Nikon F6 updates

[miha]

It would be interesting to know why the F6 has been discontinued. I would doubt that the costs of continued production would make the camera uneconomic for Nikon. True, dozens of these cameras are for sale sale used, but a slow trickle of new cameras would continue to serve those who want to buy new...

Isn't it obvious? At some point, every product comes to the end of its life cycle. If there were enough sales to generate profit we would have an F7 on the shelves since February this year, with the F6 slowly phasing out. However, kids picking up film photography are not willing to spend a big buck on a brand new pro camera so there you have it. I'm sure, though, we'll be fed by "facts" and theories by "industry experts" in no time.

 

[Kino]

Ignore button getting workout...

 

[dutchsteammachine]

Very sad to hear.

There goes the last SLR ecosystem.... pity.

 

[blockend]

Considering digital single lens reflex cameras have come and (almost) gone since the F6 was launched, the surprise is any 35mm SLR lingered in the catalogues. The model was already moving away from professional behemoths that built Nikon's reputation, towards more user friendly proportions. If any Nikon had enough legs to carry it into 2020, it was the FM3A.

 

[wyofilm]

Considering digital single lens reflex cameras have come and (almost) gone since the F6 was launched, the surprise is any 35mm SLR lingered in the catalogues. The model was already moving away from professional behemoths that built Nikon's reputation, towards more user friendly proportions. If any Nikon had enough legs to carry it into 2020, it was the FM3A.

Nikon has bigger problems than satisfying the film market with cameras. With that said, I would love to see either the FM3A or the F6 still being made, but if any film camera from Nikon comes back it will be the FM-10. Comparing used FM3a to the FM-10 is ridiculous. One cannot buy a decent FM3a for $400. Buying older slr's often require seal replacement or CLA for them to work properly. Financially, a brand new FM-10 makes more sense than than a 40 year old Nikon FE. A re-release of the FM-10 by Nikon or fully licensed to someone else makes sense. A new FM-10 would sell.

 

[blockend]

A new FM-10 would sell.

It's my misfortune to disagree. There's no shortage of plastic (FM-10 is Cosina built) entry level SLRs for small change. A new FM3A is still a desirable object, and the technology is still relevant. No fading LCD displays, sluggish autofocus or banks of AA batteries for power. The question is how much would a new FM3A cost? A good used model is £350 UK, more for a mint example. Rolling the production line again would probably see the camera cost around £2k. That's too big a risk for Nikon to take on in present circumstances.

 

[dmtnkl]

I think we will see a new 35mm camera at some point.

However, as companies start to shift towards mirrorless systems, there will probably be no lenses left to support an SLR camera. The flange distance would be too short to accommodate a mirror. Pure rangefinder will also be difficult, as mirrorless lenses are usually too big and not suited for such a setup. Maybe a bare viewfinder, autofocus driven, contax G1/G2 like camera would be easier to make with lenses made for a mirrorless digital camera. But even then, the lenses will be so big that they will spill into the viewfinder window, obstructing the view of the scene.

Then what is left? Maybe a compact camera with an integrated lens and a smartphone-level sensor used for advanced metering and autofocus.

 

[Auer]

$29.95

 

[blockend]

I think we will see a new 35mm camera at some point.

However, as companies start to shift towards mirrorless systems, there will probably be no lenses left to support an SLR camera. The flange distance would be too short to accommodate a mirror. Pure rangefinder will also be difficult, as mirrorless lenses are usually too big and not suited for such a setup. Maybe a bare viewfinder, autofocus driven, contax G1/G2 like camera would be easier to make with lenses made for a mirrorless digital camera. But even then, the lenses will be so big that they will spill into the viewfinder window, obstructing the view of the scene.

Then what is left? Maybe a compact camera with an integrated lens and a smartphone-level sensor used for advanced metering and autofocus.

It comes down to supply and demand. Even if you held out for collector grade cameras and lenses, and had each professionally serviced at purchase, in most cases the price would likely be less than half a new film camera. A Leica M3 in good condition sells for around £1k - 2k. A new M3, made to the same standards and materials as the original (no modern shortcuts), is unlikely to cost less than £5-6 considering the MP is £4000. Leica are the only company who could sell such a thing. A three grand Canon F-1 or Nikon F3 wouldn't be a big seller, as Nikon's rangefinder revival proved.

 

[George Mann]

It's my misfortune to disagree. There's no shortage of plastic (FM-10 is Cosina built) entry level SLRs for small change.

I was thinking more of a greatly improved FM/FE-10, or an FG-2, with the critical exposure lock that the original model was missing.

A new lineup of lightweight, compact Nikkor designed lenses would complete the package.

 

[wyofilm]

It's my misfortune to disagree. There's no shortage of plastic (FM-10 is Cosina built) entry level SLRs for small change. A new FM3A is still a desirable object, and the technology is still relevant. No fading LCD displays, sluggish autofocus or banks of AA batteries for power. The question is how much would a new FM3A cost? A good used model is £350 UK, more for a mint example. Rolling the production line again would probably see the camera cost around £2k. That's too big a risk for Nikon to take on in present circumstances.

The FM3a is one of my favorite cameras. I like everything about and would be thrilled to see new ones being made. The FM-10 has nothing going for it except that it has the Nikon F-mount (lenses abound) and is new, which means the light seals are good, the light meter works, and the shutter speeds are accurate. Without abuse it would last another 10+ years. Quality, old cameras aren't as abundant as they used to be, and all require some care and attention, which raises the price. You are right about there being a slew of plastic Nikon cameras - with failing LCD screens, but at this point those aren't any better than the Cosina built FM-10. In fact worse, because they are decades older.

I'm pretty sure that I cannot find a good FM3a for the equivalent of £350. If I could, I would buy it. I have three, one isn't worth a shit (I tried to buy a good quality copy for around $400).

 

[photojournaliste]

Really sad to see it go!!

 

[Paul Howell]

The economics is that if Nikon wanted to replace the F6 it would be a upscale high end camera, like cars they would make more profit with fewer bodies. On the other hand, what the market seems to want is an entry level camera.

 

[George Mann]

On the other hand, what the market seems to want is an entry level camera.

As I stated in my new camera thread.

 

[Craig75]

It's my misfortune to disagree. There's no shortage of plastic (FM-10 is Cosina built) entry level SLRs for small change. A new FM3A is still a desirable object, and the technology is still relevant. No fading LCD displays, sluggish autofocus or banks of AA batteries for power. The question is how much would a new FM3A cost? A good used model is £350 UK, more for a mint example. Rolling the production line again would probably see the camera cost around £2k. That's too big a risk for Nikon to take on in present circumstances.

I was looking for an fm3a last year and it was £400 to 500. This year its more again. Maybe 600 for a nice body. Theres been hype from somewhere and people are piling. The very excellent (no affiliation) people at West Yorkshire canera have a body in for £700.

I went for fm2/t instead and that was £300 for a really clean one from a private seller not a dealer. People were probably paying 200 the year before and 400 to 500 this year just for a reskin of an fm2.

I wouldnt be surprised to see fm3a get close to m4 prices in next few years.

 

[pentaxuser]

If the thread is F6 Updates but we now know it has gone so no more updates shouldn't this be changed to something like: Will there be a another Nikon film camera?

It saves disappointment to those who search the thread expecting updates on the F6 assuming of course that such people exist.

pentaxuser

 

[ic-racer]

Maybe wait until it is officially canceled as a product on the worldwide market and no longer sold. The Nikon website indicates F6 is "Out of Stock."
B&H and Adorama indicate "Back Order" rather than "No Longer Available" at this time.

 

[jimj]

Have they made any official statements?

 

[Craig75]

Have they made any official statements?

Its listed under the discontinuted url on nikon uk

https://www.nikon.co.uk/en_GB/product/discontinued/film-cameras/2020/film-slr-camera-f6

But thats as much as ive seen. Lets hope it reappears in a new form - looks very cool camera and i was under the impression its been selling really well recently, and i'd imagine its good value advertising for the company and the mount with the amount of mentions it gets on websites and blogs regarding film boom.

 

[perkeleellinen]

The very excellent (no affiliation) people at West Yorkshire canera have a body in for £700. [...]
I wouldnt be surprised to see fm3a get close to m4 prices in next few years.

I can believe this. Aperture just sold one for £750.

 

[miha]

Nikon .jp just added "Old Product" next to F6 designation: https://translate.google.com/transl...//www.nikon-image.com/products/slr/lineup/f6/ (I hope the google translate works for you, otherwise: https://www.nikon-image.com/products/slr/lineup/f6/)

 

[pentaxuser]

So have we yet decided what constitutes product discontinued? If not then what is required from Nikon to establish once and for all what the position is on the F6?

I am a little surprised that Henning has not yet stepped in to give us the definitive, unequivocal Nikon position and put us all out of our misery

pentaxuser

 

[miha]

So have we yet decided what constitutes product discontinued? If not then what is required from Nikon to establish once and for all what the position is on the F6?

I am a little surprised that Henning has not yet stepped in to give us the definitive, unequivocal Nikon position and put us all out of our misery

pentaxuser

No misery on my part!

 

[fdonadio]

I am a little surprised that Henning has not yet stepped in to give us the definitive, unequivocal Nikon position and put us all out of our misery

If only he could come here, give us the facts he gathered (and maybe his opinion) and not be offended by some people, I guess he’d come up more often.

 

[pentaxuser]

If only he could come here, give us the facts he gathered (and maybe his opinion) and not be offended by some people, I guess he’d come up more often.

I seriously doubt if it is that which is preventing his clarification. He may not know of course what the definitive Nikon position is on the F6 and there's no shame in that. He may be working to find out the accurate position. We just don't know

pentaxuser