Nikon FM vs FE, Which is for you?
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- Опубликовано: 16 апр 2021
- I attempt to answer the age old question, to buy a reliable mechanical Nikon FM or an easy to use electronic Nikon FE. FYI I have both.
Follow up here: • FM vs. FE the Clear Wi... 
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I solved the dilemma over which one by buying both.
You are not alone in that decision. You should check out my latest video on G.A.S.
The original FM (which I bought new at the time) used the diode meter readout, not a "Needle" meter. Conversely, the FE and later versions used the more traditional needle readout in the view finder. Sooner or later, I owned all of the versions of the FM and FE. I prefer the needle readout of the FE series because you can see exactly how much over or under exposed you are at any time. The diode system does not display that level of detail. Also, the FM was the first Nikon to use a diode type meter display, and I suspect they were concerned that the user base would be more comfortable with the traditional needle system. By the way, the basic FM/FM2 came in black or chrome finish. The FM2 model his shows in the video which he describes as a "Champaign" finish is a special, limited edition model clad in titanium, a FM2/T.
I gave my Nikon FM to my grandaughter. She loves it.
I have an FE, which I really enjoy, I prefer the needle metering on FE. The battery life is about 4 years.
It takes 2 lr44 readily obtainable.
PPP repairs here in the UK, are good at repairing all old cameras, manual and electronic.
Good to know about some one doing repairs on electronic cameras.
Coming from an electronics background I would skip the FE and go with the FM or better yet the FM2. All of which I own, or better yet a F2. An advantage of the FM is that it can use pre-AI lenses where as the later models can’t. So just buy one of each, problem solved.
Agreed!
The FE can take all the old lenses back to 1959 if they've been ai converted. The FE2 can't.
@@neilpiper9889 For the FE, and FM (first versions) they take all lenses from 1959, period, NO NEED for AI conversion. You will need to meter them stopped down however, but otherwise EVERY lens works.
The FM top shutter speed is 1/1000, and the FE2 is indeed 1/4000. The Nikon F3 is limited to 1/2000 due to the horizontal shutter. The original FM is all the camera I need, my favorite camera.
I like the extra speeds of the FM2... I rarely use them but I like the idea. FM2ns also have a great light meter better than many cameras of that era. Lots of people go gaga for F3s but I have seen defective models that just don't work and that scared me away from that entire model, I also think the interchangeable view finders are more of a gimmick than a real world solution.
@@andrewsmithphoto Another advantage of the original FM and FE is the ability to use non converted pre AI lenses with the folding metering tab.
Nice video and insight btw!
The FM always had LEDs too.
The FE, FE 2 and FM3A all have the match needle metering display with EVERY SPEED indicated. Its only the older Nikkormats that have the + 0 - display. I much prefer the FE set up to the FM set up, I agree the LED might help for quick shooting with a manual camera, but I can't tell what setting I'm at without looking in two or three places. I find the match needle system more intuitive. Over the years I shot with FT, FT2, FM, FE, FA, F301, 601, F75, F100, D100, D200, D300, D700, D70, D810....the best metering system by far is the match needle system, it just tells me everything I need to know at a glance. I still own and shoot an FE AND a 'precocious' camera, as you described it, that I bought new in 2002....best Nikon camera ever made....the only thing it lacks is spot metering, other than that its perfect and a great blend of the FE/FM line up, it also has 1/4000 as its fastest, has a flash sync of 1/250 and works with Nikon's CLS flash system. I've likes and subscribed, great video and description.
My scope of knowledge on Nikon SLRs is respectable but limited. I find it hard to know and include so much information when there are so many different models and even rare NPS and Factory modifications floating around. My big concern is usually shutter speed and meter type. But Nikon was not always abundantly clear on how its meters worked. I have found the FM2T to be a favorite... but that in its self is really just a reskinned FM2N.
@@andrewsmithphoto No body knows it all, because there is just so much to know, that's why sharing knowledge over platforms like this is so important. Then there is the stuff you used to know when you had a particular camera, but have forgotten.....l couldn't remember what the metering symbols meant on an old camera I pulled out of a drawer recently! I know nothing about Nikon range finders, always wanted one though, so I might delve into your channel a little more. keep up the good work.
Thanks for the chalk talk on both of these early SLR's and their relative merit's.
I have the FE, FM2n, FE2 and an FA. They all work beautifully and reliably. Of these 4 Nikons, my favorite is the FE because it can take lenses as far back as pre-Ai and is a very simple camera that does it's job like a pro. Paired with a pancake Series E 50mm f1.8 lens, it's a superb camera for street photography. Light, small and nimble.
Also, calculating from 1/90th sec is no different than 1/125th. In fact, 1/90th is closer to 1/100th for sunny 16 calculation based on a 100 ISO film than 1/125th is. I don't understand why you find it difficult. Essentially, you would calculate as you would with 1/125th.
I had the choice between a FM and FM2 , with a small price difference and I ended up with the FM , simply for its double exposure button. Lovely camera
FM2s also have double exposure tab, right in front of the film advance lever.
I have the FM2n - but it would be nice to own both. One thing to note about the FE is its aperture priority mode allows the camera to choose stepless shutter speeds. For example: It'll choose something between the marked shutter speeds of 1/125th and 1/250th of a second, if need be. Or it could be between 1/60th and 1/125th, if there is a little less available light.
So, which is better for you? The FM or FE?
@@lydiahaiba3800 For my methodical approach to ambient light photography, the Nikon FM2 is all the camera that I need.
If you wish to primarily shoot in auto exposure mode - or - think you'll be using an electronic flash often enough, then the Nikon FE2 is the better camera. The FE2 has in camera TTL flash sensor. The original Nikon FM and the latter FM2 do not offer a TTL mode.
The FM2 and the FM2n use the same light meter readout the red +0- dut the 2 differences in the cameras are the FM2 has the honeycomb titanium shutter and a flash sync of 1/125 sec the FM2n ( n for new ) has a flash sync of 1/250 sec and a smooth aluminium shutter but earlier FM2n's still used the honeycomb shutter, I've one of each of the FM2n's. I personally prefer the FE2 mainly because you can fine tune your exposure with the exposure compensation in 1/3 stops especially useful when shooting in strong contrasting lighting or with slide film. I have the 2 FM2n's and 3 FE2's among my collection.
Thank you for this Video.
Beautiful, fully mechanical,realiable and accepts non AI lenses as well - proud FM owner.
FM or FM2 (not much difference) are my favorite SLR family.
I bought a new FM when first introduced. I traded "up" to an FM2 later, along with a trade of my MD-11 drive for the MD12. (The MD-12 offers significant advantages over the MD-11). A few years later, I traded again for an FE2, which I still have today. At that time, I thought I'd like to use the auto-exposure function on the FE2, but in fact I never used it, not once. I vastly prefer the more traditional needle pointer and scale meter readout on the FE series to the three diode metering on the FM. I put a lot of hard miles on the FE2, and it still works fine - no repairs ever.
I really only shoot in manual myself, the 'computer' too often makes poor choices, like super low shutter speeds. I do prefer the LED meter readout on the FMs it is easy to see and so simple it is almost a no-brainer.
great video
I chose the FM when I purchased. Its my backup to my F3 HP
Having a fully mechanical camera, even as a backup, is always a wise idea.
The FE was released in 1978. The FM2/T was released in 1995. The FM was released in 1977. This is not an apples to apples comparison. There is almost a 20-year difference in the cameras you are comparing. I'm still using the FE I got in 1978 and it will except non AI, AI, AI-S and Series E lenses & more. (Pretty much any F mount lense since 1958). The FM2/T will not accept non-AI lenses. Note: In Aperture priority mode the FE is designed to cover the 1/4000 shutter speed.
I'm not dissing the FM2/T, I'd loved to have one, but my FE sits next to my D7200 in the bag.
I mentioned the age difference which I think is the most important factor in deciding. But the models are all very similar. Yes, there are a few small differences from one model to another, no matter how small, obscure or irrelevant someone is going to argue and insist the least relevant thing like a double exposure tab or the meter display are 99% of what they demand from a camera and the other effectively identical cameras are useless. I am trying to present the facts, but it is hard to get your hands on every sub model of an extensive and long running camera family.
get both! as only need 1 set of the lenses for both cameras, one for B&W and one for colour film : )
If you have the money why not? They are both affordable and very user friendly cameras.
You on the FM2 have a pre ai lens? I understand that pre ai lenses are not compatible on FM2 bodies due to the lack of the flange on the edge. Also, the FM2 does not have the option to lift the lever up from the photometer ring. Or is your pre ai lens modified?
Generally, pre-AI lenses fit on to, but will not meter on AI bodies. But back in the day Nikon would perform simple modifications (replacing the aperture ring) to allow pre-AI lenses to work flawlessly with more modern bodies. These lenses are pretty common, but not always easy to identify at a glance. The company has since taken the opposite approach.
The real problem with these old cameras is that the electronics no longer work and there are no replacement parts. The FM is still repairable since the mechanical parts can be fixed. Not a good idea buying old electronic cameras.
Generally true, repairs are not possible. But the Nikon FEs are at least 25X more reliable than any Canon or Pentax so they are a reasonable buy. On the opposite side of the coin, the F3s don't seem anywhere near as reliable as the FEs.
What's not professional about the FE? Soon after the FM and FE were introduced Nikon's newest pro model
the Nikon F3 offered the same options of aperture-preferred autoexposure and manual operation as the FE.
My FE has a quieter shutter than my FM & FM2n, and a needle exposure indicator which I much prefer to LEDs.
And all Nikon FM/FM2/FE/FE2 models can use the professional MD-11 and MD-12 3.5 fps motor drives.
Hi Sir
If I have a Nikon FG20 what is the second third choice that you prefer for me so that there is diversity in terms of mechanical and electronic cameras like Fe and Fm and Fe2 and Fm2 or others and the acceptance of lenses as well like nikkor s and ai-s and non ai-s and D.
Using a Google translator
For lens compatibility and a meconial camera I would go for an FM. the FM2s can not use pre ai lenses.
How about FE, dose it accept all lenses
i have the FM2n and a FE2.....liked both, but the FE2 stopped working...don`t know why.....the FM2 runs and runs...greets BM
My FE kind of failed, its shutter fires but the mirror locks up. if I use the M90 or bulb (mechanical speeds) it works but the meter is wild. FMs are just more reliable... and I called it 2 years before the technical failing of the FE.
where can I buy fe cam?
eBay
personally, i prefer the FE to the FE2. needled matching is the way to go for me. maybe because that is because i learnt to shoot SLR on a minolta srt101.
The only time i have thought i wanted a FM was ski touring when all batteries got so cold nothing worked.
My FE recently died, which really hammers home my point. Meters don't matter on bricks.
W fm nie wiadomo o ile zdjecie bedzie przeswietlony czy niedoswietlone. W fe jest to lepsze rozwiazanie.
All FE models have match needle, all FM models have LED.
Not quite, the FM3a has a needle, but in some ways that model is more like a FE than a FM.
It always seemed odd to me that the FM should be the one to use LEDs since it's both mechanical and a slightly older design than the FE.
@@srfurley fair enough. personally, i don't include the FM3a in either category (FE or FM). it's too much of a mishmash to lumped into either one.
I choose fm2 and fg lol
lets hear about nikon fm more nikon fm2 is expensive
I only own the FM2, but the FM is a very similar camera (save the light meter and max shutter speed) and about $100 cheaper.
FE will do 1/4000 sec in automode
Only FE2s. FE tops out at 1/2000.
@Andrew Smith 1/4000 of a sec is per Ken Rockwell website. I have tested it up to 30 full seconds in automode well past the advertised 8 second dial indicator.
ik this is a nikon video but you just reminded me that one day my av-1 will just stop working with no explanation 🥲🥲
AV-1s are notorious for electronic failure issues. Something fairly common with most electronic cameras. These issues are hard to fix as components have not been available for decades. One of the reasons I prefer mechanical cameras.