Nikon

Nikon FE 35mm SLR Film Camera Renewed

5.0 (1 reviews)

Classic Nikon FE 35mm SLR film camera with aperture-priority auto exposure and legendary F-mount lens compatibility.

$238.28*
In Stock on Amazon.com
View on Amazon

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The Nikon FE is a 35mm SLR film camera that earned a strong reputation for blending manual photographic control with the convenience of electronic automation. Its aperture-priority auto exposure mode—activated with compatible AI lenses—allows photographers to set their desired aperture while the camera selects the appropriate shutter speed, streamlining the shooting process in changing light. For those who prefer complete control, the FE also offers full manual exposure and a Bulb mode for long exposures. The electronically controlled vertical-travel metal-bladed focal plane shutter provides speeds from 8 seconds to 1/1000 second with smooth, reliable operation.

Built around a strong metal chassis, the FE is compact and lightweight enough for all-day carry while maintaining the durability expected of professional-grade Nikon equipment. The center-weighted TTL metering system reads light directly through the lens for accurate exposure calculations, and the bright viewfinder—equipped with a split-image rangefinder and micro-prism collar—makes precise manual focusing straightforward. The Nikon F-mount gives the FE access to one of the largest lens ecosystems in photography history, from wide-angle to telephoto and macro. This renewed version has been inspected and restored to working condition, offering a practical way to experience one of Nikon's most respected film-era cameras.

Key Features

Design and Build: The Nikon FE featured a compact and lightweight body constructed with a strong metal chassis, offering durability and reliability. It had a classic SLR design with ergonomic controls, making it comfortable to hold and operate.

Exposure Control: The FE offered both manual and automatic exposure modes, giving photographers the flexibility to choose between aperture-priority auto exposure (using AI lenses), full manual control, and even a shutter-priority mode. This versatility allowed photographers to adapt to various shooting conditions and creative preferences.

Metering System: It utilized a center-weighted TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering system, which measured light through the lens for precise exposure calculations. The metering system provided accurate readings in a variety of lighting situations, aiding photographers in achieving well-exposed images.

Shutter Mechanism: The Nikon FE featured an electronically controlled vertical-travel metal-bladed focal plane shutter with speeds ranging from 8 seconds to 1/1000 second, plus a Bulb mode for long exposures. The shutter mechanism was known for its reliability and smooth operation.

Viewfinder: The camera boasted a bright viewfinder with a split-image rangefinder and micro-prism collar, aiding in precise manual focusing. The viewfinder also displayed exposure information and other essential data for the photographer.

Specifications

Brand
Nikon
Model
FE
Type
SLR Film Camera (Renewed)
Film Format
35mm
Exposure Control
Aperture Priority Auto, Manual, Bulb
Metering System
Center-Weighted TTL
Shutter
Electronically controlled vertical-travel metal-bladed focal plane
Shutter Speeds
8 seconds to 1/1000 second, plus Bulb
Viewfinder
Split-image rangefinder with micro-prism collar
Lens Mount
Nikon F-mount

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Compact, lightweight metal body is durable yet comfortable for extended shooting sessions
  • Aperture-priority auto exposure combined with full manual control suits both beginners and experienced photographers
  • Center-weighted TTL metering provides accurate exposure readings through the lens
  • Bright viewfinder with split-image rangefinder and micro-prism collar makes manual focusing precise and intuitive
  • Nikon F-mount compatibility opens access to decades of high-quality lenses

👎 Cons

  • Electronically controlled shutter depends on battery power, limiting operation if the battery dies
  • Maximum shutter speed of 1/1000 second is slower than many later SLR models
  • As a renewed product, cosmetic condition and remaining lifespan may vary between units
  • No built-in motor drive—film advance and rewind are manual operations
  • Does not support modern autofocus lenses with full functionality

Frequently Asked Questions

The FE provides aperture-priority automatic exposure when used with AI lenses, full manual exposure control, and a Bulb mode for long exposures—giving you creative flexibility across a wide range of shooting situations.
The electronically controlled shutter offers speeds from 8 seconds to 1/1000 second, plus a Bulb mode for exposures longer than 8 seconds.
A renewed Nikon FE has been inspected, tested, and restored to working condition. It is a pre-owned camera that has been refurbished to function properly, though cosmetic wear may be present.
The FE uses the Nikon F-mount, giving it access to a vast range of Nikon and third-party F-mount lenses. AI and AI-S lenses provide full metering and aperture-priority auto exposure functionality.
Yes, the FE's electronically controlled shutter and metering system require battery power to operate. Without a battery, only the mechanical backup shutter speed is available.