Nikon F4 or F5?

[Joe Jesus]

I'm looking for a rugged, do-all camera body. I can't quite decide if I want the F4 or the F5, though. The F4 is a fair bit cheaper, but the F5 seems a bit more modern which leads me to believe it may be more reliable. People say the F5 handles more like a modern DSLR, too, which is about what I'm looking for. I have an F2 for my manual needs, so I figure between the F2/F4 or F5 I'll have all my bases covered. So are there any differences/advantages to the F5 that make it worth the extra ~$100? Or should I go for the F4 with its diddly dials and such?

 

[chip j]

The F5 has vibration reduction, and some of them have over a million exps. on them. The toughest camera Nikon ever made.

 

[markbarendt]

F5 is a truly special camera. If I were to choose an alternate to the F5 to save some money, it would be the F100 not an F4.

 

[jp498]

Both serious reliable rugged fast cameras. It depends on your preference for manual controls (knobs) or dslr-style handling. If you want to use a bunch of G-series dslr lenses (without aperture dial), the F5 would handle that in all modes, where the F4s only in some exposure modes. I used to use an F4s almost exclusively, but have developed a preference for MF and LF film use.

 

[JLP]

I have one of each and I will also say that the F5 is a much nicer camera than the F4. If you don't think you will be using any of them for MF lenses go with the F5 if you can afford.
The advantage the F4 have is that you can shoot non AI lenses, the F5 can't do that and as said already the newer Gelded lenses will work nicely on the F5 but not on the F4.

 

[gone]

I think an F100 would be all you need. The F5 seems like overkill, and the F4 is a bit of an ergonomic dog in my opinion. Yes, it's built like there's no tomorrow, but I found them to not be very well suited to my needs due to the layout of the controls. The F100, you won't have to think about anything, just shoot it.

 

[cjbecker]

For me the main difference would be the dials vs knobs. I personally can't shoot a camera with dials, i have tried and am much faster with knobs

I never remember which dial is which and always turn it the wrong way.

The aperure should always be on the lens and the shutter speed is on a knob or on the lens.

Iso on the left side of the prism or not at all.

 

[Oren Grad]

The F5 is a boat anchor. How much size/weight do you want to carry just to make a 35mm negative? The F4 can at least be fitted with an MB-20 to make it a bit less overwhelming.

I would get an F5 and carry it if I worked in situations that required the fastest possible AF and a very high frame rate. But I don't, and for myself I can't justify such a big camera unless I'm going to get a larger negative from it. YMMV.

 

[Alan Klein]

Here are some reviews .
F4 http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/f4.htm
F5 http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/f5.htm
F6 http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/f6.htm
F100 http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/f100.htm

 

[r-brian]

One big difference is the metering system. The F4 has an early matrix system while the F5 has a much more advanced matrix system, 1005 sensors if memory serves me. The F5 also auto-focuses much faster than the F4, if you need it.

 

[PhotoNaturally]

Do You mean that the F5 can support VR function on lenses? or that the camera has vibration reduction?

 

[tony lockerbie]

Don't discount the F4, the metering is still pretty good..good enough for anyone, and the manual focus lenses work better with it, regards metering that is. I have both, and the autofocus speed doesn't concern me as I don't use it!
If you want an auto camera but not auto focus, the F3 is tiny by comparison...meter still damned good. Agree with the others in that I just don't use them often because of the size. They are more like MF cameras in my opinion, and you may find yourself coming back to the F2...I do!

 

[chip j]

Do You mean that the F5 can support VR function on lenses? or that the camera has vibration reduction?

It supports VR on lenses,as d o the N80 & N75 {&F100, which I hate because the plastic back catches broke off}.

 

[BMbikerider]

I have an F4, the standard version and it does all I need it to do. I am yet to get a dodgy exposure from it. It in itself is a weighty beast but it fits my hands perfectly.

I tried an F5 and jokingly asked the dealer if a body building course came with the price, it is so heavy - and I mean HEAVY, and there is no way of reducing that. I will stick with my F4 until I can possibly upgrade to an affordable F6. I also have an F100 and yes it is a lovely camera and does all it is asked to do. I have no problem in using both.

 

[lxdude]

It supports VR on lenses,as d o the N80 & N75 {&F100, which I hate because the plastic back catches broke off}.

I think someone makes (or made) a metal latch replacement kit for those.

 

[Ricardo Miranda]

To the OP,
Before you can answer the question of which body to buy, you need to ask the question of which lenses do you have, which ones do you plan to buy, which ones you desire and what type of lenses are they.
IMHO the lenses will determine, at least in part, what body to buy. If you have already a bunch of MF lenses, or plan to buy some, then a F4 is a better option.
BTW, while the F5 from factory didn't came with a movable AI tab, it can be retrofitted by Nikon allowing the use of all Nikon lenses. But, only the F4 is able to use Matrix metering with AI/S lenses.

 

[dorff]

It depends a lot on which lenses you will be using, and whether you are looking for a pro type body at all cost.

If you need pro quality with G AFS and VR lenses, then definitely get the F5, or as others have said, the F100. If your lenses are AF only, and you do not need blazing fast focusing or frame rates, then the F4 will probably do fine, and will also be smaller so will take less space in a bag. The ultimate is the F6, of course, which is still very expensive and even if it could take a beating, would be hard to justify beating up given its price. If you know you are going to beat up the camera, then an F4 will at least be cheaper to replace. As an aside, the FA will also give matrix metering with AI/AIS lenses, and is in itself a lovely camera, but not AF of course.

How many rolls do you shoot a year? If like me less than 100, I think the F100 is actually a very nice camera that has most of the F5's good qualities without the bulk. It was and still remains a very popular camera. While the F5 is as rugged as any camera ever made, they can and do give problems from time to time. Mine is currently in for shutter repair/replacement. But there is nothing the F100 won't do in its absence. I have three of them, which allows me to load three different types of film or alternate bodies while reloading. In handling the F100 is much like my D700 and D800, so there is less of a mind-shift going from analogue to the other side and back. The same would of course apply to the F6, which is in essence very similar to a D2-series. It is hard to gauge how harshly you intend to treat the camera. An F100 will take a fair bit of roughing and toughing, but like all cameras it is not meant to be dropped, inundated or thrown at passers-by. I would defintely take it on a hike, for instance. If you take care while loading film and when handling the camera with lenses on, the mount and chassis are strong enough for the heavier lenses (provided you don't hang your 400/2.8 off the mount only), and the rest of the bits and pieces should not break that easily. The earlier F100s came with a plastic rewind fork that some have reported to be prone to breakage. Either they are very rough in changing cassettes, or the camera has done 5 000 rolls. Anyway, it can be replaced with a metal fork. The back latch can maybe also break, and can likewise be replaced by a metal part. Shutters will last around 100k to 200k actuations on average, so if you buy a well-used F5 or F100, the shutter is the most likely area of concern. I tend to look for "soccer mom" cameras in the used market, and try to avoid those that saw active duty with photojournalism and the likes, but sometimes you have to take what you can get. Sometimes that even means buying a broken camera and fixing it.

I forgot to add: The F90 and its variants, and maybe even the F801, might also be just fine for you, since they will meter with AI/AIS lenses. I am not 100% sure whether it is matrix metering, but I am sure you can look that up. The main advantage of the F100 over F90X is forward lens compatibility (G, AF-S, VR) and generally better focus, metering and ergonomics. F90's and especially F801's are so cheap that you can buy four or five of them for the price of one F4, so wrecking one isn't much to cry about.

 

[xtolsniffer]

Another vote for the F100. I do have an F4s, and it is a great camera, but big and heavy, though I find the ergonomics suit me. It also has a traditional threaded cable release socket which is a plus. Not being able to use G lenses except in shutter priority or program mode is a pain. I find that I tend to take the F100 out more as a general carry-about cameras as it is smaller and lighter, though for anything on a tripod I'd use the F4 due to the cable release socket and mirror lock-up.

 

[brian steinberger]

Have you ever lifted an F4 or F5?? They are tank-like. I have the F4 and loved it years ago. Then I got an F100 and haven't looked back. The AF is waaaay better and it's lighter and much quicker to shoot. But did I mention it's light?!? The only thing lacking on the F100 for me is mirror lock up, a standard cable release socket, and 100% VF coverage. Trust me, you don't want to haul the F4 or F5 around too much unless you really have to. For that amount of weight if rather carry medium format.

If you need fast AF go with the F5 or F100. If you need ruggedness go with the F4 or F5. If you have an array of Nikon lenses (older manual and AF) go with the F4. If you just want lightweight go with the F100.

 

[mweintraub]

I had the F100 and it was a fantastic camera. I only sold it because I got a F5 for a good deal. I do miss the F100 a little because of it's size, but wouldn't sell the F5 for it.

I've thought about getting an F4s, but I it would be even heavier than the F5.

My only complaint about the F5 is the missing aperture dial on the vertical grip.

But again, that's just me. Everyone is different.

 

[Ricardo Miranda]

Do You mean that the F5 can support VR function on lenses? or that the camera has vibration reduction?

As it was already answered, the F5 allows the use of lens with VR function.
The same goes for the F100, F80, F75 and F65 as all of these have 5 focus points which is the minimum required for the VR function to work.

I forgot to add: The F90 and its variants, and maybe even the F801, might also be just fine for you, since they will meter with AI/AIS lenses. I am not 100% sure whether it is matrix metering

It isn't Matrix metering. The same goes to all AF bodies apart the F4 and F6.

 

[Aja B]

Hey Joe, suggest you spend some time carrying a brick around for several hours. I didn't see any 'must have' features in your original post. I bet an F100 would do you well. The F4 and F5 each weigh a metric tonne. Like I've said a million times, that is no exaggeration! But if you must: F5.

 

[destroya]

i have an F4, F5 and F100. the F4 gets used the least. if i want to use man focus lenses i use the F3 or FA. if i'm going out in tough lighting like afternoon full sun hard shadows i use the F5 because of its amazing matrix meter (yes I'm one of those who use in camera meters). the F100 is 95% of the F5 with about 2/3 the weight and size so it makes for a better "Disneyland" camera (one you plan to carry all day).

if i had the mb-20 i'm sure i would use the F4 more often but can't justify spending $100+ on it. Thats a shame as the F4 is a great camera. for me its more of a size thing. with the fuji 645 rangefinders being more portable than the F4 or F5 it gets used more than both of the others combined. in the size vs film ratio it wins. there is not much size difference between my pentax 67 and the F4/F5. the pentax is VERY awkward to carry compared to the nikons but again camera film ratio is in its favor.

Also for me, which type of film I'm using makes a difference as to which camera i will use. For 35mm chromes its a modern matrix meter camera, so the F5, F100 or F80. if I do use B&W in them, then its center weighted for me. The nice thing with the F5 is you can adjust the size of the circle in the center weighting. NICE! I have it set to a smaller size, more like the F3's 80/20. I find the matrix meter on the F4 more suited for color and B&W neg film so I leave it there most of the time. All of them have a nice spot meter which helps in harsh lighting conditions.

I agree with ost of the opinions listed above. I would make the decision based on the lenses you use most often. Man focus I would lean towards the F4. modern G lenses F100 or F5. But for the price it's hard to justify spending the extra $150 or so on the F5 unless you need the color meter or prefer the larger size. that savings could be used to buy some film and developing chemicals.

 

[Alan Klein]

The F100 does not have mirror lock up that I use on my MF camera when shooting landscapes. Don't know about the other cameras.

 

[lajolla]

Nearing seventy years of age I am astonished to read on this thread that the F5 camera body, which weighs 42.7 ounces (without batteries inserted) is regarded by some as too heavy You younger guys need to start doing arm curls with minimum weight 3lb dumb bells. Thanks for the laughs.