Nikon's Compact Classic. Automatic When You Want It, Manual When You Need It.
The Nikon FE arrived in 1978 as the electronic twin of the mechanical FM, sharing its compact, rugged chassis but adding aperture-priority automatic exposure. Choose an aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed, anywhere from 8 seconds to 1/1000. Switch to manual and its elegant two-needle display, black for the meter's suggestion and green for your chosen speed, makes matching exposure intuitive. The metal-bladed shutter syncs with flash at 1/125, focusing screens are interchangeable, and if the batteries ever fail, a mechanical 1/90 second and Bulb keep you shooting. It takes the full range of AI and AI-S Nikkor lenses, and thanks to its fold-up meter coupling lever, even older non-AI Nikkors with stop-down metering. Made until 1983 in chrome and in black, and succeeded by the FE2, it is one of the most versatile manual-focus Nikons ever built. In Very Good condition, it shows light signs of use. For the photographer who wants Nikon build and glass in a lighter, more agile body, or the collector who appreciates a beautifully made manual-focus classic.
Sample photos by: u/crazy-B ; u/Nellienunu(r/analog). All rights belong to their respective owners.
