. My only contribution is to focus, choose an exposure and hold it steady.
There is a beauty in simplicity, no doubt about it!
Still have my FM and FE2, both with MD12's. They are great walking around cameras and when paired with Kodak T-Max 100 are near perfect.
Another good review. I agree with everything you said, I think these cameras and lenses are bargains in today's market. Unfortunately my FM is jammed, and my FM2 has prism rot, but my FE soldiers on. All have seen a lot of use, and had just one service, more of a tune-up years ago. Why FE's go so cheap is a mystery to me, I love mine to bits.
They're fantastic little cameras, glad you enjoyed the video!
It’s very common on FM/FE/FA series cameras for the rubber covered eyepiece ring to be missing. Replacements can still be found at the moment but are getting harder to find. Nikkormat models and the Nikon EL2 use a different ring but I think the rubber covered FM type can also be used. For some reason the eyepiece rings don’t seem to be missing so often on these models. The covers for the hot shoe and flash terminal also tend to be missing, but replacements are readily available on EBay.
Thanks for the info!
Hi..you definitely are correct about these cameras..They are the best most reliable solid cameras..We can depend on light meters 100 percent even shoot slide films..They are dream of art of photography.
Couldn't agree more, beautiful little machines...
I'd also note that there are actually 2 variants of the FM - you have the later variant here in which the shutter lock is concurrent with the advance lever. In the early version of the FM, the shutter release is locked and unlocked by a rotating collar around the shutter release (actually kind of similar to modern Nikon DSLRs), and the advance lever only needs to be pulled out to activate the meter. I actually prefer this variant in some ways, as it means you can still shoot with the lever fully collapsed - more comfortable when shooting vertically.
Yes, I've heard earlier versions operated slightly differently - they seem to be quite uncommon these days though - perhaps not as many were made?
I have the FE. Like the digital camera the digital camera, the DF, the FE will also allow you y mount Pre-Ai lenses. You'll have to do stop down metering though if you close the aperture down on the attached lens
They're such versatile cameras! I understand they'll mount later lenses too, although auto focus won't work of course...
Watching your channel makes me want to buy more vintage lenses. With the gas money that I've been saving since we've been staying home, I bought 4 lenses from eBay and they are coming in a few weeks. I can't wait to play with them. Vivitar 135mm f2.8, Sonnar Carl Zeiss Jena Gold edition 52mm f2.8, Helios 44m, and Industar 52mm f2.8 chrome. :)
Those sound like very nice lenses - enjoy!
That's a great way to reallocate resources!
I am a Minolta user after many years, curious to try other philosophies in the use and design I started to acquire and use the Olympus OM-1,2 etc and I really liked the size of the camera and lens as a whole. But I did not like the lenses as much as the Minoltas although I read and read so many articles about their benefits and features I was lucky to find a Nikon FM3A with a 50 F1.8 AI-s lens at an incredible price (like new but with a inscription on the side of the viewfinder that is barely noticeable) and I decided to buy it and try the Nikon system, I only have two lenses for now but I liked it a lot and especially how easy it was for me to adapt to the camera. Perhaps the best of two worlds FM2 + FE2, but if it had not been for the incredible price I would not have bought it of course because the prices I have seen exceed those of the two cameras that I named together.
You really got a bargain there - well done! I love the design philosophy of these Nikons - very straightforward, simple even, but very, very well made! They feel very re-assuring to use and they feel indestructible too! Enjoy!
Great video
Just decided to get an fe last night from ebay so hopefully it works out im excited!!!
Hope you're enjoying it - it's a lovely camera!
And....did it?
FE is great. My friend uses it on auto. My favourite Nikon is my all black, fully mechanical Nikkormat ft2 with a 50mm f2 lens.
My top 35mm slr is my pristine Yashica fxd quartz with a 50mm f2 lens.
The body covering was perished so I bought a kit online for £12 and replaced it. . Looks like new now. The poor man's Contax. I love the metering system on the Yashica and the electro magnetic shutter release, same as the Contax.
I've never used much Yashica gear - yours sounds nice though!
I own the later variant of the FM and also an FE and both are built to last forever.
The amazing thing about the FM2n is the 1/4000 shutter speed. How is it even possible to achieve a 1/4000 shutter speed using only levers and springs, yet be so rugged and durable that it will work for decades?
My FE is the black version which has extensive brassing over it's entire body. The amount of film that has passed through this camera must be insane, yet everything still works as it should, including the electrics.
Both of these cameras are amazing feats of engineering and durability.
Incredible aren't they?
I have both... but consider my F5 the perfect film camera as it easily bridges the gap between film and digital...it's nearly identical to my d850 with vertical grip. 1/8000 sec, 8 fps, auto focus/focus confirmation, 1/250 flash sync, and takes G lenses. Would make the transition from digital to film almost seamless. It is heavy... about the same as my d850 with grip so big whoop. I carry it on a black rapid with the fm2n around my neck all day. Best of both worlds, vintage and modern.
I had a few Nikon FMs back when they were new. I had a Nikon F3 (I think) stolen and replaced it with an FM in the early 80’s. Eventually the film advance lever popped off by about 1988.
It sounds like that FM had some hard use!
Oh nice ! I always feel like I should’ve bought a Nikon SLR by now since I learned photography with them before switching to fuji at the back end of last year. Still can’t pull myself away from the soviet gear :) I’ve got a 55’ Zorki 1 on the bench right now replacing the curtain 😂
Glad to hear you're keeping that Zorki going!
Zenography it’s the videos you’ve done comparing them that made me think it’s worth the effort, it’s a great learning curve. I’m gunna use a Zenit B curtain.
I have owned an FE since 1981 and have only replaced the battery THREE times! They last forever so the admonition about M90 is really overdone. Also the con about the advance lever...c'mon man, that is such a goofy con. It is the same for all Nikons with this body style. Get over it. But we can agree that this is an awesome camera and I am so happy that you are giving it such well-deserved love...Rock on...
We can certainly agree on awesome, no question. Extraordinary machines. The Olympus OM cameras are some of my favourites too, but they don't have the 'last forever' feel of these Nikons. Enjoy!
Great video and great channel! You have a new subscriber!
Thanks for the sub, glad you're enjoying the channel!
I bought an FM which is great in the hands and rewarding with a huge lens ecosystem.
What state are you in, Russell?
@@TheHoleshotking UK
I'm not sure which I prefer - I like the FE for it's aperture priority, but I love the simplicity and clarity of the FM!
@@zenography7923 I find that the FM is very wieldy and the color rendition with the AF NIKKOR 50mm 1.8D is rich almost succulent. It's such a good deal too. I paid £100 for the body and £69 for the lens. It's the least fussy to use camera I own and shooting sunny 16 I don't even hunt for the aperture let alone use the shutter adjust much once I've dialed in my film speed. Straight shooting camera for a straight shooting guy. You may like some of my shots: russellwelton.smugmug.com
These are with a variation of cameras though, including mobiles and using a telescope.
Love your channel and your pace!!! Thank you.
The late 1970s-early 1990s was the pinnacle of mechanical and semi mechanical (electronics) era of the film. If you ever use one it would be first love and will almost define the future tools and your photography.
To many the Nikon FM and FE experience is enduring in this aspect, IMHO.
Great Cameras
I love my FM and FE cameras even over my F1 to F5 cameras.
Simple rugged they just work.
My only 2 criticisms are - shutter speed and film cost...
I've had several of these cameras in the past few years. All of the FEs or FE2s either had inaccurate shutter speeds or meters. Cost of a CLA usually exceeds whatever you could sell it for. That's OK if you plan to use them. Just realize these are 35-40 years so service is often needed. The FM/FM2 however has much less that can go wrong and my FM2 works absolutely perfectly. There is beauty in simplicity. The early FMs (serial numbers starting with 2) will turn on the meter without having to pull out the film advance lever.
Simplicity is always the best approach. Modern digital cameras are fantastic, but most are bloated with features that are rarely, if ever, used!
I have an fm serial number starting with 2
Dry, very helpful video. RS
Very, very helpful video. RS.
I have owned only one Nikon that being the F100 and it was one of the best film cameras I have ever owned. The others include Pentax Spotmatic e/w m42 mount lenses 50mm f1.4, 28mm f3.5, 135mm f3.5. , Canon AE-1 e/w FD lenses 50mm f1.8 SC and lastly the Canon EOS 1N-HS which I still own, all my EF lenses work very well on this old film camera.
Which was best though?
_Nikon
_Pentax
_Canon AE-1
If u're to rate them!
Love this video. My Dad had the FM and loved it, but I favoured the FE as I found the big swinging-needle much easier & more intuitive than the tiny red LEDs & +/ - of the FM . I still look back fondly to my back FE and 50mm f1.4 Ai. Even with corroded battery connections & dead electronics, I guess you could use the FE at M90 for studio flash photography?
No reason why not!
I've been a Nikon guy since the 70's, however I'm now avoiding these small Nikons. They don't hold up as well as their big brothers, I have five some bought because they came with a lens I wanted. The major problems are the film advance going out and film not spacing correctly. While they seem better built then the Olympus cameras my two OM-1 and OM-2 just keep going without a hiccup. Another problem is the advance lever needing to be pulled out to meter and fire the shutter, a real pain if your left handed. I have a FM that still works and a FE that I rarely use because it eats batteries. The cameras would cost more to repair then they are worth. I now stick to the professional grade F3 and if it breaks it's worth getting fixed.
The F3 really is a fine machine - quite a camera!
I disagree, never had a single problem with my FM2, FE or my FM
@@MrPetermc199 Your mileage may very but these weren't pro grade like the F cameras.
Yup!
I've got an FE and an FM2n.
Both are excellent cameras. If I could find an FM in great condition, I'd buy it immediately. But, unfortunately most of these I've found for sale have seen hard service as some Professional's "second body" and appear to be "Beat to SXXT !"
They seem to still function but, when I go out on an actual "Paying Job" my gear has to look like it's at least "worth the price"!
My advice would be to keep looking - your FM is out there somewhere!
Robin Jacobs look on eBay. There are a number of bodies in good condition. I found one that is spotless except for a minor dent. Got it for $85.
I had a couple of FM bodies as backup in the day. One was used and the other still in its box - Keep looking...
@@roybixby6135
I went to Photographica today (Large Camera collector’s event in London). Plenty of good looking FM and FEseries cameras available. Prices are rising, but still reasonable.
Be aware of some mecanical shutters are not as precise as the electronic shutters ! Fx the Olympus OM 1 overexposed a lot at 1/500 and 1/1000, so you have to compensate for that when you have slide film in the camera. I will recommend Nikon FE over FM ! The lightmeter are also easier to use in FE because you can see how much to adjust the shutter or aperture :D Iused both Nikon FM, FE and F3, but I changed to Hasselblad and later got the Canon New F-1 which are much better than any Nikon ! Price in 1977 of the Nikon FM was cheaper than Nikon FE as new, today it is the opposite, so the Nikon FE are a very good buy compared to FM ;)
I really like the FE - it has all the FM has, plus auto mode!
I own two FE's that both have light meter issues. One is not working at all, the other only works properly part of the time. So unless I just have really bad luck, I'd pass on the original FE at this point (unless maybe you find one cheap enough it's worth the risk).. go with FE2 (hopefully they are more reliable, at least they are a bit newer so electronics might last a bit longer?), or FM, FM2, FM2n etc..
As far as I know only the FE2, FM2 and the later FA got the Titanium shutter.
I really enjoyed my F3 cameras. I had two but both broke on me. The shutters stuck making them inoperative. I have an F2 and the same thing happened to it. My F3hp keeps on shooting no trouble yet. I want another Fe but afraid if i buy one the sane thing will happen.
I'd love for you to take my Nikon EL2 for a walk and tell me what you think of it. 😉
Great cameras I have a FE FM and FM2
Enjoy!
@@zenography7923 definitely I find using them a relaxing and slower process making you think I love it
If only classic cars were as cheap as classic cameras...I'd be wondering which car to take to the Coop, the frogeye? The MKII jag? Etc....
We are lucky with cameras.
I'd take the Rover p5 with Buick v8!
@@zenography7923 The Nikon FE was my first 'proper' camera. The reason I think I thought about cars may be because I sold the Nikon to part finance my first car. A 1967 valencia blue Triumph Vitesse convertible. (I still had my Yashica FX-3). The car was £395.00.
@@zenography7923PS. The Rover V8 weighed less than the Triumph 2 litre straight six.
@@zenography7923 That's a lovely engine, however the earlier 3 litre sixes were really smooth. I love my Nikon FE, my OM2n and they continually change places at the number 1 spot. I also love my Kiev 4, Kodak Retina ii, Olympus RC, and I learnt my photography via a Praktica MTL3 which actually did everything I ever needed for little money. Digital is great, but it's the element of the unexpected and potential failure that gives film photography that frisson of excitement.
The only problem with older Nikon cameras is that the light meter only works when the film transport lever is "folded" (i do not know the correct english expression) out. If you shoot with your left eye like i do, you have the lever in your right eye... It becomes impossible if you also wear glasses. So if you shoot with your left eye, you should reconsider buying an old Nikon SLR.
That must indeed be awkward - although I think early models of the fm had an on/off switch, rather than folding out the wind lever.
What’s the best way to replace light seals in your opinion? Do you know a good vintage camera tech here in the UK?
Sendean Cameras in London are said to be pretty good (never used them myself though). It's an easy job to do yourself, either with a pre-cut kit, or just cutting the foam yourself. Have a look at my video "Restoring and Using an Olympus OM10 to see how it's done.
@@zenography7923 Thanks! I'll be sure to check out that video. :)
I bought an FE last year, been meaning to re-seal it, as a matter of course, as the seals are visibly shot. Hope to get some use out of it this summer.
I already have a few odd Nikon-F fit lenses and a drawerful of Tamron SPs with Nik F adapters, so might get some decent results.
i still can’t decide, should i pick up the FM2 or the FE2? 😅thank you
It depends whether you want auto exposure or not! It's nice to have, but I don't miss it on the FM.
I prefer the FM2 as LED inside view finder is easier to see and use
Anyone happen to know the widest, fastest, and cheapest uncoated vintage lens? Probably has to be pre-war for no coating. I need it for paranormal photography. Thanks in advance.
The early Fed 10 (sometimes known as Industar 10) is uncoated, and can be found pretty cheaply - not very wide though, at 50mm...
@@zenography7923 Thank you. I learned about that one from one of your other videos. I have had my eye out on a good quality one, as well as the Leica Summitar. I'm not sure if the FED-10 is fast enough since most or all of the filming will be at night with infrared lights. Mostly because the cameras are APS-C so the f-stop is even higher.
The Leica would definitely be better at f2, but so expensive for my budget lol. I love how both of those lenses look, though. I will try to buy a FED-10 and run some low light tests. I might have enough light either way since they will be fairly powerful lights, or as power as you can find with infrared. Basically 45-Watt, up to 400 feet. The only real reason I need a wide one is because the cameras stink at autofocus for video, so I figured a real wide lens wouldn't need to focus (maybe). They are 4 blue Canon EOS M and M2 cameras converted to full spectrum.
The FE and FM are compatible with almost every Nikon lens from 1959 to the last AF-D lenses from the late 1990s. The only caveats are that they need to use stopped-down metering via the aperture preview lever to get a correct meter reading with the Pre-AI (pre-1977) lenses. And obviously the AF lenses won't autofocus. Technically they are even *sort of* compatible with the G lenses from the 21st century, but without an aperture ring you're stuck shooting them at the minimum aperture so they're not really very useful. The FE2 and FM2 lost the ability to mount the Pre-AI lenses as their AI prong on the lens mount could no longer be folded out of the way like on the FM/FE.
Considering how cheap these go for, they are an absolute bargain. For not much more than a Pentax K1000 or Canon AE-1, I think these are a much better choice.
I'm fairly new to the Nikon system but the two I have (FE and FM) seem the best built and feel the most solid of any SLR I've tried. Their design seems to be fairly conventional though, lacking the small size and design flair of, say, an OM1 or 2. Beautiful machines though...
@@zenography7923 I have long been itching to try out the OM system. I absolutely loved the OM-1 and 2 from the moment I held them. But the Olympus system is fairly expensive to buy into. In the case of many of the more interesting lenses (to me at least), they are even more expensive than the Nikon equivalents, like the 50 and 55mm 1.2, 35mm f2, and especially the 40mm f2, which is the one I really envy. I just haven't been able to justify adding another system vs just adding to my Nikon system.
I think I should have got the FE back in 1981.
Maybe, but they're still around today!
Agreed but, for the money, you can have a fully mechanical Canon F-1. It may not have all the design cred of the Nikons but you get 1/2000 shutter speed. As you know, FM/FD lenses are pretty nice as well.
The Canon F-1 never had the fame like Nikon and the fact that Canon quickly made that whole FD lens system obsolete adds to it.
I haven't reviewed many Canon cameras - something I hope to correct soon!
If you have to buy them both you need over £1.300 or so second hand
It would be awesome if they made a DSlr that just uses the knobs with no other bells, and whistles.
My thoughts exactly - does anyone ever use all those possibilities in the menu? It would be wonderful to see a dslr with only what's needed!
They do make one..the Nikon Df
The perfect film SLR? I don't think so... I sold my FM, because although it is a good mechanical camera, it has a big weakness: its non-interchangeable viewfinder screen. For me, having a good viewfinder is essential. I have two FM2 (with FM3a screens) and one FM3a, the clarity has nothing to do with the FM!
About lenses I like the 50mm 1.4. All métal, quality construction. The 50mm mark III pancake has good optics but not so good built qualité... On mine the plastic focus ring has some play, which is very annoying... I replaced it with a japanese one which is as well built as the 50mm 1.4, all metal and focus distance of 0.45m. This little gem is for sure my favorite lens! 😎
I by far prefer Zuiko lenses
А как же Nikon FM3a ?🆗💯
FM3a - очень хорошая камера - она еще не пришла мне в голову ...
I've noticed how unpopular Canon FD cameras and lenses are compared to Nikon and even Olympus. Even on TH-cam, there is a obvious preference on influencers and the viewers are just soaking up their words. Is Canon not great enough? brand bias? Social media influence?
I've used quite a few FD lenses and have been blown away by some - the 50mm 1.4 is really extraordinary! There's a review of some of the FD lenses on this channel.
50/2.0 E ?!?! Never heard🤔
I'll stick to my Zeniths thanks....
I just hope your Zeniths half as reliable...
@@roybixby6135 Oh they are yes never let me down had the same once from 1977 and never missed a beat.
I keep saying the Nikon FE is the AK47 of cameras.
I have an FM and will never part with it.
A wise move - they're beautiful cameras, and hard to beat!
A purists’ camera in my opinion.
The FM2 and FE2 are the better cameras. 4000th second shutter speed, but beyond that, essentially the same cameras. The FM2A might be the greatest of them all... basically the FE2 but fully mechanical. I also think the FM2 and FE2 are better than the F3. The F3 is incredibly nice, but doesn't have that 4000th shutter. Also no aperture priority like the FE2. Removable prism is it's one leg up