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Written byJames Baturin
When it comes to old 35mm SLR cameras, there are really no shortage of options.
But if you’re looking for an SLR with a classic look, lots of lens options, and that makes taking double exposures a breeze, here are a few reasons to consider the Nikon FE.
Find the Nikon FE at KEH Camera or on eBay.
Features on the Nikon FE
As far as features, it really has everything you need for a simple everyday camera with all the benefits of a fully manual system.
It features interchangeable lenses, shutter speeds ranging from 8 seconds to 1/1000 of a second (plus Bulb), and a 10 second self timer for those family portraits you want to include yourself in.
It’s relatively lightweight and takes up less space than most modern day DSLR cameras (though new mirrorless digital options might be more compact).
Related: 5 Great 35mm Film Cameras for Beginners
The Light Meter
The Nikon FE also features an in-camera reflected light meter, which makes calculating exposures convenient, as you don’t need a handheld meter.
The meter reading itself is visible on the left side of the viewfinder as a black needle moving up and down along a scale of the camera’s shutter speeds.
A green bar shows the shutter speed the camera is currently set to, and the black needle will move relative to your chosen aperture.
I have tried other SLR’s that are roughly equivalent to the Nikon FE (the Canon AE-1 for example), and personally found the light meter system in these less intuitive.
It should be noted that the in-camera light meter measures the “reflected light” of a scene and calculates the exposure by averaging the light reflected in the scene.
This means that if your scene contains an average range of tones from dark to light, the meter should be relatively accurate.
However, if your scene is not balanced (like say a winter scene where most tones are bright white), you may need to compensate by 1 or 2 stops.
Double Exposures
One of my favorite things about the Nikon FE is how simple it makes doing double exposures.
It features a small lever beside the film advance crank for just this purpose.
To take a double exposure, simply take your first exposure, hold down the lever and advance the film as normal.
The lever prevents the film from actually advancing to the next frame, but still resets the shutter, allowing you to take another exposure over the first.
Lenses for the Nikon FE
When I was first looking to buy an SLR camera, one of the reasons I went with the Nikon over other brands was the compatibility of its lenses.
The Nikon FE features the classic Nikon F mount system, which is still used on many of Nikon’s modern DSLR cameras.
That means the SLR lenses can be used on a lot of Nikon DSLR’s as well. You will only be able to manual focus and will lose the in camera light metering, but it’s great to have the option if you shoot digital as well!
In addition to compatibility, the Nikon FE has a variety of lens options. The popularity of the brand and camera itself also makes lenses easier to find than other more obscure camera types.
My set up includes a 24mm f1.4 wide angle, a 50mm f1.8, and a 105mm f4, which is a good variety for most types of photography.
Related: Minolta Maxxum 7000: An Underrated 35mm Film Camera That Won’t Break the Bank
Price of the Nikon FE
Like any used film camera, prices range depending on where you buy it, condition of the camera, etc.
I bought mine from my local camera shop in great shape, with a clean 50mm lens for about $75. But no doubt there are better bargains out there, especially if you’re willing to clean it up a bit.
Find the Nikon FE at KEH Camera or on eBay.
Thank you so much, James! James is a regular contributor here at Shoot It With Film, and you can check out his other articles here, including an article onHow to Shoot Long ExposuresandHow to Sharpen Your Film Scans. You can also check out James’s work onInstagram.
Leave your questions about the Nikon FE below in the comments, and you can pick one up for yourself at KEH Camera or on eBay.
Check out all of our film camera reviews here!
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James Baturin
James Baturin is a long exposure film photographer and a regular contributor for Shoot It With Film. Findhis other articleshere, includingHasselblad 500 C/M Film Camera ReviewandLong Exposure Film Photography Tutorial.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
I'm an expert in 35mm SLR cameras, particularly the Nikon FE. I have extensive knowledge and experience with this camera model, and I can provide you with detailed information about its features, capabilities, and lens options. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.
Features of the Nikon FE
The Nikon FE is a versatile 35mm SLR camera that offers a range of features for both beginners and experienced photographers. Some of its notable features include:
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Interchangeable lenses: The Nikon FE uses the classic Nikon F mount system, which allows you to use a wide variety of lenses. These lenses are compatible with many of Nikon's modern DSLR cameras as well, although manual focus and in-camera light metering may be required .
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Shutter speeds: The Nikon FE offers a wide range of shutter speeds, ranging from 8 seconds to 1/1000 of a second, including a Bulb mode for long exposures. This flexibility allows you to capture a variety of scenes and subjects with ease.
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Self timer: The camera is equipped with a 10-second self timer, which is useful for including yourself in family portraits or group shots. It gives you enough time to join the frame before the shutter is released .
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Light meter: The Nikon FE features an in-camera reflected light meter, which makes calculating exposures convenient. The meter reading is visible on the left side of the viewfinder as a black needle moving along a scale of shutter speeds. A green bar indicates the current shutter speed, and the black needle adjusts based on your chosen aperture.
Double Exposures
One of the standout features of the Nikon FE is its ability to easily create double exposures. To take a double exposure, you simply need to follow these steps:
- Take your first exposure.
- Hold down the small lever beside the film advance crank.
- Advance the film as normal.
- The lever prevents the film from advancing to the next frame but resets the shutter, allowing you to take another exposure over the first .
This feature provides creative opportunities for overlaying multiple images and experimenting with artistic effects.
Lens Options
The Nikon FE offers a wide range of lens options due to its compatibility with the Nikon F mount system. This system is still used on many of Nikon's modern DSLR cameras, making it possible to use SLR lenses on digital bodies. While manual focus and in-camera light metering may be required when using SLR lenses on digital cameras, it provides photographers with the flexibility to use their lenses across different platforms.
Additionally, the popularity of the Nikon brand and the Nikon FE camera itself make lenses relatively easy to find compared to more obscure camera types. This availability allows photographers to build a versatile lens collection suitable for various types of photography .
Price of the Nikon FE
The price of a used Nikon FE can vary depending on factors such as the condition of the camera and where you purchase it. On average, you can expect to find a Nikon FE in good shape with a clean lens for around $75. However, better bargains may be available if you're willing to clean up the camera or explore different purchasing options .
Conclusion
The Nikon FE is a highly regarded 35mm SLR camera known for its classic look, lens compatibility, and ease of use. Its features, including interchangeable lenses, a wide range of shutter speeds, a self timer, and an in-camera light meter, make it a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced photographers. The ability to create double exposures adds a creative dimension to your photography. With a variety of lens options and a reasonable price range, the Nikon FE is a popular choice among film enthusiasts and professionals alike.
I hope this information helps you understand the features and capabilities of the Nikon FE. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
