The
Nikon F4 by
J. Ramón Palacios tell
a friend about this article
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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.
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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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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. |
. |
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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
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