Pending birthday present

[KevinVH]

Hi guys,

I don't know what to do. My girlfriend wants to buy me a new camera for my upcoming birthday! (2 april) and she's letting me pick. We have a budget of around 250 excl shipping.

I've been looking at a Nikonos V for a while, but got intrigued by the F5.

My story: I'm a professional photographer living in Ecuador. I currently own the following cameras:

Leica M6 with 28 and 50mm
Nikon L35AF2
Nikon F2 with DP1 and 50/2
Nikon F90x
Nikon D200
Nikon D800
a whole bunch of pro lenses. (G)

I consider my F90x the backup of the backup, but it works very limited with my 14-24 and my 24-70, so considering that, the F5 would be a nice addition, and I could retire the F90X. On the other hand I would like a nice beach camera since I live in Ecuador, and while I do not know how to scubadive, I would love to give it a try in the future.

The Nikonos V can be found for 200 and there's even on for 230 that's been cla'd in february of this year.

The F5 seems to be a little bit more expensive, and prices wildly vary.

What to do, what to do??

 

[nikonosguy]

I just picked up an f5 for 175. It's awesome

You could also get a good leica r from Keh in this price range

 

[Takkun]

You might find the F5 a bit bulky for shooting, especially as a 'fun' camera. Why not an F100, to bring your backup-of-your-backup up to date?
Aside from that, I'd second a Nikonos, since it isn't a redundant addition. Especially if you want to take up scuba (I give you credit for that!)

 

[kshapero]

I had an F4 for awhile. That was a lot of fun but heavy.

 

[lueej]

looking for a cheap nikonos? this has been sitting on my local CL for a while (no affiliation)

I've been tempted, but decided I need more film than cameras.

you've also got a keeper if she's the one buying you the camera, ha!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Nikonos!

Cheers,

R.

 

[KevinVH]

Well I've taken a look at the F100 too, but if I'm buying any film camera, I would like to go bulky. I have big hands and don't mind walking around with a heavier camera. I've always wanted to know what a pro body with an integrated grip feels like.

Since I live in Ecuador, I have to get everything send to me to a PO box I've got in Miami, and then the national Ecuadorian post puts it through customs and sends it to me, so buying from a local store is a little bit harder. If I'm going for a Nikonos I want one that's recently serviced, since I might be using it for swimming. Also an extra set of O-rings and gel should be included. Although I will use it above water most of the time, i want it to be in top condition waterproof wise.

I guess an F5 would survive a downpour too. Really hard. Aren't there any people who want to sell me an F5 or Nikonos for 125 dollars, so I can buy both. Problem solved!

For my birthday offcourse!

 

[KevinVH]

I just picked up an f5 for 175. It's awesome

You could also get a good leica r from Keh in this price range

your name is Nikonos guy and you're recommending the other cameras?😀 I wouldn't buy the Leica R because my lenses don't fit and I'm not looking into buying into another system..

 

[grandallj]

The F5 will rock with your G lenses. I shoot mine with the 24-70/2.8 and it's a dream if you don't mind the size & weight.

 

[KevinVH]

I don't. Now I just have to find a reasonable priced one in good condition! Nobody here is selling theirs?

 

[KevinVH]

OK so I've been thinking a while, and since I have the F2, and would like to own from an F to and F5 someday, maybe I could find a nice nikon F and F3 for less then an F5 or Nikonos, so I checked and on KEH I found a Nikon F and F3 for 200 including shipping. I just don't trust the F with FTN that's supposed to be working for 69 dollars. Both cameras have the BGN rating, which means they should be brassed up and stuff, but still, a Nikon F with working FTN meter for 70 bucks, and an F3 working but also in BGN state for 115 doesn't sound quite right to me?

 

[B-9]

You can trust KEH, their bargain is most eBay sellers excellent. Also both F and F3 are very common used, prices are at an all time low.

 

[KevinVH]

But they state a Nikon F with a non functioning FTN meter for 4 dollars less. Seams very weird, I'll mail them what can be done if the items aren't in the mentioned state, since sending them back isn't an option since I live on another continent.

if anyone has some more advice I'd love to hear it. What would you guys do? The F and F3 for 200 bucks, or the F5 for 280?

 

[santino]

F3 but I don't know your lens collection.

 

[KevinVH]

Well I just have an AI-s 50 F2, that came with my Nikon F2, so nothing special. I would like to collect and use the cameras. My pro lenses include 14-24; 24-70, 105 micro and 85 1.4

 

[KevinVH]

ok so a little update. I was having trouble ordering from KEH with my prepaid creditcard. so after nearly an entire morning of trying some solutions I just ordered the Nikon F with FTN for 69 dollars. I'll get the F3 later. I just hope that the meter is working. I was looking at the plain prism to, to get maybe later but damn. That's just soo expensive!