jcofer1

<p>When I bought my FE2 new in the early 80's, it came with a black strap with "Nikon 4000" embroidered on it; presumably touting the 1/4000 top shutter speed over the 1/2000 of the earlier FE. I bought an FM2n some time in the early 90's; no strap with that one.<br> The FE2 is the only Nikon body I bought new that came with a strap.</p>

<p>I believe that some Arguses (Argi?) have to have the shutter cocked before you insert the bulb, as the flash contacts are not opened until the shutter is tensioned. At least I think this applied to the C-3/C-4/C-44 models, not sure about later models.</p>

<p>Wouter, assuming that the FT is the same as the FTN, the battery cap is a bayonet rather than a screw thread fitting. Try pressing in while you turn, that may free it.</p>

<p>Have you considered the Nikon SB-21B? Provides TTL exposure control with the FE-2/FM-3a. KEH lists one for $144 with both 52mm and 62mm adapters. Not very large. There is the SB-29 as well, which is a newer version of the SB-21; also TTL compatible, but more expensive. I think both have been discontinued, but are readily available used.</p>

<p>Mamiya 1000 DTL and 500 DTL. Around 1970-72.</p>

<p>Thought I was the only one to have this happen. Half-empty bottle, fortunately sitting in an old 11x14 print tray. What a mess...</p>

<p>The Nikon F4 with the MF-23 data back can do this, as can the F5 with the MF-28 data back.</p>

<p>Note that the Weston meter is calibrated in "Weston" film speeds, rather than ASA/ISO.<br> Set the meter to the next speed lower than the ISO speed (e.g., ISO 100, set to Weston 80).</p> <p>Copy of the manual <a href="http://www.westonmeter.org.uk/assets/S74715.pdf">here</a>.</p> <p>Also note that the Weston meters have a wide (30 degree) angle of acceptance, so your readings may differ from those of a narrower angle meter system.</p>

<p>Advent of autofocus probably had an effect. Note that the N-8008 was essentially the FA with autofocus; same modes, matrix metering, etc., and it sold well.</p>

<p>Personal guess. Price made for a small target market; advanced amateurs bought the cheaper FM-2 or FE-2, pros bought the F3. The FA was perceived as a "Super FE-2" for a lot more money; but the pro wanted a more rugged camera, while the advanced amateur wanted lower cost. And neither were interested in Program mode.</p> <p>Also, it could possibly have been seen as lower quality, due to the use of a plastic top cover, where the other Nikon models at the time used brass (except the FG and EM). Problem with this is that the composition of the top cover is not obvious at a casual glance.</p> <p>I have read somewhere that there were problems with the shutters on the early units disintegrating, which seems unlikely, since the shutter appears to be exactly the same as the one in the FE-2, and I have never heard of problems with the FE-2 shutters. I have an early FE-2, and it has always performed perfectly. Also have an FA, bought as a demo. model just after it was discontinued; never had a problem with it either.</p> <p>In other words, who knows. Just the right product at the wrong time.</p>

<p>I believe the slide-on diopter lenses for the Nikon FG/FG-20/EM will also fit; they fit perfectly on the X570/X700 series, as well as the XD-11.</p>