(Because E-bay limits the size of buying guides, I had to split my Fluke buying guide into sections, and even sub-sections.  This sub-section is about the meters I call "80 type."  My section  MODELS AND SERIES is about the different Fluke meter types, and the different versions of each.  Because this section was so large, I had to split it.    Please see the MODELS and SERIES section for information about other meter types, and please see the Main Guide for additional information about Fluke meters.

Link to Main Guide
Link to Models and Series, main

80 Type:

The standard meters of this type are the 83, 85 and 87.  The automotive meters of this type are the 86 and the 88.    Fluke calls The 89 (no series) and 87 (series 4)  "80 series" meters, but they are a different type meter, and are described in the "180 type" section.  (That's why I use the term "type" instead of series.

Some meters of this type have the TRUE RMS feature, some do not.  The models that do are labeled as such.  (See section about TRUE RMS)

These meters all have the standard 3 1/2 digit display.  The 87, 87-III and 87-V have a high resolution mode that provides 4 1/2 digits, which is activated by holding the "backlight" button down as the meter is turned on, and  continuing to hold the button for about a second or so.

Standard Meters:  Fluke 83, 85 and 87

The first group are "series 1's" or "no series" as they are sometimes called.  These are labeled  "FLUKE 87 TRUE RMS MULTIMETER,"   "FLUKE 83 MULTIMETER,"  or "FLUKE 85 TRUE RMS MULTIMETER" 

The capabilities are AC and DC volts, DC millivolts, Resistance (Ohms),  Capacitance, Diode Check, DC and AC current.  (AC and DC Amperes,  AC and DC Milliamperes, and Microamperes.)  These meters will also record the minimum and maximum values read, will make relative measurements, and will measure  frequency.  All of these meters have the "touch hold" or "hold" feature.  The 87 and 85 have a green backlight, but some meters may have been retrofitted with the newer white backlight.  (the two backlights are interchangeable, so a meter repair person could install the white backlight into a meter that originally had a green backlight)

The next group are almost identical to the "series 1's."  The same models are available as the "series 1's," with the same designation and features.  The only difference is,  they are rated category III.   I call these "series II's" but I don't think anyone else does.   You can spot one by looking at the lower right jack - if it's category III rated, it will be labeled as such here. 
 
       These pictures are of the older "no series" Fluke 87.
As you can see, the jack is not marked "category III."  It indicates the maximum voltage of the meter - 1000V.

  These pictures are of the newer "no series" Fluke 87.
As you can see, the face is no different, but the jack is marked "category III."  Fluke calls these meters 87 (cat II) versions, I refer to them as "series 2" meters just to tell them apart.  Again, the maximum voltage is 1000V, but the meter has been rated as Category III.  (See CATEGORY RATING section of the Main Page (linked))

The next group are the "series 3's" or "series III's" as displayed on the meter.   These are almost identical in appearance to the "series 1 and 2"  meters. (as I call them)   The only significant differences are the display - the series 3 meters have an LCD with larger digits, and the  the 83-3 meter has a backlight.   Minor differences are:
1. The term "series III" is printed on the front.   (FLUKE 87 III TRUE RMS MULTIMETER for example)
 2.  The markings on the buttons differ slightly. 

These meters are also category III rated, and have the same features as the "no series" meters described above.  Earlier production series 3 meters have the same green backlight as the "series 1 and 2" meters, but later production meters have the white backlight.

The 87-III meter has a 4 and 1/2 digit, high resolution mode - the 83 and 85 meters do not have this feature.

There is an "87 series 4" (shown as "series "IV" on the meter) but this is really a 180 type meter and is described in the "180 series" section.

The -V series, or -5 series is the latest version.  The 87-5 adds temperature measuring capability, ( see my TEMPERATURE section for details) and a low pass (eliminates high frequency noise) filter to the AC voltage function. 

The secondary function color has been changed, and the "Hold" or "touch hold" function is renamed to "autohold." (see pictures below)

The 87-V also has the 4 and 1/2 digit high resolution mode.

Button and dial differences: 

The pictures below are of 87 meters - the 85 meters look similar.  The 83 (series 1 and 2) lacks the backlight button in the lower left, but the 83 series 3 has buttons like those of the 87-3.

                
                  "No Series"                                      Series III                                           Series V

As you can see from the pictures above, the no series and series II have a blue function button which is used to activate the functions printed in blue on the dial.  The series V meter uses the color yellow.  The series III adds the logo for the backlight switch (lower left) and has a different graphic on the "hold" function.  The hold function is renamed "autohold" for the series V, and the color of the backlight button is changed.  (Ignore the blue dot on the Series III picture, this is a sticker on my meter to indicate it has been calibrated)

Automotive Meters:  Fluke 86 and 88

The only difference between the 86 and 88 is the 88 has a backlight (like the 87) and the 86 does not.   The 86 and 88 (both no series) have the same measuring capabilities:  AC and DC volts,  DC millivolts, Resistance (ohms), Continuity Check (beeper), diode check, DC and AC current (Ampere and Milliampere ranges for both), RPM (requires special probe), and duty cycle measurement for Pulse-width modulated waveforms.  (These are used frequently in automobile engine control systems)  These meters also record the minimum and maximum reading,  have a smoothing feature to eliminate high frequency noise, and have relative measurement mode. (can be used to eliminate lead resistance)

The 88 (series 5)  adds temperature measurement capability,  ( see my TEMPERATURE section for details)  has the newer white backlight, and has an LCD with slightly larger digits. (same size as series III and V standard meters)  There is no 86 series V meter, and, to my knowledge, there are no 86 or 88 series III meters.