The Nikon F4 from 1988 is arguably Nikon's most capable SLR for manual and AF lenses. Both types can be used without restrictions.
Probably the most valuable F-SLR from Nikon, the F4, which is still an ingenious camera for analogue 35mm photography today.
For manual lenses, the AF focusing system is available via a light level in the viewfinder. Various focusing screens for manual focusing are available.
All three exposure metering types (center-weighted integral, matrix, spot) can also be used for MF lenses.
The F4 with interchangeable viewfinders is probably the most solid and valuable of Nikon's six F-SLRs. The case is correspondingly heavy.
Weak points after decades
As with many SLRs, the F4 also has weak points, some of which become noticeable after decades.
Resinificaton in the mirror box
There is known resinification in the mirror box, which affects the setting of small aperture values. The aperture does not close completely.
The problem can be solved by cleaning/lubing. To do this, the mirror box of the F4 must be removed and reinstalled in approx. 22 steps.
Due to resin buildup in the mirror box, the small apertures do not close completely.
I was able to successfully apply a fix to one of my F4s.
A mixture of Zippo lighter fluid and graphite powder made the small apertures work again. A slight delay in closing the small apertures remained, but the camera should correct it independently in automatic mode.
LCD bleeding
The F4 has two LCDs that are reflected in the standard DP-20 viewfinder.
Both LCDs can „bleed out“, the LCD remains functional, but displayed digits are covered by black or green spots.
This bottom LCD works, but has a lot of bleeding that can make it difficult to read the digits.
Both LCDs can be replaced relatively easily if a replacement from a discontinued F4 is available.
Recommendations
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+++
All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.
Probably the most valuable F-SLR from Nikon, the F4, which is still an ingenious camera for analogue 35mm photography today.
For manual lenses, the AF focusing system is available via a light level in the viewfinder. Various focusing screens for manual focusing are available.
All three exposure metering types (center-weighted integral, matrix, spot) can also be used for MF lenses.
The F4 with interchangeable viewfinders is probably the most solid and valuable of Nikon's six F-SLRs. The case is correspondingly heavy.
Weak points after decades
As with many SLRs, the F4 also has weak points, some of which become noticeable after decades.
Resinificaton in the mirror box
There is known resinification in the mirror box, which affects the setting of small aperture values. The aperture does not close completely.
The problem can be solved by cleaning/lubing. To do this, the mirror box of the F4 must be removed and reinstalled in approx. 22 steps.
Due to resin buildup in the mirror box, the small apertures do not close completely.
I was able to successfully apply a fix to one of my F4s.
A mixture of Zippo lighter fluid and graphite powder made the small apertures work again. A slight delay in closing the small apertures remained, but the camera should correct it independently in automatic mode.
LCD bleeding
The F4 has two LCDs that are reflected in the standard DP-20 viewfinder.
Both LCDs can „bleed out“, the LCD remains functional, but displayed digits are covered by black or green spots.
This bottom LCD works, but has a lot of bleeding that can make it difficult to read the digits.
Both LCDs can be replaced relatively easily if a replacement from a discontinued F4 is available.
Recommendations
- The Nikon F4 is sold relatively cheaply. A purchase is worth it.
- Care should be taken to ensure that the small apertures close. Any workshop should be able to carry out a professional repair involving disassembly, cleaning and lubricating the affected area. No spare parts should be needed for this. If you want to do it yourself, you will find excellent instructions here. I was able to successfully apply my fix with Zippo/Graphit, but it is not a professional solution. Anyway this saved me the risk of dismantling my F4.
- The extent to which the aperture error occurs may also depend on the Nikkor lens used. An MF Nikkor here denies f = 11 and 22, while an AF zoom Nikkor closes both apertures.
- The F4 comes with a wide range of system accessories that leave nothing to be desired, even today. Interchangeable viewfinders and focusing screens, various battery packs - all of this is fun and helps with your work
Nikon F4: Quick fix for gummed mechanics parts?
One problem with the Nikon F4 is resin buildup in the mechanics of the mirror box, which prevents the small aperture values from forming. In addition, a scratching noise can be heard when you press the stop down button. The camera has to be heavily dismantled for cleaning and lubrication...
www.photrio.com
Nikon F4 aperture lever repair
WARNING : Those instructions are for skilled persons with some knowledge of mechanics and electronics. Don't follow if you are unsure about your skills. F4 Aperture lever problem driving the lens down. This will be a long thread with ~100...
www.photrio.com
Nikon F4: Upper LCD replaced
Today I opened some packages of cameras that I received last year. There was also a Nikon F4S that I hadn't even thought about. Clearly used extensively, signs of use, but with a flawless viewfinder LCD at the top and a LCD at the bottom with only a small dark spot. Unfortunately, the fact...
www.photrio.com
Nikon DP-20 viewfinder (for Nikon F4): LCD examined, case disassembled and reassembled
After replacing the top LCD in the viewfinder of a Nikon F4, I wanted to know what the procedure is for the bottom LCD. To do this, I dismantled a functional DP-20, the standard viewfinder for the F4, whose display is badly bleeding. It has black and green spots that partially cover the...
www.photrio.com
+++
All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.
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