Looking for a Nikon 35mm camera that will live in my bag ...

I've got an FE and a N80. I prefer the N80. Its mirror is the quietest and has the least slap of any slr I own. My FE has quite the kick and is pretty loud despite having put in a new mirror cushion. The N80 can use all the auto focus lenses, the FE can use all the manual lenses. The N80 has spot, matrix and center-weighted metering. I trust the meter for slide film. The only time the N80 takes a bad shot is when I screw up. The N80 has a TTL pop-up flash with balanced fill. Got a back-lit subject? Just pop open the flash and snap. Or use the spot meter, or use the spot meter and the flash. The camera is really smart and easy to use. Feeling lazy? Use the auto-focus and program mode as a point and shoot. Feeling creative? Use manual mode and manual focus.

If I was only going to have one camera, (and I have about 20 now) it would be the N80.

I've had an FG.

I currently own 2 FM2n's. They are dependable, not much to wrong with in terms of electronics, take the LR/SR 44 batteries for the meter (which works in full stops only, but that's not really a problem if you are shooting B&W). But I enjoy not having to worry about the camera / electronics and the FM2n is the one I go to in really horrible conditions (snow / rainstorms etc) when the thing just has to work. Worst thing that I've had happen is that the little batteries die and I have to think just a touch more about exposure.

Again, it's very much about what you want.

FM2n shot in a snow storm where both I and the camera wear soaking wet, I don't think I'd have gotten this shot if I'd used something I didn't think was near indestructable:

That's exactly what I'm hoping for - something cheap and durable.

Nikon FE is an outstanding camera! I have one and it is one of my favorites!!! Great meter, light weight, good viewfinder, great selection of lenses. I have had mine for a couple of years and have never changed the batteries so...

Well there you have it. The FM2n isn't exactly selling for chump change these days. In fact, they are selling for considerably more than a really nice N90s.

I also vote for the FE I bought a Black one on $bay , bit of brassing, broken not advancing for $25.00

Fixed it in 10mins

It had its Rewind button stuck in, took the base plate off cleaned the button and works like a charm, it is so good I fitted a seal kit as well.

Another option is a F3 they are selling for under $100.00 which is no money, just make sure it has a rewind cover,otherwise it will cost $20 to get one.

The cover thing is anoying as MD4's sell for $20-60.00 which is a better deal than the cover but the thing is big!!! and heavy

Johnkpap

Johnkpap said:

Another option is a F3 they are selling for under $100.00 which is no money, just make sure it has a rewind cover,otherwise it will cost $20 to get one.

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My replacement cost 10 cents. I scotch-taped a dime over the opening. Been there for two years now-no problems.

I picked up a really fancy cover for $30-a motor drive in well used but functional shape.

FE, FM, FM2, F3HP, F43; bust mostly my F, F2As, Nikkormat.