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Nikon FE 35mm Camera Body, Black

Model #246478
**Lens not included
  • $236.00

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Our Grading System
New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
EX Excellent
$236.00
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Nikon FE: the aperture-priority SLR that photographers trusted for decades.

The Nikon FE, introduced in 1978, sits at the intersection of manual control and automated exposure in a way that still makes sense on a roll of film today. Aperture-priority automation lets you set the f-stop and let the camera meter the shutter, which keeps your attention on framing than arithmetic. Manual override is always available when the situation calls for it. The F mount means the full range of Nikon AI and AI-S glass works natively, and that is a deep catalog to draw from.

The black body is a practical choice for photographers who don't want a chrome body catching light in low-contrast situations. At its core, the FE is a mechanically disciplined camera: the viewfinder shows exposure data clearly, the controls fall where your hands expect them, and the shutter response is direct. Forty-plus years of production and use have proven the design sound. Buying into the FE is also buying into one of the most documented, most repaired, and most widely understood camera platforms in the history of 35mm photography.

Who It's For

Street photographers get a camera that disappears into a crowd without the visual noise of a chrome finish, paired with metering that handles mixed-light scenes without constant adjustment. Students learning the relationship between aperture and depth of field can set a fixed f-stop and watch the camera demonstrate shutter consequences in real time. Nikon DSLR shooters who already own AI or AI-S lenses can run the same glass on the FE without buying anything new. Documentary photographers who want a reliable, fully mechanical fallback body will find the FE straightforward to service and source parts for.

Key Features

  • Aperture-priority automation with full manual override capability
  • Nikon F mount for native compatibility with AI and AI-S lenses
  • Mechanical shutter with direct, responsive operation
  • Exposure data visible in viewfinder for real-time feedback
  • Black finish minimizes light reflection in low-contrast scenes
  • 35mm film format with proven mechanical reliability

FAQ

What exposure modes does the FE offer?
Aperture-priority automation with manual override. You dial in the f-stop, the camera sets shutter speed based on metering, or you take full manual control when needed.
Will my existing Nikon lenses work on this camera?
Yes. The F mount accepts all Nikon AI and AI-S glass natively, giving you access to decades of optics without adapters.
Is the viewfinder bright enough for manual focus work?
The FE shows exposure data clearly in the viewfinder and is designed around manual focus. Brightness depends on the lens and available light, but the metering display is legible in typical shooting conditions.
Why choose the black body over chrome?
Black absorbs light instead of reflecting it, which matters when you're working in low-contrast or overcast situations where chrome can introduce unwanted flare or draw attention.
How reliable is a 1978 FE today?
The FE's mechanical design has proven sound across four decades and millions of units. It's one of the most repaired and documented camera platforms in film photography, making parts and service straightforward to find.
Can I use the FE in full manual mode if I don't want aperture-priority?
Yes. Manual override is always available. You set both aperture and shutter speed yourself whenever you need it.
What film speeds does the FE meter?
The camera's metering range covers standard film speeds used in 35mm photography, adjustable via the ISO dial.
SpecificationValue
ResolutionNone
MountNikon F
ColorBlack
Film Format35mm

This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.

Brand Name Nikon
Film Type 35mm roll
Focus Type Manual focus (only)
Lens Mount Nikon F Mount Ai, Nikon F Mount Ai-S, Nikon F Mount Ai & contacts (Ai-P), Nikon F Mount AF (pre-D), Nikon F Mount D Type