FE2 versus FM3A?

I've had 17 years of trouble-free use from my FE2. Spot on all the

time. My first problem was last week when my shutter release didn't

trigger on bulb. It made me start thinking about another camera. I

realised if this one fails, I'm stuck. I shoot a combination of B&W

and color. So in the meantime, having two manual cameras with each

kind of film in it would be very handy.

 

The question to the group - do I buy another FE2 used (but mint as

some are advertised) or pay the roughly additional $250 for a new

FM3a. My main indecision comes from the FE2's electronic shutter

speed control versus the FM3a's manual. Plus the durability and

reliability of the FE2 is proven. All thoughts and comments are

welcome.

 

Thanks,

Martin

Martin-

 

I've never used an FE2, but purchased an FM3A new back in January. Previously I used an FG, but the shutter on it was problematic. Anyway, I love the FM3A. The view finder is very bright and clear. They body is relatively light (I believe lighter than the FM2 variations) and the controls are all well placed. The manual shutter was a big selling point for me. Plus, there is a kind of safety in purchasing a new as opposed to used camera. I'm sure lots of used cameras are in excellent condition, but this way I know that it hasn't been beaten around by someone. I don't know what price you are quoting for the FM3A, and I also don't know what the FE2's are going for. But I got mine from B&H, grey market, for about $450. That was easily the cheapest I was able to find it for, and I've been ordering from B&H for years with no serious problems.

 

I guess I don't really know how else to describe the camera, except to say that it is a joy to use it (which was not always so with the FM). If you have any specific questions, let me know and I'll try to answer them.

 

Chad

Hi Martin, Check through the archives in the Nikon forum. There are a bunch of threads about the FM3 vs the other models (FE/FM series). I don't think you should be overly concerned about the reliability of the FM3A shutter assembly as it is based on the FM2n setup (I think) which is a proven performer. Besides, the FM3 can still use electronic shutter control in A mode.

Martin - why not consider taking another step and getting the F4?? That way, you gain the option of AF lenses (and partial compatibility with newer "G" lenses -- S and P modes only), in addition to compatibility with your manual lenses.

The FM3a seems to do everything an FE2 can do, with the advantages of being newer and lighter. I'm thinking about an FM3a myself, because my FM2n is getting old and has seen heavy use. The FE2 would be cheaper, but I'm looking for a camera with 20+ years of use ahead of it.

 

If you think of the camera as a purchase over time, ask yourself if you would prefer to spend $250 on an FE2 which may last 5 to 10 years, or $450 on an FM3a which may last 20 years. (You can adjust the length of time to suit yourself--you may use cameras heavily more like a pro, or lightly like a part-time shooter.)

I loved my FE2. But when the meter started acting up, I was well and truly stuck for finding service. I'm sure if I'd looked long enough, and hard enough, I'd have found someone to fix it. Fortunately, I found someone who was willing to take it, along with a similarly flummoxed FE I had, in exchange for a pristine F3HP (I also had to throw in a 2X teleconverter). <P>

 

If it weren't for the fact that I have, in addition to the F3, two other SLRs - and am now on the lookout for a rangefinder - I'd definitely buy an FM3A. As others have said, if you're planning on keeping your camera, and using it, for a good long time - and if you can afford it - you might as well buy what appears to be the best of the FM/FE line (the FM2n coming in, I think, a close second).

Thank you all for your comments. I keep thinking that the FE2 feature for feature is a better camera. Unfortunately the age can be an issue, but even then I'm seeing a near 20 year old camera sell for not much more than $100 less than a new FM3A. It just makes me pause about which will hold its value. Though, if the FE2 can't be repaired, that's a problem. Any thoughts on an F3? Are there similar repair issues?

I used FE2 a long time ago. Then moved it to F90 and bought a FM3A recently. The switch from FE2 to FM3A is very easy. No complaints.

 

This link has a very good comparison between these 2 cameras.

 

http://www.nikonlinks.com/body_reviews.htm

There are a few features on the FE2 that I prefer over the FM3a, manual shutter speeds down to 8 seconds is one but you basically get an FM2n thrown in the deal and in the same body. Given the parts situation for FE2 I think it�s a no-brainer: get an FM3a.

 

My favorite in production cameras from Nikon right now are the FM3a and the F5. I recommend the FM3a as a first camera to almost anyone with any motivation. If you have a fine bundle of lettuce or are willing to suffer for photography consider an F5 as a backup.

If you can afford it, what not get a new FM3A and not worry about an old camera breaking down? The FE2 has been discontinued for quite a while. Any FE2 available cannot be all that new.

Has anybody considered the build quality of an FM2/FE2 vs FM3A? Theres more to it than just an aluminum outer skin. Many people extol the virtures of the FM3A such as being lighter in weight. How is it lighter in weight? Maybe nylon gears instead of steel gears. What about other internal items in the drive train or even the film counter mechanism that may have been made lighter in weight. There IS a reason these old FM2/FE2's have lasted 20 years or more without breakdowns. As good as nylon may be, it ain't steel and I'd bet the new FM3A's won't have the same durability/reliability as the old FM2/FE2's. Personally I'd much rather have an old FM2/FE2, send it in for a CLA and enjoy another 20 years of trouble free service. With the FM3A, only time will tell.

Martin asked about the repairability of the Nikon F3. I have an F3 that is 20 years old. Nikon stopped production of the F3 in 2001, but promised to maintain parts and service for at least 10 years. That takes you to 2011, which will mean that my camera will be near 30 years old by then. If you do get an F3, be warned that many local camera repair places often can't handle it. I sent my F3 to a local repairer because I noticed that the foam seals after 20 years had deteriorated. I don't know what he did, but it came back to me with the flash sync non-functioning. This had never been a problem before. Long story short, I finally sent it to Nikon for servicing, who made it perfect again for $250.00. If you do get an F3, send it to Nikon for repairs If you're worried about durability, then consider that the F3 is the essence of ruggedness!

For the record, the FM3a is actually approximately 20 grams <b>heavier</b> than the FE2.

<p>

You've had 17 good years with your FE2. Give it backup body status and enjoy a new FM3a.

"I keep thinking that the FE2 feature for feature is a better camera"

 

What features are those? I shot FE and FE2s for 11 years, before switching (mostly) to N8008s and N90s and last fall

bought an FM3a. It's about the same weight and build quality seems identical. I can't think of a single feature of the FE2

that is in any respect better than its equivalent on this camera and several that are worse: only one mechanical shutter

speed, dimmer viewfinder, no film window, poor location of the AE lock, and no convenient fill-flash

comp.......................

Dear,

 

Time evolves so tecnology too! I am a FM3A`s owner and I love it.

 

it is perfect for b&w and slides too. I am sure you will not be disappointed with it.

 

best wishes.

All,

 

I appreciate your comments and references to other helpful links. It's been some time since I've considered a 35mm purchase. The main issues I'm having with the FM3A are the mechanically controlled shutter (I haven't used AE that much even on my FE2) and the inherent build quality. It doesn't seem as though Nikon bills the FM3A as a professional camera. I have been shooting LF recently using a Rodenstock lens with a copal shutter, that's completely mechanical. I guess I can accept that and the associated variance in a 35mm. There's enough positive commentary on the FM3A to suggest the mechanical shutter provides consistent performance.

 

However, build quality and long term reliability (not to suggest FM3A is inferior) are proven in the FE2. Plus aftermarket prices are near what I paid for the camera in 1985! Are parts that difficult to find? It's been about 3 yrs since I had mine serviced.

 

(Ideally I'd like to have a F3/T and should have bought one the last year it was made, but that's a different story.)

Don't forget that the FM/FE/FM2/FE2 were not designed or sold as professional cameras either -- their acceptance in that role took time. They were designed and sold primarily as replacements for the Nikkormat FT3 and EL2.

 

Assuming it doesn't have some fundamental flaw, the FM3A shutter probably provides the best of both worlds -- quartz accuracy in aperture priority mode and mechanical backup at all speeds. Long-term dependability will only be proven...over the long term! But there is no reason to be concerned that I'm aware of at this time.

 

The F3 is a truly remarkable camera. Its only weaknesses are slow sync speed and the non-ISO mount. But, compared to the FM/FE series (including the FM3A), it is a fair bit larger and heavier. Relatively speaking, used F3s are approaching bargain status on the price-value scale.

 

Good luck with your decision.

Martin: Given your build quality concerns, why not take a stroll through the excellent market in used F3s and F3HPs at

KEH and elsewhere? Even though I am a glasses wearer and am used to the high-eyepoint finders on my AF bodies, for

whatever reason I can use the plain F3 comfortably without installing a diopter like I have to on FM-series cameras

-maybe it's "medium eyepoint." You can save mucho bucks by getting a plain F3 instead of an HP. The downside: the

exposure info display in tne F3/F3HP viewfinder sucks. A major reason I bought theFM3a instead. You will miss that

great analog scale. So have your FE2 CLA'D for a backup.....

Correction: I just went back to the KEH website (for me, always a risky place to be!) and it seems the price difference

between F3HPs and regular F3s of equal grade is now pretty insignificant. Both in "excellent" are within a few bucks of

a new grey market FM3a.......

Hi Martin,

 

I found myself in the same situation as you. I have used the Nikon FE2 for about 15 years, but my FE2 was stolen. I could not afford the $1500 (body only) for the FM3A here in Australia so I stayed with the FE2.

 

I found one in mint condition with a 50 f1.4 and a 35-105 lens with the original box and manual for approx $800. I'm very happy with my new FE2 and I guess I saved quite a lot of money as well.

 

For the same money as an FM3A here in Australia I could buy two FE2 in top condition.

 

All the best

 

Mick

I've always thought the FE2 was the best camera ever, and I guess some of the people at Nikon might have agreed, because the FM3a is more or less a reissue of it. I would say stick with the FE2 -- it's a proven commodity and it's unlikely to lose value at this point (it hasn't yet). And there's something cool about getting extended use out of older gear rather than participating in the disposable-society newer-is-better consumer-culture. Incidentally, I have had no trouble whatsoever getting parts or service very cheaply for the FE2, but then I've never had a shutter go bad.

I think one of the other factor you may want to take into consideration, film camera may not last for another 20 years, even they will, the film manufacturer probably will reduce their investment and development cost in film, Kodak is beffing up their digital domain, I think Fuji is doing the same. I think you will be better off to get the FE2 repaired and use it to the full extent of its capability.

Martin;

Do the FE2. That's one "hot shot" of a camera. There's a reason it's still around today. I agree with Ron Snyder, give me that steel inside that camera instead of nylon!