Help with a Nikon F5

drkhalsa · Jul 31, 2013

Chan Tran said:
I would prefer the 12mm like other Nikon CW system. Come to think of it you can set the spot to be the entire frame thus making it a true averaging metering system.

Would that be better for B&W?

Weasel_Loader · Jul 31, 2013

I loved my F5 so much, I bought an F6.

Seriously, the F5 is an outstanding deal. Built like a tank and has most of the functions in the same area as modern DSLRs. My only complaints of the F5 were the difficult to see focus points, clumsy custom functions settings, and the power on button you have to depress to switch camera on. All of which are fixed on the F6.

MartinCrabtree · Jul 31, 2013

Maybe it's just my example or perhaps my vision (doubtful) but the focus points on my F5 are easily seen unless I'm shooting in the dark. In which case I go manual and use the focus aids. And I love the push button to turn it on/off. It is easy for me to aim,compose and shoot. The weight isn't an issue even carrying around a motocross track all day so maybe it is just me.

I want another one.....or maybe two.

PhotoJim · Jul 31, 2013

John_Nikon_F said:
Want your F5 to be lighter? Shoot with lithium AA's. Yeah, they aren't cheap, but they definitely make the camera lighter.

They last significantly longer too - even if you don't use the camera often. (They self-discharge more slowly than alkalines, and have a higher capacity to begin with too.)

chuck94022 · Aug 1, 2013

PhotoJim said:
They last significantly longer too - even if you don't use the camera often. (They self-discharge more slowly than alkalines, and have a higher capacity to begin with too.)

I use high capacity rechargeable batteries. With my use, they last weeks (certainly longer than the rechargeable batteries in my digicam). The weight doesn't bother me.

Regarding the focus area visibility, I find it to be a feature. I don't want those targets to be too apparent when I'm composing anyway. I generally set autofocus on the AF-ON button, and use the center target then shift the frame to the composition I want.

Chan Tran - blank sky - too funny!

Lamar · Aug 1, 2013

I agree with the CW comments as well. I've quit using matrix in favor of center weighted now even on my digital cameras. CW is just more predictable and gives better results if you know how to compensate for specific scenes and lighting conditions. If you have to spray and pray in rapidly changing lighting then maybe matrix is better at getting you a higher percentage of decently exposed shots but I really don't do that kind of shooting much. Regardless of body, it's just a matter of learning how your specific camera's meter responds and then adjusting your technique.

mablo said:
I agree with Chan Tran. With B&W and color negative film just use center weighted metering instead of matrix and you're always spot on. The same trick works for F100 as well.

mweintraub · Aug 1, 2013

chuck94022 said:
I use high capacity rechargeable batteries. With my use, they last weeks (certainly longer than the rechargeable batteries in my digicam). The weight doesn't bother me.

Regarding the focus area visibility, I find it to be a feature. I don't want those targets to be too apparent when I'm composing anyway. I generally set autofocus on the AF-ON button, and use the center target then shift the frame to the composition I want.

Chan Tran - blank sky - too funny!

I've tried the Eneloops and soon after (maybe day or so) the power meter dropped significantly. I think this is because of the 1.2v batteries (as apposed to the 1.5v it's expecting).

John_Nikon_F · Aug 2, 2013

Yeah, best thing to do, unless you're using the MN-30 NiMH pack, is to use the Energizer Ultimate Lithiums. No, not cheap, but they do last a long time, and the camera is a little lighter, as mentioned in my previous post.

-J

mweintraub · Aug 2, 2013

John_Nikon_F said:
Yeah, best thing to do, unless you're using the MN-30 NiMH pack, is to use the Energizer Ultimate Lithiums. No, not cheap, but they do last a long time, and the camera is a little lighter, as mentioned in my previous post.

-J

I agree. I've used them before.

LiamG · Aug 2, 2013

I've had a totally different experience with Sanyo NiHMs, I use several sets for my F5, and they have held charge for months. During even a 8-12 hour CS session (constantly focusing), I tend to get a good six hours on a set running AF-s lenses. If I could get reliable MN-30s, I'd use those, but there aren't any new ones.

mweintraub · Aug 5, 2013

LiamG said:
I've had a totally different experience with Sanyo NiHMs, I use several sets for my F5, and they have held charge for months. During even a 8-12 hour CS session (constantly focusing), I tend to get a good six hours on a set running AF-s lenses. If I could get reliable MN-30s, I'd use those, but there aren't any new ones.

I'm sure the batteries last a while, but how does the battery level meter respond? Does it show like it's half full soon after starting to use them?

lightwisps · Aug 5, 2013

F5 Weight? Heck I have no problem with mine and my wife has no problems with hers. Don

LiamG · Aug 5, 2013

mweintraub said:
I'm sure the batteries last a while, but how does the battery level meter respond? Does it show like it's half full soon after starting to use them?

Honestly, I don't pay attention; I always leave everything on the top display set to the same thing so I never look at it- I put new batteries in, and I shoot until AF stops working. When I look then, it's at the totally empty reading. At a recent shoot, I noticed it reading at half full, but I didn't have any problems using AF-c/matrix for a couple hours.

SafetyBob · Aug 6, 2013

Since I am the late one to this thread, I prefer my F5 to my F4S. I use center weighted metering as not that I was having problems with matrix, I was just taking many photos where my subject had crazy lights behind or beside them....just didn't want to take the chance and I believe we had that discussion about two years, maybe three years ago on that very subject here on APUG.

I use Eneloops almost exclusively and ensure they are fully recharged or perhaps even cycled (if I think about it) before using the camera outside of the home. I figure if I run out in the back yard I go back into the house and get different batteries and hopefully not miss much of the action.

This reminds me, I should load that camera up this weekend a shoot a couple of rolls through it.....been awhile since I have used it.

Bob E.

Help with a Nikon F5

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