The Nikon FE2 - 2 Years Later is it Still Worth Buying

No video

The Nikon FE2 - 2 Years Later is it Still Worth Buying

Рет қаралды 15,215

Күн бұрын

Years after buying the Nikon FE2 I found myself wondering if it was still the amazing camera I remember it being. I decided to grab my Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2, a roll of Kodak Gold 200 and hit the mountains near Boone, NC. Join me for this trip down film camera memory lane as we give the Nikon FE2 another go.
What is your favorite film camera?
What features do you look for in a film camera?
What do you think is the best SLR film camera is?
Thanks for watching!
Follow me on Instagram!
/ macshootsfilm
---::::--------::::--------::::--------::::---
Gear I will be using in 2021:
Voigtlander VC Speed Meter II on the m4-p amzn.to/2NhRag0
Leica M4-P 35mm Camera: amzn.to/2rOXsNe
Leica M5 35mm Camera
Leica 35mm Summicron f/2 ASPH v1
Leica 50mm Summicron f/2 v5
Leica 90mm Elmarit f/2.8
Nikon f100: amzn.to/36glVtM
Peak Design Slide Lite: amzn.to/3n3CxNk
Nikon FM3A: amzn.to/2QzAGkR
Olympus XA2: amzn.to/2ZOuQAk
Mamiya 645 Pro: amzn.to/2SJBpTi
Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Pro DSLR Camera Backpack: amzn.to/37vgis2
AmazonBasics Camera Sling Bag - 8 x 6 x 15 Inches, Black: amzn.to/2ZFwbZW
Leica Light meter - Voigtlander VC Speed Meter II: amzn.to/36i3d4X
RGB Light - Boling Vlogger BL-P1: amzn.to/31XfzxY
---::::---
What I use to develop film at home:
I use a Plustek 8200i SE scanner! It's AMAZING! amzn.to/2TVUAH7
Ultrafine Unicolor C-41 Powder Developer Kit (1 Liter): amzn.to/2YiWh44
CineStill CS41 Liquid Developing Quart Kit : amzn.to/2TtblZ9
Chemical bottles (get 3): amzn.to/2U1LpZ2
Paterson Universal tank and 2 reels : amzn.to/2JAcHSf
Dark bag: amzn.to/2JB2Yes
Analog thermometer: amzn.to/2JC5Mb5 (Optional Upgrade to standard thermometer)
Kodak Photo-Flo (minimizes streaks from hard water): amzn.to/2U7ahhP
Drying Clips: amzn.to/2UULNFJ
Archival Storage Sheets: amzn.to/2U1QLDC
Film Cassette Cartridge Opener: amzn.to/2U7bwgZ
Rocket Air Blaster: amzn.to/2Tq2rvz

Пікірлер: 66

@martinandreasson5504 3 жыл бұрын

I remember watching your first FE2 episode and while i already set my sights on either an FE2 or an FM2 your video at that point in time actually made me lean more towards the FE2. I have since acquired a lot of other cameras( as it always is !) and one among them being the Fm3a, making my FE2 my kind of backup for that one. I still love love shooting on the FE2 though, just feels so effortless and exactly like a camera should be ergonomically for me anyhow. Anyhow, about the actual video i enjoyed it a lot. The areas you are in when you shoot are so different from my "hunting grounds" here in Sweden, so its just relaxing and refreshing and kind of inspiring to toggle on when you go around shooting. Keep doing these, i really like the format. Regards Martin the swede.

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

The Nikon FM3A is an impressive camera! I consider myself lucky every trip Dani and I are able to make. I capture these trips (1) for KZfaq and (2) for memories of places we’ve been. I’m happy to bring you guys along with me and share that experience as well. I really appreciate you watching, Martin!

@aarontimm Жыл бұрын

It's insane to me that the fm3a was released in 01

@epicdream 3 жыл бұрын

I have an FM. Nice and light but I always find myself gravitating back to my F100. Gets the job done with no faffing around. Also, love that Zeiss glass, the 35/2 spends a lot of time on my camera too. I think some of those scenic shots might have benefited from b&w film and maybe longer lens? The Zeiss 100/2 is lovely. Keep up the good work.

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

I JUST bought another f100 (sold my last 2). Plan on keeping this one…hopefully! 😂 Thanks for watching!

@WalshPhoto Жыл бұрын

I loved my FE2. With the MD 12 motor drive It was really awesome. I was a newspaper photographer. I took and hacked the battery pack with the batteries. I took the batteries and installed 1/2 length nicad batteries. What this did was increase the voltage going into the motor drive. I hacked the battery pack so I could charge it with the charger for my F3. I could run the motor at about 6 to 8 frames per second. Was faster than my F3 for shooting sports with the motor drive. Running it faster didn’t fry the shutter Even after hundreds of rolls. It was great having a shutter speed of 250. Far superior camera to the F3 as a photojournalist.

@EarlofGray 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mac, I picked up an FE2 with 50mm f1.8 lens two weeks ago (like I needed another camera…) after watching your first film about it. It really is a great thing to use and I feel right at home with it already. Really enjoying following your road trip with Dani, some great shots there too 👏

@mhz9003 3 жыл бұрын

Hi there from Australia. Really enjoy your vids. Just a quick question: Your pics have that overexposed look to them (not just yours; a lot of photogs seem to do it eg. Grainy Days, Photo Dept etc). Is this something you do in Post processing or do you purposely over expose the film when you shoot it to get that look?

@ossisyvanne9176 3 жыл бұрын

I am interested in this as well. I have not yet watched enough of your videos to see if you have discussed this topic.

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

Great question! I overexpose in camera! It just appeals to me visually. I'm sure my style will change over time, but for now...overexposed just hits me in the feels! :)

@calvinwu3861 3 жыл бұрын

I love my FE2 and ais 50 f1.8 pancake lens.

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

I was just talking to Dani today about us needing a pancake lens for everyday travel. Thanks for watching!

@calvinwu3861 3 жыл бұрын

@@MacShootsFilm get one, you won’t feel regret.

@RJW998 8 ай бұрын

It is worth buying in 2023, it is a great camera.

@DeanAllman 3 жыл бұрын

I grew up in Pennsylvania and have lived in Colorado for 42 years now, and I totally get what you mean about the light. Out west we deal with high contrasty light. Back east it's like a giant softbox is in the sky. It is easier to photograph people in the outdoors in the east, You get a more balanced light that is more forgiving of imperfections. You can also underexpose a bit to get more saturated colors. Probably subtlety in the images is most likely a direction to go. Bold colors and strong shadows are just only available when you get a sunny day. Or when you go out west again. Or if you do a lot of post processing. Or shoot with Fuji Velvia. And I too am going to start shooting with my FE2 again. I am not hardcore film like you and most of your followers. But I recently used Nikon's FS-2 film digitizer with my Z7ii and the new 50 mm Macro Z lens to scan my slide and negative collections. I had so much fun and am astounded at the results. So I can't wait to do more now. I will follow you for inspiration.

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

Hey, Dean! Totally agree about the light. It's been a challenge adjusting to these cloudy skies, but in the end it will make me a more versatile photographer. just gotta keep making images and not let the negative thoughts about my images during this transition linger for too long. That fe2 is a little powerhouse and will serve you well. Thanks so much for watching!

@MrAnalogDan12 3 жыл бұрын

The Nikon FE2 is to film cameras what the Mustang is to Muscle Cars or what the Stratocaster is to Electric guitars : A legend.

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

I agree! Thanks for watching!

@612morrison 3 жыл бұрын

My FE2 is probably my favourite out camera out of my Nikon collection.

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

It's a little powerhouse. That's for sure! Thanks for watching!

@robertbosson5223 2 жыл бұрын

Waiting for my FE2 silver chrome to land, got a nice 24 nikkor to put on it but was thinking of upgrading to a Zeiss or Voigtlander soon. It's good to see you explore your growth as a photographer. I look back at many of my photos and I sometimes feel a bit lost today. I'm hoping the FE2 will get my mojo flowing again! I've owned many Nikons due to having a load of tasty AI-S and AF-D lenses. I had F3, F4, F80 (x2), F100, FM (x2), FE, FM2n and two Nikkormat FTns, as well as a D700 for digital portrait and landscape stuff. Film cameras are all about feel for me. Yes a lot of has to do with the fact that they ARE film but I don't feel in control when I press the shutter on my Pentax Espio and the shutter fires about 1 second later. The film rangefinders I've had / have with me are real easy, love them. Sold my Leica M5, that is probably the ONLY camera I wish I hadn't sold. My fave sir owned is the Nikon FM2n. Make you work for the shot a bit more cos of the mechanical shutter and lack of AE, but it was a joy to use, and with confidence following sustained regular use, gave a pure feeling. The K2 focusing screen is nice big and bright, and the red led display for the meter I found easy to use in the dark. It makes a clack no mistaking the FM2's shutter sound. The FE2 should be quieter as well as easier to shoot then. Well that's what I'm hoping anyway ha.

@jklphoto 3 жыл бұрын

I think a lot of KZfaq "film shooters" don't identify as photographers first. Shooting film does not make one an artist or produce strong images. It is just a media. Just as no one should care whether you're shooting Nikon or Canon, film vs. digital is also irrelevant. Subject matter, composition and interesting light are what makes a compelling image. Good luck in WNC. It is a beautiful area. I do wonder why you left the West?

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

I agree so much with your statement. For me, it's image first and gear 2nd. I want to capture a mood in my images. Equipment just enables that, but camera x, y, or z really is irrelevant! WNC is really awesome! I moved here to be close to family. My mother just turned 70 so I felt like I need to be here in the winter of her life. Thanks so much for watching!

@jimbrooks1440 3 жыл бұрын

FE2, FM2 and F3 all great cameras and with Nikon & Voightlander lenses you will have a great set up. I just don't see the point of a 3K Leica when you have so many other great choices.

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

Good point! Thanks for watching!

@ikaros4203 3 жыл бұрын

My Nikon 1991 FM2N is very much now one of my favorite possesions Fav lens for it probably the 1975 50mm F1.4 "K" model with the longer focus throw and new optical design thats still sold today in a beautiful Ai'd body Or the radioactive early 1970 35mm auto-NC F1.4 for black/white, can go from F22-F1.4 and is completely solid metal with non factory Ai conversion

@jimgraves4197 3 жыл бұрын

An FE 2 is on my bucket list of cameras to own before I croak.

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

Get one before their price gets too crazy! It’s a feature packed little camera. Thanks for watching, Jim!

@hannadryad 3 жыл бұрын

Do you think your film stock preferences will change with the new landscape and tones?

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

I was just talking about that! I think it might! All the green in Western NC renders differently on lomo 400 as opposed to brown and rust in the southwest. I’m really liking how Kodak Ultramax 400 has performed the past two rolls I shot here in NC. Gonna test out a bunch of film stocks the next few months to see which one best suits the scenery here. Thanks for watching, Hannah!

@hannadryad 3 жыл бұрын

@@MacShootsFilm This video actually reminded me a bit of where I am, in Scotland. The West is all lush and deep green and out here in the East is all red clay soil, yellow wheat and mustard yellow browns.

@JoeLopez 3 жыл бұрын

Nice images Mac. I miss my black FE2, dented prism and all.

@robertchestnut3331 3 жыл бұрын

welcome to North Carolina! I have not been up to Boone in many years because I live on the coast. but its a really cool place. use to be a really cool antique store on king street. anyways I love the Fm2 and Fe2. fm2 is kinda easier to use in lower light because the led metering. I will have to say I think the best slr is the nikon f2as it feels bullet proof and its all mechanical. my favorite camera is probably my old leica m3 though.

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

Happy to be in NC! The people make it special. Everyone is so nice! Thanks so much for watching!

@terrywbreedlove 2 жыл бұрын

There are three cameras that I really super enjoyed shooting. My two Nikon F100 both ruined in water. My Olympus EM5 which was stolen the day I landed in Saigon 2014. And my two Nikon Fe cameras both died with stuck shutters. I need to find another FE or even better yet FE2 cameras I miss those cameras the most.

@vdhazer 3 жыл бұрын

I don't know a lot about cameras, but if you say that model is good, I'll believe you. 👍

@256k_ 2 жыл бұрын

Had a FM for the better part of 20 years now as well as a fe more recently and both are great cameras. I just thought it was funny how much you were swooning on it in your original video and how you were saying you love it more than your leica and all that and then flash forward to 2 years later and you say you used it maybe once last couple of years 😂 Just goes to show how incredible shooting a leica really is. I’m looking to pick up an M6 but hesitating because of the crazy high price but that camera ticks all the boxes for me and it’s a “buy it for life” (several lives) type camera

@randallstewart175 2 жыл бұрын

I owed (traded up) several FM/FE models in the late 1970s and early 80s, ending up with an FE2 for the last 40 years or so. I keep it as back up and for the many fond memories I associate with it - photo safaris I haven't done for the last ten years. Today when I shoot 35mm at all,. frankly I prefer my F100 for it greater flexibility and many more modern features. I think those who had an FE2 when it was king of the hill and still have it, keep it for emotional reasons. Why someone would buy a 40 year old electronically dependent camera, with limited repair capacity today other than for economic reasons, escapes me. I assume that a lot of that would be a "me too" mode, driven by social media hyping.

@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs 3 жыл бұрын

It’s on my wish list to add to my collection of FM FE FM2 F3 F4 F100 and a few others you could say I am a addict lol 😂

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

That's quite the collection! LOL I'm a Nikon fanboy for sure. I currently have a FG-20, FE2, FM2, FM3a, F3, N90s, and now the FM2! hahahaha. It's an addiction!

@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs 3 жыл бұрын

@@MacShootsFilm also have FG-20 F90x and a EM do next for me is FE2 and FM3a and a couple of digital cameras D100 D300 D700 D3

@hannadryad 3 жыл бұрын

As for my favourite camera: probably my Olympus OM-1, although I have never had a really good example in my hands. My current OM-1 is a scraped up body with rescued bits from a nicer OM-1 whose shutter failed. Sigh

@neilpiper9889 2 жыл бұрын

I chose an FE over an FE2 because it can use all my really old Nikon lenses which the FE 2 can't. The FE has aperture priority as well

@lea4777 2 жыл бұрын

Doesn't the fe2 have aperture priority?

@neilpiper9889 2 жыл бұрын

@@lea4777 yes of course it does

@LennyCooke636 7 ай бұрын

You must be really old !

@neilpiper9889 7 ай бұрын

@@LennyCooke636 Born 1945

@kalenderquantentunnel9411 Жыл бұрын

Why is every shot looking washed out and overexposed? Are they supposed to be? Analogue look? My FE2 (bought it used in 1996) is still giggling in the background. Set the camera to a minus 2/3 to tame its hot temperament or pull it bit darker and more saturated in post.

@user-no5fu5wv4f 4 ай бұрын

И тут я занялся фотографией!!! - цитата из фильма -Трудный ребенок (1991)....

@wayneandrews3128 3 жыл бұрын

You forgot to include a link for the film holder

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

I couldnt find them in stock anywhere. Here it is on B&H www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1649396-REG/kodak_retork0004_steel_135_film_case.html

@tomislavmiletic_ 3 жыл бұрын

"Work thru it". Yep...

@staplercut 3 жыл бұрын

Watching this drunk is like having a conversation with a friend. Not like i don't have any friends hahah right

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

😂 glad i could spend some time with ya over a few drinks! Thanks for watching and have one for me!

@NCSTalkid Жыл бұрын

No but fm2n yes

@geradebowden2692 Жыл бұрын

Without some ups and downs life’s road would be boring

@calvinwu3861 Жыл бұрын

I have a minty one for sell

@JP1050x 3 жыл бұрын

Nah bro. Get the new Nikon ZFc and stop living in the past! 😂 …… jk. Great video…. my FE2 is my favorite old Nikon camera.

@MacShootsFilm 3 жыл бұрын

I may or may not have one in my cart on Amazon. 😎 i mean it’s for “research.” 😂

@JP1050x 3 жыл бұрын

@@MacShootsFilm 🤩🤩🤩

@michaelbell6443 2 жыл бұрын

Fuck digital

@urwholefamilydied 3 ай бұрын

It's not only worth buying... I'll argue it's the best manual SLR ever made (The FM3a probably is... but it's also a vanity camera released in the early 2000's and is 800 dollars and is exactly the FE2 but with all mechanical shutter). The Olympus OM2n and the Nikon FE2 are probably the best manual SLR's ever produced. There's going to be some subjective opinions... but those are the best of the best. Aperture priority. Exposure comp. The Nikon has 1/4000th shutter speed. The Olympus is incredibly small with small and super sharp lenses. I'd take the Nikon FE2 as my all time favorite... with the Olympus as my 2nd. (And anyone saying the FM2 is the greatest... NO, the FE2 is all that, but with aperture priority and exposure comp. And anyone saying the F3 is the best... NO... it's the FE2 with a slower max shutter speed. The FE2 reigns supreme.)

@urwholefamilydied 3 ай бұрын

how is that Zeiss lens so huge?? It's a 35mm. That thing looks like an 85 or longer. That's pretty annoying since I wouldn't mind getting some zeiss stuff for my Nikon. No reason a 35 millimeter lens should be that long. The Voigtlander F-mount is very small in comparison. (they have a 20mm and a 40mm that are both basically pancake lenses. Not sure why the zeiss one is so big)