Which Nikon do you prefer?

[elekm]

I prefer the F2A -- the less automation, the better.

 

[mfobrien]

The only knock on the F4 and above is that those cameras are damned heavy. Compared to an N80, the F4 is like an anchor. A pretty capable anchor, mind you, but not a camera to take lightly (pun intended). Another overlooked model is the N8008 -- high eyepoint VF, great coverage, and works with MF and AF lenses. It must be a "pro" camera, because it doesn't have a pop-up flash!

 

[snegron]

I just got my brand new F100 today and I love it! I have several Nikons (F, F2A, F3HP, FM2N, N80 and five DSLR's) and each has its own feel and personality. For what it's worth, (I just read that you got an F100) you have two very capable cameras. The beauty of the N80 is its small size and silent operation. With the light weight optional battery pack it can be powered by readily available AA batteries.

The F100 has the perfect size and weight for a 35mm camera. It fits very well in my hand (not as small as the N80 or as large as my F2A with motor drive attatched).

Not long ago I had stopped using 35mm film. I purchased an N80 just for fun and it turned out to be an inspiration for me. I started buying and using 35mm cameras and film again after a 10 year hiatus.

 

[removed-user-1]

The F4 has a very nice "silent" mode IMHO. I can't speak to the F100, F5, F6, but used F4 bodies are cheap and built like tanks. The standard F4s with the MB-21 is pretty large and some people don't like it (including me)... So, if you can find it, the MB-20 grip is nice and small, takes 4 AA batteries, and the only things you lose are weight and an electronic motor terminal; the top motor-drive speed drops to 4 fps which is plenty. There are some lens compatibility issues on an F4: there's no support for VR, and if you have G lenses, they will not work in A or M exposure modes, only P or S. However, I use my Sigma 12-24 on my F4 in shutter-priority and it works out alright. As someone who started out with the original Nikon F, I do favor knobs and dials over buttons and the F4 fits the bill nicely.