The F5 is the most durable 35mm SLR I''ve ever used, and I''ve used many. It''s seals reduce the dust and moisture intrusion, should those be conditions under which you operate. The shutter is bullet proof, and has it''s own real-time adjustment going on with each exposure. This is the sign of a real professional body,--a shutter that will not quit. What is that,--6 or 8 frames a second? Well, I have not needed that but glad to know its there when I need it. The optional MF-28 data back provides other more incredible picture taking options like intervelometers, film imprinting of data, etc., as well as remote release controls when a subject enters the composition. One great thing about this is you don''t have to be there to use this camera,--you want it to fire every 5 minutes starting at 2:03am? It will do that that for you,--with everything in focus, and with proper exposure.

Battery life is very low. This camera cannot be operated with alkaline AAs without carting a pocketful along with you at every shooting. The best, other than the factory battery pack, are the Lithiums,--and a bonus is that they are light. Speaking of light, the F5 is NOT. That''s it''s biggest weakness to me. Put a professional grade lens on the F5, along with maybe a data back, and the F5 exceeds the size of many medium format cameras. A photographer came up to me one time and asked if the F5 I was carrying was a medium format camera. It is one large package. Carrying two is a serious workout.

A top notch 35mm SLR with all the bells and whistles logically arranged on a big handful of a camera. If you have been a Nikon user for any length of time, the transition to the F5 will be slight. Controls are in similar positions, and are easy to use. My only complaint is with the vertical shutter release button lock,--it becomes unlocked easily and results in accidental releases. Other than that no problems. The most useful button is the EV factor button near the shutter release. It allows you to dial in 1/3rd EV exposure value compensation as needed. The matrix meter is pretty accurate, but just how accurate does it need to be when film latitude drives that issue?

Customer Service

If you buy a non-USA body you will be in big trouble if you are in the USA. Nikon USA does not honor Nikon Corporations'' global warranty. They refuse to work on parallel imports. I think this wro

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I first started with a motorized Nikon F. I also used the F3 with MD-4 motor drive for over ten years. The F5 was my first move into autofocus because the F4 was just too large for my hands. (I also

to many to list

very heavy, battery eater

For the type of picture I do, F5 is almost flawless. Only in some difficult light situation 3 D metrix does make some mistake. However this mistake is the same as if you are using weight center meter in any SLR camera. You have to know how to measuring the light and make your own decisions. F5 does get very cold if you are using in the winter time. I usually goes into a deep rain forest in Thailand to take pictures of wild animals. F5 is really heavy on my back-pack and it is not weather proof(Canon has one). Long walking in forest for 3 days makes you feel like you want to throw F5 away. However, with the focusing speed, 3D meter, and shutter speed that F5 has, I spend less time adjusting camera and spend more time taking picture. Result, much better picture at the end of the trip. This camera is also very good for beginer(only for very rich person) because you do not have to change camera for another 5-10 years. Becasue Nikon change the model every 10 years. So in the long term, you spend less money for changing camera and lens in order to satisfy your advance in photography.

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Canon 1V

Build quality, metering system, flash system.

Rewinding sequence. Bad endurance under wet (sea spray) conditions - this is where the EOS 1v really shines.

I have used both the Nikon and EOS systems. I found that as a system, the Nikon bodies and lenses are obviously competent and I suppose that’s why they enjoy a smallish (relative to Canon) but very loyal professional following. My problem with the F5 initially started as a minor irritation, but as the pressures of shooting under a deadline really starts to bear this one irritation has grown to the level where I am ready to throw my F5 against the next wall. The problem with the F5 is its ridiculous rewinding procedure. With the EOS 1 series it is easy – the film is finished, the autorewind starts, you get the next film ready. With the F5 you see your film is finished. Wait, you now have to flip a cover. Then press a button. Then press a second button. And then turn a lever. When you shoot more than 50 rolls a day, you have to wonder why people actually buy this monster. For me, in my shooting environment, the F5 is an obstacle, not a tool. That’s why all its obvious advantages have to yield before this one practical fact. Hey, I''ll probably give a Nikon Digital D1H a score of 5/5. I note some comments below about the EOS 1v being a toy etc. Flame war inspired statements like that are pretty meaningless – rather mention some of the real weaknesses of the 1v such as, in my view, its weight. As a tool, it is for me, with the new weatherproofed IS teles the best money can buy.

Customer Service

Can''t say

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EOS series 1 / 1n /1v Nikon F90 / F100

Highly refined and precise instrument/tool/camera. Looks good, feels good, works superbly and does more than I, or you, will ever be able to accomplish. I am impressed with this camera, it goes from superb manual opeations to unbelieveable; the choice is the operators.

The only weaknesses is my own abilities.

Traded my F100 and a little cash for the F5 because I wanted the additionl features. The F100 is a 5 rated camera and the F5 is a 5+. The more I use the F5 the more I realize what an outstanding photographic instrument it is. You can go from fully manual to fully automatic and any where in between. You want to crank you own numbers or concentrate on composition and/or speed, this camera will do what ever you want and do it with exceptional ease and accuracy. If you are a good photography, the F5 will help you become an artist. The Canon FTb is a great basic and the F2A is a classic pro manual, but the F5 will do exponentially more and do it better with greater accuracy, clairty and speed. If you are a deamer like me and have the means, you'll never regret the F5.

Customer Service

None required

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F100, F2A, F2SB, Canon A2E, FTb

Feels natural in hands; weight is a plus, not a weakness; metering has been near-perfect.

Being a left-eye shooter, when AF point selector is used, thumb & nose are nearly in same spot. Would have liked custom function to allow film leader out after rewind.

The camera just feels like it's made to make images - most solid camera I've used and feel that the weight, even with the 80-200/2.8 attached, gives me more hand-held stability than if I were using a lighter camera. Best camera I've ever - or will ever own.

Customer Service

Haven't had to use re: camera problems. Were polite but couldn't help my frustration over new lens purchases & back-ordered lens hoods.

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F4s, FM2n, Canon EOS1n

Loaded with all features. Ergonomically correct, and very comfortable to hold. Extremely solid build, and feel.
Customizable functions, and accesories.

Expensive. Does not come with straps. Uses 8 batteries.

I highly recommend this camera. I also have the F100, and although it is a great camera, It is no F5. I don't consider the weight, or size to be a problem, as I usually had the battery pack on my F100. The metering is superb. The high-end features(MLU, viewfinder curtain, 100%, and interchangable finders), while not needed by most, I use quite often. This is a nearly perfect camera for me.

Customer Service

Not Needed

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Nikon F100

The weight when using long lenses, the quick motor drive, rechargeable batteries, viewfinder is bright and sharp.

weight, when carrying it all day.
its size, it's very big for a 35mm, and so one is tempted to bring it only for serious shoots.

Excellent camera. Rugged, dependable, (except for constant battery changes) flexible. A super camera that can do just about anything. I wish the underwater housing units were not so exspensive. I also wish it could take external film backs for more than 36 frames. The manuel could be more informative and easier to read. I had moved up from a FE to the F5 and I was lost for a while untill I saw how much cameras had moved in technology.

Customer Service

never had to use it.

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none

A very natural feel in your hands. All controls are well placed. The 3D Matrix Meter is almost unbelieveable. Auto-focus and the tracking ability is second to none, and the Information provided in the viewfinder allows me to keep the camera where it should be, on my eye.

The 5 segments for focus area in the viewfinder are sometimes difficult to see. Definately not a major problem.

A pleasure to shoot. Very comfortable and extremely user friendly. A very powerfull metering system is the cream of the crop especially when used with Nikon speedlights. A pluthera of extras including customizing to personal tastes. A phenominal investment.

Customer Service

Hasen't needed service, but in the past Nikon service is first rate!

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Other Nikons N90s F100

Weight, Metering, Film Speed, Copyright ability, Manual film rewind.

Weight, price, LCD longevity issues.

Okay, you've read the other reviews about the weight, battery consumption, "a computer with a lens," not a Leica M6 (like get real - comparing to a rangefinder?? DU-OH!) etc...

Well, my experience is centered on camparing this to the F100. The F100 is great but this camera makes it seem like a toy. The most often overlooked thing is the ability to do a manual override. For me, this boils down to rewinding a film with the leader sticking out and actually seeing the rewind lever turn as you take pictures - only the F5 gives this. The F100 doesn't. Perhaps I just like the belt and suspenders approach. Anyhow, the F5 is wonderful - load the film, close the back, press the shutter advance, and VIOLA - the film either advances correctly and you see the dial spin or a red light comes to tell you of a misfeed!! Absolute perfection. I had intermittent "ERR" problems with the F100 and the F5 shows none of this. It's solid!

Finally, I can't believe someone wanted auto-rewind as an option - GET REAL - He has obviously never been to a wedding and hear the annoying eee-e-ee-e-eee-e-eee and someone's crappy point and shoot almost ruins people's most precious moments. With the F5 you rewind by hand while enjoying watching the service. Excellent!

Enjoy the weight (steadier so the fast 8fps mechanics don't make for blurry shots due to excellent dampening).

I love it and you will too. GUARANTEED.

Customer Service

No issues yet...

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Contaflex, Graflex, Rolleiflex, Ansco, Canon P&S, FM2n, F3, F100

Solid, Reliable,Weighty, All controls fall nicely to your fingertips

Can be heavy around your neck with a pro lens on!

Fitted with the latest AF-S lenses it is quite simply superb. Compares favourably with EOS for focussing at last but I haven't tried a 1v. F100 is close and the focus illuminator in the viewfinder is useful. F100 grip can also be removed for travelling light.

Customer Service

Mine was damaged and it took months to repair, no parts in country!!!

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Nikon F4, Nikon F100, Nikon F801s, Canon EOS1/1n