Nikon 35mm F-100

[nlochner]

As some of you know im searching for a good camera, and someone tipped me on the Nikon f-100. I like the specs, but would like to know more about it, from APUG users.

My specific questions are

How much is the body new?

Is it worth the price?

Is there a better camera for the Price?

....and anything else you think would help me make the rite decision on buying a new 35mm slr.


I realize that all buy one of those questions is personal opinion, but feedback from anybody will help.

Thanks a lot,

nlochner

 

[Dave Parker]

Have you used the search feature, I know there has been quite a few converstaions around these parts about the F100, I would love to have one myself and will one of these days,I used it in the shop I used to work in and fell in love with it.

dave

 

[copake_ham]

The F-100 has been discontinued. However, B&H still shows it available in their latest catalog - haven't checked the website - for $800.

You can pick up a very good used one for about $400-$500. Also, on eBay, Cameta Photo often advertises demo models.

The F-100 is a very fine piece of gear. Kind of a baby brother to the F5, it filled the niche both as a good camera on its own - and as a "backup" to the F5. They share a lot of features (obviously F5 has more) so it is easy to "go back and forth" b/w them.

 

[kaiyen]

For the prices they are going for now used, I would not hesitate to get one. Best deal out there. Much more powerful than the N80, not as overkill as the F5 (unless you need an F5, of course), and a lot less than an F6.

allan

 

[Robert Kerwin]

I think a big part of your decision will be based on what you plan to photograph and how you like to work. Which features do you need? Which features would be nice to have? Which features are useless to you or will get in your way?

That being said, the F100 is a fine camera. It's solid, responsive and (for me), has the right combination of size and weight. The spot-metering mode is a great feature for helping get good results in difficult lighting. I love the fact that it runs on AA's, which can be bought almost anywhere. And if you can get a gently used model for $400-500, it's a great value, as others have pointed out.

Enjoy your camera search (buying stuff is fun!).

- Robert

 

[Anupam Basu]

They don't make 'em new anymore. I have seen them go as low as $300 on Ebay and on the classifieds at photo.net but upto $400 is more usual. No, I don't think you could get a better 35mm AF SLR for the price. Next step up is F5 and F6 - too bulky and too pricey respectively and overkill for most purposes.

-A

 

[david b]

Sam Portera (sportera) has a Nikon F-100 kit for sale. Contact him.

 

[eddym]

I can only add my name to the list of happy owners. I find the F100 fast and responsive, the AF works very well, metering is excellent, and it works very well with the rest of the Nikon system components. I paid $1100 for mine back when that was the going rate, and I am not sorry. I'm tempted to pick up another used body now as a spare.

 

[Sportera]

Its a great camera. The best SLR Ive ever owned but I am using other gear now mainly 4x5 and a Leica. I was asking $850 for my whole setup but still have it. You can get a cheap body from ebay.

 

[mtbbrian]

I have had one now for about five years, I have shot a lot of mountain bike stuff with it, and LOVED IT!
I think it is one of Nikon's best cameras.
I would recommend one for sure!
Brian

 

[rduraoc]

Does it have to be Nikon? And does it have to be new? Look at the Maxxum 7.

 

[unohuu]

Either Or

Does it have to be Nikon? And does it have to be new? Look at the Maxxum 7.

As one who has used both, I have to agree. The Maxxum 7 is a great camera. The F100 is a great camera, too. Depends of what you want to do. I miss the 7 I just sold, but the F100 is a joy to hold in my hand. It meters like a dream and the Nikon flash system is very easy.

 

[Daniel_OB]

No you cannot get better camera than F100 for the same money.

The issue should not be camera but once you get it the problem can be lens choice. Nikon cameras are very good but not and all lenses, so this can be very usefull
Good lenses (nikkors)
- No good wide angle (but 24 mm still least bad)
- 1.2/50 standard lens (not Leica but you will like it). Get it if you need apperture opening it offers, otherwise look 2.8/55 micro.
- 2.8/55 micro far the best standard and macro lens, on paar with Leica. Corrected for near and it has floating element for use on far. Top notch lens if you do not need F1.4 or F2.
- 1.4/85d (auto focus) at least equal to Leica 1.4/80 (this is not not manual 1.4/85). This is the best lens Nikon ever made.
- 2.5/105 not in production any more. The best portrait lens. Many say "this lens is reason i still use Nikon". Get this one if you cannot afford 1.4/85d.

www.Leica-R.com