Nikon FE Camera Manual

Brief History

Released in 1978, the Nikon FE was designed as a compact, lightweight, and electronically controlled alternative to Nikon’s fully mechanical cameras. Positioned between the manual Nikon FM and the professional Nikon F2, the FE was intended for enthusiast and semi-professional photographers who wanted the flexibility of both automatic and manual control.

As part of Nikon’s shift toward electronically controlled shutters, the FE offered aperture-priority auto-exposure (AE) alongside full manual control—making it one of Nikon’s first cameras to successfully integrate automation without sacrificing creative flexibility. This made it a direct competitor to the Canon A-1, which also featured an electronically controlled shutter and automatic exposure modes.

The FE remained in production until 1983, when it was replaced by the improved Nikon FE2, which featured a faster shutter (1/4000s vs. 1/1000s) and TTL flash metering. However, the original FE remains a favorite among film photographers today due to its reliable performance, compact build, and user-friendly design.

Key Features & Synopsis

  • Lens Mount: Nikon F-mount, compatible with AI and AI-S lenses.
  • Exposure Modes: Aperture-Priority (A) and Full Manual (M).
  • Metering System: Center-weighted metering, accurate and reliable for most shooting conditions.
  • Shutter Speeds: Electronically controlled 8s to 1/1000s + Bulb, with a 1/90s mechanical backup speed in case of battery failure.
  • Viewfinder: Bright optical viewfinder with LED exposure readout.
  • Build Quality: Compact, metal-bodied construction, lighter than professional Nikon cameras but still durable.
  • Film Advance: Manual lever advance, with optional motor drive compatibility (MD-12).
  • Battery Requirement: Two LR44/SR44(Buy on Amazon) batteries, required for electronic functions.

Why It’s Still Popular Today

  • Aperture-Priority Convenience: The FE’s aperture-priority mode allows for quick shooting, making it a great option for street photography, travel, and fast-paced environments.
  • Full Manual Control: Unlike fully automatic cameras, the FE still allows complete manual operation, making it a good choice for those who want creative control.
  • Reliable Metering System: The center-weighted metering is accurate and easy to use, ensuring properly exposed shots in most conditions.
  • Mechanical Backup Shutter Speed: While primarily electronic, the FE has a 1/90s mechanical shutter option, allowing it to function even if the battery dies.
  • Compact & Well-Built: The FE is smaller and lighter than Nikon’s professional F-series cameras while still feeling solid and premium in hand.
  • Lens Compatibility: Works with AI and AI-S Nikon lenses, which are still widely available and affordable.

Potential Downsides

  • Electronic Dependency: Unlike fully mechanical cameras like the Nikon FM or FM2, the FE requires batteries for most shutter speeds.
  • 1/1000s Shutter Limit: The maximum shutter speed of 1/1000s is slower than newer models like the FE2 (1/4000s), making it less ideal for shooting in bright conditions with fast lenses.
  • No TTL Flash Metering: While it supports flash photography, the FE lacks Through-The-Lens (TTL) flash metering, which was introduced in the FE2.
  • Less Durable Than Pro-Level Models: While well-built, the FE isn’t as rugged as Nikon’s F-series cameras like the F2 or F3, which were designed for professional use.

Final Thoughts

The Nikon FE is a fantastic film SLR for those who want a balance between automation and manual control. Its aperture-priority mode makes shooting effortless, while its manual mode provides full creative flexibility.

For photographers who want a mechanical Nikon, the FM or FM2 may be a better choice, while those needing faster shutter speeds and TTL flash metering may prefer the FE2. However, for anyone looking for a reliable, well-built, and user-friendly film camera, the Nikon FE remains one of the best options available today.