Which Nikon Autofocus?

[LyleB]

Hello eveyone,

My first post here, just received a link to this forum. Will probably be spending some time here.

Here's my situation. I started my photography hobby back in the mid-80's, bought and loved my FM2n. Got plenty of great slides with that baby. It got stolen along with my 35-105 zoom in the late 90's, and, at the time I couldn't afford a new SLR. I used a variety of P&S - Pentax and Olympus, then moved on to digital P&S - Olympus, Fujifilm, Canon. I did find a used FM2n with a 35-105 zoom on ebay, so I picked it up, played around with it some, but wasn't getting the same results I remembered. I believe it is my deteriorating vision to blame - the camera works great. It's not major vision loss, but I do have a more difficult time focusing now than I used to.

A few years ago, I bit the bullet and purchased a D-40, then a couple of years later a D-90. These are both great cameras. And I'm sold on the autofocus now. I'm still pretty nostalgic about the film cameras, so here are my questions:

What Nikon autofocus film camera would you all recommend as a good solid performer, but not break the bank?

How about to heck with the bank? What would you recommend? $500 or $600 max.

Finally, I almost always shot Kodachrome 64. What would you suggest today, now that that's no longer available. Many suggest Velvia, anything else?

Ok, that will do it for now. Thanks for your time and responses. Sorry for the long post.

 

[jeffreyg]

I use MF & LF mostly black and white but I have a Nikon F100 with a Nikkor 28>200 for when the occasion calls for 35mm. A used one in very good to excellent+ condition would probably be in that price range. Fujichrome Sensia100 might be a good choice of film.

 

[Robert Budding]

You can pick up a nice F100 for around $200. Great camera, insanely good prices.

Dead Link Removed

And a review:

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[tkamiya]

I have an N80. You can find one or less than $100 in like-new condition at KEH. It's all plastic body but it does everything I need it to do. I wouldn't spend $500 on 35mm body unless it's something very special. Prices are so far down now, you can find really nice one for far less than that.

 

[dbonamo]

If you decide on the F100 you might to know there was some issues with the early models, check http://www.camerahobby.com/Review-F100.htm a good review.. I have an older model and have not experience any issues however.....

 

[RMP-NikonPro]

A F100 with a AF-s 24-85mm G, Fantastic combination!
both Camera & Lens today are cheap to buy!

 

[RMP-NikonPro]

If you decide on the F100 you might to know there was some issues with the early models, check http://www.camerahobby.com/Review-F100.htm a good review.. I have an older model and have not experience any issues however.....

I also have the older Model, I've No issues either!
:munch:

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

For $500-600 you should be able to pick up a pristine F5.

 

[Pumal]

F4. It has the advantage of taking ALL your Nikkor lenses.

 

[fotch]

Hello LyleB, welcome to APUG. I have no expereince with the film Nikons and auto focus, but I have learned to dislike it on the D70s. Maybe its what I shoot however, it seems if the autofocus doesn't approve, it won't fire. Then, after puting it on manual, and forgetting to return to autofocus, first couple of pics are out of focus. When I shoot my F3, since manual only, not a problem.

Maybe the film auto focus works better, but leaves me less the enthusiastic although, like you mentioned, my eyes could use the extra help.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

if the autofocus doesn't approve, it won't fire.

The F4 is often used as a manual focus camera by people who's eyes aren't what they used to be: set the camera on manual focus and use the green 'in focus' indicator instead of a microprism or split-prism rangefinder spot.

 

[BetterSense]

The "dot focus" method works with many nikon cameras. I would go for an F4 or F100.

 

[Colin Corneau]

The rangefinder (of sorts) on the F4 is really nice - you can back up or check your manual focus which even a relatively-young guy like me appreciates...also good for low light shooting.

I'd get a solid camera, which can be had for cheap, still -- sorry but in my experience lightweights like an N80 or what-not aren't around for the long haul. An F100, F4s or even an F5 are good choices within your budget.

Lenses - i'm a fan of primes.

 

[LyleB]

Thanks everyone so far. Been looking at the reviews for the N80, N90, and F100. All get pretty decent reviews, but most reviewers seem to prefer the F100. It is more expensive, but plenty are available on ebay.

N80 is nice and cheap, but won't meter with my manual lenses - big drawback.

N90 will meter, and the auto focus gets a very positive nod, but it isn't compatible with VR (since I do have some VR lenses now, this is a minor drawback).

F100 has the fastest autofocus, very good metering which will work with any post AI lens, professional build, and is compatible with VR. I can find it used for anywhere from $199 to about $250, body only. One tempting ebay listing is by the original owner with 100% positive feedback on over 6000 transactions - In the box, pristine condition (less than 10 rolls shot), original owner, all accessories included - $439, buy-it-now, with free shipping! Very tempting.

Do I have this right? Missing anything? I hate this, these prices are so good, I'm being sucked in....

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

Funny, I'd say someone with 6,000 transactions on ebay is a dealer and not someone trading his own photography gear. He may be selling it for the original owner.

I've had only middlin' luck with ebay, and I guess that's about the best one can do. I've had very good luck with KEH, and if you do get a dud they will take it back with no hassle.

 

[LyleB]

Nicholas,

You are right. I've looked at so many in the past hour or so...

The pristine camera is offered by an apparent dealer. The camera is "One Owner".

I've also dealt with KEH - good experience. They only have one listed right now, and it's in ex- condition. There's is the $199 price.

I've purchased camera gear from ebay, have had good experiences. The one time I got a bit worried was when I won the auction for a lens. I paid immediately, but didn't hear anything from the seller for a couple of days. I finally emailed him. He replied with his apologies. Said when he was packing up the lens, he noted some scratches that had gone unnoticed prior. He was searching for a lens that would be in the excellent shape he advertised. To make a long story shorter, he offered an immediate refund, but assured me he should be able to find a lens I would be happy with in a few days. It actually took about 7 days, but he did come through, and I'm happy.

Thanks for all your responses everyone.

 

[pnance]

I also recommend the F100, has most of the features of the F5 without the size, and if you add the MB15, you have the advantage of the vertical grip (but its removable when you want to go back to the smaller size).

I still like my FM2n however, which I still use a lot, even with these old eyes. Gotta love that large viewfinder which goes away with all of the autofocus models.

 

[LyleB]

Well, I just found a "BGN" N90s at KEH and went ahead and ordered it. With shipping it came to $38.95. Figured, with their reputation, I couldn't go too far wrong.

I'll keep looking at the F100, as they are very attractive, but for under $40, I took a chance. Now just have to wait for it to get here. Most everything I read says that "BGN" at KEH is more like EX on ebay, so I'll see.

pnance, I really like my FM2n also, it just feels "right". Maybe that's because it was the camera I learned with. No way I'll be selling it anytime soon.

 

[fotch]

F100. No mirror lock up. For some, this is a deal breaker. YMMV.

 

[lightwisps]

I have owned bloody near every Nikon and by far my favorite are my F5s. Incredible meter and built like a tank

 

[mgb74]

Well, I just found a "BGN" N90s at KEH and went ahead and ordered it. With shipping it came to $38.95. ...

If it wasn't used to drive nails, that's a great deal. The N90s did have an issue with the rubber coating on the back rubbing off. You can expect that on a "bgn" body. Purely a cosmetic issue.

I think the N90s is the most "bang for the buck" in Nikon autofocus.

 

[i40west]

I've also dealt with KEH - good experience. They only have one listed right now, and it's in ex- condition. There's is the $199 price.

They must have gotten a burst of traffic from people who saw this thread: I saw the camera there at the $199 price, reloaded the page a few minutes later, and it's now $225.

I guess there's a lesson in that.

 

[2F/2F]

Not breaking the bank: F100 or F5

Breaking the bank (but not really): F6

All you ever need in a Nikon SLR: F

 

[mikebarger]

I've got a N90s, you're going to love it!

Mike

 

[narsuitus]

What Nikon autofocus film camera would you all recommend as a good solid performer, but not break the bank?

The two Nikon autofocus film cameras I use and love are the F4 and the N70/F70.

The F4 gives me the interchangeable view finder and true mirror lock-up that I need. It also works well with every auto focus and manual focus lens that I own.

The N70 serves as an inexpensive auto focus that I use in hostile environments. It works well with my inventory of older AI Nikon lenses and it provides me with a rear curtain flash sync feature that I do not have on any of my other film cameras.