Cheap backup camera

[jamiew]

I have a Fe2 and am looking for a cheap (about $100) backup body to

use with my AI/AIS lenses. I was considering a N2000 or N2020 since

they see to be undervalued now, and are apparently well built (I am

open to suggestions, although I at least need AP exposure). Can

someone answer the following questions for me:

 

1) Does the camera have mirror lockup when using the self timer

(like the fe2)

 

2) I am pretty sure the camera does not have DOF preview. Just want

to confirm this.

 

3) On the N2000 what is the lever immediatly to the right of the

lens?

 

4) How large is the camera (in relation to the fe2?

 

5) What are the differences between the n2000 and n2020(AF) other

than the AF. I am trying to figure if I should even bother with the

2020.

 

6) Do either of the cameras have interchangable focusing screens?

[jamiew]

I also wanted to know what the slowest shutter speed in P or A mode is. I love the way the fe2 can go up over 30 seconds.

[Guest]

If this is the same as the F301, off the top of my head I only know that there's no DOF preview, and so the lever must be the self-timer, but on the left of the lens mount. Or right if you're looking down on the top deck. From behind the viewfinder.<P><a href="http://www.nikonlinks.com/">Nikonlinks</a> and <a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/htmls/knowledge_main.htm">Photography in Malaysia</a> are pretty good sites to start sussing these questions out. Nothing about the F301 on the Malaysian site, but it has lots of detail on others. Very helpful if, say, you want to choose a backup with the same metering display in the viewfinder as your FE2, or the same control layout.<P><a href="http://www.dantestella.com/technical/n2020.html">Libby Stella's view of the N2020</a> might clinch the deal.

[Guest]

Plus pictures of nearly all Nikon bodies <a href="http://www.xitek.com/bingqiku/nikon/nikon-slr.htm">here</a>. In Chinese, which might be a problem for some, but, again, handy for checking out those cameras that aren't in the used department of your local store or else only appear in really crappy photos on eBay where the camera is just an out-of-focus black shapeless mass on a pin-sharp floral-patterned carpet.

[steve_levine]

Id find a used FM or FE ,or for real cheap an EM.The EM is an aperture prefered auto same as the FE series.

[klix]

If you like the Fe2, I'd suggest save a few more $$$ and get another FE2 -- I think they're going for $250-$350 on eB@y these days.

[photojim]

Just to help you think of other second bodies (I hope you won't use it only as a backup; there are lots of reasons to have a second camera):

 

The N2000/F301 is a good deal at around $150, as you mentioned.

 

The EM is about $60-80. Doesn't have manual shutter speeds, but is tiny and light and worth considering for the price.

 

The FG and FG-20 are EMs with shutter speed dials. The FG-20 in particular is very cheap. The FG has TTL flash like your FE2.

 

If you can live without aperture priority, consider a Nikkormat FTn or (better) FT2.

 

The Nikon EL2 is rare but is probably around $100.

 

I bought an F50 last week for $99, but this won't meter with your AI lenses. Still, this shows you how far cameras have come down in price.