So ... Just how good is the Nikon F6?

The F5 is the same rough size as the D1, D2, D3 series of Nikon cameras - so its big. For me though if size isn't an issue but AF is; then I wouldn't buy another film SLR. I too was intrigued by the thought of an F6 but decided against it on the basis of already having the F5 and only using the Nikon film cameras for specific reasons ie. the AF system or the need to shoot on a long lens and on film.

I bet the F6 is an improvement on the F5, but if you don't need to spend the money on it when an F5 ( or indeed an F100 ) may do the job.

If you've got an Ultron 35mm 1.2 you don't want and you want an F5 I'm sure we could thrash out a deal....though you would be far better off getting a body used in a studio or by a keen amateur with a desire to look after their kit:eek:
 
OurManInTangier said:
The F5 is the same rough size as the D1, D2, D3 series of Nikon cameras - so its big. For me though if size isn't an issue but AF is; then I wouldn't buy another film SLR. I too was intrigued by the thought of an F6 but decided against it on the basis of already having the F5 and only using the Nikon film cameras for specific reasons ie. the AF system or the need to shoot on a long lens and on film.

I bet the F6 is an improvement on the F5, but if you don't need to spend the money on it when an F5 ( or indeed an F100 ) may do the job.

If you've got an Ultron 35mm 1.2 you don't want and you want an F5 I'm sure we could thrash out a deal....though you would be far better off getting a body used in a studio or by a keen amateur with a desire to look after their kit:eek:
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As they say ... "You will only get my 35mm 1.2 if you take it from my cold dead hands!"

:p
 
Like you, i'm still on the fence on wheather to get an F6. I already have 2 F5s, and recently picked up an F4.

My 2 cents would be: If you love matrix metering/love shooting ZF/AIS lenses, then the F6 is for you. I hear the metering alone is reason to get the body.

Size, yeah, the F6 is a beefed up version of the F100, but at almost 5 times the price. :(

However, an F`s and F, and after seeing most of my friend's 1d mark X die on top of half dome/in terrible conditions while my F5/D1x kept on ticking, i think it's worth the $ and weight.

If you're however on a budget, try looking at the F4. All the knobs and whistles a nikon nerd would ever want, and matrix (though older version) metering for ALL post auto nikon lenses. :)
 
About the size and feel of a D200/D300. No manual operation. Lighter than the F5. Superb metering. Data logging on film.

Re: F100, used one, don't own one. Excellent camera for its price. The batteries give up without warning. No mirror l/u. But excellent value.
 
Keith, a Nikon F100 or F90 would be an inexpensive way to get into the system and decide if it's what you want. Any Nikon AF lenses you buy would be compatible (I think) with an F6 if you decide to upgrade down the road.
 
F6 Pros: Compact, sealed, metering, 5.5 FPS. full frame VF, ergonomics, provides full data set. Pro caliber. Batteries go forever when using MF lenses.

Cons: None.

Closet competitior: F5 (nice, but heavy).
 
"Nikon F100 or F90 would be an inexpensive way to get into the system"

LOL. This would be like pitting a pussycat next to a Lion.
 
35mmdelux said:
"Nikon F100 or F90 would be an inexpensive way to get into the system"

LOL. This would be like pitting a pussycat next to a Lion.
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It all depends how you want to use it. I think Martin Parr still uses the F90, I used to use them before I went to F5 bodies. They're smaller but noisier and slower (AF wise) than the F5 but a fine camera for the time.
 
I've begun regretting getting rid of my F100. I could find myself buying another one, though I keep telling myself that anything I'd use it for would be better off shot on digital anyway.
 
The F100 uses the same AF module as the F5, so AF should be about the same. I shot my F100 in rain, muck and windy sand blown weather with not a flinch. I even had to change lenses a couple of times. Its a beautiful camera, and for the price I don't think the F6 can touch it. In terms of capability - the F6 is a whole lot of camera. If you do flash photography, the F6 is ITTL, so you can use the SB900, it has more weather sealing, more AF points, a better matrix metering system that is compatible with AIS lenses and is the top of line pro camera and is built as such. it comes at a price however. I've never used the F6, only an F5 and my F100.
 
Nikon F6 is a unique camera.
It is the 35mm absolute top perfection.
There is noting like it.
Just try it.
Best regards,
Michael
 
Another vote for the F100. IF you're only going to be using it for these certain occasions you've mentioned, save your money. You can get an F100 and a bunch of lenses for the same price of an F6 body. You can use normal AA batteries or pick up the battery grip and use AA or rechargeable NiCAD.
Forget the F90. They aren't significantly cheaper than F100 but the focus sucks in comparison. However despite the cheaper looking covering, they are actually tougher than the F100.
The F4 with some AF-S lenses would be a good choice too. AF-S lenses will give you fast focusing and you get interchangeable finders, which is a feature they left off the F6.
I would skip the F5 because you can't remove the grip/motor drive to make it lighter.
 
The F6 to me is like an F5 shrunk to the size of an F100, and with some features added (like the recording of shooting data). As owner of an F100 and one F5, I find it difficult to top both. Of course, the sheer weight of the F5 makes it an easy target... but then, there's no other camera as customizable as this one. Three different types of interchangeable viewfinders make the case... :)

The F6 looks positively good... but I'll lie in waiting and get a used one some time in the future.
 
is manual focusing difficult with non-AF lenses on the F6 or F100? i wish my small FM2 had spot metering :(
 
If the metering system in the F6 is anywhere as good as what's in the D700, that alone is worth the price of admission.

I meter by hand 9 out of 10 times, because it is the most accurate way, but I have to say that I am deeply impressed by the current incanation of Nikon's RGB 1005 point matrix metering system. It's uncanningly good...

I wish the F6 had a removeable prism head like the F4/F5, but other than that's it's pretty darn impressive.
 
is manual focusing difficult with non-AF lenses on the F6 or F100?
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I don't remember having a problem on an F100. The focus indicator will work with them, as far as I recall, and the finder is pretty good.
 
I have the F6, as well as the F5, and the F6 is just better. It is the most capable SLR out there, and is a true joy to use. AF system is great, and it tracks action very well. Flash system is fantastic and the built in data back is great. You can also "program" up to 10 MF lenses to allows you to use matrix metering. The VF is just awesome and bright (100% view) with a good layout of displays including a vertical bar graph for exposure in manual mode.

Ergonomics are unmatched (The Leica R8 comes in a close second)

Lenses, you can get a 35mm f2 and 50 f1.8 for a reasonable cost, and the 50 f1.4 is also available. Personally I love the 24-70 f2.8G on this body, but that's pretty big and expensive.

The batteries don't last forever, but since they are CR123's, carrying an extra set isn't too burdensome. I use the EN-EL4a in the grip, but I like the bigger body with my longer lenses.

You won't regret getting this camera (if you can find one). I just love using it.

JCA
 
one more vote for F100. bought one used few years ago, only problem so far has been battery holder rubber sealing which is peeling off, but those are cheap from eBay, e.g #310129650651.

also, if you have to lug it whole day it starts to be a bit pain, dont want to even imagine how F5 would feel :eek:
 
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