Build Quality, Ergonomics, Lens choices, balance of convenience and manual control

Really none to speak of

Probably the best Nikon (at least until the FM3a) for anyone except a pro. Not too heavy, but beautifully made. The best ergonomics of ANY Nikon

Customer Service

none used

Similar Products Used:

FE, F, F2, F3, Olympus OM-2, Minolta XD-11,

Great metering, Aperture priority, Well built, Reliability.

None worth mentioning

Nikon FE2, I am sure is a perfect camera. Many times I was tempted to switch to modern more epensive models. After trying some of them I have come back to FE2 as my favourite. Exposure metering is dead accurate and the Aperture priority works fantastic. I use my FE2 with MD12 and they are a wonderfull match. A new experience in photography with selective optional automation. I dont think I will change to another body at all. When the requirement arises I may go for a FE2 of present day, FM3A.

Customer Service

None required

Similar Products Used:

FM 10, FG, FM2, FE, FM, Canon EOS 500, F90X.

slow speeds to 8 seconds slower AE speeds than advertized, I heard from people on the Nikonian site who had + 2 minute exposures that were perfect. TTL Flash Access to Nikkor lenses MD 12 motor interchangable screens light, logically laid out, tough as nails

not made any more 93% viewfinder hard to see whole viewfinder with glasses match needle hard to read in low light

I''ve been using this camera for 8 months now, I''ve probably shot 80-100 rolls through it and it is just a great camera. This camera is so much better than the FM2n, which I love by the way, because of it''s additional capabilities. This camera has manual speeds to 8 seconds vs the 1 second slow speed of the FM2n, very useful for landscape photography. It has TTL flash, this camera and the sb16b are a heck of a team.Great to have 250th sync speed Nikon says the slowest AE speed is 8 seconds, I have taken photos in A that have lasted 45 seconds and came out perfectly exposed, granted the exposure that worked was the overbracket but that was probably due to reciprocity failure. It has 2 stop faster sync speed than the F3 and a much more logical flash system. It has interchangable screens, I use the grid screen, I forget the designation. It has a VERY GOOD mirror lock up system, Nikon doesn''t call it that but the self timer locks the mirror up. I like it because it obviates the need for a cable release in most instances, by the time the shutter fires any vibration from your finger tripping the shutter release is gone. The other thing I like about the ST used as a mirror lock up is that you''re looking through the finder when you press the shutter release, not so in a traditional set up. If I were designing a mirror lock up system from scratch, this is how I''d do it.

Customer Service

NA

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FM2n

Durable; AE and manual; simple and accurate; Match needle meter I love; ttl flash; gives you all the control; light and nice size; works great with a MD12 motor. Ev compensation; great titaneaum shutter; uses most all Nikkor lenses; Easy and effective DOF preview, very important for certain work; self-timer can act as mirror lock-up for shots you need to reduce vibration on.

Defaults to 250 if battery dies, better at 125. EV hard to use practically in field, but not really needed, just go all manual. Viewfinder only gives about 93 percent of the frame. Usually ok, but 100 would be better. Could be in trouble if it breaksdown as parts are no longer made and could be hard to get. Have to make sure the foam doesn''t rot over years, but that is easily replaced and not a often occuring problem.

Great Camera with obvious strengths. For purists type photographers who do not care for the point and shoot mentality or the all programmable new professional cameras. With apeture priority, it really is very fast, and if you need to compensate exposure, just turn the knob and manually select. I love the match needle and seeing the fstop in the window. Gives all the info I need. Wish it had more of a spot meter in it, but that said, the meter is really very very strong and good, with maybe one of the camera worlds great shutters, the all titaneaum [sp] with speeds from 8 sec to 1/4000. From experience, the autoapeture will select proper exposure in pretty lowlight situations. Uses most all Nikon lenses. Is rugged by today''s standards. Just wish they made replacement parts, though I havn''t had a problem. Also wish the viewfinder presented a 100% of the view instead of the 93 and had a light. Also, the FE''s 125 fallback manual speed is more useful than the 250 of the FE2. The flash ttl is great as well. This is a tool for when you want the shot to come out, simple, accurate, sturdy and effective. I wouldn''t sell it, unless it was to get the new FM3a (should be called the FE3. For normal street shooting I use a leica, but for certain forensic shooting where I have to be somewhat accurate this is my baby.

Customer Service

Have never needed it.

Similar Products Used:

N2000; Leica M

The auto expsoure on this camera makes taking photos a snap. I''ve used the manual setting also with superb results. The camera itself is made of solid construction.

None I am aware of.

Bought this camera in 1983 or 1984 when I was stationed in Oslo, Norway. Used it extensively for about five years. Got married and put it way. Just opened it up last week and behold it still looks great. Put a new battery and film roll in it and shot the roll. Now my 12 year-old daughter wants it (no way!). Searching the internet for FM2 info tells me it''s a real gem. I took great care with this camera. Never dropped or abused. It''s the all-black model and looks like it just came out of the box. Probably took about 50 rolls of film with it. Now I''m gonna bring to a camera shop for a complete check-up. I own the SB-15 flash unit too...also in excellent shape.

Similar Products Used:

None

Excellent build quality and compact size.

Too bad it doesn''t have spotmeter.

I have owned many camera''s over ther years, but this is one of my favorites of all time. I currently own an F5, FM2n and the FE2 with an MD12 attached. It seems like the FE2 is in my hand more often than not when it comes time shoot some images. Yes there are difinately better camera''s. But the one you are most comfortable with is the one that is best for you. These camera''s are tough and have very good build quality. Great flash sync. Nice compact size and weight even with a motordrive attached. Metering system works well in most situations and with little practice and patience even in tough lighting conditions.

Customer Service

None

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FM2N, F, F2, F5, N70 and N60

The camera is very well built. I like the all metal construction and the very secure locking back plate. I was in the market for a backup for my FM2n,
looked for a N80, couldn't find one available, and decided to get a used
FE2. I'm glad I did - it uses my AIS
manual focus lenses and is faster
shooting in A-mode than the FE2. It has the TTL flash that the FM2n doesn't - that's a biggie!

OK, it's a 13 yr. old camera. I worry about how much life is left in it. It could use a spot meter, or a more highly center-weighted one. I shouldn't complain - you can't compare a 13 yr. old camera to a new
one

I wanted something rugged and reliable with a slight bit more automation than the FM2n. The metering appears to be dead on; however, there is a problem with contrast
on very bright sunny days. I don't think a 10 zone matrix would do any better.

The camera has a solid, precise feel to it than current machines in the $500 seem to lack. With the titanium shutter (as opposed to rubberized fabric) it should last awhile.

I'll give it a 4 for value (a good used one costs almosts as much as a new N-80) and a
5 overall - it is a very well-built camera.

Customer Service

Haven't used it yet.

Similar Products Used:

FM2n, Olmypus Stylus Epic

Simple and durable. Needle match-up meter gives more info than LED's. Dampened mirror flip reduces vibration over FE and lesser Nikons. Wide range of quality lenses available used for cheap.

Needle meter uttterly impossible to use in low light situations. I'm surprised the other reviewers didn't emphasize this. In aperture priority mode, exposure compensation is an awkward, two-handed affair. Rewind lever stabs me in the head in 'on' position and the camera body is too small to hold comfortably, therefore I need to use the MD12 winder, which is comfortable but LOUD and eats batteries. Forget about candid people pictures with the FE2+motorwinder. I also use it for taking art slides, and find the 92% viewfinder annoying.

Good, solid manual focus camera for general purposes if you can't afford an F4. Great lenses available. Unsuitable for low-light photography, or for an aspiring pro who needs more metering options in the camera and a 100% viewfinder. Unsuitable for people pictures in conditions where you want to be quiet and unobtrusive. If you're serious, go for the 8008s or the F4. If you're a people shooter, buy a rangefinder.

Customer Service

If your meter becomes inaccurate, hold on to your wallet for an expensive ride.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax k1000

Built like a rock.
Reliable.
Fast, accurate shutter.
Accurate meter.
Smooth film advance.

No spot meter.

A fine machine. Always ready, fast, accurate, reliable. Nice feel with the MD-11 or MD-12 motor drive. If you can find a nice one, grab it.

Customer Service

Have never needed Nikon service.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta XG-7, XD-5
Nikon 6006, N90s, F100.

rugged body
fantastic controls
intutive

none

camera for life

Similar Products Used:

nikon fm2
nikon f50
canon eos50