Nikon F6

[gilpen123]

I am extremely tempted to get an F6 as a compliment to my M6 0.85 for those times that I do portraits, architecture and any controlled shooting environment. I still have some of my AI-s lenses 45 2.8P, 50 1.4 and 105 2.5 and may get the 24-70 AFS 2.8 with the F6. Also a macro lens will be considered, I missed the macro capabilities of an SLR.

I need some comments on the manual focusing of F6, will I need to change the focusing screen? I use Katz Screen with my D200 and D300 before and in tandem with the green dot focus confirmation, I get good focus with them. I left DSLR and SLR totally since I sold my D300 a few years back and went all the way with rangefinder but I find there are things I really can't do with an RF. Also, how is the battery life of F6 w/o the MB40? Thanks guys!!!

Btw, I'll only use B&W film 400 exclusively.

 

[gilpen123]

Thanks Jon, would you know what screen it is? For sure I won't need the MB40, When I still have my D200/300 I used to have the 28-70 whch is also a beast which actually worsen my scoliosis. For my walk around, RF will always be my preference.

 

[Bob W]

The A and L screens for the F6 have a split image focusing aid, with the L screen at a 45deg angle. It is a great camera.

Bob W

 

[dave lackey]

An F6? If only I had one....:angel:

 

[gilpen123]

Dave by any chance, are you the Dave in Nikon Forum? The F6 is really temptong if not for the bulk and weight I would not contemplate to get one. I'll check the L screen and see what happens....

 

[dogberryjr]

The L screen is great for manual focus.

 

[Steve M.]

I use Leica R lenses on Nikon AF cameras all the time (N6006, N8008, etc) and use the standard matte AF focus screens w/ no trouble. The focus confirmation light is a good fail safe to ck against if you have focus doubts. With fast lenses, the standard focus screen should be all you'll need.

 

[dave lackey]

Dave by any chance, are you the Dave in Nikon Forum? The F6 is really temptong if not for the bulk and weight I would not contemplate to get one. I'll check the L screen and see what happens....

Hi, Gil, yep that's me. Started out as a charter member and haven't been on for awhile since they started charging $$$. Nice folks there and I stay in contact with them but I am not allowed to post anymore.🙄

Anyway, coming from the huge D1 and D2 bodies, the F6 is more manageable for me and using those big lenses, the body is a nice match both in size and weight. Like Jon says, the zooms are amazingly good, but just so big.

If I were to spring for one (not likely as I have been out of work since '08), I am not sure exactly what I would use it for since I don't do sports photography anymore. Maybe portraits and macro. But I still want one!🙂

 

[dave lackey]

I use Leica R lenses on Nikon AF cameras all the time (N6006, N8008, etc) and use the standard matte AF focus screens w/ no trouble. The focus confirmation light is a good fail safe to ck against if you have focus doubts. With fast lenses, the standard focus screen should be all you'll need.

Steve, don't you just love those R lenses? I think my 50 Cron is fantastic.😉

 

[Riverman]

I can only encourage you to get an F6. It is a truly awesome camera. If I had to choose between it and my M6 - or even my Mamiya 6 - I would jump for the F6 every time. It is the most perfect and versatile camera ever.

I use a few manual focus lenses on mine (Nikon 50mm f1.2 and 24mm f2, plus the Voigt 40mm f2). I never bothered with the split image screen. The one it comes with is big and bright and the focusing aid LEDs are pretty helpful too. Battery wise I never bothered with the MB40 grip. I carry a set of replacements batteries and find the battery life good.

I just picked up a Nikkon 85 f1.4 AF-D as its now much cheaper than the latest whizz band G series thing. That 85 plus the F6 = portrait heaven.

Seriously, get an F6 - I think you'll find you use it in all sorts of situations, not just in 'controlled environments'. Paired with a 35mm AF-D or even better, the Voigt 40mm (which is an insanely good lens) I find it a very comfortable street shooter.

Linky is to my flickr content tagged Nikon F6. Image is one from the window seat on my way to Chicago last year.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbk21/tags/nikonf6/

 

[rover]

Obviously one is a film camera and the other digital, but am I correct in thinking the F6 and D700 are comparable cameras?

 

[dave lackey]

Been thinking since my last post on this. Last Mother's Day, we were treated to a weekend in Orange Beach and took only the Leica bag and my old Nikon 4004s loaded with Velvia.

The first morning, I got up at dawn and wandered the beach for an hour with the old AF Nikon (which is in mint condition despite being used around the world). Got the slides back and every single one was perfectly exposed.

In fact, I just remembered to pull those slides that are worthy of printing. They will be mailed to Precision Camera this week! Can't wait.🙂

So, I would probably use only slide film with the F6 for quite awhile. The results are stunning!

 

[gilpen123]

Yes Dave the $$$ they imposed seems a lot just to post message and pictures. Used to be the silver and gold are only options. I've seen you a lot in the manual focus and rangefinder thread same as Jonmanjiro and many more from RFF when I was still active there. My membership is automatic renewal and at times I don't even know I was renewed.

Riverman, the 85 1.4 AFD was my favorite portrait lens for a long time. The creamy delicous bokeh and sharpness is excellent. I am seriously considering getting it when I find a good used one.

 

[FrankS]

This is just me being cheap but I can't see the sense in spending $$$ on an F6 when other Nikon bodies are very capable and crazy cheap. As long as one doesn't need fast auto focus for sports, an 801/8008s is like $30 these days. F3's can be found for $150, as can F's and F2's though these lack AF. The F4 is about $275. That's a great camera for the money. IMO

 

[Zonan]

Obviously one is a film camera and the other digital, but am I correct in thinking the F6 and D700 are comparable cameras?

Having used both, I'd say so (form factor, "feel"), tho some might argue the F6 is comparable to D3-class.

 

[gilpen123]

I still have and use my F3 from time to time and I've had an N80 and F100 before which I liked very much. If I'm going to buy another AF slr now, I just thought that the F6 may be worth a try if I can find one at $1200-1400 in excellent condition. I have some surplus now from thinning out my RF gear and thought I might try the F6.

This is just me being cheap but I can't see the sense in spending $$$ on an F6 when other Nikon bodies are very capable and crazy cheap. As long as one doesn't need fast auto focus for sports, an 801/8008s is like $30 these days. F3's can be found for $150, as can F's and F2's though these lack AF. The F4 is about $275. That's a great camera for the money. IMO

 

[dave lackey]

Well, IIRC, the F6 came out around the time of the D2 bodies and the design was kind of a mixture of F5/D2/F100. All great cameras!😎

If I were to choose the F6, it would be because I want the experience before I miss it. Imagine never getting to hold or use the best film camera ever made by Nikon. The F5 is an awesome camera but sold it back when I lost my job. I really regret having sold it...

The D2 bodies were great but I miss the F5 more. Maybe there is an F6 in my future, I dunno, but I can dream.🙂

Oh, and Gil...I loved my F3/T. But the difference between it and the F5 (and I am sure, the F6), is a different world all together! Go for it!

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/f6.htm

http://imaging.nikon.com/history/scenes/09/index.htm

 

[Chris101]

Having used both, I'd say so (form factor, "feel"), tho some might argue the F6 is comparable to D3-class.

I think you are correct, except for the 'large camera part. Nikon went with the permanently attached "vertical grip"/battery compartment with the F5, and D1 series. It has continued for the top line digital cameras, but removed it for the F6. They also compromised some other features, with the digital line as well, such as exchangeable viewfinders and a mechanical mirror up.

If Nikon ever puts out an F7 (unlikely but possible) it will resemble the F6 form, and have a swivel out, live view LCD on the back.

 

[migtex]

It's good to see old Nikonians around here!! (migpower)
Times are horrible, so I cut debts, the renewals from sites and magazines went down the tubes (with exception of Polka Magazine).

I must say that if one wants a F6 and lacks the funds the best bet is the F4. All knobs, all lens fit and it can be small or bigger depending on your mood (and back).
Otherwise get the F6 fast before she runs out of production (prices will climb... and drop in some years... hopefully).

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

I had an F100. Moved 'up' to an F6. The F6 is a fantastic camera. But, eventually, i moved back to an F100. If you want an F6 because it's "the best" and seemingly matches the elite status of a Leica, okay, fine. If that's not the case, and you can't really identify a feature the F6 has that the F100 doesn't have, save yourself a significant chunk of cash and get an F6.

There's about $100 worth of difference between the two- not $1,000. And, even though the F6's rear LCD has a bit of the 'cool' factor at first glance, i found it pretty useless and actually a liability. I can be more carefree with the F100, while i felt i needed to baby the F6, both because of the LCD and to protect the 'resale value.'

To be blunt, pros bought F100s. Insecure hobbyists (myself included) bought F6s. It was nice to have had a short experience with the F6, but i don't miss it. And, i'm not suggesting the F100 is a 'compromise' camera or a low-budget solution. It isn't.