I love it - the Nikon N80

Jeremy Mudd · Jan 4, 2024

I'm using an F80 for the 2024 Frugal Film Challenge.

The rules state that you have to spend $75 or less for your complete camera. I received an F80 in a box for free as a parts camera that had a broken door latch, and after testing it I realized that was all that was wrong so I swapped a good door over from a dead parts N80. I coupled that with a Nikon 50mm f1.8D lens that I purchased at the local camera swap meet for $40 - it had some bent filter threads which I fixed in about 1/2 hour.

When Ribsy was closing out his "EZ400" film (rebadged Foma 400) I bought several rolls for $4.61 each including tax and shipping. That will be my go-to film for the monthly challenge.

Should be fun!

Jeremy

Acere · Apr 2, 2024

I love the N80. It's my lightweight set up. This is with the 50mm f/1.4

Big G · Apr 8, 2024

Nothing much to add to this ode to the N/F 80. I have two (it's become a habit to have two), one F80S and one F80D. The latter cost me 550 yen, or about USD$4. After some sticky rubber clean-up, it works perfectly. There are at least three more in the shop for the same price, but with film costs being what they are, I think I'll have to pass.

Yashica · Apr 9, 2024

Itsa big plastic box. Haptics, Ergnomonics, i'd say the F60 wins anytime, the grip is much bigger & deeper, than the N80/F80. If there's one thing - forum posts made the F80/N80 only more expensive, for sure. Nothing bad meant. I own 2 black ones, but i must say - it doesn't "feel" like film - it just feels like an entry level DSLR, only that it uses 35mm film, instead of a memory card. Same goes for the F100.

Daniela · Apr 9, 2024

Yashica said:
Itsa big plastic box. Haptics, Ergnomonics, i'd say the F60 wins anytime, the grip is much bigger & deeper, than the N80/F80. If there's one thing - forum posts made the F80/N80 only more expensive, for sure. Nothing bad meant. I own 2 black ones, but i must say - it doesn't "feel" like film - it just feels like an entry level DSLR, only that it uses 35mm film, instead of a memory card. Same goes for the F100.

If you want to get rid of them, I'm accepting plastic boxes as gifts

Sirius Glass · Apr 11, 2024

Big G said:
Nothing much to add to this ode to the N/F 80. I have two (it's become a habit to have two), one F80S and one F80D. The latter cost me 550 yen, or about USD$4. After some sticky rubber clean-up, it works perfectly. There are at least three more in the shop for the same price, but with film costs being what they are, I think I'll have to pass.

Welcome to Photrio! I get great use of my N75, two N80s and my F100. I usually keep different films in each one.

ltbphoto · Apr 12, 2024

I got my first N80 in high school, traveled around the world with it. Just a phenomenal little camera and great value on the used market. It sadly died a few years ago.

Anyone still repairing Nikons of that era? I'd love to get it back up and running for sentimental value - I know it'll cost more to repair than its worth but it would be nice to have it working again.

ic-racer · Apr 12, 2024

ltbphoto said:
I got my first N80 in high school, traveled around the world with it. Just a phenomenal little camera and great value on the used market. It sadly died a few years ago.

Anyone still repairing Nikons of that era? I'd love to get it back up and running for sentimental value - I know it'll cost more to repair than its worth but it would be nice to have it working again.

I'd try APS.

Q. Can APS repair film cameras and older equipment?
A. Yes. However, service may be limited to parts availability. Please contact us with your specific model for details.

Big G · Apr 16, 2024

Sirius Glass said:
Welcome to Photrio! I get great use of my N75, two N80s and my F100. I usually keep different films in each one.

Thanks!! When I bought the Nikon F80D for $4 there were a couple of young female tourists putting together an outfit with a Minolta Dynax 800si, kit lens, battery, mini tripod, and one roll of Kodak Ultramax (probably the most expensive item). I'm not a fan of the looks of this particular Minolta, but I bet it worked perfectly. I wonder if it was discarded after that one roll. Cheapness has its demerits.

RalphLambrecht · Apr 18, 2024

Cholentpot said:
N80 is peak plastic 90's camera. I really like mine, slap a 50 1.8 on there and it's compact, light and capable as anything I own. And you have back button focus.

I'm also a big fan!

Yashica · Apr 26, 2024

Thesecondone said:
Whats a decent lens to pick up? That makes alot of sense now . I thought any old af lens would work

Nikon Nikkor 35/F2 AF-D ! Simple as that. I do shoot 80-90% with just 35mm. #2 choice 40mm, rest are Zoom.

RalphLambrecht · Apr 26, 2024

Cholentpot said:
It's debatable. The N80 is quick and responsive. The N70 is not. They're both autofocus plastic cameras yet I'll reach for the N80 over the N70 every time.

theN70 is almost as good;also very light weight an dirt cheap!

250swb · Apr 27, 2024

RalphLambrecht said:
theN70 is almost as good;also very light weight an dirt cheap!

I've got an F70 by default because it was attached a the lens I wanted but it turns out to be a very nice camera especially as a backup/alternate film body on longer hikes. It's rare that a 35mm camera dictates the specific look of a photograph so any of the very cheap Nikon's will still take great photos. So we could use them for their advantages, like light weight or even dare I say it a potential sacrificial camera for a determined photographer on a very wet day (plastic bags and common sense should still apply).

Cholentpot · Apr 27, 2024

RalphLambrecht said:
theN70 is almost as good;also very light weight an dirt cheap!

Most confusing menu system on any camera I have.

I love it - the Nikon N80

Attachments

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency