In the interview it is very clearly explained that Nikon's goal with the F6 was to significantly surpass the F5, and design an absolutely superior camera. The best 35mm SLR ever made.
Quotes:
"And we want to make the F6 the best camera in every aspect."
"We already had a high-speed, high-performance camera, the F5, in our lineup. In developing the F6, we intended to create a camera giving users even more of what they want than the F5 does. The development concept for the F5 was “high speed and high performance.” With the F6, we aimed to offer the functions of the F5, and also enhance the advantages of “finesse and practicality.”
"Even the sounds of shutter-release and other operations provide a special sensation of quality. So what I mean by “finesse” is the comfortable, reassuring feel of flawless operation transmitted through these three senses."
"In developing the F6, we were very attentive to maximizing operating comfort, even when the camera is subjected to use under very tough conditions."
"I must say that we reexamined all materials, although they had been used successfully in our existing cameras. Every single part was inspected from every aspect. We were not simply content with the current state of the art. Our attitude was to look for something better in order to create the best camera."
"I know that we achieved this because we were afforded a longer period than usual to develop the best camera that we could create."
"Does the F6 have larger buttons?
Yes, we decided to do that for the sake of easier operations. Operations can be performed using gloved hands, as we assumed that the F6 would be used in cold places, given the camera’s supreme environment-proof performance.
We put the priority on ease of operation, and made the buttons large and lockless."
"How have mechanics been improved?
The F5 successfully minimized shutter lag. We carried this superior characteristic over to the F6, and also tried to maximize the finesse of the shutter. Specifically, we succeeded in our efforts to reduce vibration and improve the quality of mechanical sounds, especially from the moment the shutter is pressed to the moment it is released. This was achieved by changing the way the shutter is fixed to the camera body. Normally, the shutter is fixed to the body using screws. But with the F6, we use a floating mechanism, in which the shutter is hung with rubber. This rubber absorbs vibration when the shutter is released."
"Not only did we minimize vibration, we spared no effort to keep operation quiet. To let users concentrate on shooting, we wanted to eradicate any unnecessary sounds as much as possible, as well as minimize vibration. We were determined to follow a principle of keeping operating sound, even those heard only by the photographer, to an absolute minimum."
"Materials used for the F6 shutter-release button have been newly developed. The shutter film material has also been changed for enhanced durability. The strictest Nikon standards have been applied to make the F6 a most reliable and durable camera."
"The design of F6 looks as if it is a definitive “standard,” compared with the F5.
I am confident that we have developed it carefully and conscientiously, making practicality the first priority, while maintaining and even improving upon the high performance of the F5."
"Would you like to offer a closing comment?
I ask customers to try holding the F6, look into the viewfinder, and release the shutter. I am confident that the F6 has achieved a new peak in its mechanics. But you cannot fully appreciate what the F6 can actually do, or how you can use it to greatest advantage, just by looking at its specifications table."
As someone who is using the F6 for more than a decade now, including professional use (wedding, portrait, advertizing shots), and as someone who is also using the F100, F4s, F5, I can conpletely confirm what is said by the Nikon designer about the superior performance.
Best regards,
Henning