Analog Display (2 steps)
Spotmeter
Exposure compensation
AA Batteries

No mirror lock up

The 8008s is a superbe camera. I am using this camera now for four years and I had never any problems. It is "only" a semi-pro camera, but if you compare the specifications with other cameras in the same price range, the 8008s is surely the best choice. No doubt, the F5 and F100 are newer and better, but also much more expensive. If you have not a a lot of money to spend and are not a professional, buy the 8008(s!).

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F4

Smart used SLR buy, excellent feature set, it's a Nikon

No mechanical shutter release capability, no mirror lock up.

While out of production since 1996, The Nikon N8008 still has many fans
both pro and amateur. Budding shutterbugs or photographers wanting to
break in to the Nikon 35mm system of SLRs would do well to pick up a
used N8008. For this fan, I have used an N8008s for about eight years. The
"s" indicates an updated model with spot metering capability.

This popular model was used by amateurs as a primary body and by
professionals as a backup to the reigning F4 pro model of the early and mid
1990s. The N8008 suffered an undeserved demise in the Nikon camera line
when the company realigned its product offering. The N8008 and N6006 (still
on store shelves) gave way to three auto SLRs, the N70,
N60, and N50. In terms of features and quality, the N8008 fit too closely
between the N70 and the still in production N90s. Obviously, instead of
making some needed electronic upgrades, Nikon decided to discontinue the
N8008. This was a smart marketing decision on Nikon's part but a sad
ending to a worthy SLR production run. Nevertheless, today you will still find
the N8008s in the hands of serious photographers who have yet to
"upgrade" to newer Nikons. The reasons are many.

The N8008s is an auto focusing, feature packed, well designed SLR. First
impressions include a heft similar to a professional model and ergonomics
that fit well in the hand and place controls readily under fingers. Admittedly,
the construction is not up to Nikon pro standards for durability but this does
not mean it's fragile. My N8008s body has survived several tumbles, freezing
temperatures, desert heat, rain and water fall blasts with never a problem.
While well used, its only evidence of wear is some scratches on its
poly-carbonite shell which surrounds a metal inner structure on which the
metal lens mount, mirror, film guides and pentaprism are attached. Since it
is a Nikon, it uses the long-standing mount, which allows users access to
essentially any SLR lens that Nikon has ever produced. Where other
camera producers have been building SLRs with mirror-based pentaprisms,
Nikon chose to build the N8008 with the classic, albeit heavier, solid glass
design which yields a brighter viewfinder image.

Features include speeds from 30 seconds to 1/8000 plus Bulb. Auto
exposure compensation is plus or minus three stops in 1/3 stop
increments. Metering choices include spot, center-weighted and "matrix"
which is a Nikon proprietary, multi-area metering technique that is the
camera's default metering method. The matrix method works amazingly well
when you are shooting fast and furiously and don't have time to think about
exposure. Controls that manage the camera are smartly laid out with
intuitive buttons and a dial that become second nature in manipulating. A
depth-of-field control is a welcome feature as is the illuminated viewfinder
control panel. An LCD on the top deck shows all pertinent information but
an experienced user never has to take an eye off the viewfinder.

I like that the camera uses AA batteries rather than some hard to find cells.
I usually carry extra AA batteries in my kit which also powers my flash unit,
flashlight, cell phone and portable radio. Battery inventory is no problem.

When shooting landscapes or macro subjects, I miss the mirror lock-up of
some of my older cameras. This feature cancels the swinging of the reflex
mirror that may cause some camera shake during the exposure. Even so,
macro and critical shots appear to be tack sharp. Unfortunately, the shutter
button on the N8008s lacks a way to connect a mechanical cable release.
One must purchase a costly electronic release to trip the shutter remotely.
Alternatively, I use the camera's self-timer to release the shutter and keep
my nervous hands from shaking the camera. Compar

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Compare to Canon Elan models

A very good camera.
Sturdy, reliable, easy to use.

No

I have an 8008 (801) which I use without the autofocus, i turn it off because I like to focus for myself.If you know how to use the matrix system you can get fabulous photos. If you see one for sale BUY IT!.

Customer Service

No

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Canon AE1program,T-70,T-90.

In it's market niche (advanced amateur/pro) this the the BEST. Controls are intuitive, Just enough automation and programming. Uses readily available AA batteries. Absolutely rugged and reliable, like the old F2. Fill lash operation and exposure compensation is absolutely intuitive - and great. The AF is good, even with macros and long telephototos. Fast AF.

None.

Outstanding. I have used an N90/N90S - and I think the N8008/N8808S is a better buyer, and is possibly more user friendly.

Customer Service

No complaints.

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Traded an F3HP for the N8008 and I am NOT disappointed. Have two 5005's for "fun" and an N6006 as a back up.

The F801s strengths are:
- Solid Build and quiality
- Packed with festures for a model introduced in 1991
- max flash sync of 1/250
- AA sized battery
- easy to locate controls and easy to learn, I didn't even need the manual.
- Seperata DOF and AEF lock, but takes a little getting used to at first.
- SPOT METERING... great feature that EOS users must really miss
- Six Segment P mode is accurate except in obvious extreme cases (backlit subjects)... use spot (:-)
- Fast 3.3fps

- the HUD viewfinder is not as complete and easy to read as newer Nikon models like the F80. Especally so if you wear glasses.
- DOF preview is not available in P mode. The new F80 can do this.
- DOF preview trigger is very stiff.
- LOUD.. LOUD.. LOUD shutter.. after shooting continuous shots, I can still feel my ears ringing... but let's face it this camera was a 1991 design...
- CAM200 is slow and easily fooled, hunts frequently

A funny thing happended when I used the SB-28 in the F801S, the flash reding did not correspond with the camera. This was after running quite a few continuous shots earlier when the flash did register the lens and camera setting. It was not until after I put the SB28 on the F80 and after that replace the SB-28 again of the F801S that it did work again... I'm puzzled... a heating glitch?
Not a big problem, irritating when it happens..

The bottom line is this for a 10 year old design it's a fantastic model. If you remove some of the new gimmicks manufacturers put into todays latest models, the F-801S still shines againsts them. (except for the very noisy shutter and winder).
Given a choice between a new F60 or F65, I would recommend a secondhand F810S. If you're a learning photography like I am, then get a F801S and use it as you would a MF camera. It has all the features that you would want and need.

My recommendation is this, if you have very limited budget and you're looking for a affordable 2nd hand camera, look no further. The F801S is the best stop. You'ld be hard press to get such a fine body for less than USD250. If your budget allows, and you're starting a new gear, check out the F-80, or F-100 (you must be very serious as this one costs $$$ mula).

Customer Service

No experience so far

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- Canon AE-1 (great MF camera)
- Nikon FE-2 (100% reliable, and best in it's class)
- Nikon F3
- Nikon F-80D

-- Great build quality
-- Good metering
-- Uses AA bateries
-- Many features
-- Good feel
-- Huge selection of great Nikon lenses.
-- Great controls

NONE!!!

I have noticed that many people say that the AF on this camera is slow. Yes, but compared to what? Its a 10 year old camera. Its almost like comparing TTL metering with non TLL. Only the AF on this camera really isnt that bad as people make it seem. It does the job adeuately, unless you want to focus on a bullet.

A brief history of Nikon: After God created the world and was done resting, on the 8th day, he created the FM2n. After thousands of years of thinking how to improve it, he came up with the N8008s on the day Jesus was born. After 1997 years more of thinking, he created the F5. Ok, maybe this is a little far fetched, but the 8008s is really a great camera. When it came out and until the introduction of the n90, the 8008s was the top amateur camera. Even today, it still gives the n90 a run for its money $450 vs $700. It is great to learn with as well, offering a plethora of exposure modes, including all manual. I would still pick this hands down over the n65 or the n80. The bottom line: if you want a terrific camera at a great price, get this over any camera under $500, and maybe over some cameras that cost more.

Customer Service

N/A

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Many Nikons and Canons

Reliable, solid, easy to use

Poor AF by today's standards

I've made and sold hundreds of travel shots for newspapers, magazines and a book made with my 8008s; it's been almost around the world with me and never failed. I'm using it now for corporate projects. However, I use it pretty much as an MF camera. The AF isn't good enough; it'll hunt and make you look a fool in front of people, or simply miss the focus. When I get a new N90s later this winter, the 8008s remains as backup. As a used camera, though, it seems a little pricey yet. But it won't disappoint.

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None

Solidly built.
Great features.
Spot metering (for the 8008s).
Easy to handle.

Slow autofocus (compared to later Nikon models).

I have owned 3 8008/8008s cameras over the past 3 years, all of them bought used from the usenet, and love this camera. Currently I use an 8008s with the MF-21 back as my primary camera, and an 8008 as my other camera. At one time I owned an N90s, but found myself using the 8008s more, because I was just so comfortable with it. Initially I used matrix metering a lot, and found it to be compatenet for a lot of shooting situations, but as I have learnt more, I use the spot metering a lot more. For a 10 year old design, this camera has it all. And although they may not come cheap even in the used market, I am glad I picked it over the N60/N70 models.

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N90s, Canon T-70

Lighter than F90x when hooked up with a 400mm lense.
Placement of Buttons are identical to F90x's.
Auto Focus is NOT that much slower than F90x. Both cameras hunt for the object if no clear lines either horizontal or vertical are visibly to the camera's detection computer.

No battery condition indicator as the one in F90x. I bought this 801s used, I almost tempted to call the seller and told him I bought a camera that does not load films.

I owned a F90(N90) for 6 year before I have decided to use a second body for my differnt long and short range lenses. I have looked at F60, F70 and F80(N80) but finally decide to go with this F801s(n8008s). The reason is I DO NOT LIKE cameras made in other places other than Japan. Both the F80 and F65 are made in other asian countries. BUT the prices have not dropped.

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Minolta SRT 101
Minolta X-700
Nikon FM
Nikon F90x

Excellent metering
tough, Tough, TOUGH. My camera was tipped of of a 5 ft. tripod, landed squarely on the prsm and kept right on going. I don't recommend a repeat performance, but I feel secure carrying it anywhere.
Uses AA batteries. A must for travelers
Easy to use. Sensible controls

AF is a little slow, especially with Large lenses. (80-200/f2.8)

I bought my 8008s new in 1989. I have shot nearly 250,000 frames with no problems in conditions ranging from tropical jungle to -30°F. The only that kept this camera from being classified as a 'Pro' camera is the lack of interchangeable prisms. I have had both an F3 and an F4 and have never hade the need to remove or interchange a prism yet. Thee is a reason that the 8008s is bringing nearly $400 in the used market

Customer Service

Very good when needed

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Nikon FM
Mikon F4
Kodak DCS-200 & 460
Nikon FE
Nikon F3