Is the Nikon F4 the only Nikon camera that can...

[Ariston]

...use a normal cable release and modern Nikon lenses?

 

[PatFahey]

Cable release and AF, yes. But no aperture control for G lenses. P, Ph and S modes only.

 

[shutterfinger]

My F4s has no cable release socket, it does have a remote control socket to which an electronic release switch can be connected.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1sPJkp-Mdghcm5jU0RvUmRmVE0

 

[PatFahey]

On the F4 the mechanical release socket is on the left rear, just below the film door. It might be that the ‘s’ battery pack covers it up or eliminates it all together?

I believe the electronic release connector IS on the MB-21 battery pack so that feature is not present on the base F4 (non-s model).

 

[shutterfinger]

After 29+ years of owning a F4s I never knew it had a cable release socket but there it is on page 7 of the instruction manual. The black protection cap makes it easy to over look.

 

[PatFahey]

That little cover is so small it’s hard to get on and off.

 

[ronnies]

The F80 also has a normal cable release socket.

Ronnie

 

[voceumana]

The Nikon F3 and FM2n I have both take normal cable releases, and accept most modern Nikon lenses in manual focus mode. I have a few autofocus lenses with manual focus settings and they work fine.

 

[Ariston]

After 29+ years of owning a F4s I never knew it had a cable release socket but there it is on page 7 of the instruction manual. The black protection cap makes it easy to over look.

I was surprised to find this, too. That’s why I wanted to come here to see if any other modern camera has that ability.

 

[Ariston]

The F80 also has a normal cable release socket.

Ronnie

That's cool! Two cameras so far. Is the F80 the one that doen't meter with manual focus lenses, or am I thinking of another camera?

 

[ronnies]

That's cool! Two cameras so far. Is the F80 the one that doen't meter with manual focus lenses, or am I thinking of another camera?

I don't think the F80 can meter with manual lenses.

You can also use a cable release on any camera to which you can attach an MR-3.

Ronnie

 

[ronnies]

Actually the D100 which used the F80 chassis can also use a cable release. The Fuji models based on the F80 may also be able to take them.

Ronnie

 

[Ariston]

Actually the D100 which used the F80 chassis can also use a cable release.

Ronnie

Oh wow, now that is something!

 

[vickersdc]

And the Nikon EM..? Doesn't that have a standard cable release?

 

[Ariston]

And the Nikon EM..? Doesn't that have a standard cable release?

Can that use modern lenses?

 

[Huss]

Depends what you mean by modern lenses. The Nikon AF-S G lenses cannot be used by any manual focus only Nikon SLRs apart from at max aperture.
The Nikon AF-S G lenses can only be used by the F4 @ S, P and Ph settings. They work fine on the F6, F80 and F75 (and some other Nikons slrs that use control dials to control the aperture).
The Nikon E aperture lenses - which are their most modern lenses - cannot be used on any Nikon film cameras, including the F6.

Nikon still makes a few AI-S lenses which is incredible - the 35 1.4, 50 1.4, 50 1.2 and a few others. But those hardly can be described a modern.
They also make a handful of AF-D lenses - AF lenses that have an aperture ring - and while some of these are great (especially the 60mm 2.8) they no longer are considered as modern lenses.

 

[Ariston]

I mean gelded lenses. The older bodies don't work with them because there is no aperture ring.

I do not have any of the G lenses because I like my lenses to work across the entire range of my Nikon bodies. There really is not much practical difference between shutter priority and aperture priority. Either way, you adjust the dial/wheel, and the aperture opens as the shutter speeds up, or the shutter slows down as the aperture closes.

I just find it curious that Nikon left mechanical cable release port in for some of these. Frankly, they should never have removed it. I hate the proprietary electronic shutter release devices so much.

 

[Huss]

It's a shame that not even the F6 works with Nikon's (and other mfgs) latest F mount lenses.

 

[Joseph Bell]

For what it's worth, the newer E lenses will work at maximum aperture on the F100 (and of course on the F6 as well but I do not own that sparky camera) and the VR works as well. I very much enjoy the 300mm PF on my F100. Would I love to be able to stop down at times? But of course! But I'll take what I can get...

 

[blockend]

It's a shame that not even the F6 works with Nikon's (and other mfgs) latest F mount lenses.

Nikon appears to phasing its DSLRs out, if rumours are correct. Older Nikon glass that can be adapted, is likely to have higher residual value than its aperture-less offerings. On film and d*g*t*l.

 

[Huss]

Nikon appears to phasing its DSLRs out, if rumours are correct. Older Nikon glass that can be adapted, is likely to have higher residual value than its aperture-less offerings. On film and d*g*t*l.

Problem is only the aperture-less offerings (G and E lenses) work properly with the FTZ adapter on the mirrorless Nikon bodies. They are the only ones that can still AF. So not sure how the other lenses will hold a higher residual value? Guess it depends on what body they will be used on.

 

[blockend]

Problem is only the aperture-less offerings (G and E lenses) work properly with the FTZ adapter on the mirrorless Nikon bodies. They are the only ones that can still AF. So not sure how the other lenses will hold a higher residual value? Guess it depends on what body they will be used on.

Whenever a manufacturer ties utility to technology, it has implications for previous and successive models. Having been the preeminent professional camera from the 1960s to the 1980s, Nikon hung on to the F-mount longer than was appropriate. Probably. This gave the appearance of compatibility between generations, but with sufficient compromises than Canon ran off with Nikon's dinner. If you want to use a G or E lens on an FM camera, or a screw focus lens on a mirrorless body, the disadvantages outweigh the benefits for most users. I strongly suspect AI and AIS lenses, like other quality manual lenses, will enjoy more take up on modern cameras of all makes, than previous AF varieties. This will be reflected in prices.

 

[benveniste]

...use a normal cable release and modern Nikon lenses?

I suppose it depends on what you mean by "modern Nikon lenses." The F4 can't use AF-P lenses at all and can only use lenses with an Electronic Aperture wide open, but the same is true of all Nikon 35mm film cameras. Given that I have both an MC-20 and MC-30, and MC-30 knockoffs sell for about $12 on Amazon (and less than that on aliexpress), I only find this an issue when I want to use a double cable release. I can't bring myself to spend the money on an AR-10+MC-25A solution.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Poor Nikon. F4 is so Alien just for this.

 

[RLangham]

Now, as for gelded lenses I can't help you. However, AI-S lenses work just fine on the Mamiya-built Nikkorex F from the early 60's, which is sometimes claimed to be the Nikon camera with the widest variety of compatible lenses. It does also have a cable release socket.