Nikon FE2

35mmSLRMount: Nikon F
Introduced: 1983
Nikon FE2
Image: Paul Chin — CC BY-SA 3.0

Nikon FE2 is the refined Nikon FE — in production 1983-1989, with three significant improvements: titanium-blade shutter (vs FE's metal-blade), 1/4000 top shutter speed (vs FE's 1/1000), and TTL flash metering (TTL OTF — through-the-lens off-the-film). The FE2 is the better daily-driver of the two; the FE is the cheaper used-market alternative.

Key features

  • F-mount bayonet — AI/AI-S compatible
  • Electronic shutter — vertical titanium-blade; 8s to 1/4000 + B; mechanical 1/250 backup
  • Aperture-priority + manual modes
  • TTL flash metering with SB-series Speedlights
  • 1/250 flash sync (faster than FE's 1/125)
  • Battery-dependent for AE

Practical notes

  • FE2 bodies on used market: $250-450 working examples
  • Pairs naturally with the SB-15/SB-16/SB-22 flash units that have TTL OTF compatibility
  • The MD-12 motor drive is the matched accessory

Related cameras

  • Nikon FE — predecessor
  • Nikon FM2 — mechanical sibling
  • Nikon FM3a — hybrid FE/FM successor (combines FE2's AE with FM2's mechanical shutter)
  • Nikon F3 — pro-grade alternative

Native lenses

Compatible with all AI/AI-S Nikkors