I'm thinking of upgrading to another modern Nikon body...

<p>Sadanand, Thank you, that does help. I could not find that information. Your recent thread is helpful, too. I do like the N8008s! If it did have the aperture read out in the finder, that might really clinch it. Same with me about the sticky/peeling back problems (or potential for) with the N90s. Happy shooting with that handsome machine!</p>

<p>My kind of museum, Dave!! How could you possibly part with even one of those beautiful masterpieces?</p>

<p>Dave, make it stop please! Too many Nikons? I know I am rambling, but any of you with "Nikonitis" seriously need to visit the "as is" section of KEH. My FM and FE both were listed as "untested and needing foam" The FM had a small crack in the flash shoe. The FE was dirty. Both needed seals/foam. The FE cost me 13 bucks and the FM was 12. Also picked up the MD12 for 15 bucks. Got a "foamy" sheet from the craft section of Wal Mart for 75 cents and cut my own light seals. Nikkormat FTn's are under 20 dollars for the same. Nice to feel I am in good company!<br>

Have Fun!<br>

Mark</p>

<p>I'm selling the F3HP (don't use it enough, the FE2 will be my manual Nikon body with metering when I feel the need, the F100 is too fun to use, I'll use it and the chrome Nikon F with standard prism when I shoot film), the chrome Nikon F with the FTn meter prism (have a black one already, don't need two), and the ugly black body with the standard prism (keeping the prism, selling the ugly body off, my other black Nikon F is much better). Keeping the FE2, the chrome Nikon F with standard prism, the F2 Photomic (my first F2, rather like it, another reason the F3 is going away), and the F100. Not to mention the black Nikon F with FTn meter prism that belonged to my late father, is not in the photo as its in the shop being completely overhauled for the first time in 40+ years. I still have an HP prism for the F3 if I ever feel the need for another F3 body, they are only getting cheaper... Keeping all lenses in the photo EXCEPT the Nikon 50mm 1.4 mounted on the F3. That thing has the most horrible out of focus image quality at f1.4 I've ever seen. The 1960 5.8cm f1.4 Nikkor at f1.4 is light years better than it!</p>

<p>And I know the KEH as-is section well, I got my FE2 seen in the photo from there for only $34. Works perfectly!!</p>

<p>I have the F801 (earlier 'non-s' version, called the N8008 in the US). Great viewfinder and nice solidity, and now very cheap at about 1/4 of the price of the F100, but IMHO the F100 is still the better bargain, with a still competitive AF system, really excellent handling & control layout, and forward compatibility with G and VR lenses (the F801/N8008 has no way of controlling the aperture on a G lens). The F100 not as loud as , say, an EOS-3, but not as quiet as an F80/N80 (which unfortunately won't meter with unchipped AI lenses).</p>

<p>Nice to have so many good models to choose from. I've owned used all the F models, except f6. I love the F4 for many reasons, but it's a little hard to focus with the af screen; and Nikon does not offer an af screen with split image. But the af screen is big and bright. The F4 only offers a center bracket for af, and it does not light up red like the one on the F100. If you hate scrolling and menus, you'll love F4 interface. You can also matrix meter with older lenses.<br>

For an all-day camera, I'd go for the N90 or the F100--giving you lighter weight and good technology. I love the F5, but it's big and heavy---but a beast I use often as possible. <br>

I have not used the F3 in years. The HP viewing is simply wonderful. Very much a manual camera. Buttery smooth. Totally reliable. ---as all the F's are. good luck.</p>

<p>Richard, thank you, very helpful! Especially about putting the sound level in perspective.</p>

<p>Gene, very much appreciated! Really interesting about the F5! I do have an F3HP, but out of inertia, I suppose, have never used it as a carry camera- only for nature, believe it or not. Just yesterday I was thinking about finally taking it with me somewhere, as I do appreciate its all-around quality.</p>

<p>Jeff: about the F5. It's really the last one of its kind. It's a camera you love at first sight, and even more the longer you use it. Overall all, it's lightening fast--from AF, to film advance, to rewind (6 seconds!). The meter is one-of-kind. A color meter! The switch from center, to spot, to matrix--is right on the side of the pentaprism. Ditto plus and minus, ditto iso. Other functions are Just a quick button and scroll seen on led screen atop the deck. You can easily read it in sunlight.<br>

Although it is an "electronic camera" ---with one small led window on the battery case--it operates more like a manual camera with plenty of buttons and switches, and IMHO--nothing buried in a YUCK! menu. No scrolling.<br>

It's a heavy camera but with the rubberized body and the curved handle--it's easier to hold than the F4 and much easier than the F3. <br>

On the subjective level. It makes you love shooting film. Frankly, it's confidence-inspiring to know you are shooting with the greatest SLR ever made! For the photographer who grew up in the mechanical/manual Slr era---it feels like a rational and logical transition---Totally unlike Nikon's D-igital menu-glutted beasties.<br>

Eight years ago, I paid 2,000 bucks for the F5; Now you can get a very good one for far less on ebay.<br>

If you have any old lenses; they all fit. Then there's a million accessories to buy! The F5 is worth serious consideration.</p>

 

<p>Jeff:</p>

<p>I also have two N6006s, bought as refurbs years ago. I had always bought lower-tier bodies, just as a matter of course (at the time, I also looked at the N8008, but really didn't like their top LCD design). But, I know what you mean . . . I always wanted a then, $1,000, N90s. But, a thousand dollars? I certainly couldn't "justify" spending that kind of money on a camera back then! But like you, with your pent-up desire for an N8008, I had always wanted an N90s. Although N90s bodies in good condition can now be had for a mere $35, about a year ago, I found a mint-condition N90s, with an MB-10 for $100. I bought a used SB-27 to go with it, and I was happy as a clam. Before deciding on the N90s purchase, I also considered a used F100, but again, thought they were "too expensive," even at today's discounted used prices.</p>

<p>Then, about a year later something "clicked." My re-discovery of photography really grew. I thought, gee . . . I've always only bought "affordable" bodies. Photography has again become one of my greatest passions. Now, I'm thinking, for once, why not just buy the best? I found a Nikon F6 on KEH's Ebay presence (it wasn't listed on their website) for $1,300. I snapped it up, and I couldn't be happier. Listed as "very good," the damned thing looks brand new. Since you mentioned your N6006s in plural, it seems like you're used to having two film bodies (I've always owned two similar or identical film bodies at any given time: FM/FE, etc.), so buying two F6s would be pretty pricey, when two F100s would likely service you nearly as well. So, I guess I'll just have to simply repeat everyone else's recommendation for an F100. But, if you can spend the money, why not live a little and splurge on the best! The F6 is the nicest film body I've ever held. It's basically a D2 shell, but it's damned nice to hold. Very compact for an 'F' body. Another plus for those also shooting with FX DSLRs--the layout is very similar. Plus, it's the only Nikon film body which supports CLS.</p>

<p> </p>

<blockquote>

<p>If you have any old lenses; they all fit</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I don't think non-AI Nikon lenses can be attached to the F5 without a modification to the metering coupling lever. The F5 does not have the flip-up lever of the F3 or F4, that can be flipped up and out of the way so a non-AI lens can be attached.</p>

<p>I said . . .</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>I also have two N6006s, bought as refurbs years ago. I had always bought lower-tier bodies, just as a matter of course (at the time, I also looked at the N8008, but really didn't like their top LCD design).</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I stand corrected. I think it was the N80's goofy icon-clad, top LCD that I didn't like.</p>

<p>Wow! Some more good information and experiences! Much appreciated.</p>

<p>Gene, your passion for the F5 is so evident! That's one I really didn't think of... Really interesting about <em>everything</em> you've said. Not sure if it's in my price range right now, even at the much reduced prices, but I'll definitely be thinking about it for the future.</p>

<p>Ralph, Awesome that you got that F6!! I agree with your reasoning completely. The F6 is a dream camera. I thought it was interesting what you mentioned about finally getting a camera you'd long wanted, the N90s, then, after a bit, going for the F6, and being even more thrilled. It leads me to believe that the reason that I still love the N6006 is that I simply don't know what I'm missing:)! Hopefully, my experience will be the same if I can only make the decision! I still haven't, as there are so many diverse choices within the Nikon line up! Plus, thankfully, I have no pending need right away.</p>

<p>I have to say though, I still feel an attachment to my N6006's, as crazy as that must sound! They seem to have all that I need, and I have some great memories from them, and the ergonomics seem perfect for me. It's a personal dilemma:)! Seriously, though, I'm thinking that if I just make up my mind and go for one of the great choices out there, I'll probably wake up. The new and/or improved features do sound useful, and it would be great to have a little more positive film loading, and not to have to worry about getting stranded with that darned latch breaking sometime.</p>

<p>What's interesting about the broken film door latch on my original body (purchased new around 1992) is that the guy who fixed it in 2004, didn't do it with the repair kit that I think I've seen on line. I think he fabricated something himself, as it looks like plastic. He told me that he couldn't guarantee it, but that I should try to depress the release each time before closing it; that this would at least prolong its life. This has seemed to work, as it's still fine, and I use that camera more than any other. (The one that recently broke was a body that had the original part.) Makes one think that the metal replacement (?) might be better yet?</p>

<p>Dave, thanks for the added info.; thankfully, my lenses are all newer than pre-AI. And good to hear that it was the N80 you really meant, Ralph! The N8008s might be one of the most <em>affordable</em> choices, though I definitely do appreciate everything that's been said about the other models.</p>