So, what's a Nikon 8008S good for?

batterytypehah!

batterytypehah!

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I mean that literally. Not trying to be combative or smart-alecky here. What's it good for, or good at, more precisely? What does it do well?

See, I stumbled upon one in a thrift store over the weekend, complete with 35-70 kit zoom, for $5. Only needed fresh batteries. No film through it yet but hey, it's a Nikon that has seen maybe 20 years of family parties and vacations. Probably barely broken in. Wiki tells me it's known as the F-801S outside the U.S.

Problem is, I hate SLRs, and more specifically, big hulking autofocus SLRs. One vacation with a borrowed Canon kit in the early 90s convinced me that this is just too much to lug around.

I have a few K and AR mount bodies and lenses that serve my occasional needs for very close up and very far away. No other Nikon lenses and no intention to buy any.

So, should I load it with slide film and give that advanced metering something to do? Nah. I'd rather have a smaller camera and the occasional blown highlights. Push B&W to 6400 because I can, in any light, with that 1/8000 top speed? Maybe, but I'm not a fan of grain.

Most likely, I'll end up auctioning it off and donating the money to the charity that runs the thrift shop. But I'm open to other suggestions.
 
Get a manual focus nikkor prime lens for it. Spot metering and auto film advance. Nothing else can compete with this at anywhere close to this price. It's one of the best camera deals out there, IMO.

(I'm not a fan of auto focus zoom lenses.)
 
I forgot about the spot metering. I really wanted one of these cameras when I was a kid, but at 15, there was no way I could buy one and my dad told me I didn't need it, lol. They're getting so cheap I may get one just for nostalgia!
 
That is a very capable camera body. The 35-70 kit zoom though is pretty bad. See if you can get yourself a fine old manual focus 50mm Nikkor for cheap.
 
This was my first Nikon (I learned on a Canon AE1). I wouldn't describe it as a hulking SLR. Actually, with a built in motor, it is quite svelte. Get some fast glass for it and you'll appreciate being able to shoot wide open outside with that 1/8000 top shutter speed.
 
Well....

Well....

Crap lens... Superior Nikon body, considered professional level for it's time. Get a fast prime and give it a chance. Don't let this lens be your guide for what the camera is capable of doing.

Yes, Nikon glass can be good. They made some seriously bad lenses as well.
 
If got one I picked it up used for 20 euros. It is pretty well used but still works well. I would say the AF is not that great but the viewfinder is very nice big and bright.
 
I have an N6006 and its excellent at everything and although I bought mine new when it first came out I know they are dirt cheap now with a lens!
 
The 8008s is a good camera. Solid and reliable in my experience. Everything you need to produce good photos. That such a good camera is available for just a few bucks these days in amazing to this old Boomer. :)
 
The original 35-70 lens that was available with the N8008s is pretty good, close focus, as good of a build quality as the 50/1.8 AF-Nikkor. Mine is "made in Japan", metal mount. After that, they went all-plastic.

The N8008 and N8008s have a great finder, very bright. Easy to use with manual focus lenses.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84251

My N8008s used to be a Digital Camera.
 
I repeat: No intention to buy another lens, not even a "cheap" one. That money would be far better spent on gear and film I enjoy more.

Nothing so far convinces me to keep this thing, I'm afraid. (The motor and flash capabilities are valid points, but again, not something I ever need.)

Just for laughs, I compared it to my Fuji GS645. Very nearly identical dimensions with the Fuji unfolded, and over 150g heavier. If that's not big for a 35mm camera, I don't know what is. Aside from fast action shots, I can't really think of a situation where I would prefer the Nikon over the Fuji (plus a Minox 35 or small P&S for wides) in my bag.
 
I like the ergonomics of the 8008s. I have big hands and it is comfortable for me to hold, unlike the current rage in mini-cameras. But, then, I tote a 1DMkIV around all day, so it's all relative. :)
 
It is what it is. A very capable camera body for its time. I use mine when I don't want to have a more expensive camera along. Its far better than most film or digital P&S cameras, even with the f4 35-80. To really make use of its capabilities , you'd need to invest in better lenses and a decent flash.

I was on a trip earlier this year helping to rebuild a church in the lower 9th ward in New Orleans. A location where I absolutely did not want to take my high end equipment. It didn't bother me that it got knocked around and covered with saw dust. I shot inexpensive negative film and scanned it. With a 35-105 Nikkor lens and an SB-20 flash (a kit that would cost you an additional $75), the results were far better than anything that others took with their various P&S digital cameras.

A big plus for me is that it uses AA batteries as they're much cheaper and easier to find than the lithium batteries used in the N55-N80 series bodies. I wouldn't bother trying to auction it off. The bodies only bring around $25. You might as well donate the money and save the time and trouble.

So to answer your question, its a great camera for situation when you don't want to worry about your gear, but still want quality results.
 
This was my first 35mm camera, having learned photography the slow way with an old YashicaMat LTM. As other posters have said, it is a very good body. The metering system is great, TTL flash function is great and the autofocus is middling fast by today's standards. I've put many hundreds of rolls through mine and it is still going strong, even though it doesn't get called on too often anymore. I have the f1.8 50mm original autofocus lens that came with mine, as well as a bunch of other Nikon lenses. That is a very cheap lens that may even still be made and is optically as good as any of Nikon's 50mm lenses. The 28mm f2.8 manual Nikkor is also a really fantastic lens, as is the f2.8 35-70mm zoom. Have fun with it.
 
You have $5 plus batteries into it, it works, you hate SLRs, put some film in it, set it all to manual, and give it to some kid and let them learn about film and photography beyond taking pictures with their phone!
 
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