It´s a Rolls-Royce among cameras. It has a great, awesome Italian design, fits in hand at first grip, it´s bulky, rugged, a sturdy workhorse. Provided with DOF preview, multiple exposure button. It is a piece of a huge and giant modular system. Has interchangeable focussing screens, optional viewfinder illumination, it´s great to hold, EV correction (though the range could be slightly bigger), all essential knobs, wheels and dials are lockable (reliably lockable, I mean!!) in all their positions. It has B,X,T functions, three metering modes, can use standard AA batteries and what´s more - even the rechargable ones which I use and thus save lotta bucks on wasting money on energy - big achievement for your pocket, do believe me, and with the new rechargable AA alcaline (!!!, yes!!!) of 1.5V You can never tell the difference from the standard non-rechargeable ones. AF+AV locks, manual and/or automatic film rewind, continuous and predictable AF, silent mode of shutter release (which is great e.g. for the theatres and churches and suntry other places). It´s the last SIR among cameras, a bridge between sophisticated technologies and classical manual pro cameras. It has a fabulously hairsplit precise clock-in film loading system, viewfinder shutter to prevent stray light from penetrating into the metering system and thus confusing it. It´s very durable.

1/8000th of a second can hardly ever be used. Both rewind levers and also the multiple exposure lever are positioned awkwardly, not comfortable to use. 30sec - too little, should have been extended to some 3-5min. Uneasy realoading of batteries (MB-1), many unusable functions (like the P mode etc), multifunctional data back MF-23 - the most stupid piece of photographic accessory OI have ever seen (except the "between-the-frames printable F-stop/exposure time combination" - but alas again - not compatible with some older Nikkor MF lenses), black-clad easily wears out, stupid vertical shutter release button - I wonder if anyone can ever get used to it, unnecessary diopter adjustment gear - goggled folks should stick to other hobbies and not to visual arts. AE/AF lock placed inconveniently - difficult to hold it down while shooting.
Sales strategy of Nikon Ltd - very stupid - they regularly raise the prices of all products, keeping thus also the prices of older items even higher to press photo folks to buy newer ones. Realy annoying and unfair policy!!! Weight - is not relevant if compared to modern medium-format cameras but relevant to those who have used just feather-like toys for kids and point-and-shoot cameras so far. The heavier the less frequently you´ll get your snaps blurred! If You haven´t got it so far, give up photography or go back to any course of photography.

I wonder why so many reviwers complain about its slow AF. What´s they have said in 70s or early 80s? Ain´t you a bit spoilt, guys? What do you need such a super lightning-fast AF for? Just to show down? It seems as if all of you yomplainers were top professional sports/action photographers? I do doubt if you are. Your objections are kinda stupid and inaproppriate. My recommendation is: If you are not satisfied with this camera, so it´s your fault and not the fault of the camera. I do love it in spite of many smaller problems

Customer Service

I´ve got some small experience with a branch here in Prague. Once I needed the F-4manual, which I got only there without having to wait, but it cost me pretty lot money - around 600 Czech crowns. The second time I got ptoblem with batteries and so took my camera there and got it serviced and cleaned. They were very professional and helpful and friendy and although they had rush season they did it all for me within one week so I could take my camera with me on holiday. The price was very reasonable too, if I take into account that they had to replace some basic governing element in it. So, only praise so far. Unlike the Nikon manufacturer - read in

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Nikon Fg, Pentax ME Super, Zenit E, Flexaret VI, Chinon CP-7m, Chinon CP9-AF (the best camera I have ever had in hand, I miss it so much - the only problem was it has not many accessories available but the definition and resolution of its lenses was unbeatable -could be compared only Leicas and Contaxes. Also the body was a superb piece of technology in its time. Great, magnificent, brilliant! I bought my F-4 when I had to say goodbye to my Chinon AF and it has not met my needs so fully as the previous camera did. I can´t still understand why the Chinon company ended.

Nikon Most versatil Camera, Works with non-AI lenses up to AFS, great Camera overall, Very confy to use.
All controls where they should be.

AF, AF, AF, AF, AF, AF, AF, AF, AF, AF, AF, AF, AF, AF, AF, Sohould I say more?

And sometimes it gets a bit heavy on the hand.

This is the SEXIEST camera Nikon ever mada, and it takes photos too. Its the last camera of the old era, before you had to take a computer crash course to be able to use it. Its the ultimate Camera

Customer Service

Good, Did A CLA only, veru promp.

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Nikon: FE, FE2, FM, F90, F4. Kowa66, Bronica ETR

Build quality
Ergonomics & balance.
Fine viewfinder.
Supremely smooth shutter/mirror, almost free of vibration.
Excellent combination of advanced features, traditional controls and superb in-viewfinder information.

Weight (inevitable with such features and build quality).
Hesitant AF with lenses other than AF-S.
(But extremely fast AF with AF-S lenses!).
Most accessories *ludicrously* priced.

I was very hesitant about buying an F4s (used) because of its reputation for slow AF, but the deal included some great lenses and made financial sense. After a day shooting with the F4s I was hooked. It handles superbly and the major controls are incredibly user friendly. The AF is slow but it works extremely well in MF as a focusing aid (pseudo-rangefinder). I was so impressed I sold my F3HP and bought a second F4s, now converted to an F4e by adding the MB-23 battery pack. The ability to use Nicad packs is valuable, especially in low ambient temperatures.

Customer Service

Never needed Nikon service for F4. Service at Nikon UK is excellent but expensive.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F, F3HP, FE2, FM2N, FA, F801 (N8008), F801s (N8008s).
Olympus OM-1, OM-2, IS-3000 (IS-3).
Leica M4-P, CL.

Built like a tank,
Fast motordrive,
Good metering/ matrix meters with MF lenses.

REALLY HEAVY, outdated albeit fast AF

Personally I like the F4s. It is really heavy, but the versatility of the F4 makes up for the weight easally.

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Nikons: N50, N80
Cannon EOS 1n

Tough camera; last of the bulletproof cameras. The autofocus seems to get criticized, but with fresh batteries, mine works fine. Maybe I just don't know any better...

Battery hog; the F4S (w/MB-21) does weird things when the batteries START to get low (ie: AF doesn't work, shutter trips when turning on the camera). Battery life is short in cold environments.
Of course, this camera is heavy.

I have had this camera for ten years, and I am just as happy with it now as I was when I paid full price for it. I'm tempted to upgrade to the F5 or F100, but 1) I don't need to, 2) The cost is excessive, and 3) While I have never been intimidated by technology, the new ones just seem to have too many bells and whistles.

Customer Service

I had the F4S serviced by Nikon USA and it was expensive to replace a board($350). The people on the phone were helpful, and cleared up my issues with battery performance (FRESH batteries!).

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F, FM

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CAMERA IN THE WORLD

Like Elizabeth Taylor, it grows older. New stars take over.

The Nikon F4 is a beautiful machine to ENJOY photography. Ever wondered what cab drivers or police patrol officers use as their family car? What about the camera that professional photographers use in their leisure time? You bet it’s a Nikon F4. Super cameras get the job done, but for that leisurely pace and random acts of photographic art, the pleasure is a warm, loaded F4, ready to fire. I own Canons (From F1, superb beast!), Nikons (From F2, the evergreen machine), Pentax (From ME Super, the cutest SLR of all time), Olympus (Mju II, a spy camera in 35mm), and about three other brands, and I love them all and use them TO FIT THE OCCASION. Like I would bring the Canonflex to elicit the “What on earth is that?” response as I would flick the film advance lever. (Collectors, you know what I mean). Or make someone look like a cosmic alien by asking them to look for the battery compartment of my Nikkormat EL camera. For sanity and serenity, it’s the F4.

Customer Service

Love them and they won't need it.

Similar Products Used:

Canons from F1 to EOS, Nikons from F2 to F4, Pentaxes, Olympus, Canonflex, Nikkormat, Bronica.

solid, fast focus, i love the feel of the dials and lack of LCDs, matrix meter with manual AIS lenses, its a Nikon F body.

Can get really heavy with a large lens on it, Focus is fast but getting out-dated quickly, viewfinder info is hard to view in its entirety w/o having to move up and down.

If you want a solid Nikon F series camera, and you don't like the gadgets on newer camera bodies, and find yourself needing a weapon in the field, this is the camera to own. It will not let you down.

Customer Service

long waits on the phone but once you get them they know what they're doing.

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I've used almost all Nikon bodies.

solid mechanics, wonderful ergonomics, wide range of accessories

none

This is all around one of the best cameras that was ever built! In many respects the F5 doesn't stand against it. Some people complain of its af speed but many wonderful pictures were made long before autofocus cameras were built. I would not recommend this to and amateur or someone just getting started but an experienced amateur would find it a useful instrument. As a professional, I still use this more than my F5.

Customer Service

helps abounds from Nikon users

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F5
F100
N90s
Eos 1v
Eos 3
Eos 1n

1) The last F camera with the build quality Nikon is synonymous with.
2) The camera falls exactly to hand and has a superb vertical grip.
3) Metering is very accurate.
4) Almost all Nikon lenses can be used on the camera, something which can't be said for the F5.
5) The controls are traditional and don't consist of control dials and buttons.
6)A very wide range of accessories are available.
7)The best looking camera I've ever seen

1) The autofocus is slower than newer products but I still managed to get perfectly clear pictures of the F1 World Championship winning McLaren at last years Goodwood Festival of Speed (it was racing on the hillclimb before anyone writes in! ).
2)The finder can come loose on earlier models
3)Weight, but only when not actually taking pictures as it balances the camera particularly with long lenses.
3)The flash capability is good but not quite up to recent standards

I still think the F4 gives a unique combination of traditional build quality and controls, F level of accessories together with 1/8000 shutter speed,6fps,DOF,AEL/AEF,mirror lock up and that build quality.I have never regretted buying the camera and am sure in the years to come it will be recognised for the classic it is.

Customer Service

Never needed it.

Similar Products Used:

F5,FM,F60
Varios Nikon lenses.

Rock Solid handling, miserly battery consumption, uses almost ALL Nikkor lenses, Very easy to use with dials in right place.

Slower AF but not as much as some say.

Excellent choice for Manual Focus lenses. I use it with a 300 mm 2.8 with or without TC. Rugged and dependable. I own an F5 but find I use this F4 nearly as much.

Customer Service

No need

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I own F5, N90s