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F5 or F6


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7 replies to this topic

#1
Long Exposure

Long Exposure

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Anyone here shooting a F5 or F6?  if so which and why?  Thanks.



#2
Merco_61

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Have you seen the post here about an external site comparing the two?

I never got either of them as I found the F5 too large and heavy for my use, and in 2004 I had already gone digital. I doubt that I would find the F5 heavy or large today after using a DCS760...(a F5 with digital innards from Kodak and a vertical grip that is significantly larger.)



#3
Long Exposure

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Trying to fine one clean and cheap.  It probably doesn't matter to me size wise as I shoot a D3s, a D600 and a D7000.  Any thoughts on the differences besides the size?



#4
Merco_61

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Both meter and AF work more like you're used to in the F6, since they are the D2 systems. 3D colour matrix was a big deal when the F5 was introduced, multiple focus spots too but they are just one generation evolved from the F90X... Another point in favour of the F6 is that with the grip, it uses the old familiar EN-EL4. I still use my old F4E for occasional film use, because it is so compatible with really old lenses.



#5
Bruce65

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I haven't used an F5 but do have an F6. It just feels perfect in my hands, though everyones hands are different. I have heard(read) that the F5's were a favorite of photojournalists and therefore were well used. They will be cheaper than an F6 but they will be more beaten up, with a high shutter count.



#6
cooltouch

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I would love to get an F5 some day. I just took a look over on eBay, and at this moment, there is a good variety of clean F5s for under $300, not including shipping. I would pay extra attention to the sellers from Japan. They tend to have some of the cleanest stuff at competitive prices. I've bought from one of the Japanese sellers in the past and I couldn't be happier with the item I received (a 200mm f/4 lens for Pentax 67).



#7
2017commuter

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Nostalgia drives my desire for the Nikon line of pro F series cameras. I'm not too concerned about the technological advantages of each of the cameras, be it the F5 or F6. I have my digital cameras to satisfy that.

 

I have a F5. I like the size and weight, especially being able to use double AA batteries which are plentiful and will be still around for a while.No worries about searching for hard to find and outdated battery packs. If you want a lighter camera with more motor driven power, I can easily install lithium double AA's like I do on my F4s.

 

Look for a F5 that isn't beaten up. I got mine for less than $300 from an amateur enthusiast who coddled it more than taking pictures with it. 

 

I'm not a die hard film user but using film occasionally gives me a chance to slow down and think more creatively to create images.

 

Ed.



#8
Dogbytes

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I have an F4 and an F5. I don't use either of them anymore.

 

I used to prefer the ergonomics of the F4 and then the mirror box cracked. I never noticed but Fixation discovered it during a service. There weren't any spares available (and this was ten years ago!) so I made myself use the F5.

 

Within weeks it was probably my favourite camera ever - massively strong and very easy to use. The only note of caution I would sound is that only Nikon glass should be used. Nikon fitted a very powerful focus motor to these bodies (maybe in an attempt to keep up with Canon's in-lens focus motors?) and they can tear up aftermarket lenses.

 

As I said, I no longer use it but I do pick it up occasionally. Not too often though - it makes me want to get a D5...