Which would you choose -- the Nikon F5 or the F100?

John Bragg · Jun 8, 2020

I own both and it is a tough choice, but for sheer build and reliability it has to be F5. My F100 is my lightweight holiday camera, but my F5 was the one I chose for unrepeatable hand held low light shots of my Newborn daughter on the Maternity ward on the day she was born. With a 50mm f1.4 it delivered the goods. (Pun intended). Zero vibration damped by that heavy body and surprisingly low noise.

pentaxuser · Jun 8, 2020

Huss said:
I did prefer the meter in my F100 to my F6. The F100 was biased to colour neg film, while the F6 is biases to colour reversal film. As I mainly shoot neg film, I set my exp comp to +1/2 on the F6

I take it that F6 is a typo and you are referring to F5? I wonder what made Nikon decide to change the bias from colour neg to colour reversal, any ideas?

Thanks

pentaxuser

Huss · Jun 8, 2020

pentaxuser said:
I take it that F6 is a typo and you are referring to F5? I wonder what made Nikon decide to change the bias from colour neg to colour reversal, any ideas?

Thanks

pentaxuser

Nope, F6. It is really easy to see the bias in the metering by pointing it at a back lit subject, and switching the metering pattern from spot to center to matrix.
Also the vaunted 3D matrix metering does not work. Nikon claims it uses the focus point to determine what the subject is so where to emphasize the metering. Using D and G lenses, I can see that (in matrix mode) if the subject is back lit, it always underexposes it and exposes for the back lit highlights. It pretty much acts like a common and garden variety avg metering pattern.

My F4 and F100 both do a much better job at exposing negative film.

p.s. sorry for bringing the F6 into the conversation. Just noticed it is between F100 and F5...

pentaxuser · Jun 8, 2020

Huss said:
Nope, F6. It is really easy to see the bias in the metering by pointing it at a back lit subject, and switching the metering pattern from spot to center to matrix.
Also the vaunted 3D matrix metering does not work. Nikon claims it uses the focus point to determine what the subject is so where to emphasize the metering. Using D and G lenses, I can see that (in matrix mode) if the subject is back lit, it always underexposes it and exposes for the back lit highlights. It pretty much acts like a common and garden variety avg metering pattern.

My F4 and F100 both do a much better job at exposing negative film.

p.s. sorry for bringing the F6 into the conversation. Just noticed it is between F100 and F5...

Thanks. Does the F5 have the same bias as the F6 that is to say the F5 is also biased towards colour reversal and if so do you have any idea why Nikon decided to change what was the F100 bias towards colour negative? Is it only the F6 that also has this non working 3D matrix metering or is this a claim not made for the F100 and the F5 anyway?

Thanks

pentaxuser

Huss · Jun 8, 2020

pentaxuser said:
Thanks. Does the F5 have the same bias as the F6 that is to say the F5 is also biased towards colour reversal and if so do you have any idea why Nikon decided to change what was the F100 bias towards colour negative? Is it only the F6 that also has this non working 3D matrix metering or is this a claim not made for the F100 and the F5 anyway?

Thanks

pentaxuser

I'm not sure what the bias on the F5 is. I think they did that w the F6 as it was more of a luxury item for well heeled consumers than a pro item like the F5, as the market had already shifted to digital. IMO Nikon figured that at that level peeps would be using it to shoot/expose slide film correctly. The very simple work around is to either add +1/2 comp all the time for neg film, or just treat the three metering patterns as avg/center/spot.

MultiFormat Shooter · Jun 8, 2020

Huss said:
Nope, F6. It is really easy to see the bias in the metering by pointing it at a back lit subject, and switching the metering pattern from spot to center to matrix.
Also the vaunted 3D matrix metering does not work. Nikon claims it uses the focus point to determine what the subject is so where to emphasize the metering. Using D and G lenses, I can see that (in matrix mode) if the subject is back lit, it always underexposes it and exposes for the back lit highlights. It pretty much acts like a common and garden variety avg metering pattern.

Interesting, I've never had this issue, with my F6, including in strongly back-lit images. On the flip side, my F100 has underexposed subjects against the sky, which my F6 has not done. The above refers to using the respective matrix meters on both cameras.

Arthurwg · Jun 29, 2020

I bought my F100 new and it's still going strong. Been all over the world with me without a problem. Also very light to carry, not like the F5.

Henning Serger · Jul 16, 2020

MultiFormat Shooter said:
Interesting, I've never had this issue, with my F6, including in strongly back-lit images. On the flip side, my F100 has underexposed subjects against the sky, which my F6 has not done. The above refers to using the respective matrix meters on both cameras.

+1.
I am using two Nikon F6 for years, and both meter quite perfectly in matrix metering mode. Significantly better than all of my other cameras.
I am also a member of the F6 user group on facebook, which has more than 1400 members. The metering bias Huss has described has not been a topic there. No reports about it.
So maybe his F6 just need a little metering calibration by the service.

Best regards,
Henning

dmtnkl · Jul 16, 2020

Some points that other might have already addressed:

- F100's back door is a well known weak point. The latches can break real easy, rendering the camera useless (unless you are into using tape to hold it together). Spares are not easy to come by. Other than that it is a pretty cool camera.

- F5 is just too big. But i have never used it, only held it once or twice, and it felt extremely solid.

- F6 is as good as it can get. Sweet ergonomics, size, balance and great build quality. Meters well with manual focus lenses and AF is top notch (motor is also realtively quiet compared to earlier nikons i have used).

- Regarding the matrix metering of F6; i always use slide film and i am very happy with it. It never underexposed on me, even in greek islands that are full of *white* painted, full-on-sun-bathed scenery. Common center weighted or averaging cameras failed there, underexposing by a stop or two.

Sirius Glass · Jul 16, 2020

F100 I think is the best 35mm film camera that Nikon made. Some complain about the door latches, however I have never had a problem and getting a replacement camera or door relatively inexpensive. The F5 and F6 are heavier and do not really do not bring any more that is worthwhile to the party.

dmtnkl · Jul 16, 2020

I will have to disagree.

The F100 cannot be recommended as a reliable camera due to the weak back door alone. It is a very well documented problem. Getting a replacement might have been easy some years ago, but today it is neither easy nor cheap. However, it is more than enough if you want to treat it as a redundant body that you do not care to rely on.

The F6 brings a whole lot more to the table. Perfect ergonomics, toughness, weather sealing, full customization of operation, new af module and meter... Matrix metering with manual focus glass is worth a lot on its own. It really is in another league.

Henning Serger · Jul 18, 2020

As someone who is using the F100, F5 and F6 I want to add some information:

dmtnkl said:
I will have to disagree.
The F100 cannot be recommended as a reliable camera due to the weak back door alone. It is a very well documented problem. Getting a replacement might have been easy some years ago, but today it is neither easy nor cheap. However, it is more than enough if you want to treat it as a redundant body that you do not care to rely on.

+1.
One friend of mine bought a used F100 in 2005, and it had cracks in the plastic clams of the back door. He had to replace the backdoor, which wasn't a problem at that time because spare parts were easily obtainable.
Another friend had broken plastic clamps last year. And he has difficulties fo find the spare part now.
These plastic clamps are indeed the weak point of the F100 (and the F80, F75 too). Most photographers close the back door by pressing it to the camera body. That causes lots of pressure and stress onto the plastic clamps. Over the time then cracks happen because of this, and finally it breaks.
F90(X), F5 and F6 have very robust metal clamps which don't make any problems.

With my F100 and F80 I use the following technique to avoid broken plastic clamps: I first put the switch on the body down, then carefully close the backdoor, and after that I put the switch on the camera body back in the closing position. By that technique I avoid any pressure and stress on the plastic clamps. Therefore my F100 and F80 are fine even after so many years of use.
I highly recommend that technique to all F100, F80, F75 users!!

If someone is looking for used F100 or F80, he/she should really have a detailed look at these plastic clamps: If there is only the tiniest crack you shouldn't buy it.

dmtnkl said:
The F6 brings a whole lot more to the table. Perfect ergonomics, toughness, weather sealing, full customization of operation, new af module and meter... Matrix metering with manual focus glass is worth a lot on its own. It really is in another league.

Indeed, the F6 is really a league of its own and significantly better than the F100 in every aspect. In a side-by-side comparison you will find more than 25 parameters in which the F6 is surpassing the F100.
The F100 is a very good camera, nonetheless. Especially as it is currently extremely cheap on the used market (same is valid for the F5). But you definitely must have a look at its weak point, the plastic clamps.

Best regards,
Henning

Sirius Glass · Jul 18, 2020

Henning Serger said:
As someone who is using the F100, F5 and F6 I want to add some information:

+1.
One friend of mine bought a used F100 in 2005, and it had cracks in the plastic clams of the back door. He had to replace the backdoor, which wasn't a problem at that time because spare parts were easily obtainable.
Another friend had broken plastic clamps last year. And he has difficulties fo find the spare part now.
These plastic clamps are indeed the weak point of the F100 (and the F80, F75 too). Most photographers close the back door by pressing it to the camera body. That causes lots of pressure and stress onto the plastic clamps. Over the time then cracks happen because of this, and finally it breaks.
F90(X), F5 and F6 have very robust metal clamps which don't make any problems.

With my F100 and F80 I use the following technique to avoid broken plastic clamps: I first put the switch on the body down, then carefully close the backdoor, and after that I put the switch on the camera body back in the closing position. By that technique I avoid any pressure and stress on the plastic clamps. Therefore my F100 and F80 are fine even after so many years of use.
I highly recommend that technique to all F100, F80, F75 users!!

If someone is looking for used F100 or F80, he/she should really have a detailed look at these plastic clamps: If there is only the tiniest crack you shouldn't buy it.

Indeed, the F6 is really a league of its own and significantly better than the F100 in every aspect. In a side-by-side comparison you will find more than 25 parameters in which the F6 is surpassing the F100.
The F100 is a very good camera, nonetheless. Especially as it is currently extremely cheap on the used market (same is valid for the F5). But you definitely must have a look at its weak point, the plastic clamps.

Best regards,
Henning

Basically I use my F100 to take photographs, not as a sledge hammer or to jack up a car. I treat all cameras with respect, but I can break any camera or piece delicate equipment by not following directions and handling properly. I have heard that and F5 or F6 does not fair well when it is used as a soccer ball.

Henning Serger · Jul 18, 2020

Sirius Glass said:
Basically I use my F100 to take photographs, not as a sledge hammer or to jack up a car.

Those F100, F80, F75 users who have experienced the broken plastic clamps issue haven't used their cameras as a sledge hammer either. They have handled their cameras with care as well.
Two years ago I've bought another F80 with lens as equipment for the workshops I offer. The seller described the camera, the back door and clamps as totally fine and working. When I got the camera, I inspected the clamps, and I have not seen any cracks, they looked fine. I loaded my first film in it, closed the door with the careful method I have described above, and went out shooting. Just short before I finished the roll the backdoor opened by itself: The clamps were broken. It happened unexpected, fast, without warning, and in normal, careful use.
The plastic clamps are a weak point of these models. It is just an unfortunate fact.

As explained above: I like the F100 and F80, I continue to use them, I enjoy using them. I also have them as equipment in some of my film photography workshops for the workshop participants, together with F5, F4s, FE2, FA, M 645 Pro TL. I also recommend them for certain photographers. But I am always absolutely honest to the photographers and explain not only their strengths, but their weak points as well.

Best regards,
Henning

flavio81 · Jul 20, 2020

Thank you all for this very important information regarding the back door latch.

I was considering buying an F100, now i'll have to look elsewhere.

JWMster · Jul 20, 2020

I'm relatively new to Nikon. Started back in 35mm some years back mostly following my way backward after adopting old Zeiss lenses for digital, and then deciding to use the lenses in their native (film) environment. Rangefinders can be rugged, but also soak up some $'s fast. Their limits beyond 50mm become more obvious. Went with FM2n first as a manual camera and then F100 for AUTO (attracted by fans and relatively cheap cost). First F100 had a bum shutter, but with the good fortune of having acquired it with a warranty (from eBay) even though I rarely do that, the cost was refunded in full. Bought the 2nd F100 from KEH which advertised that it was "sticky" and gave a discount on that basis. Cleaned that up in less than 30 minutes with the rubbing alcohol treatment, and its been fine since. Great to have an autofocus 35mm SLR when running with the family on trips here and there. Babies don't stay still, and adults are just bigger versions of the same. So yeah... much as AF has been against much of my mental biases all my life, it's a handy thing to have.

But an F100 is not a "Leica like" rugged camera. The back door and the latch are two weak points. Can't say how it compares to an F5 or F6, but even the latch on the FM2n underwhelms me. The FM2n's metal door is great, but the latch.... cough cough. So put me in the column of those who look longingly at the F6 and say, "One day ol' boy, maybe one day."

Huss · Jul 24, 2020

Ignoring the poorer build quality of the F100, the biggest flaw for me is that it cannot hold exposure lock for more than one shot.
With the F6, you can hold exposure lock for as many shots as you want until you disable it, or turn the camera off.

It makes a big difference for the way I use AE cameras.

Sirius Glass · Jul 24, 2020

Huss said:
Ignoring the poorer build quality of the F100, the biggest flaw for me is that it cannot hold exposure lock for more than one shot.
With the F6, you can hold exposure lock for as many shots as you want until you disable it, or turn the camera off.

It makes a big difference for the way I use AE cameras.

That has never been a problem for me with the F100 and I double that it ever will.

Huss · Jul 24, 2020

Sirius Glass said:
That has never been a problem for me with the F100 and I double that it ever will.

I'd say the same thing if I didn't have an F6.

Sirius Glass · Jul 24, 2020

Sirius Glass said:
That has never been a problem for me with the F100 and I double that it ever will.

Huss said:
I'd say the same thing if I didn't have an F6.

Therefore since I do not have a F6, I do not have any problems with my F100. Ipso facto if I do spend money on a F6, I will have problems with my F100. Logically I will be better of using my F100 avoid F6s.

pentaxuser · Jul 24, 2020

We seem to have metamorphosed into a F100 v F6 thread. This maybe is because the F100 v F5 has run its course and that's OK as long as each poster makes it clear what his post pertains to in terms of F100 v F5 v F6

Thanks

pentaxuser

JWMster · Jul 24, 2020

SG: Yes... I will be better off... repeat after me. Financially, emotionally, photographically... etc.?

You know...I've loved my F100 and my FM2n and I "think" they're covering all the bases... and enough so that I'm getting ready to unload some rangefinders, some MF and just stick with Nikon, TWR, and especially LF. Seems to give enough range ...and the curiousity to "get more gear to do more" is probably NOT going to make me a better photographer. so much as working the rest of these paperweights. Maybe a piece of glass upgrade for 135mm to AF, maybe a new printer.... but not likely a new camera. Especially if it's to buy a better backdoor, another 6 focus points, or something. Replacing my D750 with a rumored Z8 or something as yet uncreated... Since I use digital primarily for scanning and family action, that would probably work and return some of the usability features I actually liked that were lost in trading out Sony mirrorless some years back. But the song of the F6, the F4 (or F5)... they call to my eBay page. And like Odysseus.... my destruction...? It's only a mouse click away. Which is worse? The finger on the nuclear button, or the finger on the mouse button? Not sure.

Arthurwg · Jul 24, 2020

Just purchased a used F6 from JCH as an upgrade from my F100. If anyone still wants to chew over these cameras I suggest they have a look at the Nikonians forum, plus what Ken Rockwell has to say about them. And please don't start the usual KR diatribe. I find his insights very helpful.

Henning Serger · Jul 24, 2020

Arthurwg said:
Just purchased a used F6 from JCH as an upgrade from my F100. If anyone still wants to chew over these cameras I suggest they have a look at the Nikonians forum, plus what Ken Rockwell has to say about them. And please don't start the usual KR diatribe. I find his insights very helpful.

Congrats to your F6!
Concerning the F6 article of Ken Rockwell: Unfortuantely he's got some features wrong and doesn't understand why they make sense in the way they are designed.
There are better sources for photographers who are interested in the F6. Or at least interested photographers should not make their decisions only by one article. This is worth a look:
- https://f6project.com/

- https://filmbodies.com/cameras/camera-reviews/nikon-f6-review.html

-
Best regards,
Henning

Huss · Jul 24, 2020

Sirius Glass said:
Therefore since I do not have a F6, I do not have any problems with my F100. Ipso facto if I do spend money on a F6, I will have problems with my F100. Logically I will be better of using my F100 avoid F6s.

Yes if you don't have an F6 you definitely would be better off using your F100.

Arthur - congrats on your F6! Curious why you bought from JCH? There are some 'local' on fredmiranda.com

Which would you choose -- the Nikon F5 or the F100?

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