Takes AA batteries (I used lithiums in my N8008s with no problems)

4-stop (+/- 2 stops) analog meter display

DOF preview

Meters with manual Nikon lenses. Speaking of the meter, the spot meter is also nice.

Reasonably fast AF

Slightly lighter feel than my N90s, although nowhere near as light-feeling as the newer N60/65/80 and their ilk.

No light on the LCD display. In dim light, you can be - literally - in the dark as to what the camera is doing.

Hunts with big glass - my N90s locked on with much greater confidence and accuracy.

If you can't afford an N90s, an N8008s gets you very close for a lot less money, especially now that they've been discontinued a while. Fast AF, robust build, and a useful mix of features makes this a top-drawer shooter in my book. One of the odd features that I loved about the N8008s, which isn't on my N90s (or, for that matter, on my N65) was the two-shot self-timer. This sped up taking group photos with the photographer included a LOT. Come on, you know if you've got a group of five people, you're going to need at least four shots. With the N8008s' double self timer, that meant just two set-ups. Not only that, but if your group includes a baby or a dog, the the first shot would attract the baby's attention and the second shots from each set would be the winners. I seem to be going on about thisesoteric feature rather more than one would think it's worth - but just you wait until you get a camera with multiple-shot self-timers, and you'll know what I mean. If you do self-portraits with groups, there is simply no better way.

Customer Service

Never needed.

Similar Products Used:

N90s, N50.

Also, the N65 which isn't aimed at quite this market.

Solid as Rock!
DOF Preview, Clear High-eyepoint viewer, uses AA batteries

No bracketing w/o MF-21 back.

I bought the camera for this price including a 35-105/3.5-4.5 lens!
Very good body which is easy available at the used market.

Customer Service

Never needed.

Similar Products Used:

F601 (N6006), F50 (N50)

You name it.

little too noisy

you can't expect too much from a camera which is almost 10 years old already, complaint noisy shutter, slow auto-focus...really sounds unfair. the bottom line is, N8008s still stands out among today's those newest body, like N60, 65, 70...for those who are serious about photographing, or want to be serious, get N8008s instead of paying the same amount of money for a new N65, believe me.

Customer Service

not yet needed

Similar Products Used:

Nikon N65
Nikon N5005
Nikon FG
Canon EOS

great feel
simple controls
clear, easy, manual meter
a real workhorse
AA batteries
depth of field preview
quick auto focus even compared to today's bodies

full stop jumps in meter and shutter

I love this camera! Had it for 9 years and might buy another on ebay to replace it when it dies. Several friends and students have bought this camera on my recommendation and all are happy. A gem to learn the skills of photography on, and solid and dependable in the field. If you want simple, easy, manual or auto operation, this is the one.

Customer Service

Excellent on camera repairs and parts

Similar Products Used:

Nikon N70, Nikon N65, Nik N80, Nik 6006, Nik FM10

Metering, Nikon lens system, operation, grip, capabilities. AAAs!

None

Here is where I ended my Nikon SLRs since I did not wish to invest into the D lenses and the F-801s meters fine with all my manual lenses (ref N80 for reason why). Also the camera can slave other non Nikon flash units well without all the multi-beam 3D stuff.
I guess I could upgrade to the N90s, but why fix what is not broke?? AF is okay, even by todays standards, but I only own two AF lenses anyway. Have several manual lenses that work excellent with 801s. Can upgrade the back if you want.
In summary, the Best SLR 35mm I have ever owned.

Customer Service

Okay. Still able to get a manual for F-801s. A little slow.

Similar Products Used:

Olympus, Minolta, and manual Nikons

Solid (metal chassis), ease of use, ergonomics, TTL meter. AA Batteries

AF Noisy, DOF button/lever sticks(might be my lens), no spot meter (non 'S' model)

Bought this camera new for school 11 years ago with MF-21 back and SB-24 Flash. This camera has never failed me yet. Picked it over other's because it was one of the few AF SLR's that still had a metal chassis - great when I accidently backed my car over my camera bag wedging it under the bumper, the pressure shattered and stripped the Skylight filter off my lens and and popped the cover around the bayonet loose. I loosened the screws and snapped the plastic back in place and the camera was good as new, took it to Nikon last year and the camera checked out fine. The only complaint I have is that the AF motor is noisy which is a pain when you need to be discrete(have to switch to manual) But it is using '80's technology - shutter noise doesn't bother me though. I would definately recommend this camera to anyone who needs a good used AF SLR the MF-21 back is worth getting if you need bracketing. I'll probably upgrade to an F90x or F100 in a few years.

Customer Service

Excellent, walked in to Nikon Canada and had camera adjusted on the spot.

Similar Products Used:

F601s, Pentax K1000, Minolta Maxum 7000, other older Nikon manual SLRs

Reliable.
Sturdy.
Feels good in one's hands.
Great results!

Auto focus is slow (I rarely use the auto focus mode).
The rewind is noisey.

IMHO, this is a great camera. The auto focus isn't the greatest, but I prefer focusing myself, so it's not a big deal for me. I cannot imagine not always having this camera in my bag. I live in south Florida where it's hot and humid and frequent rain and have never had a problem with the humidity affecting the camera body. Put a good lens on it and you will be thrilled with the results the camera gives you.

Customer Service

Have never had the problem with the camera in the two years that I have owned it.

Similar Products Used:

Canon A-1

Full loaded all features.

1.NO view finder curtain
2.NO interchangable view finder
3.Not compatible to AFI/AFS lens

I bought a N90s 7 years ago, work with it for 4 yrs and then traded for a Canon EOS system with fast temp job needs. Due to several Nikkors are still left on bookshelf, I bought a N8008s and a MF-21 back few monthes ago with $250 cash. At first I thought it is exactly the same thing like N90s, but I was apparently wrong. They are much different on LCD informations, buttoms arrangment and focusing speed.

Perhaps I've used to EOS's focusing speed, the N8008s is kind of slow and takes time searching aroud within the "focusing square". No build in flash makes the whole camera/flash set too heavy for general indoor shooting. Aperature control is not controled by on-dash command dial. It is also not-that-easy for off-center focusing.

However, I like this camera! Especially with the MF-21 data back. It can print the aperature/speed info on the film which is very helpful in understanding the lighting conditions at variety situations. It also provides FCS (freez focus) with preset focusing distance. When the object moves across the point you set for exposure, the film will be automatic exposured at that vary moment.

Othere features like the high-eye-point view finder, easily reached AF-L/AE-L, under/over exposure indicator, traditional depth-of-field preview buttom made this camera valuing more than it costs. I am still now discovering the world with the N8008s and Nikkor quality optics.

F5 & F100 are too expensive, N80 is too "cheap", N70 is too "amature", and N90s is un-reasonablly too pricy. So, why not a reliable and versatle N8008s.

Customer Service

Curtain replace (Ouch! $186)

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F4s
Nikon F3hp
Nikon N90s
Canon EOS A2e

Multi-featured
1/8000 shutter speed
1/250 flash sync
excellent ergonomics
multiple exposure capability
superb metering
Nikon heritige (vast array of lens and accessories etc.)...

build quality is good but not great
focusing is slow by comparison to the N-90/ F100

An excellent front line camera with all the features and quality you could ask for in the 35mm camera format. Wonderful back-up camera as well... It's a workhorse!

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F100, N-70
Mamiya medium format cameras

The 8008s is an excellent camera. Normally I keep a 28-85 and the SB-24 flash on it. This camera has never let me down. It has performed flawlessly for 7 years of rough semi-pro use (forensic photography). I have run thousands of rolls of film through it. It is extremely sturdy. It has been dragged along the ground and banged against ladders and scaffolds continuously and always gets the money shot. It has any feature I've ever needed.

A little heavy with a 28-85 or 80-200 lens and SB-24 flash. After 4 years of heavy use (500-1000 rolls per year) I had it cleaned and serviced for $125.00. Otherwise no problems.

I highly recommend the 8008s. It has given me pro quality service for half the price of an F-4s

Customer Service

Good experience with local authorized repair place for a clean and service, otherwise no experience.

Similar Products Used:

Nikons. F- FTN, F-3, FM-2 etc