Just Landed a Nikon F4S - Anything I should know/do/lookout for?

Paul Howell · May 11, 2023

If the F4 was my only AF camera I would use it for action as well, I have a Minolta 9. I also have a Minolta 9000, first generation, I haven't tested my F4 with an autofocus lens, but I bet the F4 would beat out the 9000, but likely not as good as an EOS1 with pro level lens. I guess I should put an EOS 1 on my list along with a good lens, get a decent AF lens for the F4 and see which one I would pick for action. What the A9000 has going for it is a pretty fast motor drive, listed at 5.5 but I timed it with fresh lithium batteries and it closer to 7 FPS. My F4 with MB 21 shoot 5.7 so in general use about the same as the A9000, not sure how fast the EOS 1 is.

AnselMortensen · May 11, 2023

I used to do environmental portraits with an F4s, an AF-D series lens, SB-25 and an SC-17 remote TTL cord.
I used to set up the flash on a light stand with an angle bracket, and a silver umbrella.
Second-curtain sync, TTL exposure, warming gel over flash head.
Provia film.
Great results, no flash meter needed.

Despite_it_all · May 12, 2023

Nice setup, @AnselMortensen. I'll have to emulate a few items you listed.
My kit comes with the SB-24 speedlight (and a SB-21 macro speedlight) so I'd like to play around with some lighting shots. I also have some Godox monolights I'd like to shoot with as well. I failed to mention that I also enjoy product photography and am venturing into that territory with film instead of digital. Though, I may do better with my medium format camera (Mamiya 645 1000S) for studio product shots. Still, it's worth a shot. No risk, no reward!

KinoGrafx · May 13, 2023

Am I the only weirdo who likes the Mb21 better than the mb20? The bigger grip just screams “pick me up!” And i find more natural to use, the camera disappears in spite of the (minimal) added weight…

Despite_it_all · May 14, 2023

KinoGrafx said:
Am I the only weirdo who likes the Mb21 better than the mb20? The bigger grip just screams “pick me up!” And i find more natural to use, the camera disappears in spite of the (minimal) added weight…

Thanks for stepping up to support the unpopular choice. It's good to think differently!
Since the MB-21 is what mine is coming with, I can promise you that I'll give it a fair shake before making my final decision on the grip.

KinoGrafx · May 14, 2023

Obviously the best solution is to have both! Another cool thing the f4 has going is the mechanical cable release on the back!

Alan9940 · May 14, 2023

Despite_it_all said:
Thanks for stepping up to support the unpopular choice. It's good to think differently!
Since the MB-21 is what mine is coming with, I can promise you that I'll give it a fair shake before making my final decision on the grip.

The F4 is actually quite well balanced with the MB21. I have both. But I didn't need the speed of the MB21 and I wanted to reduce the weight of the camera as much as possible, so I opted for the MB20. Since I tend to hike many miles with my cameras, any reduction in weight is helpful!

Despite_it_all · May 14, 2023

KinoGrafx said:
Another cool thing the f4 has going is the mechanical cable release on the back!

That is new to me! Very interesting concept. I haven't seen that before. What are thoughts on that meaning it wasn't well received by the public? Or just too ahead of its time?

Craig · May 14, 2023

The mechanical release was to increase versatility, and I think ti was on the back to allow a convenient position if the camera was used on a copy stand for macro work.

Despite_it_all · May 14, 2023

That makes good sense to me, @Craig!

Minox · May 19, 2023

Although heavier than the MB20, I have found that using the MB21 provides a much better shooting platform, i.e better stability. Not always and not in all situations, but when weight is not an issues (like not climbing, not walking miles, not running, etc) the F4 with MB21 is really a pleasure to use.

That said, I will never mount the F4 + MB21 on a tripod, again; did it, was lucky to catch the tripod and camera before it hit the ground. It was probably my mistake, but even so, high tripod and so weighty a camera requires attention and experience (I have the first, lack the latter).

Despite_it_all · May 19, 2023

Minox said:
That said, I will never mount the F4 + MB21 on a tripod, again; did it, was lucky to catch the tripod and camera before it hit the ground. It was probably my mistake, but even so, high tripod and so weighty a camera requires attention and experience (I have the first, lack the latter).

That little nugget may be the worth the cost of admission on this entire thread. Thanks for the warning!

Just Landed a Nikon F4S - Anything I should know/do/lookout for?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency