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The Nikon F4
by J. Ramón Palacios

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Introduction
Why all the excitement
Not really that heavy
  The true meaning of ergonomics
  The controls
  The command dials
The small nuances
  The incredible shutter
  The auto focus and focus tracking
  The exposure metering system
  The power packs
  The lenses
» Why it remains an interesting alternative

WHY IT REMAINS AN INTERESTING ALTERNATIVE .....

It is a workhorse. I have had mine for more than 13 years now and keeps on performing like the first day. Rugged and reliable. A masterpiece without a compromise.
 
Click for larger image.
Nikon F4s with Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.4, showing the 6 AA batteries MB-21 speed winder that makes the F4 an F4s, with a vertical grip shutter trigger.
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-- ADVERTISEMENT --



You should
not buy this camera if: 

  • You can afford a brand new F6 or a F5 and Nikkor AF-S lenses.
  • You don't care about using 'old' prime MF (manual focus) lenses.
  • You place a high priority on ultra fast and quiet auto focus. 
  • You want all the bells and whistles of the latest cameras.
But, IMO, it remains a very interesting alternative for the serious amateur. 
So, you should very seriously consider buying this camera if: 
  • You would like a Nikon Pro SLR for a good price
  • You loved the F3HP
  • You have a good collection of great MF lenses or ...
  • You don't have a collection of lenses, but would rather spend more money on legendary optics than on the latest body
  • You want something build as a tank with reliable Matrix, Center-weighted and Spot metering
  • You are adamant on having the fullest possible lens compatibility: Non-AI, AI, modified AI, series E, AI-S, MF & AF, AF-D, AF-S
  • Ultra fastest auto focus isn't the first priority, but ruggedness and quality.
  • You enjoy both the luxuries (like focus tracking) and the occasional "let's get back to basics" of Manual mode, Shutter Priority and Aperture Priority shooting.
  • You enjoy features, but don't want to get bogged down in menus or complex custom functions.

The F4 may not be seen today as an AF camera per se or a special purpose one, it is a professional camera system with a built-in option of a fast (not the fastest, but fast) and reliable Auto Focus mode.

I have upgraded and now am also the happy owner of a F5 and a F6; however, when on a tough self imposed assignment, like the wedding of the daughter of a friend or a relative, I take the F4s too.

The AF-S lenses perform splendidly well on the F4s, BTW. 

.

As for many, for me the F4 has been and continues to be, a dependable and durable source of joy. And for that I am very thankful.

Have a great time 

 
see also

History of Nikon Cameras Vol 2 - by Yokoyuki TATENO
The Nikon F4 FAQ by John N. Wall
The F4/F5/F6 Users Group forum
The Nikkors lenses forum
Our Resources
Photo FAQs
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