What types of lens are compatible with Nikon FE2 ?

[waderbreak]

Hi all,

Was wondering what are the common lenses used for Nikon FE2? I just received one as a gift and have no idea where to begin.

I read online that AI-S lenses were the typical standard, and that new lenses (even current models) are backward compatible, though I'm not sure to what degree it is compatible or that the FE2 can make use of the current lens technology.

Even more interestingly, I read that older non AI-S lenses can damage the SLR ?!


Hope those with experience can share some tips! Thank you in advance.

 

[azzurri]

you can basically use all lenses except dx, g (lack of aperture ring) and non-ai. so to be safe, you should stick to ai, ais and af-d lenses. you can check out this site for more details.
this site shows you how to differentiate between non-ai, ai and ais lenses

 

[losheng]

I just received one as a gift and have no idea where to begin.

I'm sure you know by now that its an abso-positively a worthless piece of junk, so I suggest that you just toss it my way and I will promise safe disposal.

I have never heard of any non AI-S lens that will damage the camera. Sounds like an urban legend to me. With newer lens that have no aperture rings, you just can't meter accurately, and of course you can't shoot at any aperture other than the largest aperture of the lens. I remember testing this with a FM2, and this probably applies to the FE2 as well - with lens that have no aperture coupling with the camera, the meter assumes a maximum aperture of f1.0. So you need to adjust the exposure by making the necessary compensation to the recommended shutter speed. By the same token, by making adjustments to the ISO setting, you might even be able to use the camera on Aperture-priority mode (though technically you can't set the aperture to any other setting other than its maximum). And with DX lens, you get free vignetting. People pay for camera apps to get that effect, so it's really a good deal.

The FE2 was the first serious Nikon camera I used. I remember I was so green with envy when my friend lent the camera to me for a class project. I'm sure I would have traded my gf for the camera if I had one that my friend like. Or one at all. I'm still on a look out for a good, affordable chrome copy to keep as a reminder of that first taste of excitement. And jealousy. (Maybe I should see a shrink ...)

 

[kitaro9202]

all works except dx and g len

 

[catchlights]

I owned FM and FM2 before.

the aperture coupling level of FM2, FE2 are not able to disengage, so it can't use Non Ai lenses (older manual lenses)

this is the lens mount of FM, the level is able to lift up by press down the little button at the side (at lower left corner of the picture).

Nikon F Mount – the stop down lever is at the top to of the picture « CamerAgX

 

[fatigue]

Here's another useful link:

Nikon Lens Compatibility

 

[waderbreak]

Great! Thanks for the tips.

Kenrockwell's site is fairly comprehensive on backward compatibility of Nikkor lenses. Anyway it's safe to say that the current non AI lens I'm using works well on the FE2.
Have just processed my first roll of film, results looking great.

 

[azzurri]

non-ai? you can't mount non-ai lenses on the fe2. it's probably been ai'd

 

[Riotbmx]

+1 to what azzurri said. For FM and FE you can press a button to fold down the aperture coupling, but for FM2 and FE2 it's made of plastic.

I have 2 Non AI lenses and I don't plan to do any conversion. I guess vintage stuff should be left as is. And not having AI means extra fun I guess