The Mighty Nikon FE

A few weeks ago I purchased a lot of 5 cameras for $31, including postage.  All were advertised as being in as-is condition.  Well the only dog out of the bunch was a Mamyia 1000 DTL, which I wanted for its 135mm mamiya/Sekor lens (which turned out to have fungus.).  The other cameras in the lot were a Nikon EM, Nikon FE (black), Nikon F50 with the panorama mode, and a Nikon N2000.  All appear to work perfectly with new batteries in them. So, at $6 a camera, I made out very well.  In fact all but the Mamiya are also in very good cosmetic shape as well.

The 6-dollar Nikon FE body. The 28-85 AI lens is one I have had for quite a while -- it was a gift.

The Nikon FE was my first manual-focus Nikon, which I purchased used at a local camera store around 2001.  I think I paid about $90 for it at the time.  I used the heck out of it, and it was my go-to camera until I replaced it with a Nikon FM2N.  I don't want to think of how many Nikons of various models have passed through my hands over the years, but the FE remains dear to me.  The only problem with them is that they are now pretty old cameras (1978-82), and many have had a lot of rolls of film through them. Consequently, buying a used one unseen may not be worth it unless it's really, really cheap.  Of course, film cameras have been sinking in price, but an FE in really good condition still has value.  Most of the FEs you see will be the chrome version, and the black version is highly sought after. Not that they work any differently, mind you.  They just have that look of quality and ruggedness with the black body.

I was very pleased to see the meter work like it should after I put in a new 1/3N cell into the camera.  The mirror foam needs to be replaced -- it's not gooey, just old.  I think the foam in the back has long dried out, but I did not see any light leaks in the roll of film that I ran through it.The true test is shooting a roll of film, so I loaded some expired but fridge-stored Kodak Gold 100.    I shot outside on a cold and windy day -- the windchill was below zero F., so that was a good test, as far as I am concerned.   The camera worked flawlessly.  

All I  can say is that I am pleased as can be with the camera.  Finds like that don't come along every day.  However, I have so many Nikons that I use regularly, this camera probably won't see that much use. So, I am giving it to a friend of mine that was very interested in it.  I think she will have a blast with it.  Far better to  use a camera than just keep it in a drawer!