What cheap AF Nikon to get?

[PhotoJim]

You can use G lenses on the F90/N90 series - I have - but you're stuck with program mode and shutter priority. Not optimal, but not fatal either. Program mode can be overridden to the combo you want by spinning the command dial.

 

[spark]

N90/F90 can use AI'd and up MF lenses, important if you have a lot of older lenses available.

 

[CGW]

I've had an N80 for about six years, and it is easily my most used 35mm camera. It has virtually every function as the higher end Nikons... read a review Dead Link Removed. Don't let the "lightweight" label fool you. It is a surprisingly robust camera, and with an MB-16 battery pack, it can take AA batteries. I got one for my daughter a year or so for $42. Pretty hard to beat.

Cheers,

N80 Deal Breaker(i.e., missing) Features<<drum roll>>

The N80 can't meter with MF lenses. Case closed.

Only 1/125 top synch speed--good bye outdoor/action fill flash.

Durability issues--it's really plasticky...and lightweight, too!

No PC terminal=no synch cord connection for studio flash.

Uses not-available-everywhere-cheap CR123 batteries.

Get an N90s/F90x...

 

[Robert Hall]

Agreed. Find a solid n90s.

 

[vpwphoto]

N90 if you can find one for your price... bullet proof camera, just look out for dented up shutter blades...
I wouldn't be shy to buy and "ugly" one if it performs well.
I moved up to F100, which is as good as an F5 in my book and LIGHTER.... I shot a lot of film at the time and liked the in-body aperture control of the F100... but the N90s was no slouch and aside from the aperture control that at the time was important to me the N90 is a very nice package.
the 8008 was a troublesome camera for me... owned 4... and they all were in and out of Nikon service from time to time.

 

[Toffle]

N80 Deal Breaker(i.e., missing) Features<<drum roll>>

No PC terminal=no synch cord connection for studio flash.

That puzzled me for sure... it's like some guy with a clipboard came into the lab and said, "we can knock $4 off our cost if we eliminate the synch connection and make 'em all use the hotshoe..." (and buy a dedicated flash, too... $$$ )

 

[CGW]

That puzzled me for sure... it's like some guy with a clipboard came into the lab and said, "we can knock $4 off our cost if we eliminate the synch connection and make 'em all use the hotshoe..." (and buy a dedicated flash, too... $$$ )

All the better to sell you AS-15s(at $27.50 a pop), my dears!

 

[vpwphoto]

All the better to sell you AS-15s(at $27.50 a pop), my dears!

And I lost one or two.. I remember needing one for the 8008 too.

 

[Conor Dube]

Thanks all for the advice, it really helps!!

 

[Pumalite]

N90 if you can find one for your price... bullet proof camera, just look out for dented up shutter blades...
I wouldn't be shy to buy and "ugly" one if it performs well.
I moved up to F100, which is as good as an F5 in my book and LIGHTER.... I shot a lot of film at the time and liked the in-body aperture control of the F100... but the N90s was no slouch and aside from the aperture control that at the time was important to me the N90 is a very nice package.
the 8008 was a troublesome camera for me... owned 4... and they all were in and out of Nikon service from time to time.

Funny. Lucky...I guess. I've had an N8008s for 20m years and not a problem. I also have 3 F90X.

 

[narsuitus]

A few years ago, I received a Nikon N70 as a gift from a colleague who was going digital. I started using the inexpensive auto exposure/auto focus N70 as a backup to my Nikon F4.

I am unable to compare the N70 to the N60, N80, N90, or N8008; however, I am impressed with the performance of the N70 enough to recommend that you also consider it.

 

[Besk]

Glad someone mentioned the N70. That is what I settled on. Being a confirmed manual focus user I had ignored AF for years until it occured to me and my aging eyes that AF may have advantages in some situations (i.e. grandchildren).

Bought a 4004s, then a 5005 (slow AF and couldn't meter with MF lenses) and then a F100. The F100 is a great camera if used often but I don't like the weight and having to relearn it each time. The N70 can meter with AI and Ais lenses and is relatively lightweight.

 

[mbsmith]

I have the N65 and an N90s and, for me, the only advantage of the N65 is that it is quite a bit smaller/lighter than the N90s* and Nikon's ML-L3 wireless remote will work with it... and I do love that little remote

Otherwise, go with the N90s. Great camera, killer prices on KEH.

Mike

*not that either are particularly bulky or huge.

 

[BobD]

Yes, I'll chime in here too. The N90/F90 cameras are an incredible bargain and are
ruggedly built.

I wish they had older style controls though like the F4 and N2020 but that's because
I'm old school I guess.

 

[tkamiya]

If you wait long enough, the list will contain all the cameras Nikon has ever produced....