The Nikon F5

I shoot film regularly.  As like most, I shoot digital as well as film.  When I shoot with my D80 and my F5, I can seldom tell the difference in the final print.  Using my Nikon scanner, I wonder which takes the better image.

It is my opinion that there is no film camera that the Nikon F5 could be compared with; instead of listing those from other manufacturers, I will start with the features that the F5 offers.

Usable Lenses: All AF-D, AF-G, AF-I, AF-S and AF VR Nikkor lenses provide full AF and metering operation. AI-P lenses provide manual focus w/electronic rangefinder and full metering operation. AI lenses provide manual focus w/electronic rangefinder, aperture priority and manual exposure mode, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering operation.

Metering System: 1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix metering provides information about scene brightness and contrast conditions. RGB sensors gather information about the colors within the scene, enhancing scene identification. In addition, this metering system incorporates a database of over 30,000 scenes of actual shooting data to evaluate color, brightness, and overall composition.

Auto focus: 5-Area Cross Array Auto focus system for fluid composition, includes 3 Cross Type AF sensors. Focus Tracking with Lock On to 8 fps regardless of subject direction or movement.

Shooting Modes: Program, Flexible Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual.

The F5 was introduced in 1996 and was known as the camera that was “imported from the future.”  Here we are in the “future” and the camera is still sought after.

The F6 replaced the F5 in 2005.  With a sticker price of around $2000 new and $1500 used, the F6 may not be what many die-hard film photographers are willing to purchase in this digital age.  However, the F5 with a used price of $450 to $600 is well in the range of many.

Looking at Nikon’s N80 and the F100 with prices of $100 to $300 used (respectively), the F5 may very well be worth the extra expense. 

If you are looking for a film camera, this durable camera will meet all your film photography needs.

If you shoot Digital and are looking at the F5 as a back up, you are a very smart individual.  There are dozens of reasons why the “digital” photographer needs a film camera.

Digital sensors heat up when in use.  For a short exposure, you will never have a problem.  However, for long exposures of more than 30 seconds, you may get a discoloration in the edges of your image or a vignette.  This is a flaw with many digital cameras.  It almost seems senseless to have a digital camera with a B or Bulb Mode.

The need to obtain a film camera became evident to me one cold morning when trying to capture a star chart in the early, dark sky.  With an 18-35mm Nikon lens on my Nikon D80, this is what I got:

Some respectable reviewers have mentioned in their reviews that, “The F5 is for sports and wildlife. Only misguided rich people buy it for landscapes and portraits.”  In fact, it is my opinion that the F5 is one of the BEST landscape cameras available.  This is due in part to the MLU or the Mirror Lock Up feature.  If you would like more information on the MLU feature, please read my guide, “MLU or Mirror Lock Up Feature Is Essential For Sharp Landscape Images.”

All-in-all, the Nikon F5 was made to endure.  This feature gives it longevity.  When purchasing the F5, look for one that does not have much external signs of use.  Little signs of use usually means it has not seen too much use or abuse.  Combine this with the durability of the F5 and you are sure to get a camera that will last for years and be peace of mind in your camera bag.

I hope this guide was helpful and that you have a better understanding of the Nikon F5.  If it was helpful, let me know by clicking the “YES” down below.  If you would like to provide your input, I will be happy to add the information to this guide.

Show The World Your World; Share A Photograph.  TM.

Sulae
Sulae Arts