Nikon · SLR
Nikon FE
Nikon's aperture-priority companion to the FM2: the same rugged metal body with a handy AE mode for fast shooting.
~$140–250 typical used price · updated 2026-09-23
01Quick character
Editorial guidance, not lab measurements — examples vary, and film & processing change the result.
02Best for
Use cases: Portraits · Street · Learning
Control: Some control
Beginner friendly: 4/5
Portability: 3/5
What it feels like
A slr with manual focusing and aperture-priority ae + manual exposure — Nikon's aperture-priority companion to the FM2: the same rugged metal body with a handy AE mode for fast shooting.
03Key specifications
| Format | 35mm |
| Camera type | SLR |
| Lens | 50mm f/1.8 (interchangeable) |
| Focusing | Manual |
| Exposure | Aperture-priority AE + manual |
| Flash | Hot shoe |
| Production | 1978–1983 |
Known buying issues
- Electronics can fail (uses a battery)
- Mirror foam degrades
- Slow shutter speeds can drag
04Used buying checklist
- Test AE mode against known exposure
- Check mirror foam
- Fire shutter at all speeds
When possible, test a camera before buying — or buy from sellers with real return policies.
05Film pairings
Recommendations, not guarantees — exposure, processing and scanning change the final look.
Kodak Portra 400
Beautiful color with the freedom of aperture priority.
Ilford HP5 Plus
Smooth B&W tones for portraits and street.
06Current price options
Prices are used-market estimates. Links open merchant searches in a new tab; affiliate status will be added as programs are set up.