How did I end up here - Nikon N80

B-9

B-9

Devin Bro
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Jul 9, 2009
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What could be a long story made really really short.

Somehow I now own a Nikon N80.

Think it started with a cheap 28/2.8D.

I have this weird thought of getting another with a 50/1.4D.


Two bodies (together weighing just a smidge more than a single F100)

Two lenses (28 is my everyday do it all wide - and well.. fast 50!)

I’ve crunched the weights (weight is really my main point here) against the features and lack there of.

I could sell my F2 and it’s AIS (28/2.0 + 50/1.8) lens kit to buy the next n80.


Walk away with cash even (there’s more to the F2 kit). Is it crazy that I can see myself being happy with plastic? Maybe knowing I can afford to replace it all helps.

Life is good. Hope your all enjoying it with me.
 
After I got my N80 I started using it more than the F100. Ergonomically it was better, especially when you add the MB-16 battery pack. Unfortunately it doesn't have any redundant controls when in Portrait mode.



Nikon N80 by P F McFarland, on Flickr


PF
 
I'm totally on board with you. I have a slew of Nikon SLR's including an Fm3a, F3, F100 (among others). However, I just bought N80 and very pleased that it is the kind of camera that I would grab and go...with my glass and feel comfortable. The weight and form factor advantages over an F100 outweigh some of the (minor ) disadvantages, if you are just out with some film and fun. I did not buy the battery pack or the winder. Just won't use it that much and can afford the CR123 batteries for limited use. Yes, the N80 plastic, but not bad at all. enjoy your camera experience.

PLease don't buy up all the AF, AFD lenses I am scouting!
 
Not sure why plastic camera is wrong. N80 is cute looking last breed of SLRs. Better and faster handling than old all metal ones.
 
Thanks for the photo PF! Really sets the mood.

I was sure I would find some N80 love here.

Hap, I like to buy “bargain”. There’s a nice AF 50/1.4 for a fair price right now. I’ll shoot ya the link.

Ko, nothing wrong with plastic - until your replacing a F2 - reliability is a obvious caveat.
 
The N80 is great camera. The Kodak Digital DCS SLRn is built on an N80 frame.

They're so cheap, if they die, don't repair.. just buy a fresh one.
 
Reliability is murky concept if you seat on dozen of film cameras already :) .

I sold mine F2 and keeping FTn, EM, but not for too long. If I'll need SLR, our family EOS 300 still does it in hands of one of our daughters. :)
 
splitimageview said:
Yes! I was a big F100 fan, but now it's just too big/heavy. Hence, N80/F80.
Click to expand...

I guess I stumbled into a reasonable acquisition. These cameras a very inexpensive, but maybe not for long?

What I don't like about F80/N80 is that the viewfinder inferior as it has that DSLR tunnel look. It's still good, but not as good as the predecessors. I now use my FT3 as a weight to keep glued wood pieces immobile....and trip the shutter to scare stray dogs away.

If you have a N80 it's good to have a few AF lenses and the VF tunnel affect no big deal.
 
Some of my friends hate battery operated cameras, other friends will not use a battery powered camera, even if only for the meter.

I agree with my friends.
 
I actually don’t mind the CR123a or batteries in general - just when I forget them.

Thankfully the 123’s are still really common just about everywhere.
 
I'm on my third F80 nowadays. Sold the other two as i was not using them. Got another one on a car boot sale for £10. Still have it but i can't make myself use it. The F80 doesn't have the powerful AF motor of the F90x - with the lenses i have (50/1.8, 50/1.4, 35/2) the F80 is considerably slower to focus than the F90x. So i always grab the F90x instead. Bigger, heavier and louder too but i somehow i prefer it. The F80 is a very likeble camera though and with newer lenses the AF is very good.
 
I just never liked the N90 grip. Owned a few of them. As good a camera as everyone says for sure.

I considered the N8008 but figured it would be the same relationship with the grip.
 
I found the 90 too heavy, better viewfinder tho, and metering with AI lenses. But for my use the 80 is best, with AF lenses the smaller viewfinder is fine. For manual focus lenses I have other bodies.
 
I'm not sure if it was the grip, or the way the body kind of flares out to meet the lensmount, but they did bulk up something when they designed the N90. I think maybe it was the latter.
 
I have had reliable service from my N80 and MB-16 grip for well over ten years now. The grip will take four rechargeable Eneloop AA batteries and adds a lot to the handling. Really like how quiet the shutter is. It will also take a good old fashioned screw in cable release for tripod work. If the back gets sticky it cleans up nicely with 70% isopropyl alcohol. :D
 
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