Nikon FE2 flash synch

<p>I recently picked up a Nikon FE2 with a SB-15 flash. I know that the camera should automatically synch at 1/250 sec. in the Auto mode when the flash is turned on. However, the viewfinder needle does not indicate this shutter speed, instead showing the speed it would normally set without the flash. Is this functioning properly?</p>

<p>Check p.48 of the manual</p>

<p>The meter needle will always indicate the ambient exposure shutter speed, not the flash sync speed.</p>

<p>It is easy enough to check that your FE2 is setting the shutter speed to 1/250 in A mode when the SB-15 flash is attached. Turn the SB-15 on, set your lens aperture to f/11 or f/16, and set the ISO on the camera such that the meter needle indicates a shutter speed of 1/15 or slower. Fire the camera. You will be able to easily detect if the shutter fires at 1/250 or 1/15.</p>

<p>John, I lost track of my manual at least a decade ago. I would imagine a lot of second owners wouldn't even get a manual.</p>

<p>James, what you're seeing is normal; the shtr spd needle, despite the shutter firing at 250th w/ compatible flash attached, will indicate what would normally be the appropriate spd in A-priority. I recall learning this lesson when the background in several images were underexposed. As a general rule I use manual exposure mode when using a flash in order to balance subject/b'ground lighting.</p>

<p>John, I don't have the manual at hand but cannot recall any mention of the spd needle defaulting, or not, to 250th with a flash attached. What does the text say about the spd needle when using a flash in A-priority?</p>

<p>FE2 instruction manual (5.5MB):<br>

http://www.lensinc.net/manuals/FE-2user.pdf</p>

<p>Thank you all for your help!</p>

<p>Sorry, I was hurry in the morning. I don't use paper manual much, often a PDF file. On page 48. there is a table saying if you are in modes M250, B, or manual with shutter speed <= 250, then the shutter speed will be whatever the (green) needle points to (as set). But that is not true if you are in A mode or Manual with shutter speed > 250. That means in A mode the shutter speed is not as set by the (black) needle, and the reason is because the Auto mode is cancelled</p>

<p>Thanks, John.</p>