Camera Review: Nikon FE2

I wanted a camera in the Nikon FM/FE/FA family as something lighter than my trusty workhorse F3. I found this at my favorite camera store in practically new condition for a mere $80. It was the deal of the century.
It's manual focus only. Focusing is easy with a combination split image and microprism focusing screen. It has manual exposure plus an aperture-priority auto setting. The meter reading inside the viewfinder is an easy to understand match-needle system. The FE2 is a little bit more advanced than the F3, shutter speeds are 8sec to 1/4000 sec. Flash sync is a handy 1/250 sec. There is a 1/250 dead battery speed. Two 3.5 volt batteries or one 3 volt battery available at any pharmacy last for months and months.
It's looks are stupendous. The FE2 and it's close kin in the Nikon lineup are pieces of photographic jewelry. Especially in silver, the looks of this precision Japanese-made machine are up their with any classic Leica. Hate me all you want, I stand by this statement.
The FE2 is an ergonomically superior camera. It feels very well constructed, solid and confidence-inspiring. Weighed on my kitchen scale, the FE2 is 559g or 1lb 3 1/4 oz, body only. With a Nikkor 50mm 1.8ais, the weight is very comfortable to carry around. It's perfectly sized for a pair of average hands. Controls are located where your hands expect them to be.  Everything moves like a well-made machine. The FE2 begs you to handle it and photograph with it. Simplicity is the word with the FE2. There are no gizmos other than what you really need. It gets out of your way to let you be creative.

If it seems like I am singing this camera's praises without mentioning anything bad about it, it's because I really can't think of anything bad about it. I only have two small critiques, neither of which bother me personally. To see everything including the meter reading, your eye has to be right up against the viewfinder, so, if you must shoot with glasses, you should try one of there cameras out before purchasing one. The camera turns on by pulling the film advance lever part way, so, if you are left-eyed, you will find yourself poking your right eye out when you try to shoot.

The following photos were taken with a Nikon FE2, 50mm Nikon Series E lens and Fuji Pro 400 H.