Nikon F6 - old vs new

[rmjranch]

Is there any difference between the F6 that are older, and a new one you buy today? Build differences? Problems that have arisen over the years? Is a new one have different parts, build, etc?
Thanking you in advance

 

[mweintraub]

I bought an old one last year (low serial) and the only problem I've encountered is that the internal clock battery is dead. Anytime I remove the batteries, I have to set the date/time again. Looks like it keeps my data imprint data setting though.

 

[Paul Howell]

As far as I know Nikon has not updated the F6, still used the same AF as in the D1, don't know if Nikon is still making new parts or just assembling cameras from existing parts. I had considered a used F6 but got a Minolta 9 as I have a set of Minolta and Sony full frame lens.

 

[BMbikerider]

According to Nikon Dealers, the F6 is no more, production of new models has ceased and those who are lucky enough to buy one new, it will be previously unsold stock.

The F6 focussing and exposure is without doubt the pinacle for film cameras. My opinion for mine is virtually faultless on both counts and there is little that it can be improved upon. I bought it second hand but very, very little used. A superb bit of kit.

 

[Paul Howell]

Still on the Nikon USA web site as available for direct order. But so is the FM 10 which I think is out of production.

 

[rmjranch]

According to Nikon USA, which I just spoke with, the F6 is still in production. Thoughts??

 

[Paul Howell]

The F6 is the only option for a new camera with full warranty that will likely be serviceable for the near term. I considered the F6 but decided for the price of a F6 I could by 6 Minolta 9s and use my existing lens. Saying that the Minolta 9 is in same generation as the F5 so the F6 is newer with better AF and metering. Every couple of years rumors resurface that Nikon is working on a F7, well we can all hope.

 

[Pioneer]

They should know if anyone does. Anything from the rest of us is speculation at best.

Someone should try ordering one. I would but like BMbikerider mine is working flawlessly.

As long as I feed it batteries and film it feeds me photographs.

 

[rrusso]

Well that would be a shame.

I remember reading that there are only a couple of Nikon employees, whose sole job was building the F6...in small quantities per month.

 

[Kraus1971]

I spent a while debating whether or not to get a New/Used F6. In the end I opted for a new one for a simple reason ... Nikon USA will support it if I need any work done. That's quite a premium to pay on my yet to be confirmed bet. What is fairly certain is that there are additional risks with used F6 because a) It's used and b) Questions around how to get it serviced. If I was going to go "not new" I'd consider a Nikon USA refurbished one. They have them available for $1300 and I have previously confirmed that Nikon USA will service refurbished units they sell. FWIW I am REALLY happy I got the Nikon F6 ... it's fantastic. Be aware though the new "E" lenses have no aperture control so you're looking at a finite lens supply of fully compatible lenses going forward ... No future 135mm af-s, no 24-70mm w/ VR, No 105mm 1.8, etc...

 

[Paul Howell]

Do you mean G lenses? I though E were all manual focus, and the F6 was compatible with all lenses expect for F3AF?

 

[mweintraub]

Do you mean G lenses? I though E were all manual focus, and the F6 was compatible with all lenses expect for F3AF?

Not the new "E" lenses that have an electronically controlled Aperture

 

[Paul Howell]

I checked Nikon site, all I see are a few MF lens, a few D lens and newer G lens which do not have an manually controlled aperture only electronic and these are compatible with the F6, for that matter the F5, F100 and N80. Can you direct me a link about the new E lens? One the reasons I forgot to mention when I was considering a F6 was that VR lens will work on a film body, Minolta and Sony has VR in the camera body so no VR for film cameras.

 

[Paul Howell]

I think I found it. Are there many E lens?

E — Electromagnetic diaphragm. The aperture diaphragm of an E lens is controlled digitally by the camera, and actuated electromagnetically by a system housed within the lens, rather than employing the F-mount's traditional mechanical diaphragm linkage. This system first appeared in certain Perspective Control lenses, designated PC-E (with designs that preclude a mechanical linkage). E-type lenses aperture control is only supported by all DSLRs with CMOS image sensor except the Nikon D90. For all other cameras the lens aperture stays maximum open with normal autofocus and metering. E Lenses with manual aperture control like PC-E lenses allow manual diaphragm operation on all cameras, with possible unreliable metering on DSLRs without E-type support.[4] Otherwise E lenses are similar to G lenses. Not to be confused with old AI Series E lenses.

 

[Kraus1971]

I checked Nikon site, all I see are a few MF lens, a few D lens and newer G lens which do not have an manually controlled aperture only electronic and these are compatible with the F6, for that matter the F5, F100 and N80. Can you direct me a link about the new E lens? One the reasons I forgot to mention when I was considering a F6 was that VR lens will work on a film body, Minolta and Sony has VR in the camera body so no VR for film cameras.

http://www.filmbodies.com/articles/making-sense-of-nikon-lens.html

 

[Chan Tran]

I think Nikon only made the F6 in one production run and keep selling those until today.

 

[Huss]

The F6 is the only option for a new camera with full warranty that will likely be serviceable for the near term.

Apart from Leica, who offer three new film models - MP, MA, M7.

I bought my F6 used. As long as it has the gold USA sticker inside the menu door, it will be serviced by Nikon USA. It does not need to be a new or refurbished model.

 

[CMoore]

If i may ask.....
1. Why pay this much for a 35mm film camera.? Is it for auto focus, or maybe a spot meter.?
2. Not being snarky or argumentative, i am just curious, but.....Don't all companies support all of their cameras, until the time when they stop "supporting" them. Is it the fact that, as of today, the F6 is the only 35mm film camera that Nikon will still repair.?
Thank You

 

[rrusso]

If i may ask.....
1. Why pay this much for a 35mm film camera.? Is it for auto focus, or maybe a spot meter.?
2. Not being snarky or argumentative, i am just curious, but.....Don't all companies support all of their cameras, until the time when they stop "supporting" them. Is it the fact that, as of today, the F6 is the only 35mm film camera that Nikon will still repair.?
Thank You

Don't know about #2, but regarding #1, I don't think there's any one definitive answer or reason. As has been mentioned, it's the pinnacle of Nikon film offerings - a true "pro" body throughout. Yes, the metering and auto focus are (were?) top notch.

Regarding the price...it's still less than half the cost, new, than their flagship dslr.

Used, I've seen them for under 1k. That's not too bad for a camera you'll pass on to your grandkids (assuming film is around that long).

If I was a working pro using film, there's no question I'd be using one. In fact, I'd have two.

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

You'd only really need one though.
I convinced (not hard at all really) one of my Nikon buddies to get one and she found a pristine F6 from Japan; nice serial number fairly recent and less than a 1000 US.
I've put a few rolls through it and have it on my shoulder and its a solid camera build quality on par or better than the D4/5 she also uses. She's very happy.
Me? I'm still holding out for an F7 or F6E for use with Nikon's whole new E line of lenses. The New Nikkor 105mm f/1.4?
Please Nikon let me shoot FP4 with this lens

 

[Huss]

If i may ask.....
1. Why pay this much for a 35mm film camera.? Is it for auto focus, or maybe a spot meter.?

It has a remarkable VF. It is easier to focus manually than any other film SLR that I have, and you also have the option of choosing a focusing screen that you feel most comfortable with.
It then also has the AF ability which also allows you to use VR lenses. What other camera gives you such a wide lens choice, from non AI all the way to VRs?. The exposure options are great too, and the ability to set AE hold for as many shots as you want is nice too.
The only thing I don't like about it is the menu system - which I avoid as much as I can by programming specific buttons to my liking - and the battery choice/life. I have solved that by using Watson rechargeable cells. My first set were duds though - they would only last 3 rolls of film, while the replacements are good for 25+ rolls.

 

[drmoss_ca]

It's quiet and fast, with a very nearly foolproof matrix metering system. Mine has made me very happy in the three years I have had it, and I was thinking this morning as I was wandering along the Nova Scotian coastline with it that the day might come when I sell everything but the F6 and the Pentax 645n and their lenses. Two cameras a generation or two apart, but both let me have some automation but no more than I want; everything can be over-ridden. They both belong in that sweet spot just before cameras became more computer than they are optical tools.

 

[CMoore]

I only shoot manual, so some of that "stuff" has not much meaning To Me..... and is why i decided to stop at the F3 and not buy an F4. Again, this is just me, not dissuading or downplaying anybody that likes the F6
What makes it easier to focus than any other 35mm SLR.?
Is it the amount of light in the VF.?
Thank You

 

[Huss]

It's quiet and fast, with a very nearly foolproof matrix metering system. .

The 3d Matrix metering is useless with back lit scenes. It will heavily underexpose them. This is why I only shoot in center weighted (cool that you can choose the size of the weighting) or spot. The way the 3D part is meant to work is that it is meant to base its exposure on what is in focus using correct chipped lenses. I've used Nikon AF-D, AF-S and G lenses, Zeiss ZF 2 and Voigtlander SL II lenses and it does not work with any of them. If it is back lit, it will underexpose. You don't even have to take an exposure to see this, just toggle the metering modes and watch the values change.
I have tried this with two separate bodies.
Matrix metering = avg metering. So the choices are avg pattern (3D colour matrix!), center weighted and spot.

 

[Huss]

I only shoot manual, so some of that "stuff" has not much meaning To Me..... and is why i decided to stop at the F3 and not buy an F4. Again, this is just me, not dissuading or downplaying anybody that likes the F6
What makes it easier to focus than any other 35mm SLR.?
Is it the amount of light in the VF.?
Thank You

99% of the time any of my MF manual Nikons are perfect. It's really when u want to use AF and the doo-dads..
The manual focusing is so good because the screen is so good. It is super bright, and snaps in and out of focus, and is available with a split image aid if needed. It also seems that Nikon really reduced the tolerances in the mirror box with the F6, compared to other SLRs as it is very accurate shooting wide open at 1.2