Which Nikon do you prefer?

Karl K · Sep 28, 2006

I want to buy an autofocus Nikon body. I have an N80 with the MB-16 grip and a bunch of Nikon AF lenses. I'm thinking of either the F100, F5, or F6. Obviously, the prices vary wildly. Can anybody justify the extra cost of the F6 over the F5? For that matter, can anybody justify the extra cost of the F5 over the F100? I'm a street shooter and wide angles are my lenses of choice. I like the silent modes on the better Nikons because I'm usually close to my subjects and I'm very nervous about the SLR's noise. I've got a Bessa L and a 15mm Heliar, but I miss the ground glass viewing of the SLR. BTW, the N80 is one of the most quiet Nikons I've ever used.

copake_ham · Sep 28, 2006

Karl K said:
I want to buy an autofocus Nikon body. I have an N80 with the MB-16 grip and a bunch of Nikon AF lenses. I'm thinking of either the F100, F5, or F6. Obviously, the prices vary wildly. Can anybody justify the extra cost of the F6 over the F5? For that matter, can anybody justify the extra cost of the F5 over the F100? I'm a street shooter and wide angles are my lenses of choice. I like the silent modes on the better Nikons because I'm usually close to my subjects and I'm very nervous about the SLR's noise. I've got a Bessa L and a 15mm Heliar, but I miss the ground glass viewing of the SLR. BTW, the N80 is one of the most quiet Nikons I've ever used.

I have two F5's and two F100's.

Unless you need a lot of fast shooting you will be happier with the F100 w/o the added battery pack. It is much lighter than the F5 and has the similar robust metal body.

I think the F6 is a spectacular piece of gear - and I think that Nikon will orphan it very soon.

I've been a die-hard Nikonian forever (SLR's (manual and auto), RF's and even a P&S in the personal inventory)- but they've turned their back on film photography with not even as much as a "goodbye". Their house mag never even shows shots from the F6 even though it is supposedly a current production model.

Oh, I also have two Nikon DSLRs but my soul cannot be happy with them....

I am alternately very sad and very mad at Nikon!

roteague · Sep 28, 2006

George makes some good points, however, you need to also consider what you are comfortable with.

I too have an N80 with the grip, and an F5. I like both, but the F5 is probably the most fantastic camera I've ever owned. The problem I find with the N80 is that it is just too small and too light. The F5 fits me just perfectly.

DeanC · Sep 29, 2006

I've got an F100 that I've been very happy with. I have to admit though, the used market prices of the F5 are starting to make me very curious about just how much (if any) better they are.

unohuu · Sep 29, 2006

i have the F100 on the wise counsel of many. it is a lovely camera and compares quite favorable to my departed Maxxum 7. I would love to hold and F5 as well.

clogz · Sep 29, 2006

If you are satisfied with the N80, why not get a second one?

Hans

mitspooner · Sep 29, 2006

I have used the F100 with battery pack for the past year and it's a great AF shooter. Even with the MB-15 on it's still pretty light and it can take a beating.

André E.C. · Sep 29, 2006

F100 without thinking much, the F5 is just too heavy IMHO.

Cheers

André

Confusion Circle · Sep 29, 2006

D200

Seriously, I'd get an F100.

Pinholemaster · Sep 29, 2006

F100

You can read my review of the Nikon D200 as compared to my beloved F100 here:

http://www.sportsshooter.com/news/1630

Cheers

Dead Link Removed

Claire Senft · Sep 29, 2006

I happen to believe that the Nikon F5 offers the choices I prefer in a 35mm SLR If I were to buy a Nikon.. I photograph mainly static subjects. I use a seperate lightmeter. I appreciate the value of a good set of depth of field scales. Therefore, being an auto-focus camera that offered a very sophisticated auto-exposure system were MINUSES to me. The camera is well built and rugged..big PLUS. The prism can be removed and replace with a full screem 6x finder...a big PLUS PLUS becuase this is somewhat like looking at a viewing screen that is larger than a 2x3 inch image... at least to me. The larger virtual image makes composition of a tripod mounted camera much nicer..at least to me. The magnified image enhances the depth of field preview..at least to me.

So I added the pluses and minuses algebraically and purchased a Contax RTS III.

DeanC · Sep 29, 2006

Claire,
Given what you said about your subjects and shooting preferences, 35mm seems like non-intuitive choice. Out of curiosity, why aren't you using a larger format?

-Dean

Jeffrey A. Steinberg · Sep 29, 2006

Karl K said:
I've got a Bessa L and a 15mm Heliar, but I miss the ground glass viewing of the SLR. BTW, the N80 is one of the most quiet Nikons I've ever used.

To be honest, the Range Finder is the best for street shooting. With a 15mm lens, the depth of field is enormous at F8, F11, F16, etc. You set the lens aperature to the infinity mark (on the right) and look at how much "coverage" you have to the left. Then, all you do is snap away (bring camera to eye) and click.

Actually, my best street photography comes from keeping the camera near my waste and clicking away. I know the focus will be good. I sometimes point it up slightly.

--jeffrey steinberg

GraemeMitchell · Sep 29, 2006

F6. It is the poop. If you use autofocus it tops the f5 anf f100, even just for the extra af points. It is notably quieter too. The f5 sounds clean, but still loud.

I have a stable of f5s that are children to me, and don't own an f6 yet, but it is a better camera.

DeanC · Sep 29, 2006

Karl K said:
I'm a street shooter and wide angles are my lenses of choice. I like the silent modes on the better Nikons because I'm usually close to my subjects and I'm very nervous about the SLR's noise. I've got a Bessa L and a 15mm Heliar, but I miss the ground glass viewing of the SLR. BTW, the N80 is one of the most quiet Nikons I've ever used.

I just re-read this part of the post.

Given the street shooting, desire for quiet and WA lenses, are you really sure you want an SLR? Those features really do sort of scream rangefinder. Maybe one of the newer Voiglanders like the new R4's that seem to be coming in 2007? If you really do want an SLR in Nikon F mount, what about one of the older, MF bodies with manual wind? You'd still get mirror slap but at least there would be no winder noise.

GraemeMitchell · Sep 29, 2006

DeanC said:
I just re-read this part of the post.

Given the street shooting, desire for quiet and WA lenses, are you really sure you want an SLR? Those features really do sort of scream rangefinder. Maybe one of the newer Voiglanders like the new R4's that seem to be coming in 2007? If you really do want an SLR in Nikon F mount, what about one of the older, MF bodies with manual wind? You'd still get mirror slap but at least there would be no winder noise.

Just caught the street shooting bit too. Agreed. Those F Nikons call to much attention to themselves shooting street. You can do it, but people see you coming with it. Get something smaller, older small manual Nikon would do, take the difference btwn it and the f6 and pick up a 28 1.4 before they're gone for good.

tim elder · Sep 29, 2006

All three Nikons that you mention are better cameras than the N80, but the differences are only relevant if you really need the extra features and build quality. If you really want to buy one, why not the F100 - as I'm sure you've noticed, they're fairly cheap on the used market now.

Tim

copake_ham · Sep 29, 2006

Yes, seeing the "street shooter" comment I too would offer a separate recommendation.

If you can forgo AF and autowind* I think the F3HP will suit your needs perfectly. It is well-balanced, very quiet for a SLR and that film advance lever is so buttery smooth it makes you want to shoot more pics just so you can use the lever!

*Actually, you can get an autowind attachment for the F3, but it turns a thoroughbred into a plow horse!

Claire Senft · Sep 29, 2006

I do not want to use large format.

mtbbrian · Sep 29, 2006

I have only really owned two Nikons the F3 and the F100, but shot with a few others.
So I would have to say I prefer these two, with the F100 first choice,
I have owned it and shot way more with it than the F3's I owned.
Brian

Aodhán · Sep 29, 2006

I owned a F80 but I sold it and bought a Nikon FM, I've never been happier! The shutterclunk is pretty loud but I know that if I am ever harassed I can defend myself with it.

narsuitus · Sep 30, 2006

Of the three cameras you mentioned, the F5 would be my choice because I need interchangeable viewfinders.

However, the three SLR cameras you mentioned would not be my first choice for clandestine street shooting. They draw too much attention due to their operational noise and their intimidating appearance. I would much rather shoot with a 35mm rangefinder.

Bromo33333 · Sep 30, 2006

Claire Senft said:
I do not want to use large format.

How about Medium format?

Bromo33333 · Sep 30, 2006

narsuitus said:
Of the three cameras you mentioned, the F5 would be my choice because I need interchangeable viewfinders.

I think it depends upon how much film youi plan on going through. I find that the Nikon FM2 is a pretty good camra - and relatively inexpensive.

You could also get a Minolta manual focus - probably pick up a body + 50mm lens for ~$100.

Claire Senft · Sep 30, 2006

I have sitting on my closet shelf the following:
Mamiya RZ67 body
120 back
NPC Polaroid back
50mm 4.5W Sekor
75mm 3.5L Sekor
140mm 4.5 Macro Sekor
210mm 4.5 Apo-Sekor
Every bit of this equipment works very nicely. I have taken made many very nice color photos with it on Ektar 25 and Konica Impresa 50. Stunning 11x14s. Gorgeous!
If you promise me confidentiallity I will explain my reasoning. Ok then, I enjoy using 35mm. I REALLY ENJOY USING 35MM!!

Now should you rat me out and I find out about it your credibility with me will receive negative enhancement.

Which Nikon do you prefer?

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