Nikon F5 seems fixed!

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MarkoKovacevic

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After having my F5 damaged while using it in a downpour a year ago, I put some fresh batteries in it, and it works! I don't have a lens or flash currently, so I have to wait until tomorrow to try it totally out. The AF was not working before, so I'm hoping it works now. Nevertheless, I'm buying a F90x as a backup. Should I rely on this camera?
 
I've borrowed one for a shoot once. It seems quite well built, pretty fast in AF and general shooting, and as an added bonus is a pound lighter than the F5. It has a pretty great metering system as well.

My only small complaint is that I feel the AF point is too wide.
 
I have both the F5 and F100... I left my F5 out on a tripod overnight during a tropical storm after taking a long exposure and it was 100% fine the next day. I am surprised to hear it failed in wet conditions... the F100 does not have the same weather seals however but I HIGHLY recommend the F100.
 
MarkoKovacevic said:
... I'm buying a F90x as a backup. Should I rely on this camera?
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Figure the cost/benefit. A "new" (to you) F5 runs $350-500, depending on condition. After it's previously failure you should definitely not rely on it! Therefore have it serviced by a Nikon tech - factor in the price for that and determine if it would be better to get it fixed, or replace it.

The N90s (what you call the F90x) is a nice camera. Unfortunately, it is a bit behind in technology, and for me, ergonomically as well. I use the (newer and less expensive) N80 as a backup for my F5 - it's controls are similar to the F5 and the DSLRs as well, while the N90's control layout is ... interesting. The N90 works with "G" type lenses, but ignores VR in lenses. The AF and metering are nowhere near the F5.
 
filmfan said:
I have both the F5 and F100... I left my F5 out on a tripod overnight during a tropical storm after taking a long exposure and it was 100% fine the next day. I am surprised to hear it failed in wet conditions... the F100 does not have the same weather seals however but I HIGHLY recommend the F100.
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It had something to do with the lens mount not being sealed enough, and water getting into the AF motor.

I must say, the controls for the N90s are a bit different, and while the metering is nowhere near the F5, it is very good indeed - i never got a bad exposure, even with flash. In addition to that, its nice and light, and the purchase is local and $70 for the N90s.
 
Marko
another suggestion for the F100 / F80 if the F5 doesn't work. F80 is excellent for static subjects and where AF performances aren't your #1 priority, plus you have also a built-in flash which can be useful at times.
F100 is much more on the performance and reliability side but lacks flash. Think of it.
 
Any idea what's the problem with my F5? When I press the AF button it focuses to the minimum distance, and then stops. When using MF, the focus assist lights up when I have the correct focus...
 
I just got me a F90x (N90s) from KEH for 35$ (with the MF-26, mind you...)
I intend to use it for family stuff.
It is not my primary camera, but at this price, it hits such a sweet spot of performance and price, it simply made sense (I already had a nikon flash and a 50mm AF).
the older models (N8008) are not much cheaper, and the F100, although a great bargain by itself, is still about five times more expensive.
I ran a few shots today, and it's a GREAT camera for that kind of money.
 
sanmich said:
I just got me a F90x (N90s) from KEH for 35$ (with the MF-26, mind you...)
I intend to use it for family stuff.
It is not my primary camera, but at this price, it hits such a sweet spot of performance and price, it simply made sense (I already had a nikon flash and a 50mm AF).
the older models (N8008) are not much cheaper, and the F100, although a great bargain by itself, is still about five times more expensive.
I ran a few shots today, and it's a GREAT camera for that kind of money.
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F90x $35
I think I remember paying some were around $1200 for one I purchased new back in about 2001
 
I still believe on the F100 as a good sidekick for the F5. These two have the same CAM system (for AF) and they're both built to last. The F90/N90 was the Nikon pro flagship up to the appearance of these two cameras, and the F80/N80 (which came to replace the F90/N90) was nicknamed "baby F100" just like the F100 was known as "Baby F5."

However, if you feel adventuresome, just go for the one you want. At least Chris has informed you of the camera limitations already. I wouldn't bother, as the layout and controls are way too different from those in the F5, but, if you like it and want it... Go, get it.
 
I was tempted by the N80, because of its size and built in flash, but the loss of measuring on AI lenses...
The N90 also seems to be in an upper league, even if clearly dated by now: sync @250, HP finder, AF quite fast, and the fact that it uses AA batteries is a bonus . It's really a lot of camera gear for the price.
 
The layout is quite different, though I suppose I will quickly learn it.

People with the N90 - I disliked the AF bracket, found it too 'wide' while on my F5 it was nice and precise. Anyone had troubles with this?
 
Marko, there are two focus area sizes on the N90.
Today, I used the wider one, just because it's the PHD default on the camera.
It is too wide for my taste. I will try the smaller one.
If it's like the N8008, It should be quite ok.
Again, it is not my main shooting style camera, and I have definitely left SLRs for minor works at home, so keeping my investment very low on this was much more important than slight differences on the camera. For RFs, I can be much more picky.
 
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