Talk me out of an F4

ts1000 · Feb 14, 2021

I think that too.
I am also wondering if using knobs/levers instead of LCD+EPROM (or such) memory contributes to F4's electronics longevity.

When I select a programming mode and its details, in Canon T90, Minolta Maxxum 9000 or other F4's contemporaries -- I am writing values into long-term memory.
So that next time camera turns on -- it remembers my settings.

In F4 this write/rewrite would not happen, therefore choice of different materials are used in the memory components of the electronics.
... I am guessing here ... would like to hear what others think.

Horatio said:
Maybe. But a film camera should have knobs and levers. Mode buttons are of the devil.

Craig · Feb 16, 2021

ChristopherCoy said:
The F4 is like the 1989 mustang. It bore the mustang name but it was the ugliest mustang of all the mustangs before, or after it.

For me the early 70's mustangs are the worst, bloated and ugly. Excluding the Mustang II of course.

Craig · Feb 16, 2021

I bought an F4, skipped the F5 and then got an F6. The big advantage of both the F4 and F6 to me is the matrix metering with basically any Nikkor lens. The F5 doesn't offer that. I've shot a lot of slide film with both of them and the matrix metering is very good, I don't think there is much to choose from in either. The F6 is a bit better, but we're at the point of diminishing returns. The F6's AF is a lot better with bigger and heavier lenses though.
I also thought the F5 was too big, I like the option of the smaller battery pack for both the F4 and F6. I like that the F4 has a cable release, instead of needing an expensive electronic switch.

You have to analyse what sort of shooting you do and what camera meets your needs. That being said, with how cheap F4's are, they are a lot of camera for the money.

RalphLambrecht · Feb 16, 2021

Horatio said:
My Nikon GAS is going full-tilt, and I now have my eye on the F4. Seems to have everything I want, even matrix metering with old AI lenses. So, other than bleeding LCDs, what's not that great about it?

don't do it.It's old and You don't really need it.

Craig · Feb 16, 2021

RalphLambrecht said:
You don't really need it.

What's need got to do with anything?

SchwinnParamount · Feb 16, 2021

Craig said:
... skipped the F5 and then got an F6....

Nobody is allowed to skip the F5. I am surprised the local SWAT team hasn't taken you down yet. One doesn't just skip the F5 like you might skip your first Coronavirus vaccine shot. No no no. that's not how the universe works.

You can't just skip the F5. There are only a couple of rules written on the edge of the universe. One is "42". The other is "Thou shalt not skip the F5". Lightning strikes take the lives of people with lesser sins. How are you still breathing?

F4 skipping, on the other hand... is more than tolerated. It is celebrated.

choiliefan · Feb 16, 2021

Don't skip over the F5.
Buy one, try it out for awhile, shrug it off and buy a Nikon F4 with MB20 grip or an F6.
The F5 is actually quite boring in comparison and all those batteries are needlessly heavy for the casual user.
YMMV...

ChristopherCoy · Feb 16, 2021

John M Austin said:
Nobody is allowed to skip the F5. I am surprised the local SWAT team hasn't taken you down yet. One doesn't just skip the F5 like you might skip your first Coronavirus vaccine shot. No no no. that's not how the universe works.

You can't just skip the F5. There are only a couple of rules written on the edge of the universe. One is "42". The other is "Thou shalt not skip the F5". Lightning strikes take the lives of people with lesser sins. How are you still breathing?

F4 skipping, on the other hand... is more than tolerated. It is celebrated.

ChristopherCoy · Feb 16, 2021

choiliefan said:
Don't skip over the F5.
Buy one, try it out for awhile, shrug it off and buy a Nikon F4 with MB20 grip or an F6.
The F5 is actually quite boring in comparison and all those batteries are needlessly heavy for the casual user.
YMMV...

It always amazes me that people will carry around bags filled with speedlights, tripod accessories, filters, wallets, cell phones, laptops, film, memory cards, remotes, books, or any number of other things.... but the 6 AA batteries are what is considered heavy.

6 AA batteries weigh what, maybe 3oz? If 3oz is what is considered "heavy", then you should probably stay home - you're much to fragile to be standing in a vertical position carrying around an 11lb head.

choiliefan · Feb 16, 2021

As said, YMMV...

Chan Tran · Feb 16, 2021

ChristopherCoy said:
It always amazes me that people will carry around bags filled with speedlights, tripod accessories, filters, wallets, cell phones, laptops, film, memory cards, remotes, books, or any number of other things.... but the 6 AA batteries are what is considered heavy.

6 AA batteries weigh what, maybe 3oz? If 3oz is what is considered "heavy", then you should probably stay home - you're much to fragile to be standing in a vertical position carrying around an 11lb head.

The F5 takes 8 AA. But for me if the camera is not pocketable how heavy it is doesn't matter to me.

ChristopherCoy · Feb 16, 2021

Chan Tran said:
The F5 takes 8 AA. But for me if the camera is not pocketable how heavy it is doesn't matter to me.

Ok, so 4oz then. I supposed we shouldn't add the strap in there because the extra 25 grams may cause me to tip over.

Horatio · Feb 16, 2021

ChristopherCoy said:
It always amazes me that people will carry around bags filled with speedlights, tripod accessories, filters, wallets, cell phones, laptops, film, memory cards, remotes, books, or any number of other things.... but the 6 AA batteries are what is considered heavy.

6 AA batteries weigh what, maybe 3oz? If 3oz is what is considered "heavy", then you should probably stay home - you're much to fragile to be standing in a vertical position carrying around an 11lb head.

Isn’t that what assistants are for?

Ariston · Feb 16, 2021

John M Austin said:
Nobody is allowed to skip the F5. I am surprised the local SWAT team hasn't taken you down yet. One doesn't just skip the F5 like you might skip your first Coronavirus vaccine shot. No no no. that's not how the universe works.

You can't just skip the F5. There are only a couple of rules written on the edge of the universe. One is "42". The other is "Thou shalt not skip the F5". Lightning strikes take the lives of people with lesser sins. How are you still breathing?

F4 skipping, on the other hand... is more than tolerated. It is celebrated.

Anyone who tries to skip over the F5 is going to trip and fall.

Huss · Feb 16, 2021

When you look at the size of the F5, then realize it takes the same film as a Rollei 35, well, the size is silly.

I skipped the F5, and have F/F2/F3/F4/F6.
F4 is my favourite. Single point AF is all I need, dials are all I want.

jerrybro · Feb 16, 2021

OP, come on, just a little taste, it's wafer thin...

md_photo · Feb 16, 2021

Just to add to all of this, I recently got acquainted with an F100 with its MB15 grip. While the size is substantial, it doesn't quite feel as weighty as the F5 or an F4s/e. And no, none of them are wafer thin

choiliefan · Feb 16, 2021

The F5 is a gateway to better things.
The F4 is world-wise earthiness while the F5 is a wannabe Canon -- basically soulless.

urnem57 · Feb 16, 2021

+1 for the F5. Built like a tank and just feels right in my hands.

ChristopherCoy · Feb 16, 2021

Huss said:
I skipped the F5, and have F/F2/F3/F4/F6.
F4 is my favourite. Single point AF is all I need, dials are all I want.

If the F4 is your favorite, there's no sense in having an F6. I mean, who needs all those extra bells and whistles right? I'll be happy to take it off your hands. Let me know if you need my mailing address.

urnem57 · Feb 16, 2021

Lithium AA’s don’t weigh much at all. If you shoot a lot, have a second carrier filled and ready to swap. Have been shooting mostly LF lately. Took out the F5 for the first time in years w/Ilford Pan F ISO 50 and really enjoyed the results. Love that F5.

Sirius Glass · Feb 16, 2021

Chan Tran said:
The F5 takes 8 AA. But for me if the camera is not pocketable how heavy it is doesn't matter to me.

Then to save weight buy the F100 instead.

Don_ih · Feb 16, 2021

Buy a Leica III. It does everything you need a camera to do.

ChristopherCoy · Feb 16, 2021

Sirius Glass said:
Then to save weight buy the F100 instead.

The F100 isn't pocketable.

Sirius Glass · Feb 16, 2021

Don Heisz said:
Buy a Leica III. It does everything you need a camera to do.

Like see the depth of field through a stopped down lens
See the effect of the polarizing filter
Take light readings through the lens
Not have parallax problems
Power rewind

Talk me out of an F4

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