Nikon FE21983

History

Released 1983 alongside the FM2 (1982). The FE2 succeeded the FE (1978, slower 1/1000s shutter). Production ran four years until 1987 when it was effectively replaced by the FA (matrix meter, more electronic) — though the FA had launched in 1983 as well. The FE2 line ended without a direct successor; the FM3A (2001) eventually combined FM2 mechanical reliability with FE2 AE convenience.

Why It Matters

For Nikon shooters who want aperture-priority on a manual-focus body without paying FM3A prices, the FE2 is the rational choice. Same titanium shutter as FM2, full TTL flash, and reliable AE for street photography. Used prices stay reasonable ($200–400) because the FM2 and FM3A overshadow it culturally — the FE2 is the "third favorite" Nikon manual-focus body, which means it's discounted.

The trade-off vs FM2: more electronics to fail, no battery-independent operation at all speeds. Vs FM3A: less battery-independent than FM3A's full mechanical fallback.

Lenses & Accessories

F-mount: AI / AI-S meter directly. AF Nikkors mount and shoot in manual focus. Pre-AI lenses cannot mount (no flip-up tab on FE2). MD-12 motor drive (3.2 fps), MF-16 data back, SB-15 / SB-16B flash with TTL.

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• Galen Rowell — used FE2 alongside FM2 in his adventure photography.
• Common in 80s/90s photojournalism kits as a backup to F2/F3.
• Featured in many "best aperture-priority manual SLR" guides.

References

• Camera-Wiki: Nikon FE2
• Nikon Imaging History: FE2
• Wikipedia: Nikon FE2