Just got a Nikon F100

Steve Mack · Aug 16, 2010

It was used, but just barely. Came with a box, owner's manual, registration papers not yet filled out (they are now!), and I got a deal I couldn't pass up.

I've learned from bitter experience if I say, "I'll come back and get it tomorrow," it won't BE there tomorrow. So I took my wife's offer of a loan, and got it.

I've wanted one for some time but hesitated and procrastinated. Did a ton of research on it, even handled one a couple of times, but never sprang for it until now. I own an N80, and a Nikkormat FTn, and several lenses for each. I "borrowed" my 50mm f/1.8 from the N80, and put the kit lens back on that. The 50 is now sitting pretty on the F100. I really like primes, so the next one will be the 85mm f/1.8, and then I've got to decide between a 24mm or a 35mm.

I haven't even begun to pretend that I'm not afflicted by GAS. I love to take pictures, but I also like gear!

With best regards to everybody.

Steve

mesh · Aug 16, 2010

I think the F100 has to be one of the best deals at the moment. Great ergonomics, nice VF, solid build... and very reliable. Congratulations and enjoy! BTW - I like the older 24 AIS. Lovely lens.

mablo · Aug 17, 2010

I bought one too recently. It's boxed with all paperwork included and barely-used condition. Paid €180 for it. It's a lot of camera for the money. I'm using it with my manual focus 35mm/2 AIS but I'm thinking of finding a 85mm/1.8 AF on the side.

stradibarrius · Aug 17, 2010

I have an F100 and it is a great camera!!!

CGW · Aug 17, 2010

Like the earlier and much-loved N90s/F90X, the F100 hit a sweet spot between Nikon's consumer and pro SLRs. Have a look here for all things Nikon, especially lens reviews:

www.nikonlinks.com

billbretz · Aug 17, 2010

CGW said:
the F100 hit a sweet spot between Nikon's consumer and pro SLRs.

Are you saying it would fall into a "prosumer" category? I don't recall if being marketed that way, but, if so, I disagree, I think it was a pro camera that was somewhat more accessible, price-wise. I used one everyday for some time as a newspaper "professional" and never once thought of it as a compromise or anything other than a fully professional camera. It's no F5 - fortunately, though, a lot cheaper and, I'm guessing, lighter (even after the grip/booster is added).

Sirius Glass · Aug 17, 2010

Steve Mack, you will love it. Probably the best slr that Nikon made. Among other things I use it as a spot meter for my Hasselblads and 4x5s.

Steve

M.A.Longmore · Aug 17, 2010

Steve Mack said:
It was used, but just barely. Came with a box, owner's manual, registration papers not yet filled out (they are now!), and I got a deal I couldn't pass up.
Steve

.
Well, look at you with your fancy, newfangled camera.
I guess you won't have a need for that 135mm screw mount lens ?

Ron
From The Long Island Of New York,
And The Macro Management and Long Island @ Large Format APUG Groups
.

eddym · Aug 17, 2010

Love mine! Congratulations!

CGW · Aug 17, 2010

billbretz said:
Are you saying it would fall into a "prosumer" category? I don't recall if being marketed that way, but, if so, I disagree, I think it was a pro camera that was somewhat more accessible, price-wise. I used one everyday for some time as a newspaper "professional" and never once thought of it as a compromise or anything other than a fully professional camera. It's no F5 - fortunately, though, a lot cheaper and, I'm guessing, lighter (even after the grip/booster is added).

Chill. People used the N90s/F90x the same way--why bother with an F4? Same goes for the F100--who needs an F5? Neither had the features or accessory range to match their top-of-the-line contemporaries. Neither were "F" series cameras. Anything else?

billbretz · Aug 31, 2010

CGW said:
Chill. People used the N90s/F90x the same way--why bother with an F4? Same goes for the F100--who needs an F5? Neither had the features or accessory range to match their top-of-the-line contemporaries. Neither were "F" series cameras. Anything else?

CGW- Thanks for the invitation to "chill." But this is a discussion forum, and, well, I discussed. I'm sorry if we couldn't communicate on the same level as each other. Nothing else.

Exeter2010 · Aug 31, 2010

So the real issue here is whether the F100 is a "Pro" or a "Prosumer" camera in it's time? Isn't it a little bit subjective when you're talking about ANY camera? Obviously we could dismiss the Kodak "Easyshares" and such, but beyond that...? I'll bet there's many a "Pro", if they are shooting film today who thinks their FE2 or F3HP is the pinnacle of a "Pro" camera. I'm not even gonna ask what the real definition of either is, because I'm sure that would open a REAL Pandora's Box and here's the OP, just happy and telling us he got a good deal on a really nice camera.

With regard to that, thanks for sharing! It's always nice to hear about someone landing the camera they always wanted. I had an F100 too - wanted it for quite awhile and had it for quite awhile - and I still think it's probably one of the best film SLR values going, bar none. Solid, reliable, fast, looks good and technically excellent metering and AF/AE. The list could go on and on. I really can't think of anything I would have changed with that camera. If I hadn't stopped shooting chrome and gone down the Rangefinder/B&W road, I'm sure I'd still be using it today. And for whatever it's worth, I probably did "look like a pro" among the other photogs on the street or at an event with my F100 and 50/1.4 or 80-200/2.8 mounted.

darinwc · Aug 31, 2010

I have an F100 as well. At first I thought it was too much camera for me. It has buttons and switches all over the place. It's too big for my hands.
I bough an N80 instead. The N80 fits in my hands perfectly.
But then again.. I just picked up a Tokina ATX 400mm f5.6. When it is mounted on the F100 it feels much more solid.
The Auto-focus of the F100 is also much better than the N80, not only faster but better in low light and through interference as well.
Now I'm split as to which one to keep.

spirit · Sep 1, 2010

I have the Nikon F100 as well. You'll love it, it's a great camera.

Colin Corneau · Sep 1, 2010

One I always wanted to try out...heard nothing but good things about it.

This camera comes from a line that always had fantastic metering. I can't rave enough about the metering in the F/N90s, the F5 and the F100 is in that category. The poster above uses it as a spot meter for other formats! (I've done likewise with my F90x, it goes down to EI6, fer cryin' out loud).

Solidly built, I think you'll also find it is reliable and is not likely to see a repair shop anytime soon. Congrats on the find.

Just got a Nikon F100

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