Nikon FE Series

Nikon FE10 - Preface

SLR Photography has slowly developed into a luxurious hobby. Joke ? Indeed. I had a hand on to the FE-10
a week ago and I was told it is selling at RM1,080-00. I paid my Nikon F3T in 1982/3 at around RM980-00.
While the FM-10 and FE-10 are the current cheapest entry Nikon SLR available today.

Thanks to the competitions such as Pentax P30 or Canon

which, intentionally comes with a price tag of RM888-00 (Y
seeing this model in the US or European market, as the nu
a prosperous meaning to the Chinese community and obvi
intended to name such way to please potential new SLR us
market, smart cookies...). But more interestingly, the FE-10
FM-10 which both bear with the original FE/FM designation

Relative: Nikkor lenses - Main Index Page

Other Nikkor Zoom Lenses - Index page

Nikon FE10:- Year Introduced 1996

Nikon Nikon FE-10 SLR camera

* The FE10 is prized at RM1,080-00 (US$1-00 = RM3.80 as at 30-09-99)

The mechanical version of the Nikon FE-10 - Nikon FM-10 site was up ! (New)
While the exterior appearance and basic specification of the FE-10 could have made a lot of magazine
reviewers happy - they have always demand or wanted to have a lightweight, nice looking and multi features
bodies ? They got one (Oh, no - in fact two! ) here eventually. But it is hard to strike a good balance among
keywords like: durable, economical, light weight and system compatibility. Obviously, if someone has
complained about the Nikon FE's 590g's body is being too heavy to carry around, he might as well buy a
P&S. A 400g FE-10 body comes with many compromises, you should hold one in your hand and you will
understand what I am trying to tell you here. But since this camera is not made for the US market (The Yen
has been weakening since the day of 80 Yen to a US$1-00, and now it stands at around 140 Yen to a dollar
as at Oct 1998, you can expect the young executives at the headquarters of Nikon want you to put more
attention to something else like the F90x, F60 or the F5...). The FE-10 is a strategic product in certain quarter
of the market to answer competition like those carbonated light entries in the likes of Canon EOS 500,
Pentax P30 etc. and fittingly made for financially strain economies, like us..Errr... (Malaysian's Rinngit used
to stand at RM2.50 for the last 15 year to a dollar and now only stands at RM4-00 to US$1-00, thank you
very much to whoever that have shorted currencies in Asia...). Obviously, a SLR needs to fill the vacuum
those who has to tighten their waist belt. But what are the compromises ? You will have a camera that highly
suspicious made use of 'high-tech 'plastic injection and molding in a carbonated shell. (Why I said that ?
Because it is very unusual for Nikon to publish their product with explanation such as 'Nikon F mount
(Metallic)...' Does it mean the rest are not ? The body weight tells all. While the body is intelligently chrome
finished - looks very inviting (It has a titanium look - but it was a zinc alloy body as explained in a revised
marketing leaflet and mentioned specifically that is not made of a aluminum die cut body anymore). Its body
is shaped with a modern styling, click stops still preserve with a solid and positive feel. But it still cannot
shaved off the heavy plastic feel when you hold it in your hand.

Who cares ? Yeap ! Gone are the days where buyers that still concerned how durable a camera should be,
carbonated bodies (Whatever, if you want some comforting words, like 'fibre-strengten industrial grade
plastic' still classifies under a common term - plastic!) has made a camera lesser parts to produce and
assemble, it can go mass production, lowering the production cost and thus interpreting into higher margin of
profits. If a body was to be made like yesteryears models, durable and rugged - where will be the income
streams then ? Canon started this production philosophy in the AE-1(1975) and 5 million units has been sold
worldwide and nobody cares whether it is a plastic shell or a die cast alloy body. I was wondering WHY my
cousin went and bought a new Canon entry AF SLR, it doesn't fair any better than the FE-10. Worst still, I
thought the much advertised and very innovative Eye-Control-Focus function was in and found out later that
was not the case. Innovative features can fetch for a premium. But repackage an old 'innovation under the
brand name to lead others to 'own' something that physically not available is another issue (I know, that is
nothing wrong with it... I have experienced how Windows 95'was launched), so this is not just a Nikon
'proprietary problem that I am complaining so much, it is all about the attitude of the respective manufacturer
and the consumer's interest. Must all commercial photographic products be so profit orientated ? Come to
think of it, photography is the backbone of their economy. It is only too unfortunate that they think SLR
market is dispensable. And since most companies in the trade are public companies, corporate profits matter
most and THUS WE HAVE THESE PROBLEMS. So, I should not complain so much. I am just concerned
the fact where a starter camera like Nikon FM for a college student's used to be priced at around RM320-00
15 years ago, the entry cost into SLR photography now starts at RM1,000-00 and yet comes with some
compromises. This is very unhealthy in the course of development for SLR photography in many third world
countries (One of the main objective behind the 'Classic Modern SLR series', where equivalent options in the
used market can be a good source for alternatives.

Anyway, I just have to complete this section on the FE-10. Before we proceed to other sections, let us go
through the spec sheet of the camera.

Specifications

Type of camera: Electronically controlled 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) focal plane shutter camera
Picture format: 24 x 36mm (Standard 35mm [135 film format)
Lens mount: Nikon F mount
Exposure metering: TTL Centre-Weighted
Metering range (EV) EV1 to EV18 (ISO100)
Exposure control: Auto exposure (aperture-priority auto) and manual exposure control
AE-L (lock): Via AE-L (lock) button in A (auto exposure) mode
Exposure compensation: By ISO/film speed set ring within a range of + - 2 EV steps (in 1/3 EV increments) with scale
Film sensitivity range: ISO 25 to 3200 (set manually)
Multiple exposure: Available
Shutter: Vertical-travel, metal focal plane shutter
Shutter speed settings 8 to 1/2000 sec. in A mode; B, 1 to 1/2000 sec. in manual exposure mode
Viewfinder: Fixed-eyelevel pentaprism type; dioptre: standard - l (optional 9 eyepiece correction lenses available)
Viewfinder information Shooting mode: A, X90 or B; displays controlled shutter speed in A mode;
displays selected shutter speed and/or recommended shutter speed in manual exposure mode
Focusing screen: Fixed (split-image microprism, matte field), K type
Frame coverage: Approx. 93% (with 50mm lens set at infinity distance)
Magnification: 0.84x (with 50mm lens set at infinity)
Depth-of-field preview: Provided
Film advance/rewind: Manual
Frame counter: Additive type, automatically resets to "S' when camera back is opened.
Self-timer: Electronically controlled self-timer approx. 10 sec. shutter release delay
Flash synchronization: Automatically set to 1/90 sec. in auto mode (LED indicator lamp lights up next to X90 in the viewfinder.); 1/60 sec or
slower set manually (automatically switches to X90 when the shutter speed is set to between 1/2000 and 1/125 sec.)
Accessory shoe: Standard ISO-type hot shoe contact
Power source: Choice of two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries (SR44 type), two 1 5V alkaline batteries (LR44 type) or one 3V lithium battery (CP-1/3N
type)
Tripod socket: Provided
Dimensions: (W x H x D) 139 x 86 x 53mm
Weight (without batteries): Approx. 400g

Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.5-4.8 (Optional Standard Zoom Nikkor)

Focus distance: 0.4m to infinity
Attachment size: 52mm (P=0.75mm)
Dimensions: Approx. 63mm dia. x 64mm extension from the camera's mounting flange
Weight: Approx. 200g

Recommended Nikon Speedlights: With a built-in sensor for automatic flash control SB-26, SB-27, and SB-16B; There are several optional Nikon
Speedlights to give you a wide range of flash possibilities. Other Nikon accessories: There are many other Nikon SLR accessories available to
expand your photographic system. These include close-up equipment (close-up attachment lenses, cable release, etc.) and a variety of lens
filters.

Nikkor Lenses
The FE10's Nikon F mount accepts the full range of Nikkor lenses, including the D-type AF Nikkor lenses, providing versatile photographic
options.

AF 20-35mm f/2.8D IF AF 18mm f/2.8D AF 300mm f/4 IF-ED

AF 24-50mm f/3.3-4.5 AF 20mm f/2.8D AF-I 400mm f/2.8D IF-ED
AF 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF AF 24mm f/2.8D AF-I 500mm f/4D IF-ED
AF 28-70mm f/3. 5-4. 5D AF 28mm f/1.4D
AF-S 500mm f/4D IF-ED
AF 28-85mm f/3.3-4.5 AF 28mm f/2.8D
AF-S 600mm f/4D IF-ED
AF 35-70mm f/2.8D AF 35mm f/2D
AF Fisheye 16mm f/2.8D
AF 35-80mm f/4.5-5.6D AF 50mm f/1.4D
AF Micro 60mm f/2.8D
AF 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5D IF AF 50mm f/1.8
AF Micro 105mm f/2.8D
AF 35-135mm f/3.5-4.5 AF 85mm f/1.8D
AF Micro 200mm f/4D IF-ED
AF 70-210mm f/4-5.6D AF 180mm f/2.8D IF-ED
AF DC 105mm f/2D
AF 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 AF 300mm f/2.8 IF-ED
AF DC 135mm f/2D
AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF-S 300mm f/2.8D IF-ED

These are extracts that reproduced from the marketing leaflet for the FE10. No manual focus lenses are
mentioned. Has Nikon forgot about they has been producing manual focus lenses for the last 40 years ?

Modern Classic SLRs Series :

Nikon FE Series - FE10 - Part I

File Size: HTML Page (19k) Loading ...

Don't worry. Together with those AF Nikkor lenses, FE10 takes all the AI, A
AI-S lenses as well.

On first impression, the FE10 has a very strong resemblance of the F-301
layouts, especially the feel. But camera specification is leaned more toward
series models. The titanium-finish stealth it from the fact that Nikon tried to
- a new user may not have a parameter to compare with the original mode
1983's FE2. It may be very difficult to 'appreciate the FE-10 if you were a p
earlier automatic Nikon bodies. But as I said, from a perspective of a new b
indeed a very attractive budget entry camera, especially to starter who pre

One of the strongest selling point for the FE-10 is behind the trade name of 'Nikon& the Nikkor lenses. Nikon
owes a lot to the grassroots in SLR photography from school, art colleges or magazines (During my 'youthful
days, most lecturers will recommend a manual camera for the photography course, choices are limited. The
FM (FM2n) and the Pentax K1000 are the two most popular cameras among the students. Cheaper
alternatives are there, but you will be a lone ranger in the school and you cannot share lenses or accessories
with others. In this case, the FM10 may sound even more attractive than a FM2n - where it is ridiculously
priced at now. Other than price factor, it is hard to find an convincing reason going back to manual focus
photography in a everything autofocus era. It seems you are turning back the clock back to stone-age. At
least, the shop assistant will tell you 'Sir, no one is taking photographs this way anymore...'

Why not ? Where you have little budget to spare and in many cases, manual focus camera does make you
spend more time to think more before you execute an exposure rather than spending 50% of your time
following the little or multiple autofocus sensor(s) in the viewfinder and worrying the AF lock-on will go out of
focus. If you are convinced, the FE10 can be a very good companion. It packs inside with some very useful,
diminishing but functional features. Let start from this tiny little button where you will take a picture.

The shutter release button is threaded in the middle for cable release operation. As most novice likes to exp
when they picked up a new technique, like multiple exposures or taking a night scene which may require lon
exposure time - this becomes an essential element (Because probably he won't try again if it fails to meet h
expectation). The camera's meter will be turned on by half pressing on the shutter release button and remai
16 sec before it turns off automatically to conserve battery power.
The right hand side of the camera was very neatly designed and well layout in most of its major controls. The
location of the multiple exposure lever is retained as any of the FE/FM series to allow for single hand
operation. The exposure counter will preset at 1/90 sec at the initial first few frames prior reaching the frame
1.

This applies to flash photography, where the safety feature will prevent accidental tr
long exposure time when you are in 'A' (Auto) mode. If an dedicated flash is used, i
at 1/90 sec.(You can override it to any speed below the red 1/60 sec marked on the
shutter speed ring has 15 settings. B, 1 to 1/2000 sec. are for manual exposure con
lock the camera into an automatic exposure more (Aperture Priority AE) The FE-10
exposure range from a high 1/2000 sec down to a lower shutter speed range of 8 se
speed ring doesn't present the numeric in the manual mode as in the case of the FE

The numeral of '60' is printed in red to indicate only 1/60 sec sync speed is recommended for flash. T
automatically override and reset to a higher sync speed of 1/90 sec if you use a Nikon dedicated flas
bonus of a flash ready light in the viewfinder - only IF you use a Nikon dedicated flash).

How does it compared with the brothers in FE or FE2 ? The FE10 has a higher maximum shutter speed
setting than the FE's 1/1000 sec. but falls short of the FE2's 1/4000 sec.; the shutter speed scales in manual
mode is a very fragile one second at the lowest scale, while both the FE and FE2 has three more settings in
2, 4 and 8 seconds in manual mode to control. I think Nikon could have done a better job in the FE10's 1/60
sec for the flash sync speed in manual flash mode (Although it will reset to 1/90 sec when used in
conjunction with a Nikon dedicated flash). Even then, a Nikkormat EL in 1972, the 1978 FE's 1/125 sec and
1983 FE2's 1/250 sec is far superior than the FE-10. Further, the tradition of a mechanical back up shutter
speed of 1/90 sec for the FE and FE2's 1/250 sec has been removed by Nikon in this new body. This made
the FE10 a solely battery dependent camera. Good news is, power efficiency in this Nikon is commendably
good to last for a year (Depends on usage). Speaking about the power issue, the FE10 needs either two
1.55V silver-oxide batteries (SR44 type), two 1.5V alkaline batteries (LR44 type) or one 3V lithium battery
(CP-1/3N type) to power all its operations. As these are commonly found power cells, you shouldn't have any
problem to identify or locate them, should any need arises.

Modern Classic SLRs Series :

Nikon FE Series - FE10 - Part II

File Size: HTML Page (22k) Loading ...

 It should be easier to have a reference map
of all these controls of levers and buttons for cross reference.

Now we can move on to the accessory shoe in the middle of the camera
manual or automatic flash capability. The FE2's TTL OTF flash metering
feature list in the FE-10.

(More info: Nikon SB-1 to SB-21 Speedlight/Flash Units)

The extra terminal contact is only for the flash ready light that will light up to remind you in the viewfinder on the status of the flash recharg
holds the current lead in the flash technology and hard to imagine the FE-10 was not given proper attention in the flash metering. Basically
concerned, it can be better, but Nikon decides otherwise. You can safely conclude the flash capability is weakest link in the FE-10.

Note: You must have a dedicated flash for the ready light and auto synchronization of 1/90 sec. in auto and
manual mode. Nikon suggested only a few options in SB-26, SB-27, and SB-16B in the simple
marketing leaflet, but both flash features can still be achieved with other older version of Nikon flash units in
SB15, SB18 or even the SB-E originally designed for the Nikon EM in 1979. On the left hand side is
dominated by a oversize exposure compensation dial/Film speed ring. The film speed setting has a generous
range covering from ASA/ISO 25 to ASA/ISO 3200. This range should be able to cover most of your needs
for general photography. Two most commonly used film speed settings, 100 and 400 are printed in red for
easy reference.

The expossure compensation are using the FE2's standard scale of +- 2

increments for fine tuning exposure (when you are in auto mode). There
prevent accidental shifting of the scales and the whole dial is 'submerged
body structure. A delightful but hardly use film plane indicator is provided
measurement of the film plane distance from the lens mounting flange (S
46.5mm). The rewind knob in the center of the dial uses Nikon newer wa
An arrow helps to indicate the rewind direction after completion of a film

I have skipped the part on the film advance action. It is comforting to see Nikon did some good work because
the familiar Nikon smooth film advance feel is there. I have always thought Nikon has the best and
smoothest film advance mechanism in all makes of camera.

The camera is slightly contoured outward at the right hand side of the bod
although the intention is good but it is too shallow for a comforting hold. It
where it looks very much like a Nikon F3 at that portion. The usual self tim
LED self timer that uses push button instead of a conventional lever. Thus
timer/memory lock has to split in two separate operations. While the self ti
higher side, the memory lock (AE Lock) has been moved just next to the l
you have to use your naturally placed left hand push to operate. Well, I tho
should be a more appropriate place to locate it as it is more convenient to
control. Anyway, that is not so important as long as the feature is there. S
marketing leaflet indicating the Nikon F mount is 'metallic', may be it carrie
purposes, so I help them by emphasizing that particular word in red here,
As you can notice, the FE10, as with the FM2/FE2 or the FA, has only provided with a fixed meter coupling
lever, thus, the F mount can takes only the AI, AI-S or AI converted Nikkor or E series lenses. The AF lenses
(D-type included) can also be used. Obviously, they want you to buy a new lens and compatibility issue for
users is secondary. Another useful feature Nikon has retained is the depth of field preview lever, located at
the same familiar place next to the lens mount. As the FE10 is an aperture priority automatic camera where
depth of field control is of prime importance, this lever still permitting you to have a preview of your eventual
results in depth of the field control. Just press to view the 'darkening image and see the degree of depth of
field gains when you stopped down your preferred aperture(s). Stopped down metering works with this lever
with some specific applications like working with PC Nikkor or with non-automatic diaphragm extension etc.
as well. As you can notice, the FE10 has a standard type K screen where it has Matte/Fresnel with horizontal
rangefinder and microprism. The Matte/Fresnel field with central 3mm-diameter split-image rangefinder
(horizontally aligned) surrounded by 1 mm-wide microprism collar. This screen combines the split-image and
the microprism for quick and accurate focusing, particularly with lenses of brighter maximum aperture.
Screen also provided with centrally positioned, 12mm-diameter etched reference circle denoting area of
center-weighting TTL exposure measurement for the FE10. The Type K screen is standard equipment on the
many other manual focus mid Nikon range compact bodies like FM, FE, FM2, FM2n, FM2T, FA and the
FM10. The only complaint here is, the FE10 is the only FE designated bodies that doesn't have
interchangeable screens feature. It only comes with a fixed type-K focusing screen. So you have to live with
that (Neither the FM10 has that feature incorporated). Note: The Nikon FM, FE10, FM10 are the three models that doesn't
provide interchangeable screen feature.

Modern Classic SLRs Series :

Nikon FE Series - FE10 - Part II

File Size: HTML Page (19k) Loading ...

The film back of the FE10 has a window, similar to those with the F301 for
any film roll inside the camera. The conventional film holder has been repla
an improvement over the FE/FE2 models. The eyepiece is interchangeable
varies from the standard is a -1 dioptre with optional 9 other eyepiece corre
personal needs. Another compromise is, the FE10 has no dedicated film b
there is no data terminal provided in the back of the camera, since the bod
from the FE/FE2, even the old databack MF-12 or the current MF-16 cann
that leads to another point in the removal of the standard PC terminal for fl
very strong cast of plastic presence, it differs from the F301 where the F30
carbonate film back and the FE10 is furnished with a non slip texture.

NOTE:- The base plate for the FE10 has the same finished as the other ou
seasoned SLR user, you could have spotted the difference. There is no mo
FE10!

What does this mean, friend ? It means the FE10 has no motor drive or winder to work with for rapid
sequence of power film advance photography - the workhorse motor drive MD-12 cannot be used with this
camera. And the lack of motor driven feature leads to another issue - the FE10/FM10 is not permissible to
use in remote photography other than cable releases. All you have is a rewind button for film rewind after
your film roll is finished, press to disengage the film for manual film rewind. A tripod socket is provided in the
center and next is the battery lid for securing the battery(ies) compartment (Well, first Nikon body to have a
such a distinguish plastic made lid, if I am not wrong). On the positive side, the FE-10 has the F-mount and
thus, it can be shared with other Nikon body to use the famed macro accessories in Nikon system. Bellows,
extension tubes, close up filters and the famous optics in the Micro-Nikkor lenses.