k38
Lifetime Member
Posts: 156
|
Post by k38 on Jan 27, 2014 19:17:09 GMT -5
Well I signed on to my favorite crack dealers website (KEH) I decided to see what the hubbub is about the Nikon F4. This area of collecting seems to be a spot where a lot is available for a very small price. The side note is the low bucks autofocus lenses are very good and they can be used on Nikon Digital bodies. As long as the almighty sees fit to supply me with Tri-X and D76 I should be OK. I am very pleased with the F5, the meter is like having Ansel in your pocket. I have a feeling that it will be my standard to check other meters. Any one have any good F4/F5 things to say??
Dwight
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2014 20:15:50 GMT -5
F4 is smaller than the F5 and feels like it is milled out of a steel billet. Loved mine and still don't know why I sold it (except I wanted a D300) If you want an even better handling camera drop the high speed MD and get the MB-20 battery grip. Problem is they are highly sought after and usually expensive IF you can find one.
W.
|
|
k38
Lifetime Member
Posts: 156
|
Post by k38 on Jan 28, 2014 19:16:14 GMT -5
I think you are right about the smaller battery holder. The F4 is really cheap, only about $200 or so. I could not resist. I like the F5 as well and it can't get any smaller. It is amazing how fast film cameras have become unwanted. You can't even buy a roll of 35mm Tri-X locally any more. It all seemed to happen so fast. I am probably going to get a Canon full frame body before too long. I would like to set a complete wet darkroom but one of the hardest things is good print washing and drying good stuff for that is still pricey, I wish there was a good scanner that did not cost $$$$$$. The best flatbed is probably the best I can do.
DLB
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2014 11:27:16 GMT -5
Keep your eyes open on the online auction. I picked up a PrimeFile 3650u 35mm scanner a while back for $25.00! It scans up to 3600 dpi and you can download software from the Primefiln site. It's not on the level of a Nikon Coolscan but does a decent job. The prices on used Coolscans just keep going up.
W.
|
|
k38
Lifetime Member
Posts: 156
|
Post by k38 on Feb 2, 2014 13:55:25 GMT -5
I had a Minolta that worked pretty well, but one of the updates to OS X it stopped being able work. The F4 arrived, but it had an LCD bleed. I did get a chance to mess with it a bit and it does seem to be a chip off the old block. KEH is replacing it with an EX+ F100. I really like the F5 a lot, but I find the thumb wheel on the Canon EOS1n to be a bit more ergonomic. I tried my AI'd 300mm Nikkor on the F5 today, Really nice. I have a split image screen for the F5 which should make using manual focus lenses easier.
Best,
DLB
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2014 20:29:57 GMT -5
I've only had an F5 in hand once but it was just too big a beast for me. You can remove the high speed motor on the F4 but you can't do it on an F5.
|
|
|
Post by laverdaguy on Dec 24, 2014 16:26:51 GMT -5
I've both the F4 and F5 and while I like them both the F5 seems to be the one I usually grab. It's my favorite for when I need/want an autofocus camera. It is a beast but I find the grip to be very comfortable which make it easier to hold than would be expected. The F4 is a nice camera but it pretty well stinks as an autofocus. I've seen plenty of comments over the years as to its being the best manual focus camera Nikon ever made. Great backward lens compatibility and a very nice meter. The F5's autofocus is much faster and works well in low light but I find that metering with a flash (SB-28) isn't as good as it should be. It seems to be OK with center weighted metering but has issues when set to Matrix. I have an SB-24 for use with the F4 but rarely use it as the camera has an issue with controlling the flash units power zoom. I expect its a problem in the camera's prism but haven't done any diagnosing yet to determine if I'm right.
|
|