Always looking for answers, I would like to ask you all to reply to this message. Though this might not be realistic, I'm sure there will be lots of proper motivations other than the one I know you've all got hanging around there

Why did you choose Nikon material over Canon, Olympus, Pentax, Minolta, and other brands?

Oh, And I would love to read the serious conciderations that were made, not the "Bo, strip Mike's moderator status. he used the C-, O-, P- and M- words in a single sentence..." =)

I personally went for the weight of the cameras, as I like to know that what I'm holding isn't going to drop anytime soon, in contrast to the Eos series by canon that I tried as well. I recently (recent as in less than 8 hours ago) bought the F80, and traded in my F70. Though it has of course many cool features, and a lovely SPAM dial instead of function keys, there were some conciderations that made the purchase more than a "I've got to get me one" purchase. It is similar to the F100 in some respects, which is nice if I ever want to upgrade (not soon, but eventually). I missed a DOF preview on the F70, which the F80 has, and very important too, the fact that it has an MB-16 (which will arrive in about 2 weeks time.. grr) which I shall also purchase, because aside from the battery function, it does provide me with the grip I want.

When I bought my F70 I wanted maximum zoom for my buck, so I went with the Tamron 28-300, which isn't a small lens (about 22 cm on 300mm) and so I needed the proper counter weight, if not additional grip. At that time, the F80 had been announced, but I NEEDED an SLR, so I got the F70 as a timekiller, and have had great fun with it.

But this is slight sidetracking. The reason, then, why I personally went for Nikon is solidity and weight. Eventhough my camera has a plastic body, it feela more solid than an EOS of comparable level, and weight more (and better), which is a very important criterium for me.

So, everyone, you personal reasons? I would also love to hear about people who moved to Nikon cameras and systems for viewcam and large format. Having no experience in those fields, my curiosity is naturally peaked. =)

Mike

Three reasons:

1. Quality. The cameras and lenses are superb in both optical and build quality terms and so are a worthwhile investment. I don't see any reason why I shouldn't still be using my lenses in 20 years time; the only reason I can't say the same for my D1 is because of the rate of advancement in digital cameras.

2. Compatibility. Rather than switching lens mounts and rendering your expensive collection of lenses unusable - no (manufacturer's) name, no pack-drill - Nikon continue to upgrade the F-mount and retain compatibility with their older lenses.

3. Digital. Nikon are taking digital photography very seriously, and produce absolutely top-notch cameras.

Well, that's how I justify it to everyone else.

Alan.

This discussion should be interesting.

"Take only photographs, leave only footprints"

It shoud be, but it can only be interesting if you tell us why you chose Nikon =)

Why did you go for Nikon equipment?

Mike

LAST EDITED ON Jul-01-00 AT 09:42 PM (GMT)

First of all - never dis the all-important two letters in nikon world: P and M ...

I started off in SLR land with a complete Pentax kit, Spotmatic II, SMC lenses and all the trimmings (including bellows).
So, right off the bat, I was used to a very stable, reliable system. However, recent production from Pentax on the camera side of things left me with a bad taste in my mouth even though my friend had the newest Pentax lenses on the Panaflex cameras he was using in the states.

So, I went out and bought a Nikon F60. I then set it aside for about 6 months before picking it up and going full blown with the F60 and my 28-80 zoom. Over the course of time I realized that its meter was not quite as good as I expected it to be. Nor was I ever thrilled with the plastic build (even though it's internal construction was of magnesium).

While I was with my pentax, I had the oppertunity to try Canon EOS's, 'blads, Mamiyas, Yashicas, Minoltas, and Nikons.

I had previously used Canon A-1's on two occasions. Both suffered from Canon's well known "squeaking shutter" syndrome.

The first time I tried a Nikon, it was actually an F4. After 3 weeks with a borrowed one, I hated it. My second was with an F90X - which I didn't like - too square and didn't sit well in my hands. I dreamed of a camera that had Nikon build quality, with Canon's ergos...

Finally when the F60 came out, it was the first Nikon I enjoyed using. So, after learning every possible shortcoming and piculiarity (including having to replace the whole camera once because the coating on the view-screen began to peel and haze), I stepped up to purchase a more roadworthy camera.

I bought an SB-28 to increase my flash capabilities and then an sc-17 and Stroboframe to hook it all together.

Then I finished University, started working full time and the fun started.

I wanted a camera, that would be built tough, yet easy for an amateur like me to get out and "just do it" rather than fiddling like all my friends do with their Canons. I had a field day when my friend told me he had to spend 4 hours traing the "eye control focus" on his cannon EOS3 before he could even make it work at all.

The F100 was the best thing I could find. I didn't like the F5 from the get go, because I found its controls a little more cumbersome and slow to operate. I almost bought an F70 and then an F80, but those cameras lacked the substantial build of the cheaper F60.

The F100 is so well built, that I didn't really have to read the manual and was able to set up my favourite custom settings in about a minute. I was taking pics at a local trade-show within half an hour of un-boxing the camera body.

I use TWO lenses. A 28-80 3.5-4.5 zoom. and a 70-210 4.5-5.6 barrel zoom. The 28-80 is plastic, cheap and light - works better than any cannon or pentax lense of similar price and is deadly fast at focusing on the f100.

Good enough reasons?


Cheeri'o...
Frankie...

LAST EDITED ON Jul-03-00 AT 04:43 PM (GMT)

Three primary reasons:

1- Nikon has stayed competitive in 35mm camera technology. I switched from Olympus OM equipment last year to gain access to autofocus, something not available with the aged and nearly abandoned (by Olympus) OM system.

2- Nikon is investing in digital technology and their D1 demonstrates their commitment to developing camera bodies that are compatible with their existing 35mm system components. I anticipate buying a digital SLR in two to five years as the performance and price lines intersect at a desireable point for me.

3- I can share equipment with my father, who has some nice lenses like the 105 Micro Nikkor...

Canon was the other system in contention. Canon is clearly the technological innovator compared to Nikon, so their belated entry into the digital arena is surprising. Of course, innovation has its downside. By my reckoning, Canon is more likely to develop digital systems without as much backward compatibility. I'm counting on Canon to make up for its slow start and spur competition that will bring prices down and performance up for digital SLR bodies.

BJ Nicholls
Salt Lake City, Utah

Nikon caught my eye back in 1959 with its Nikon F camera: the first 35mm with interchangeable focusing screens ever, automatic lens diaphragm operation for maximum aperture viewing while the lens was preset to any f/stop, stardarized lens mount, titanium foil shutter curtain, vibration free mirror with lock up capability, built-in self timer, depth of field preview, plus many other features that surpassed the original first 35mm ever made, in Germany (the Exakta).

The pride of ownership, ease of use and understanding has compelled Bo and me to present this site as a humble tribute to:

* the Nikon brand that has given us and so many others so much joy in photography (with rugged bodies to withstand our abuse and amazing lenses in more than one price range)

* the pioneering efforts of all those anonymous engineers who have made, and continue to make extraordinary advances possible within photography (from MF thru AF to RGB metering and more)

* the generous Nikon corporate loyalty to all the users world wide, clearly manifested through the possibility to use nearly any Nikkor® lens on any Nikon camera ever made (specially on my F4s)

Nikon, as against other brands, instead of relying solely on marketing, has produced amazing bodies and lenses and accesories for over 40 decades, not just at the beginning like others, not just at the end like others, not just from time to time, not just for amateurs, not just for pros. Consistency of quality and excellence drive is the Nikon tradition, rewarded with a long list of successes.

Mainly, that's why ........

JRP
Previous photography stuff, before Nikonians and Bo Stahlbrandt: A brief love story at:
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Have a great time
JRP (Founder & Administrator. Nikonian at the north-eastern Mexican desert) Gallery, Brief Love Story, The Team
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I've used almost every make for one reason or another.
BUT.... The reason Nikon IS the best..
1 - Consistent Quality!
2 - Backwards Compatable!!!!!

Look at what the other makers did to switch over to autofocus...
Nikon still DID NOT change the mount. I can use the newest 20-35 f2.8 on my DCS 620 and then use the SAME LENS on my F3 (built in 1984!)

Nikon is here to stay . . . Hop on the wagon or keep buying new lenses everytime the "other" camera makers "improve" the camera bodies!!

Just my 2 cents.... or 50 pfenings..or Euros?

Dixie

PS: Was stationed in Spangdahlem (near Trier) from '88 - '92 .. with a few detours to the SandBox....

One reason could be that Nikon was mentioned in very popular song? Remember Paul Simon? "I have a Nikon camera, I love to take photographs, so mamma don't take my Kodachrome (Fujichrome )away...
Sorry, just couldn't resist.
DD

"Take only photographs, leave only footprints"

"Kodachrome, it gives us those nice bright colors
Gives us the greens of summers
Makes you think all the world's a sunny day, oh yeah!
I got a Nikon camera, I love to take a photograph
So momma, don't take my Kodachrome away..."

-Paul Simon, Kodachrome, from Negotiations And Love Songs 1971-86

JRP
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When I first got interested in photography, I started out by asking people in various stores what SLRs to look into and 4 out of five said Nikon. By this time I had looked into the major players: Nikon, Cannon, Pentax, and Minolta (Leica and Contax were just too expensive). When I asked why Nikon and not C,P,or M, they said (1) because they kept the same lens mount since 1959, (2) you can use just about any lens with any camera, (3) they have a comprehensive lens selection, (4)they're metering and autofocusing gets beter and better.

I wasn't all that interested back then so I said that Pentax also kept the same K-mount and that their manual lenses also worked with the af bodies. True enought but their lenses selection was not as vast as Nikons; Nikon made its own glass; and Nikons' accessories, lenses and bodies created a system.

Taking all this into consideration, I went and bought into the Nikon system. A (then) top of the line N-70 and a fifty 1.8. I then added two zooms: 28-105, 70-300 which didn't break the bank too much. I also added the sb-28 to take advantage of the flash capabilities of the N-70 and an su-4 (because what i really wanted was an sb-26 and those were just discontinued.) I also bought the expensive mc-12a, 10' remote release. Of course, being an architecture student at the time (meaning sleep deprived and broke) I didn't get everything at the same time, just as funds (and my credit card) would allow (not that my wife really knew where all these 'toys' were coming from).

I'm glad I went with the Nikon system; the only other system that I really considered was the Canon Eos system but because they changed their mount when they went af, I went Nikon. Dollar for dollar, Nikon products and accessories are a little bit more expensive than their Cannon counterparts, but I like knowing that when I upgrade my lenses and camera, I can still use my older equipment .

The bottom line for me then, is (1)system compatabilty, (2)lens selection, (3) accesssories and last but not least (4)the Nikon reputation.

Anthony

The Moderator Page and My Gallery
The important things in life are simple; the simple things are hard.

Greetings Nikonians!

I chose Nikon for many of the reasons enumerated here, primarily its extra heft (N60) when compared with its competition. I have to admit being swayed by advertising - but usually this influence is negative. Andre Agassi gets shellacked by Don Imus in straight sets.

Knoclue

And I thought someone would remember the movie "Blowup".
I must be very old.
JRP
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Mike

Lets phrase it another way...Why not, Why not Nikon?

They have been the professional standard for the best part of 40 years and are still viewed as a marker to reliability and performance. Phrases like 'is it as fast as a Nikon' or 'is it as
sturdy as a Nikon' did not come about overnight, it was worked for through hard graft when others decided to take an easier route to profitability. I will not mention any names but when others were trying out do Nikon on the numbers front, it was Nikon folks who were pioneering AF, Matrix metering, fast motordrives, electronic displays, low dispersion glass and so on.
Others did pioneering work too like Minolta but none took the work to the highest professional standards choosing instead to concentrate on mainly enthusiast or consumer markets. Nikon too sold well in these markets but it was always a trickle down approach from the very best, like the F and F5 bodies. I buy Nikon because it is perceived as the best, both in mechanics and optics. Engineering know how, on the other hand, is probably more evenly spreadout amongst rival companies. I buy Nikon because it is a transparent system and allows me to fully concentrate on the task ahead through the use of high quality components like their viewfinder screens and efficient motordrives.

Now, could all pros in the 1950s through to the 1990s and beyond be so wrong? No? So,why not Nikon.

Michael

I fear my answer will (in the best case) disappoint the community: there was not a lot of consideration before the purchase. I always had a slight point on Nikon brand name without particular reasons. When I consciously start the photography (it is another story) the choice was obvious and doubtless. Now I can tell the reasons: RELIABILITY. – It is 1st attribute of Nikon in my mind. And the compatibility with old lenses is also important.

As far as other photo brands are concerned --- I profess here the well-known philosophy “the best gun is the gun you have in the right moment”. The rest is obvious. Sorry for heresy, I really respect Nikon and love my camera

Cheers
Andrey

I think it is hard to deny the history behind the product. How could anyone not buy into the line that gave the world the great images of the '60's, 70's, and beyond. Without trying to offend, there were many good companies in those days... the build and optical qualities of all of the "top 5" were first class... but Nikon fought for the "pro" users and won. Thus the reputation was established.

For me, the best thing about Nikon is that there is the ability to use thousands of lenses out there, of various vintages, on most of the bodies that have ever been built. The latest trend of unusability of AIS lenses on the newer bodies, like the N80 is bothersome. Real optical gems like the 105mm f2.5 can't be experienced by owner's of the new amateur range. In the past, even the lowest Nikkormat was a stepping stone into the "Nikkor" club. The image is made by the glass... not the metal.

Lastly, with the battery dependance of most new cameras, Nikon is the only line that allows you to buy a brand new in the box fully mechanical camera that allows you to use any auto focus lens... talk about reassuring. Spend some time in Alaska in the winter, and the FM2 may be the body that gets the shot after your batteries get hyperthermia. How can any company call themselve a professional system if they don't offer this advantage? Answer... they can't! Sorry C****, M*****, P*****...

Why Nikon? Well, when I was starting in photography, that was what my father and uncle had, so I could use their lenses when I didn't have what I wanted. I stayed with Nikon because of professional support. Virtually any city you're in, you can rent Nikon equipment. While Canon has leveled the field in this area, it hasn't always been so.

In addition, the newspaper I work for is strictly Nikon, so I need to have access to the big glass that I can't afford on my own. When it comes right down to it, all the manufactures make good equipment. But Nikon has never let me down, so why change a good thing?

Frank

When I was looking for a camera, my dad told me the answer to the question "What sort of camrea do you own?" is "A Nikon... of course."
It made sense to me as he was a wedding photographer for 20-something years and I was not too cluey. Works for me, I've never had a problem.

When I was looking for a camera, my dad told me the answer to the question "What sort of camrea do you own?" is "A Nikon... of course."
It made sense to me as he was a wedding photographer for 20-something years and I was not too cluey. Works for me, I've never had a problem.

When I started taking a photography class as my design major requirement, a friend who used to shoot advised the Nikon FM2n. He said that this camera was the camera that made Nikon famous.

Well later I learn that cameras like Nikon F and FTn did great jobs, but I do believe I love and respect Nikon for its manual cameras.

The world of photography started with manual cameras. And most of the over-50 years old manual cameras are still working great to take photos (type speed graphic in search engine and see what I mean). I think manual cameras will always have a room in photographer's heart. Its status and bodies seem to be unbreakable. Nikon's manual cameras are all build like tanks, have the great traditions of manual camera: ease of handling, no non-sense, etc. In a way, it is like a living art piece! While I cannot believe other companies simply do not see this as something important.

And even thought I read bunch of flaming and reasonable arguements over the net on Canon and Nikon, I believe in terms of manual camera production and *supports,* Nikon is better than any thing Japanese companies out there . If I get a Nikon FM2n that built 17 years ago, it is very likely to serve me for many decades to come. This kind of work and commitment are hard to find in this fast changing world with new products everyday. And I think the Nikon's support for manual cameras should be recognized, especially in those heated flame wars where AF speed seems to be the only thing people care about ^__^


Henry

-----
a californian's {quest in} new york:
http://www.zucken.com

and my photo site:

http://www.weddingsconcept.com

Henry,

I've seen you often in other site advocating the FM2. I know what it is like to be called a dinosaur also, so keep doing what is right for you.

I am a manual type of guy, and there are several others in here also... so welcome aboard, and don't be shy.

Al Smith

Henry and Al,

may I enter the subcommunity?
I also prefer fully manual cameras when the subject alows.
Even though it is not always Nikon.

If yes the Dinosaur III is at your service!

Cheers
Andrey

C'mon guys,

you got me thinking about setting up a Nikonians Dinosaur forum

Seriously, you're not a sub-community here. Granted, lots of folks use AF stuff, me included, but Nikon wouldn't be what it is today if it wouldn't be strong in the manual section too.

I am often impressed when I see all these great shots done with an FM2 or whatever else. Sort of getting back to the roots of what photography is really all about.

To all of you Dinosaurs: Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us "youngsters". This place is a good place due to that we all bring in different views and experience.

Show the rest what's in and about your stuff - You know the gallery is open

Thanks for being around.

Bo (Nikonian in the Black Forest/Germany)
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Hey Al, Andrey, and Bo: Thanks for replying the post! Photography is fun, sure enough. I guess I like the dials and the feeling of in control when using a manual camera. And its construction, too!

Different cameras have their own uses and situations, but it seems that many people entering photography today will end up getting an lower-end AF with a 35 - 70 mm f4-5.6 zoom But I feel quite lucky that I enter with a manual camera. Now whenever I think of taking pics I think of the metering, what and what I should meter, how much difference will a half or full stop made on this white or gray area, etc...
Sometimes I think an AF will make it easier, but then it will spare me the fun of the zonesystem and things like that. Hehe.


Happy shooting.
Henry

-----
a californian's {quest in} new york:
http://www.zucken.com

and my photo site:

http://www.weddingsconcept.com

Phil McOrmond
I am just new to the site so please bear with me.
I chose Nikon almost by accident, I was looking for a graduation present for my daughter this spring. We spent hours looking at the new auto focus cameras out on the market (well I spent hours)and we went around to many dealers looking at Canon elan 7's and Nikon F60's - while dreaming about an F80.
We (I) coundn't decide between the Elan and the F60 so we went to our favourite dealer out here in Victoria and tried to get him to help. He also showed us a used FM2N in lovely shape and my daughter had to have it over the more modern units. I was quite surpriced to say the least!
THe FM2 has been her constant companion since purchase and she has shot many good pictures with it. Her old camera which finally gave up the ghost was a Miranda EE we had given her several yeaars ago but was now unrepairable at any reasonable price.
I was really impressed with build quality of the FM2N and the features that it had.
Since that time I have purchsed another Nikon (N2000)- also used plus several lenses. I like going into cameras stores and finding usually several lense that will work on the older Nikons and still be able to work on a newer one - if I should ever get a newer type unit.
The only other factor that might have had a bearing on the Nikon decision was that I used a Nikon F with a F1.2 lense many years ago. I was working in University to doing some close-up work with lasers and such and I remember the camera was very well built at the time.
Any way I enjoy this group and I hope to contribute as I can.
regards,
Phil

I bought my first SLR camera about 5 months ago. I chose an FM2N with a f/1.4 50mm Nikkor. Last month I added a Nikkor f/2.8 24mm to my arsenal. I am having a ball learning all about using a fully manual camera. I absolutly love it! I owe it all to Nikon. (and Kodachrome 25)

Proud to be a new (total manual) Nikonian!

I bought my first SLR camera about 5 months ago. I chose an FM2N with a f/1.4 50mm Nikkor. Last month I added a Nikkor f/2.8 24mm to my arsenal. I am having a ball learning all about using a fully manual camera. I absolutly love it! I owe it all to Nikon. (and Kodachrome 25)

Proud to be a new (total manual) Nikonian!

I bought my first SLR camera about 5 months ago. I chose an FM2N with a f/1.4 50mm Nikkor. Last month I added a Nikkor f/2.8 24mm to my arsenal. I am having a ball learning all about using a fully manual camera. I absolutly love it! I owe it all to Nikon. (and Kodachrome 25)

Proud to be a new (total manual) Nikonian!

I bought my first SLR camera about 5 months ago. I chose an FM2N with a f/1.4 50mm Nikkor. Last month I added a Nikkor f/2.8 24mm to my arsenal. I am having a ball learning all about using a fully manual camera. I absolutly love it! I owe it all to Nikon. (and Kodachrome 25)

Proud to be a new (total manual) Nikonian!

1. I got my first photographic experience with my fathers Nikkormat, so when I was to get my own it felt natural to get a Nikon. First a EM, later a FE2 (oh! what a nice camera - alas! I sold it) then a F70D and a F4, both of which I still have.

2. I can share lenses with my brother (who now has the Nikkormat, our father turned to the Dark Side of The Force (C*))

3. I can use any (?) lens Nikon ever made

4. A Nikon just feels right in my hands!

No other reasons needed!
Thomas - a Dane in Spain

LAST EDITED ON Aug-15-00 AT 03:30 PM (GMT)

Actually, I am leaning, not yet made the decision to buy into Nikon. The last time I was involved in photography was 10+ years ago with a Canon A1. (So if you convince me to go Nikon, maybe this qualifies you for the CoolPix contest!)

At any rate, I have been scouring the www and mags to re-educate myself and obsess over what to buy. I was pretty settled on the EOS 5 (and fantasizing about L-lenses.) But, am now considering the advantages of Nikon N90s: But is it worth an extra $250.00 usd and that does not include the cost of the back (another approx $200.00 usd) for auto-bracket and multiple exposures.

Reasons I would go Nikon:
Spot Metering, Flash system, backward compatible (to a point!)

Reasons Not to:
L-lenses
Do I really need to spend that much on the body


The others (pentax, minolta, et al) did not seem to have as robust a system either new or used, so I discounted them.

So go ahead - convince me!

Thanks

Adam

Hi Adam,

and welcome to Nikonians

You're not a Nikonian yet? And you're not sure if Nikon is the right thing... Hmmm... What are you doing here?

Seriously: What kind of shots do you take?

Answer to your question: Photography tends to cost some - Especially your own time. Compared to your own time, the equipment is peanuts. You don't get good stuff for nuttin.
Secondly, good lenses are expensive, no matter manufacturer.

Bo (Nikonian in the Black Forest/Germany)
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LAST EDITED ON Aug-15-00 AT 11:08 PM (GMT)

Holding a Canon A1 body in my hands right now, I notice it's a very MF type camera, so the L-lenses it accepts are MF set by you too I assume =)

You can buy adapter rings that fit old MF F-lenses on a Nikon (or pentax or minolta), so it's no longer a concideration in the USE of the L-lenses or not, but rather the effect the adapter ring will have on the image quality. Which shouldn't be noticably anything, plus such a ring is a one-time purchase to fit ALL your F-lenses.

of course, you can then only use them in MF mode, but if you're used to having an A1... that's not much of a problem. (I shoot about half my pictures in MF myself, and I have an AF lens =). if that isn't enoug.. well.. Nikon has of course an extreme wide variety of lenses should you want to use the AF on an F90x (N90s) from tiem to time... =)

on the cost of the body: cost is of the body is a one time thing. $250 for that difference in feel that make you feel more confident when shooting is worth at least twice that! (and probably, even more =)

Also, note the difference in weight and weight balance on the EOS 5 and Nikon N90s. I pefer the nikon, because it just feels more "solid" to me. While the choice now seems to be budget wise (by clever elimination of the lens problem) I'd say go with your gut. and it's whispering "Nikon" =)

Mike

As a beginner with SLR cameras, I checked out quite a few and ended up with the N60. The Rebel 2000 had good features but felt like it was made by hasbro. The Minolta HTsi was the only real contender. The Nikon had it beat in build and heft. I am 6'4" with fairly large hands and the N60 was the only one in the price range that felt usable to me. I was using my Father-in-law's old Nikon EM and he has a F100 I went with the Nikon. I have not been disappointed yet (except for the fact that if I held up a few months I could have got the N65 which has a few more features to play with). I'm hoping to get good enough to move up to a N90 in a year or two, but for now the N60 is a great camera.

Jim,

If I didn't welcome you yet - Welcome to Nikonians!

Congrats on your camera. The built quality is one of the reasons why Nikon is such a good camera.

Bo (Nikonian in the Black Forest/Germany)
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Hello, I chose Nikon because of the FM2n. It's fully mechanical and not dependant on battery power except for the light meter.

I switched from Minolta about six years ago. My Minolta cameras and lenes took great pictures. In fact I still sell a few of the pictures. The problem with the camera I had, 700si, was that I could not depend on it. It would go through batteries quickly, the top display would blank out and often times the vertical grip wouldn't make the connection. At the time I didn't have the funds to buy a second camera.

I picked Nikon based solely on the name and that was what the real pros were using. I have not regreted my move. My cameras, N90s' and now two F100s have been prefect, except for my first N90s which didn't do well underwater. Also I love Nikkor lenes.

I can complain like the next person about Nikon this or that but, the bottom line is I can depend on my Nikon equipment. I like the wieght and metal bodies. I'm very impressed with my F100. For me it has just the right controls. I'm not overwelmed with technology that sounds great in the store but, doesn't have a practical use in the field.

Another reason to pick Nikon is when I sell a body or lens to upgrade to better equipment I get a fair price. The equipment holds it value. Plus, renting Nikon glass is a lot easier than trying to find Minolta stuff.


Scott Fraser
Canyon Photography
Environmental Photojournalism

I had used Minolta Camera's for years to include an old Minolta XK that performed flawlessly until it fell 300 feet from a helicopter on to a MUST unit.(Combat Support Hospital inflatable tent). It did great.. bounced 3 times and then broke. I needed a camera that was built like that camera. After having used many different brands and gone through the trials and tribulations of poor performances, I found the F5 to be that camera.. Built like a tank. Not to mention their glass is superb and the service has always been excellent.

I can honestly say that I use my F5's more than I use my medium format gear simply because I can always count on them working.

I checked this interesting item a bit too late, but anyhow here are my reasons.

When in '96 I decided my old Olympuses were to be pensioned, I looked for a camera system that let me buy:
1) a brand new full manual camera, with dial controls and metal body, because that is the kind of camera I like to use;
2) lenses of excellent quality both optical and mechanical, whatever the focal lenght I decided to buy;
3) decent prices, easy availability and servicing, good chances of seeing the product I was buying still on the market after years.
Possible answers were: Canon F1n; Contax S2; Leica R6.2; Nikon FM2n; Olympus OM3; Pentax LX.
The Canon FD system was evidently going out of production, plus I thought the F1n was too much complicated; Contax and Leica had overly expensive lenses, that would impair me to have a complete setup to fit my needs; Nikon was all right, with a good reputation and a full line of AI-s manual lenses; Olympus had an impossible camera body price; Pentax manual lenses lineup was showing incomplete.
The only real competitor then was the Olympus system; it would even have let me use some of my old lenses; but I was not liking the idea of purchasing a new, expensive camera when the manufacturer was no more taking care of the 35 mm. reflex camera market, plus I was not too happy with my old Olympuses' reliability.
So it was Nikon, and in the following years it proved to be the best choice. More, when I understood that I could safely buy reliable used cameras and lenses for a very low price, and when I got to know what a nice camera the F3 is, it got even better.

Geo

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JRP
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Heheheh...I'm sorry... when I saw that I just had to laugh...

These are cameras, not religion...

Cheeri'o...
Frankie...

Frankie:
You are so right
They have made a religion to care for their customers.
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JRP
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Oh boy.....

Actually, this easy for me...

One reason..because nobody makes UW housings for either an EOS-3 or EOS-1v.

As a diver who is getting back into the sport and UW photography with a vengence, I quickly relalized that nobody made a housing for any Canon camera beyond an A2e.

At first, I was furious, but soon realized that with the Nikonos and its history, I should not be surprised.

That anger soon gave way to calm acceptance that if I wanted to do UW photography SERIOUSLY, I had to go with a housed Nikon SLR.

So, it was a choice between a F100 and F5. I heard so many great things about the RGB color matrix that I decided to go with the F5. Well, as I opted for the DA30 ActionFinder, I found out that the RGB clor would not function with the DA30. Well, I was then seriously looking again at the F100, unitl I was told by a number of people that the loss of the RGB Color meter underwater was a small loss compared to the tremendous improvement in underwater viewing achieved by the DA30.

So, here I am with Nikon, and no, this is not intended to sound bummed.. I will still hang on to my EOS-1v and my Canon lens. I will try the F5 topside against the EOS-1v, and I am very aware of, and comfortable with, the fact that I may never go back to Canon. Thank goodness for eBay, if needed.

And if I ever hear an official confirmation from Nikon that more VR lenses are coming, especially in the big telephoto series, then it may indeed be goodbye to Canon....but not until...

Yes, I know that many great pictures were taken with long telephotos before IS and VR, but the pictures coming out with IS (nobody has seen any pics with the new 80-400mm VR yet) are pretty stunning.

The pictures taken by Art Morris, with the big 600IS and a 2X converter are stunning......I saw a large number of his Fuji Provia RDPIII slides in Austin at Art's booth during the NANPA convention last January....

So, maybe Nikon will fill out thier catalog with some more VR lenses!!!!!! PLEASE !!!!!!!!

Looking forward to using my F5!!!!

my $.02 worth......

Mark

Mark, an Austin Nikonian

After years of using a point-and-shoot (including recently an older model Canon ELPH APS) cameras, my wife and I decided it was time for our first SLR camera (aww, isn't that cute). seriously, we know basically NOTHING about real photography and are very excited to learn.

Choices: Nikon or Canon. Father-in-law has had a Canon for years and loves it, has no problems. sister's boyfriend also. BUT: my father is now an excellent amateur photographer (using Adobe photoshop, printing his own prints, etc) and has always had a Nikon. Had an F5, got rid of it for the F100, hated that and went back to the F5. Selfishly, I figure I can learn much more from him than the others (esp. since father-in-law is out of state) and can borrow many lenses from him as well (and get hand-me-downs too!)

Plus I like the professionalism of Nikon in general and the Nikon users I've met in forums such as this. I believe Nikon is the correct choice, both for pros and amateurs. Looking forward to using my new N65 when I get it soon, and going to Nikon school!

will keep you all posted.

Hi everybody! I did a mistake and sent this message directly to Mikepoison, so I have to repeat it. Sorry.
I think that to decide "which equipment to buy?" is very difficult. The manufacturers in the same price give you nearly the same quality. Before I went on Nikon I tried out some SLRs of the big manufacturers like Canon,Minolta and Pentax. Finaly I decided to get Nikon, here is why:
1. Nikon bodies are heavy, so they balances well in my hands.
2. The pro bodies made from metal.
3. Nikon does the technical investment not as fast as Canon, so I feel my actual body "modern" for longer time.
4. Compatibility with older lenses.
5. When I take an amateur body (for ex. F65) in my hands I feel it more professional than bodies of other manufacturers.

(sorry for my english)
Jani

I went for a F-301 (N2000 in the US) 10-15 yeards ago in France because a photographer reommended it to me and one of my other friend has one as well. I tought we could use/share commons lenses.

I bought a N80 about 2 months ago. This time I went ofr Nikon becasue i already owned 3 lenses (50 mm, 28-80 and 70-300) and it make sense in my mind not to have to buy a complete new set of lenses and continue to share with my older body.

I hesitated between N60 and N80 and went for the lates for a couple of reasons:
- release cable
- multi-exposure
- grid in the viw finder
- lighter weight
- ...

I feel a bit weird now as I was hoping to take my camera underwater and there is no much choice regarding housing for this particular model.

Laurent

I have used Olympus for years, I also have some Pentax slrs and even a C*N*N F1. But I love my Nikon F3s and the lenses are just without compromise. I can have any camera that I want and so choose Nikon because they feel so damn good. Call that "gut" feeling, nothing to do with lens tests and whos camera is the best. I don't worry about hi tech and AF stuff to much either. Just what feels best in my hands.

In or around 1975, my Canons were stolen and my wife bought me a xmas present Nikon F2 along with a 105 2.5 and 50 mm fl.8. I never looked back. The f2 is the ultimate "tank" design. AFter the F2 was stolen around in the early 80's, insurance replaced it with the F3, which I used everyday w/o a single problem until 2000. Traded the F3 on the F100. Meanwhile, all my old nikon lenses continued to be fit the newer bodies--including the N70.
I still have and use the original 50 1.8 and the 105 2.5.

Also, Nikon -- like Leica and Sinar--has a reputation for being the best. Nikon is a player in the history of 35mm photography in last 40 years.I never "wish" I could "move up to the best." I"ve got it.

Nikon has a 'special' feel to its products.

That's what makes me stay with them.

Excellence in their professional products, compatibility and service availability are compelling reasons for using nikon.

It's the 'mercedes' of cameras i think.

Take only photographs and leave only footprints

Hi Mendis and welcome to Nikonians!
Yes, you've got the drift Have fun around here!

Bo (Nikonian in the Black Forest/Germany)
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I've been fascinated by 35mm SLR cameras since 1975, when I bought my first one, a Canon FTb. Over the years I acquired two more Canons, an A-1 and a New F-1.

Eventually, I began to realize these cameras were in the shop almost as much as they weren't. The New F-1, Canon's best effort at a super-SLR to compete with the Nikon F3, was supposed to have a 100,000-cycle shutter. One day, while it was practically brand-new (but no longer under warranty), mine froze up for no reason. I couldn't get it unjammed, and, when I took it in for repair, it needed a whole new shutter.

The A-1 was repaired 3 times for the infamous Canon shutter squeak. I finally decided to get new cameras, and, since Canon's then-new EOS system was incompatible with my growing collection of FD lenses, I realized there was no reason for me to continue in the Canon line, as it had no future.

I began a search to find the "perfect" camera for me. It turned out to be the Pentax LX, whose design was so similar to the Canon New F-1 that I began the search again. I came up with the Nikon FE2, a camera I still admire greatly, but no longer own.

I found the Nikons of the late 70s and early 80s to be superior in many ways to their Canon counterparts. All of these cameras were being downsized under pressure from the Olympus OM series. Canon's A-series was still rather bulkyby comparison; for example, the standard filter size was 55mm rather than Nikon's 52mm. The Canons were all fitted with horizontally-travelling, cloth focal plane shutters which maxed out at 1/1000 and 1/60 X-sync, even as Nikon's metal shutters began their climb to 1/4000 with a 1/250 sync speed. No Canon camera offered TTL flash metering, even while Nikons such as the FE2 had not only that, but center-weighted fill flash. Nevertheless, while Canon sold millions of the A-series SLRs, I still believe Nikon's offerings were superior.

Anyway, I wound up with that FE2, and eventually, an FM2n, an N8008s, and recently, an F4s. I was initially afraid that
Nikon's lenses wouldn't be up to my Canon standard, but that fear turns out to have been unwarranted. (Say what you want about Canon, they make some unbelieveably sharp lenses!) I once was the world's greatest Canon fan, but that fervor has been successfully and completely transferred to Nikon!

Steve

P.S. Well, ALMOST completely -- I still have the Canon FTb! The only Canon that wasn't constantly breaking down on me.

Steve,

Welcome to Nikonians and thanks for this nice, personal intro!

I've not been around shooting as much as you've, but for the last +10 years I have been relying on my Nikons and they have never let me down.

Wishing you fun around here!

Bo (Nikonian in the Black Forest/Germany)
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Quality and reliability. I shot Pentaxes for 20 years; i loved them because the were so light. Nikon 'bombproofness' impressed me though. I made the change about a decade ago. I'm still attracted to the lighter of two fairly equal cameras. I can easily afford an F5, but it really impressed me as being too heavy a camera; I bought an F100 instead and I'm happy with it.
Keith D. Smith

K. D. Smith, Jr.
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Hi Keith and welcome to our small community of Nikon users!

I had a Pentax ME Super for many years. Really loved that little fellow, but Pentax has left many of their users in the rain, not being capable of following up on their once great line of bodies and lenses - Really too bad.

I use the F5 *a lot* and really, it's not *that* heavy I really think that my 80-200 is pretty heavy, and it doesn't change weight, no matter on which body it's mounted

The F100 is indeed a classy body. Feel free to post some pics on the forums.

Bo (Nikonian in the Black Forest/Germany)
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I "got into" Nikon when I decided I needed SLR viewing (I'm talking 1960) for framing accuracy and "long lens" (135mm) focus accuracy. Soon added a second F (and paid for the Photomic T finder so I wouldn't need to use a hand-held meter). Over the years, I've added 3 F2's, 3 F3's and lenses. As far as "durable", I usually "kill" 3 bodies a year (they are "only" good for ~50,000 cycles - except the F5: 150,000 life expectancy). Obviously, I shoot a LOT of film. But that's what I do for a living. I'd have to win the lottery to "switch" systems
(16 bodies, 29 lenses). Why would I want to switch? I like Nikon. I trust Nikon. I always have "back-up/spare" everything but have only had to use it when "the one in my hand died" (and that only happens a few times a year).

When my son was leaving for college 15 years ago, he asked me for "a good camera. Not one of your Nikon's because you have to get them fixed". I explained that 50,000 exposures is around a 24 exposure roll every week for 40 years. It's only a tool that I use.

Timothy:
Please feel very welcome here.
We the romantics need from time to time the balance of the seasoned pro. Your experience and knowledge will be much appreciated here. Thanks for being here with us.
Have a great time
JRP (Nikonian at the north-eastern Mexican desert)
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To be perfectly honest, I ended up with Nikon by accident. My first SLR was a Minolta X-700. It was a woderful little camera. At least for the month or so I owned it. It was stolen when my car was broken into. My next camera was a Pentax SF-7. This one was not so great. At the time (1987) Nikon cameras were quite expensive. I thought only pros could afford one. Being an Airman in the Air Force stationed in Germany, I was not exactly rich either. In 1988 when the FA was discontinued the BX had a huge sale. A brand new Nikon FA body for less then $300. I could not resist and got one. 13 years later, after being dragged thru the Saudi Desert during the Gulf War and many other adventures, it still works! I was perfectly happy with it until about six months ago. My boy who is now two years old, was starting to get really mobile. I just could not keep up with his antics with the FA. So, I was in the market for a new autofocus camera. I tryed all the usual brands/models, but settled for the F-100. The reasons being:
1) I like the feel of metal,
2) I can use all the lenses I have for my FA,
3) My FA never let me down, I believe the same kind of craftsmanship went into the F-100.
I guess I would consider my experience a lucky accident.

Tom R

My first real camera was a Canon AE-1 which I used for many years (and still do on occasion). Canon (and I understand the necessity of this) then changed mounts when the EOS line was released. After seeing the direction they were heading I switched systems and bought a new 8008s. A year or two later I switched back to the A2E, then to the N90s and and F4s. I sold the N90s and also bought an EOS 3 mainly because I was travelling and doing quite a bit of wildlife photography and I had a good need for the quiet and fast USM lenses. I then sold the 3 and bought and F5 because the Nikon really felt better in my larger hands and I wanted the brighter (and larger) viewfinders. I was also one of the unfortunate ones to be the 3 when it first came out and had the 2 stop underexposing meter problem.
The F5, for all its technological wonder, irritates the heck out of me. The F100's and F5's are by far not the best camera's Nikon has ever produced. My personal favorite is My F4 which I intend to use and fix (so far not necessary) and use again until it just dies on me. I've never been big into autofocus, except when absolutely necessary so all the whining about the F4 af speed is mute to me. I'm not a die hard (Nikon is the best system ever produced) person and would use something else if the need arose for it specifically. I mean come on, no Nikkor can really match the sharpness of a Zeiss lens so if I need that I'll get a Leica or Contax.
One of the biggest reasons that I stay with Nikon are the quality of the optics and the ability to use most of the older lenses (on my F4 anyway). The cameras just feel good holding them and one can feel and see the quality. Nikon just seems to have 95% of what I need at any given time. I will give credit where it is due though. The new S-VR Nikkors are fine and well crafted tools but remember that Canon has had this for a while now. It's about time Nikon caught up and stopped resting on its reputation to bring in the money.
In a sentence I guess I came and stay with Nikon because of how they feel and work when I shoot them.
Just my opinion, trying to be as honest as possible...

Chris, now a complete digital convert, but still miss my F5, Myers

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Tom and Chris:
First of all welcome to the community.
As someone that has also used several other brands in the past I do share your sentiments and reasoning, brother Nikonians.
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JRP (Nikonian at the north-eastern Mexican desert)
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My introduction to Nikon came the day after I was born!!! My Godfather had one (cannot remember the model) and was snapping away for the first few years of my life.

My first Nikon camera came about when I was at university. I had a very cheap Minolta clone camera to get me started in photography and then I wanted something better....

My first choice was an Eos 5, I dont know why I wanted it, it was probably the brochure said that it could make good coffee (I never did find out .
I was shooting cycling sports and I thought the AF would be good. The change came when I spoke to a photographer who had an Eos 1, I remarked my interest in the C*n*n line of cameras and he said; " If I were you I'd buy Nikon, just look at this lens.." and he showed me his plastic lens which creaked and was falling apart....

From that moment on, I had changed my mind. I bought an ex demonstration F801s, a 50mm 1.8 and never looked back since...

Now I have my F5 and my lovely 80-200 f2.8 D lens... I am hooked on Nikon and I feel that the extra expense spent on a Nikon lens is well worth it considering the quality of the results...

Do I ever regret not buying the Eos???? No, I tried both the Eos 3 and 1n a few years after buying my F801s and I really did not like the handling, sure the autofocus was quick, but I have never suffered because of that.

Nope, my heart is now Nikon and not an Eos on this world or any other can change it....

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I'm glad to see that this thread has been revived, I missed it the first time around.
Like a few of the contributors, my reasons aren't as glamourous or interesting filled with research and years of experimenting with other brands.

My father had an old Pentax set-up when I was a teen and that worked ok for me. I photographed for the high school yearbook and then put it away as life's responsibilites started to take over.

Many years later, I happened to have the opportunity to pick up a camera and I naturally chose a modern Pentax PZ-20 because it was basically the only name in cameras that I knew and it was the "best" that they had out.
To make a long story short, I decided that I needed a hobby and photography was the natural choice. I started to get into some more news photography and picked up a 2nd, cheaper Pentax to accomodate a 2nd lens, and to be honest, to look like the other news photographers I was surrounding myself in.
Then I started to notice 2 very predominant names, Nikon and that other brand. But there were A LOT of Nikons around the necks of these pros so I decided that if they find this name to rely on to report the day's news, I can trust it to stand up to the work I was willing to dish out. I never looked back. I set my sights on an F90X and traded in all of my Pentax equipment and started with a used F90X and 28-80 3.5-4.5. I've progressed to adding an F100 with an assortment of lenses to finally come to a set-up that I'm happy with. Sorry, I don't have any technical reasons like faster focus compared to Canon or less mirror slap on one model to another...etc
Since my switch, I've held and tried other cameras and honestly, it just reinforces my decision to go with the world's best camera system.

John Riddell
Photographer
Toronto, Ontario

John
Toronto, Canada

www.sportsshooter.com/johnriddell
www.torontofirephotos.ca

Neill:
Welcome home.
Have a great time
JRP (Nikonian at the north-eastern Mexican desert)
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OK, I'll bite...I'm a newcomer to Nikon. In the past, I have owned a Ricoh and a Minolta SLR. I converted to Nikon when I finally decided to upgrade to autofocus just recently. I fully intended to stick with Minolta, but a trip to the camera store with hands-on experience sealed the deal. To paint a complete picture, I was looking for a fairly compact, lightweight, but highly capable SLR for hiking and extended walking. The finalists were: Minolta HTsi and XTsi, Canon Rebel 2000 and Elan II, and Nikon N60 or N80. Pentax just didn't even figure, with too few lenses and other goodied in their system.

In the store, I tried all these cameras and checked autofocus speed and accuracy. The Minolta cameras focused like the lenses were immersed in vaseline. Plus much of the entry-level, lightweight line had plastic lens mounts and/or film rails. Bad, bad, bad...It was a tough call between the Canons and the Nikons. If Canon had an entry level camera with the features of the N80, I might have gone with them (it would be nice to have a stable of affordable IS lenses.), but alas, the R2K had that ratty plastic lens mount and fewer features than the N80. The Elan II was ergonomically not to my liking. So Nikon it was: the N60 was too limiting (I had more features on my manual Minolta X-700) so it was an N80 in the end...now if Nikon will just stop living off their reputation and get out some affordable VR lenses!

Bottom line: in the entry-level SLR category Nikon has got ergonomically well-crafted bodies, and a lens lineup to die for. Only the "C" company can match them body for body and lens for lens. As much as I liked my old X-700 Minolta, I am now spoiled by the lens choices I now have in the Nikon system. (But I want to see some competition for Canon's IS lenses...)

Cheers.

RRowlett:
Welcome. Glad to have you here.
I now have a VR 80-400 and it is simply amazing. Handheld shots at 400mm! WOW!
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JRP (Nikonian at the north-eastern Mexican desert)
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I'm a glutton for punishment! I don't/can't/refuse to use the VR lenses on my F4! (yes, I know that they don't have the right electronic connetion to take advantage of it) Maybe someday I'll splurge and get the F6 when it is released.
As for now I have to say that Nikkor AI is good in my pie!haha When I go I don't care if I have clothes or anything else, just thrown my F4 around my neck and stick me in the ground. haha
Cheers!

Chris, now a complete digital convert, but still miss my F5, Myers

Http://MyersPhotoImaging.com