5 comments about NIKON F100 35mm SLR Camera Body.

1. Bought it when my Son was born, never let me down, always excellent pictures. You have to read the manual to get the full benefit. Would by Nikon SLR again.



2. This is another noncommittal review. The manual for this camera is not available at Nikon USA. You can get it at Nikon EU. Amazon apparently does not like including links in reviews so I will not include it here. The file is about 3.6 MB.
   
   The manual for the Nikon F5 is also available at that site. ( I posted the link on my review for the F5 but I am not sure if Amazon will post the review because it has a link )



3. I have had my D1x for a long time and needed something shot on film. I got the MB15 vertical grip to go with it. Now, the two are so much alike I have to check which one I am using.
   Seriously, the transition between the two is effortless.



4. Put simply, I'm a child of the 60's and all I ever knew was film.
   
   I shot film over the past few decades using Minolta SLRs and a point and shoot.
   
   Yea, I got a digital advanced point and shoot in 2007, yada, yada. To be honest, it's a boring way to do photography. I use the digital mostly for taking shots of items I sell on that auction site that begins with E. Otherwise I'd be a slave to Photoshop editing and manipulating hundreds of boring shots to make them look all fancy and unrealistic.
   
   I want purity.
   
   Being drawn to film because of it's superior print quality, I chose to upgrade my equipment and so bought a Nikon F100 with an SB28 Flash and 2 third party zoom lenses for a real bargain...a couple hundred bucks total. I think my old Minoltas are going to be gathering a bit of dust from now on!
   
   I'll tell you this about the F100, it's not really for beginners. It is/was designed for professional photographers. It can be set up to be used as a giant Point and Shoot for those who are not so familiar with photographical techniques, but if you know your stuff and READ THE MANUAL, this is the BEST 35mm camera EVER for pros and serious amateurs alike.
   
   There's so many features it's unbelievable. The camera just feels great in your hands. The autofocus options are both fantastic for whatever situation your in. I'd recommend the MB-15 battery pack/vertical grip. It makes a heavy camera a little heavier but having the ability to comfortably shoot vertically is priceless.
   
   I can't bring myself to spend all the $$$$$$$$ on a DSLR system so I'll gladly take the bargain 35mm SLR deals and let other crazy people spend $$$$$$ on a toy that will bore them within a few months.
   
   FILM FOREVER!! LONG LIVE FILM!



5. If you've been considering collecting a classic, now may be the best time to pick up the Nikon F100. While most reviewers talk about the D200/D300 being the digital equivalent, I'd like to suggest from a "retro" point of view that the F100 is the film equivalent to the digital!
   
   If you are familiar with the D200/D300 controls, then the F100 will be very easy. When the F100 was new, it retailed for well over $1000, and was the envy of almost every amateur photographer who could not afford to buy an F5. Now that Nikon is only manufacturing the F6 (and still quite pricey), a used F100 can be had for 1/4 to a 1/3 of the original price. What you get is what most people call a slightly stripped down F5 with better controls and a lot less weight. Without going into all the specifications, you get a lot of camera for the money, and having one with a mid-range zoom is a great backup for any digital.
   
   One of the best features is that you can use 4-AA batteries, which can be found anywhere. Film is still readily available and some of the same equipment can be used between digital and film. One major exception is the use of DX lenses. If you use a DX lens on the F100, you will get vignetting as the DX lenses are designed specifically for the digital sensor which is 2/3 the size of a 35mm negative. Only within the last year have full-frame digital SLR's hit the market in which the use of non-DX lenses can be interchanged between digital and film. At this point, most casual shooters will not invest the $4900-$8000 for a full-frame digital SLR just for the convenience of interchanging the lenses! In most cases, however, non-DX lenses can be used on digitals, but depending on the type and age, certain features will not work (such as metering, or even the motor-driven autofocus), so make sure you know exactly what will and will not work before you buy. Tamron has recently added motorized lenses to their lineup to accomodate the Nikon D40, D40x, and D60. Any lens other than an AF-S or AF-I will not autofocus on these models. Other lens manufacturers are starting to add motorized lenses as well.
   
   The F100 is built extremely well (magnesium alloy frame), with some exterior plastic. A few early models had problems with the rewind fork breaking. But aside from other minor things, overall, the F100 will hold its own as a Nikon classic. I don't understand why so many people are willing to give them up so readily since you get only a fraction of the value paid back.
   
   Consider the F100 a highly recommended backup camera for any occasion. I believe I share the same opinion as many others saying this is perhaps the best Nikon 35mm AF film camera ever made. I suppose I would say the same if I could afford the F6 (which is about the same price as a D300)!

2 comments about Nikon Nice Touch 35mm Camera.

1. I bought this camera about a year ago and I love it. I didn't have much money so I bought this Nikon camera, but even though it is so inexpensive, it is an excellent camera. It never gives me those red-eyed pictures. My pictures are always really clear.So for those people out there who want a good, inexpensive, reliable camera , I would recommend this camera. That's just my little ol' opinion.:)



2. The camera works great! I would say it will work best for someone who wants a no fess type camera. I do however have one concern. When I purchased this camera, I saw no mention of it being a refurbished item. The one I received appears to be so, at least according to the stamp on the warranty card that changes the 1 year warranty to a 90 Day Warranty because it is refurbished. So check before you buy.

5 comments about Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.

1. This is probably the best value out there for a professional level Nikon lens. It is my favorite lens and most of my best pictures have been taken with it. I consider it to be my lucky lens, in fact, for that reason.
   
   Pros: Excellent contrast and clarity and virtually no pincushion at any focal length. Beautiful optics/output at a professional level. Market value extremely low, relatively speaking of course. (that last one of course is a pro for a buyer. for a seller I guess it would be a con)
   
   Cons: Telescopic (AKA "push-pull") focal length adjustment takes more time and energy and is more herky-jerky, weighs about a ton, and the bokeh is so good it's almost too much in certain instances!
   
   The cons here are really just getting into minutia for the sake of being thorough and objective. This lens is a slam dunk for the price it can be found regularly on the used market. I picked up this lens for exactly 1/5 of the price of the much lauded 17-35mm or 17-55mm "photojournalist" lenses. I realize the focal length range of 35-70mm is not as desired for many people as the 17-35mm or the 17-55mm, but at 1/5 the price c'mon! I am not able at this stage to afford the 17-35mm/17-55mm or I might have bought it instead, but I really don't feel like I got the short end of the stick by any means. This lens holds its own just fine thank you very much. Plus, I rarely have the need to shoot at a focal point less than 35mm. The vast majority of my work is between 35mm and 55mm. Also, I would be very surprised if the optics of the 17-35mm is noticeably better than this lens, at least by 99% of people looking at it. The output quality of this lens really is beautiful. When I first got the lens I spent several hours trying to find a place where I could be disappointed with the output, even zooming in with Photoshop to super close ranges. I was not able to disappoint myself. I found no negative issues with the optics/output of this lens then, and I still haven't at this point. If I do in the future I promise I will come back and edit this review, so if you are reading this now I haven't found any yet!



2. I got this lens 2nd hand at about USD$300, and I love it! This f/2.8 lens is sharp and contrasty. The 35-70mm range translates to 52.5-105mm in the 1.5 crop factor format. It is like having 3 portrait lenses in 1, i.e. the 50mm, 85mm and 105mm. At the 35mm end is the ability to press a knob and go into macro mode, which is useful when you need it. Compared to the Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 lens, this lens is a mere fraction of the price, may not have the silent wave motor, but it produces comparable pictures.



3. First off, I didn't buy this lens on Amazon, but got it cheaper used through ebay. This lens is great. I used it on my D40 to take shots at Christmas. Took absolutely amazing and sharp pictures, and I'm only a beginner. The 2.8 aperture meant I didn't need the flash indoors and still got decent shutter speeds. It is a little soft wide open, but honestly, what lens isn't. This lens does add some weight to your camera, but that's only because of it's solid metal body. The macro setting does an OK job. It's not as good as a dedicated macro obviously, but gets the job done if you need it. I highly recommend purchasing this lens soon. They have been discontinued and the price is only going to go higher the longer you wait.



4. I got this lens as a functional and economical alternative to the AF-S 24-70mm and 28-70mm Nikkor lenses as my standard lens. Boy, did I underestimated the value I was getting into; this thing is a beauty both performance as well as construction.
   
   Cons - Slower and not as quiet AF without sonic motor (AF-S), 62mm vs the standard 77mm for contemporary Nikkor pro lenses, a tad heavy (heavier than it looks), doesn't go below 35mm focal length.
   
   Pros - Sharp pictures, metal and sturdy construction, macro mode with extreme close-ups (<10")
   
   As with all Nikkor lenses, this thing is built solid and great optics. Being a new amature photographer, this thing brought both pride of ownership to a piece of art as well as being able to appreciate the craftmanship of another era (90's). I love the pictures I've gotten from this lens, and it has become de facto lens for portraits and general use. For the money I saved from going to the 28-70 or 24-70, I'm ready for a ultra wide-angle lens to complete my lens kit.



5. Superb image quality, amazing sharpness, excellent contrast and colors. Focuses quickly on my D50 and with little trouble. The macro mode works great and is a nice addition. The focal range makes it nice for a walkaround lens. Sharp even at f/2.8.
   
   
   My only complaint is the weight of it, the lens is a tank. But all the good things definitely outweigh the bad. Well worth the $$$.

5 comments about Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6D ED AF Nikkor SLR Camera Lens.

1. First, I'm giving this 70-300mm lens a 5 stars rating partly because the price is quite attractive especially the used ones (the G version of the lens is even more cheaper and picture quality isn't too much different with this ED glass version in my opinion).
   
   If your primary objective is to take pictures in low light situation such as wedding and concert, then get the 80-200mm f/2.8 or the 70-200mm VR f/2.8 instead.
   
   Get this lens (or it's cheaper brother the 70-300mm G) by any means unless you already have those alternative and more expensive zoom lenses that I mentioned above.
   
   Pros:
   1. Inexpensive (with the VR version is released, many will sell this one)
   2. You can get up close and personal (300mm which is equivalent to 450mm if you attach it to a DSLR)
   3. Very sharp and fast in bright light situation (outdoor etc), though it gets a bit softer as you get closer to the 300mm
   4. Very light
   5. Bokeh is suprisingly good
   6. Great for portrait
   7. ED glass for better contrast and picture quality
   8. Metal mount
   
   Cons:
   1. Though more solid build than the 70-300mm G version, the external part of this lens is still made from plastic. (but I don't think you should care on this)
   2. Very bad on low light situation especially if the object is moving/sports photography, but still works fine for long exposure with tripod like photographing fireworks or night light building/city/car lights.
   3. Focus seems to be slower on low light situation (focus hunting a bit more)
   
   Bottom line: this lens loves a lot of light.
   
   If you give this lens a lot of light, it will take good care of you.
   
   Last but not least, after you get this lens, go and buy the nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF-D prime lens for $100 or less (equivalent of 75mm if used with DSLR which is very good for portrait and semi-zoom). This is a very fast lens and works extremly well in low light situation even without using flash. This lens will complement your 70-300mm ED lens very very well.
   
   Also check out the 70-300mm G (half the price of ED) and the 70-300mm VR (released Oct 2006). VR feature works really well on static object. If the obect is moving then you will be better off with fast lens like the 50mm f/1.8 AF-D, 80-200mm f/2.8 AF or the 70-200mm VR f/2.8 AF-S
   
   Happy photographing!



2. basically, the 70-300 ED is the perfect complement to the 18-70 kit lens for the nikon d series. it's worth having because of the 1.5 mag factor which means it's actually a 105-450mm, which gives you plenty of reach. add a teleconverter and you can get to 900mm (!). general consensus is it's also better than the 70-300 G lens, although if you're on a budget or don't plan on using telephoto that much, the extra $250 might be better spent elsewhere (like the 50mm 1.8 prime and/or a flash). this is a mid-level nikon lens with ED glass and decent build quality--not cheap, but not tank-like either. the lens extends way out at 300 mm, and you have to twist the manual focus ring (which is a bit stiff) to get it to fully retract. the plastic lens hood is big and has a cheap feel (not lined with velvet like tokina), but reverses for carrying around.
   
   still, it's nice and sharp with good bokeh and a reasonable value--if you want better bokeh, go for a long prime. no macro capability like the cheaper sigma APO variant but sometimes lenses are better if you don't ask them to do too much.
   
   optical quality is pretty consistent through the entire zoom range, which is a good thing; definitely a nice piece of glass, although not a head-turner. it's not a quick lens at 4-5.6, but what did you expect for $400? a 2.8? yeah right.
   
   with a steady grip, it's usable handheld out to 200mm; beyond that shake is noticeable. the rubber grip ring balances nicely on objects without worrying about scratching the finish for braced shots. if you plan on using it handheld fully extended, consider the VR version, although you'll still want a tripod for longer exposures. 70mm is a bit tight on the wide end, but passable for portraits. for a non-macro, it lets you get reasonably close with a shallow depth of field. no noticable lens creep. not super lightweight, but not too heavy either. doesn't take up much more room in the bag then the 18-70. middle-of-the road in most categories, except for optical performance, which is above average. good for nature or wildlife w/tripod, or for law-enforcement/private detectives, handheld "stakeout" surveillance shots (which don't require perfect clarity). if you plan on using it for sports or action in low light, good luck -- use a speedlight and a tripod/monopod, set up at a spot, lock focus, and wait for subject to come into view. wouldn't recommend it for tracking quick-moving objects beyond 200mm.
   
   the 70-300 ED is super-sharp stopped down to 5.6-8, beyond that performance didn't really improve; the images just got a bit more resonant. bottom line, you can get some nice long shots with this lens, which should be good enough for casual enthusiasts and prosumers. it's not a pro lens, but then again, it doesn't cost what a pro lens does. you might be able to find it used for a fraction of the price, but it might be worth it to get the warranty.



3. This is a truly outstanding bargain (for those who are willing to forgo the VR option of its' twice more expensive sibling). At F8 and below this lens produces results that are indistinguishable from 4-6 times more expensive 70(80)-200F2.8 lens. And it's very light and compact. I've been using it for 5 years or so, and, as you can see in photos I posted in "Customer images" section it was very good to me. You really can not go wrong with this purchase.
   
   A couple words of caution though, as with all consumer zooms one has to be careful about shot discipline (to avoid motion blur). That does limit the use of this lens for handheld pictures to fairly bright weather (or higher ISOs). It does benefit from stepping down a little. But for the price, its' an unbeatable bargain (IMHO).



4. I got this lens some time ago, after several shots I can conclude somethings on this lens. It's sharp at 70mm, not so sharp from 90 to 200mm, and soft from any focal lenght farther than 200mm. The build quality is good, a bit heavy but ok to my taste. The only ED element included in this lens is not enough for avoiding chromatic aberrations, I've heard and read that either the G or D version delivery pretty the same results. The macro performance is poor, you can not go closer than 5ft. The lens is good for shooting birds, as u should know, the lens mounted on a camera with APCs sensor goes to 450mm at long end. Focus speed is also one of its weakest points, mostly from 200 to 300mm. I have some sample images on my pbase gallery (see link below) images posted on that galley have been edited and resized to a lower resolution, and most of them were taken at 300mm. The bokeh is good although you wouldnt like to see the orignal pictures since the softness and the lack of contrast is clear when u see images at full res. [...] Im leaning towards the buy of the newest version, the nikon 70-300mm VR. Hope I could get one soon, in order to post a brief opinion.



5. In general I agree with previous reviwers, but not about sharp. To be sure that it was not my hand that afected the sharp, I did a test. Using a tripod I did a picture with 70-300 at 135mm and after with a 18-135mm (the one that cames with the D80) at 135mm too. The camera used was a D80 with the same adjusts and subject for buth lenses. The 18-135mm is much sharper them 70-300mm at 135mm.
   For sure I will sell 70-300mm and go to a VR.

5 comments about Nikon N55 35mm SLR Camera with 28-80mm Zoom Lens.

1. I bought this camera because the price was so low ($199 with the lens) and I wanted to be able to print very large sized photos. I specifically got this to take on a trip to Austrlia and then Nova Scotia. I also took my digital camera as well. of course the prints from this camera are far more beutiful then the digital camera, there is just something about film. I wonder how far off we are from it being gone all together.
   
   I love the auto mode, and I love the manual focus. It's simple to use but flexible if I want it to be. A great camera.



2. I bought this camera to learn how to take great pics. This camera is definitely worth it. Especially for the price it sells for nowadays (I paid nearly $300 for mine when I got it). The N55 takes great shots and is easy to learn on. After using this camera I feel I am ready to upgrade in the near future.
   There are problems with this camera that Nikon has acknowledged. After 3 years of using this camera (I think) my camera is exhibiting these autofocus problems. Go to this link if you are having an issue and Nikon will fix your camera for free, or refund you if you've already had this problem fixed and paid for it:
   http://www.nikonusa.com/email_images/nikonusa/service_advisory/n55.html



3. Great camera, the only downsize is that you can't select ISO speed.



4. Nikon is a perfect choice for any kind of camera. I needed this camera for a photography class at my college. Since I already have a digital Nikon, I decided to stick with Nikon and get the SLR 35mm camera. It's a perfect choice. I am using the camera for complete manual use and function. It's a little tough at first but like anything, you get the hang of it. I recommend using the automatic functions but dont be afraid to dable in the manual area. You might like what you see! Beautiful pictures, especially when I use black and white. Enjoy this piece, it's a great investment.



5. I really like this particualr Camera, I recived it for after completing a photgraphy course and enjoy taking gorgous photos at night.

1 comments about NIKON N80 QD 35mm SLR Camera Body -Requires Lens-.

1. I have used different cameras, from manual Russian cameras, to state of the art point-and-shoot. I have even fiddled with digital cameras, and considered switching to digital. Well, I decided to stick to film for now, so I bought the Nikon N-80 (known in Europe as Nikon F-80, same camera with minimal software differences).
   This is a very good camera, which adapts to every kind of user.
   
   Occasional users: You can set it to automatic mode, in which case you have a very expensive point-and-shoot camera (even though I don't know why would one buy this camera to use in auto mode only). For people with little experience the camera's many controls might be intimidating, and the included manual provides help only for people that know quite a bit about cameras. Also, the flash has to be popped opened manually in order to work, which many people would forget (like I do sometimes). Perhaps, for ocassional users, it would be better to stick to a point-and-shot camera designed for point-and-shot.

   Advanced amateur photographers and hobbyists will get the most out of it. Think of a professional camera similar to F-100, without the proffessional price tag. They will have all the customizations offered. I love the simplicity of exposure controls. You can switch by turning a thumb-wheel between pairs of speed-diaphragm while keeping an optimum exposure (in auto mode). In addition, a good option is continuous or single shot metering mode, which comes handy in action situations. For situations when timing is important, the controls are so well placed that once you get used to them, you can change all the settings without even taking the camera from your eyes.
   If you are a professional, you already know about this camera and about the F-100 line, which might be better for you in some situations (even though in 90% of the cases this camera would be more than enough).
   Things that might need improvement:
   In dark places, the focus is somewhat slow (even if the "illuminator lamp" is used), and if your subject moves, you might have a problem focusing fast enough in auto mode. I lost some pictures in the beginning, until I learned to circumvent this issue by switching to continuous focus, or even to manual focus. I think that any other camera in this class would have the same troubles in similar situations.
   All things considered, I love this camera and I wish I had more time (and money) to play with it.

No comments about Nikon 200mm f/4.0D ED-IF AF Micro-Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.

5 comments about Nikon 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G Autofocus Nikkor Zoom Lens (Silver).

1. This is what I condsider my "base" lens. If I grab my D50 and run out the door with just one lens, this is it. Most of my picture taking happens with this lens. Picture quality has been very acceptable. This is not a macro lens but I have been able to get closer to things than I expected. The lens is small, light, and focus is fast and precise. Well worth the low cost.



2. Not bad piece of glass so far- best at 28MM- zoomed out seems hit or miss for expoure or focus but need more tests too- not as great as my 50MM but that is not a surprise as it is hard to beat a prime!



3. I use this lens with my N50 and N70 SLRs and get decent results. Not a perfect lens but good enough and a decent focal range for an SLR. Not near wide enough to use on my D50, though, as it starts off at 42mm eq.



4. This lens for its price is beyond expectation. Good clean sharp photos.
   I use it for a portrait lens and carry it on my camera at all times.
   This lens is as sharp as my Nikkor 18-70mm kit lens.



5. I wanted a light lens for for weddings and such I feel this lens fills that void in my case nicely. Build quality is to be expected of a lens this price but I wasn't expecting the great clarity. The pictures that I'm getting are very sharp on my D80.

5 comments about Nikon WC-E68 Wide Angle Converter Lens for Coolpix 4300, 4500 & 5000 Digital Cameras.

1. I bought this lens on an incredible sale. Including the adapter, which you have to purchase seperately, I spent right around $50.00. Many of my friends have larger, fancier, Nikons (the D-80's etc.) and are spending $600.00 or more on fisheye lenses. None of us are professional photographers. For what we do, my Cool Pix 5000 and this $50 lens take shots comperable to theirs. The bennefit of mine is it is much more compact. The lens does add quite a bit of wieght to the camera, but it is still much smaller and lighter than than a regular digital SLR. Very easy to use and assemble. Comes with a protective sack, though I think a sturdy carry case would have been nicer, still for $50.00 I'm not complaining.



2. Must be a mistake!
   Dollar for dollar, this lens rates as possibly best among the many accessories I've purchased for my camera. I have the CP4500, which I bought about 4 years ago and although I have several other digital cams, including DSLR, the 4500 is the most used. It seems that a few years ago only the expensive version of this lens was available from Nikon, so I alternatively bought other (far more expensive than this one) brands. They were clumsy to use and produced disappointing picture quality. This lens is great! Built well and pic quality is excellent! Very happy to have found it, even so long into owning the camera. I can't say how it compares to the expensive version but for the money, it can't be beat.
   Pete V



3. I bought it because I read that it did not gave any distortion when you photographed straight skyline.
   It is not true, you always get the horizon curved and that is a real pain.
   Same when you want to photograph a high rise building, you will get a curved line.
   Please do not buy if you are very serious about it.
   ALso I tried to return it and I could not get any answers from Amazon. Beware.



4. I bought this after seeing the price at Amazon. It is a discontinued item but for the price (or even 3x the price), go for it! I have a 24mm on my 35mm film camera (Minolta) and used it all the time. I find I use this lens (26mm equiv)quite a lot. It's a little bit of a pain to attach/de-attach/reset menu, but if you like photography, you'll like this. Excellent optics.



5. I will never buy any camera item on Amazon again. You can not beat talking to a real person to make sure you are buying the right item. I have a Nikon Coolpix P5000 and this lens and adapter were supposed to be a fit for my camera. Well, they were not! About 8 hours later, after talking to the folks at Keeble and Shuchat Photography, I tried to cancel the order but it was too late. So, I refused the shipment and ended up getting only $30.00 back from my $75.00 purchase (including shiping, restocking fee). I couldn't be happier with the lens from the local camera store. I then when back and bought a speedlight from them.

5 comments about Nikon N80 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. I have had several digital cameras, including the Nikon 8700, I feel that digital is still got a way to go, they are wonderful, yet can be very tiring, printing gobs of prints for friends and family is tiring , tedious and expensive.
   The cameras unless using some exotic means still cannot focus well in low light, also dont like taking pictures at a place and the whole world standing over my shoulder.
   Soooo, happily back to film with the N80 and a Nikon 28-100 Nikon that I bought in a kit.
   Its so great to be back in film, now I can get some control back.
   As far as the N 80, it really is beautiful done and highly intuitive to use, well made, features are wonderful, a joy to own and use. I made the right move, know that now, shot a few roles of Kodak Color 200, results were so good, if I still want to get lazy, can have the photo processor put the shots on a disc, havnt done it yet, enjoying the prints too much, think I,ll run out and get some Echtekchrome. Photography is an important component for me in my life, the N80 is bringing it all back in a slick very competent manner and I completely enjoy it.



2. I bought this camera almost a year ago before I went on a trip to Italy... I was kind of worried about it because I had never had an SLR before, but I really wanted one, and I wanted to make sure I didn't have cheap looking pictures from my trip which I often had before.
   
   It worked perfectly! I only got a chance to use one roll of film on it before I went, but ALL of the pictures came out great! I just love this camera, I still use it all of the time. I am learning all of the features, like how to use the bulb setting. I used it for 4th of July fireworks, and they also came out wonderfully.
   
   I would highly recommend this camera!



3. I've been a serious amateur and occassional professional photographer for over 40 years. My experience spans the early SLR entries up to the present.
   
   I've also been a long-time Nikon groupie. In my opinion, they manufacture the best equipment of this type available, though in recent years the quality provided by a few of the tops seems to be closing the gap. By that I mean Canon specifically.
   
   That having been said, I'm the type of photographer that drags around a select few lenses and a couple of bodies so I can mix and match lenses and films.
   
   Speaking of which (films): I am not technology-averse. I love the idea of digital. I shoot home movies direct to DVD on Sony equipment. I also scan my 35MM negs/prints using the Canon 9950F (an excellent print scanner) or Nikon 5000ED Coolscan (the best slide/neg scanner)to digital files for further action in Photoshop.
   
   HOWEVER, that being said, I still shoot my stills in 35MM film.
   
   Several reasons: Current digital camera bodies simply do not afford the flexibility in speed, sensitivity, or versatility that film does.
   
   I HATE the fact that the CMOS sensors effectively double the focal length of all my lenses (with currently only one exception, by Canon, I think).
   
   I'm recording my images to the only currently available archival medium: film. Yes, I know bytes and bits are supposedly archival. But 50 years from now, is your DVD still going to be readable by any then-current technology? Remember Beta? Or 8 track tapes?
   
   However, Daguerre's and Matthew Brady's prints
   (both from the 19th Century) still will be. As will mine -- and yours if you shoot in film.
   
   That having been said, a few years back, as I decided my eyes no longer afforded me the luxury of manual focus and I decided to go for the auto-focus capabilities now available, I stuck with Nikon and bought my first N-80.
   
   I am so happy I did! This camera is simply outstanding in every way, affording you the ability to use it as a simple point-and-shoot if you wish (due to its extremely fast and sharp system coupled with the Matrix Metering system, and on-board pop-up flash), as well as the option to take direct control over every aspect of the creative photo process with intuitive and easy-to-use systems.
   
   I liked it so much that a couple of years later I bought a second as a backup and system enhancer (meaning two loaded bodies with different lens/film combinations).
   
   An additional benefit is that as the current fad seems to be toward digital bodies, N-80 prices have gone down significantly.
   
   An interesting phenomenon that merits a quick observation: in order to get the same quality of resolution available with a good film/camera body/lens combination as far as cropping or enlargment capability goes, you have to spend in the neighborhood of $3000 to $4000 for a body-only camera, and you're STILL limited as to the duplication of film sensitivity. Try duplicating a 3000ASA film speed on a digital camera. Good luck! You'll be blasted by "noise" on the image; what we used to call "grain" for film, i.e. a loss of resolution and sharpness.
   
   I'm finally making the move up to my next big camera purchase. Guess what? It's a Nikon F-5. Another film body. What does that tell you?
   
   Buy this camera! It's great!



4. I have been a Nikon user for nearly ten years. My first Nikon was a used N70 and I loved it. It wasn't until after I read a review that I learned it was supposed to be confusing, somewhat difficult to master, and not quite up to Nikon's standards. I loved the results and loved my Nikon camera. When the N70 needed repairs and the cost was prohibitive, I purchased its replacement, the Nikon N80 which in all likelihood will be my last film camera (I've just purchased the Nikon D70S).
   
   The N80 has the best features of the N70: an automatic mode and programs for portrait, landscape, night shots, action shots, and close up, settings that allow for manual focus and the ability to set specific apertures and shutter speeds, bracketing, and red eye reduction. It has more features than the N60, but works in a similar manner omitting some of the dials of the N70 that seemed to confuse many people who were used to earlier Nikon models. It's a light weight camera with an excellent. The features are easy too master and it allows a person to take sophisticated and creative photographs. It's also sturdy and I hope to use it for many years to come.
   
   My guess is that some people reading this review may be asking should I invest $300 for a film camera when I could also purchase a digital SLR camera for just a bit more. Digital is the wave of the future and the future is now, there's no question about that, and as I mentioned I own a digital camera. I believe that a film camera teaches a person to be a more careful photographer. I see a lot of people take lousy digital shots figuring they can be erased and miss great shots. While it is true that with digital the results can be seen, the screen is awfully small and until the images are downloaded and viewed on eth computer, what appears to be a great shot may in fact be junk. Film cameras teach the photographer to carefully frame a photograph if for no other reason than film costs money. Photography is also supposed to be fun, and seeing the results of film whether it be prints or slides can be fun. Also even though Photoshop can create a black and white portrait for a digital shot, nothing will ever beat the darkroom experience. Most serious amateurs and professionals I know use both digital and film and I'm assuming that for the foreseeable future I'll be using digital for candid shots and film for scenics, landscapes, and nature shots. If you are serious about taking good photographs and are looking for a film camera, the Nikon N80 is an excellent choice. It is reasonably priced for what it offers, is easy to use, and allows for the opportunity to take great photographs. To me, it's well worth the investment.



5. I receifed a F 80. The company had some computer problems. I got the lens and was told that the order was completed. I emailed them and asked where was my camera. They corrected the error. Offered me a full refund or a different camera.
   I took the silver body F80.
   It is a very nice camera. I am happy with it.