The N70 w/ non ai 85 1.8 look like a good match

I've had the camera for days waiting on the batteries, and finally get to go shoot it this morning. It looks pretty cool! The red filter may be overkill and darkens the viewfinder a lot, but we're at 100 degrees this weekend in Tucson, so there's plenty of light!

This is not a lightweight camera, although relatively compact, and quite a bit heavier than expected when it has batteries and this particular lens, which is beautifully made. Thankfully it's been AI'D, which made figuring out the camera's accursed menu easier. In many ways the system is similar to the N8008s, it just displays differently. All in all, this is a semi pro camera much like the n8008s, and if the N70 is like those, it will keep shooting for many more years. You can buy these things all day for $15-$20.

I didn't have to dig into the 128 page manual to set things up w/ a MF lens. Program was already selected, so all that remained was to set the film ISO manually and confirm it was in single shot mode. W/ the AE lock, AE is like M but makes the camera faster to shoot.

So far the only negatives have been that the viewfinder isn't high point like my n8008's. That makes seeing the whole frame w/ glasses on not possible. That, and it got awfully heavy w/ the lens mounted, so it may not work for daily outings.

The F70/N70 is a level below the F801s/N8008s, and it feels that way. The UI is also a bit awkward as it is a one off in Nikon land - but not bad - just not consistent with what came after.
I am a bit curious about how you mounted a Non-AI lens on the camera as the N70 does not have the retractable/flippable Ai following tab? It should not be possible without being Ai modified.

Congratulations on your N70.

Here are some of the things I like about mine:
1. I use the N70 as a backup for my auto focus/auto exposure Nikon F4.

2. Works well with all my manual focus lenses.

3. Works well with my only three auto focus prime lenses (14mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4, and 85mm f/1.4).

4. Works well with my auto focus zoom lenses. Even works in Shutter Priority and Programmed auto exposure modes with my only two Type G zoom lenses (18-55mm f/3.5 to f/5.6 and 14-24mm f/2.8).

5. Has a rear curtain flash sync feature that works with any flash. My F2 and F4 do not have this rear curtain flash sync feature. (Note: the F4 has a rear curtain flash sync that works only on Nikon SB-24, 25, and 26 flash units.)

Nikon N70 + 180mm lens by Narsuitus, on Flickr

My previous n8008s was better for glasses wearers, took cheaper batteries, and the n8008s shutter ran to 1/8000, while this one tops out at a pokey 1/4000. Having never used either w/ AF lenses though, who knows, there may be other differences? For my purposes, so far they're just about the same. You may have missed it in the first post Nitroplait, but yes, the lens has been AI'd. One pleasant surprise is that the focus screen looks like it's a 20 second job to change out, just like on the n8008s.

I happened upon an N70 from my father-in-law and it was my initial camera use upon returning to film from digital. I used it surprisingly longer than planned as I toyed with which film camera to settle on. The short list included the F2 and F100 but I finally went for the F6.

My experience with the N70 was positive. Like many others, the user interface isn’t as intuitive or friendly as other options. However, once you develop experience with it, it isn’t really an issue.

I only noted two issues using the N70:
1) The automatic frame advance on my camera wasn’t as precise or consistent as other types of cameras I’ve shot. The space between frames would vary by a few mils every frame. I’m not certain why that’s the case - possibly it’s due to a weak motor, wear in the system, or tolerances that allow it. However, despite this, no frame ever overlapped another and never caused a lost shot.
2) Metering seemed less consistent than the F6. While that’s probably not a fair comparison, I will say that the metering provided sufficient assessment of the scene lighting that every frame was usable.

I had no issues with autofocus on the AF-D lenses and I found the viewfinder brighter and more usable for manual focus than many options. Other camera functions operated well and as expected.

The N70 is more consumer targeted than other Nikon offerings but quality appears on par with other Nikons of that niche and they cost nearly nothing these days for the decent functionality they provide.

momus said:

My previous n8008s was better for glasses wearers, took cheaper batteries, and the n8008s shutter ran to 1/8000, while this one tops out at a pokey 1/4000. Having never used either w/ AF lenses though, who knows, there may be other differences? For my purposes, so far they're just about the same. You may have missed it in the first post Nitroplait, but yes, the lens has been AI'd. One pleasant surprise is that the focus screen looks like it's a 20 second job to change out, just like on the n8008s.

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Now you need to show us whether the lens is too sharp for porrtaits.

Nitroplait said:

I am a bit curious about how you mounted a Non-AI lens on the camera as the N70 does not have the retractable/flippable Ai following tab? It should not be possible without being Ai modified.

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Depends on the lens. Some have enough clearance not to foul the AI tab on some cameras, others don't. I have a pre-AI Nikkor 28/3.5 that will mount on my FG.

Aaron

The N70 w/ non ai 85 1.8 look like a good match

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I will take your word for it. I think that lens on N55 or N75 probably won't work and would be difficult to focus due to the small pentaprism and viewfinder image.

ic-racer said:

I will take your word for it. I think that lens on N55 or N75 probably won't work and would be difficult to focus due to the small pentaprism and viewfinder image.

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That's true, but the N70 is a VERY different body from an N55 or N75, as the N70 has a large pentaprism finder rather than Pentamirror and Non-CPU lens support.

mawz said:

That's true, but the N70 is a VERY different body from an N55 or N75, as the N70 has a large pentaprism finder rather than Pentamirror and Non-CPU lens support.

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That is nice.

This camera feels exactly like my old n8008s in my hands, except that it's lighter and better balanced. The viewfinder looks plenty bright despite the lower spec prism. Actually, the lens is easy to focus even w/ red fltr due to the focus confirmation light, which was seldom needed here in AZ.

Just finished the first roll of Tri-X in D76, and the negs are beautiful! Will post some after printing. That's the wonderful thing about these old AF Nikons, you can count on every frame being perfectly exposed. Their shutters and meters are dead accurate. Nice to have spot too. There's another roll of Tri-X in it that will be souped in Rodinal. The D76 stock gives a smoother image in my experience. Lose a lil sharpness, but the tonality is nicer.

I love this combo. If the lens is softish wide open it will be a keeper, but it will definitely have to be at 1.8 for portraits. I made some comparison shots of my neighbor, and wide open it looks good, but by 2.8 you could see a big difference in sharpness even by looking at the negs w/ a loupe. By f4 this is a very sharp lens, and you have to work to make it flare. Which is actually disappointing, as I was hoping for some veiling flare but didn't get it.