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Need a new (to me) Nikon F4, a few questions

I think the F4 is about the best mix of manual and auto focus camera there is. It offers options no other camera I can think of offers. For instance, it:

- Mounts and gives matrix metering for all non-AI lenses. Or use AF lenses if you want.
- Has an electronic motor. Or, if you like to leave the leader out like me, you can manually rewind.
- It is a systems camera, something that pretty much all modern pro cameras have abandoned.
- It reads DX coding. Or you can set the ISO yourself.
- Allows you to set up your preferences with dials, not layers and layers of menus.

It is a jack of all trades, but master of none. For instance, it does not:

- Offer mechanical operation
- Offer the best metering
- Offer the best autofocus

I view it as the most capable manual focus cameras of all time, that happens to also offer some extra automation, should you want it.
 
Ariston said:
- Mounts and gives matrix metering for all non-AI lenses. Or use AF lenses if you want.
Click to expand...

Alas, while it does matrix metering with AI and AI-S lenses, it doesn't with non-AI or AI-converted ones. AI-conversions and non-AI lenses lack the minimum aperture signaling post, which the F4 looks for when it decides whether to offer matrix metering. (I have no idea if this is really necessary; I assume knowing the actual aperture must form some part of the matrix metering algorithm.)
 
Just wanted to update everyone on my Nikon F4. I received it back from Camera Service Pro in Atlanta a few weeks ago and have put it through its paces. They fixed the mirror stuck up and also the autofocus (which was completely dead, and which multiple other shops said was not possible to fix), and also fixed a broken R2 rewind lever. I’m very impressed with their work and my camera is like new again. I’d highly recommended them.
 
Very Nice.!
Nothing more enjoyable than a properly functioning camera.
 

Love to hear of good results as everyone is quick to complain. Most people that receive good service remain quiet. Again thanks for the update. And enjoy your F4.
 
I didn't read through this thread, but you may want to try having the F4 repaired in Japan. They might be better at it.
 
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