Nikon F5 camera...

[J A Mortram]

Has anyone here ever owned one?... From my research its got a reputation as being the best 35mm ever made... ever!... but I'd love some feedback from a real owner... after seeing the prices on ebay, I'm thinking of saving all my pennies and hoping for getting one come christmas... if it gets endorsed by the good folks here at WPF of course = )

[Alex1994]

Ffordes have one at 300 pounds, body only, working order with 6 month guarantee. For something that's been labeled the best 35mm film camera ever made I'd say that's a pretty good bargain. Make sure to get some good lenses as well!

[J A Mortram]

Thanks for the tip off Alex... its going to take me about 7-8 months to save though hehe!

[Alex1994]

Are you sure you want the best? Bear in mind you'll have to sacrifice a lot of portability and subtlety, that thing is absolutely huge.

[J A Mortram]

Yeah, I've been thinking about this for over a year Alex, I need a good strong reliable Nikon that will work with my Nikon lenses for magazine/competition/book submissions... the F5 has come way down in price so it seems like a good option : )

[Alex1994]

For published work you may want a (dare I say) digital Nikon. It'll be so much more convenient than scanning stuff.

Failing that, the F5 is the best 35mm film Nikon around.

[J A Mortram]

Thanks Alex...

I use a D200 now... but something like a D3X or even a D700 is out of my price range... I've got lots of darkroom experience so printing is no problem for me... and from experience I'm finding many mags, blogs, fanzines and books are really "turned on" by images shot with film... so in order to up my hit rate with specialist press I am looking to shoot 50 per cent film and 50 percent digital 35mm and some medium format film too : )

[Alex1994]

Originally Posted by J A Mortram

Thanks Alex...

I use a D200 now... but something like a D3X or even a D700 is out of my price range... I've got lots of darkroom experience so printing is no problem for me... and from experience I'm finding many mags, blogs, fanzines and books are really "turned on" by images shot with film... so in order to up my hit rate with specialist press I am looking to shoot 50 per cent film and 50 percent digital 35mm and some medium format film too : )

That's good to hear...murmurs of a slight comeback?

Anyway, I'm sure you'll be fine with the F5 in that case, maybe warn your orthopedist in advance :-P

[Don Hoey]

Originally Posted by J A Mortram

... if it gets endorsed by the good folks here at WPF of course = )

Well you really cannot go wrong with that one Jim. In fact if I was in the market for an A/F film camera then the F5 would be the one.

Thing to remember is that a lot of those on the market will be heavily used ex pro machines.

Two things to think about there.
1) Possible shutter replacement. Check with Mark what that would cost.
2) Check the lens mounting flange. I have seen some ex pro kit that have had heavy long lenses hanging from them over an extended period, and the lens flange is just plain worn out. Once again check pricing for possible replacement with Mark.
As always with this type of kit, the higher priced ones will likely be ex amateur owned, so will have little wear and tear.

Other than that I they are tough beasts and I think you will be seriously impressed.

Of course a lesser cost alternative probably closer in spec to your D200 would be the F100. Maybe I should check out the differences and list them. Must have brochures somewhere . Then again if you do go for an F5 it will become your primary camera so maybe I should not.

Don

[Don Hoey]

Originally Posted by Alex1994

................. Failing that, the F5 is the best 35mm film Nikon around.

Forgetting the F6 then Alex.

Two different beasts actually. The F5 was the last true system camera but in other respects the F6 is newer and has optional battery grip.

Links to Mir that detail each model
F5 http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography...onF5/index.htm
F6 http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography...onF6/index.htm
Don