Ouch don't hit me - Nikon F4

kshapero

kshapero

South Florida Man
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Mar 27, 2006
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I am getting weird these days. I just bought a Nikon F4 (compact version, which means it only weighs 2.5 lbs). Anybody use it with manual focus lenses?
 
I don't have one any more, but when I did I only used MF Lenses on it.
Great Camera.
I'm using F3's now, but thought about getting another F4.
You'll Love it.
 
Yes, I used MF and some AF on MF. However, I use the stock screen which does not have any optical focusing aids. I rely on the green LED for focus confirmation and it works well enough for me. However, if I were to use the F4 more often (as it deserves!) I would replace the screen with something with microprisms or split rangefinder.
 
A friend of mine bought a used one that had a split prism focusing screen in it. Worked very well with his MF glass. Good mix of old and new tech in the F4. Felt good in the hand.

Bob
 
Best Nikon if you ask me I've got three of them, makes all the difference if its an F4 rather than the F4s (size-wise).
 
kshapero said:
I am getting weird these days. I just bought a Nikon F4 (compact version, which means it only weighs 2.5 lbs). Anybody use it with manual focus lenses?
Click to expand...
Yup. Works just fine with a 50mm f/1.2. Not as good a finder for manual-focus lenses as an F3, but still more than good enough; and the focus indicator on mine is always spot-on.
 
I love my F4. I use both MF and AF lenses on mine. I have both the MB-20 and MB-21, depending on my mood. I prefer the ergonomics of it with the MB-21 attached, but I'll switch to the MB-20 when I want to travel (relatively) light. I also switched the focusing screen to an "E" screen (grid lines).
 
Manual focus? All the time. That is my all-time favorite Nikon body. Agree that the F3HP had a nice finder, but there is nothing wrong with the F4 and the focus assist light is a great addition.
 
ruby.monkey said:
Yup. Works just fine with a 50mm f/1.2. Not as good a finder for manual-focus lenses as an F3, but still more than good enough; and the focus indicator on mine is always spot-on.
Click to expand...

Agreed, I use mine with the 50mm f/1.2 and the G3 focusing screen... works great with 400 and 1600 speed b/w films at night.

nikonf4.jpg
 
The F4 is the best Nikon body for mf lenses. Mounts Ai and non Ai lenses, with matrix metering for Ai lenses. I've got to get my F4s (bought it new) repaired. The camera's aperture control arm does't function. I used a lens whose aperture blades got oily and stuck unbeknownst to me, and that caused the damage to the camera.
 
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The F4(s) is great with manual focus lenses. I always griped about the weight until I started shooting Canon 1D cameras. The F4 seems like a lightweight now. ;)
 
I used to have a pair of them, now only one. I sold the older one.

Here's a shot of them together. One has a Nikkor 50mm f1.8 AF-D mounted, and the other a Nikkor 35mm f2.0 AIS.

orig.jpg


--Warren
 
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