What do you use your MF Nikon SLR for?

I'm interested to hear how other Nikon users divide their shooting among MF and AF

SLRs. I currently have an N80, an F100, and an FE-2. I absolutely love the feel of the

FE-2, and it is my favorite for backpacking, largely because of its size and

ruggedness. However, I find myself more often using the N80 and the F100 for slides

and color prints when not backpacking -- usually the N80 for prints, especially of

people when fill-flash is

useful - and the F100 for slides (because of the superior metering capabilities). My

sense is that I have a higher percentage of off-metered slides with the FE-2 than the

F100. So as much as I love the FE-2, I find I use it largely for backpacking or B&W

prints where

metering is a bit less critical and where I'm less likely to

use fill flash. I know one can adjust the flash level with the FE-2, but it's a bit of a

pain, especially when shooting people. Finally, I should note that from my

perspective, one of the great advantages of the FE-2 for hiking is that it is so small

when in it's case -- I don't like hiking with an exposed camera, and find all the cases

for the F100 or N80 to be much buliker than the FE-2 case.

 

This said, I'm wondering how others who have both a MF Nikon and a good modern

AF Nikon SLR divide their shooting --and why.

 

Bob Y.

Apart from a couple of P&S cameras I don't have any auto-focus equipment.

 

I use my manual Nikon and Bronica kit for all my general shooting. I don't shoot slides but if I did I would use my handheld light meter for top accuracy in exposure measurement.

 

20 years ago I shot mostly slides using my Olympus Trip 35 and Nikon FM. They generally came out fine in terms of exposure.

Bob,

 

I have an FM3a and an N90s, along with six AI/AIS prime lenses and two AF-D zooms.

 

I find that the only time I use my N90s is when I expect to need (or want) the motor drive. If I can locate a good, clean MD12 I my end up selling the N90s.

 

I'm including a shot of my pup. This was taken with my FM3a and 180mm f/2.8 AIS ED as he trotted by. The aperture was either f/2.8 or f/4, I suspect the former due to the DOF. I was attempting to get the eyes in focus and I mostly succeeded.

 

The thing in his mouth is a piece of straw, but it looks a bit like a cigarette so I call this shot "Marlboro Pup" after an old cigarette add.

 

Vernon<div></div>

I guess I uploaded the wrong image. This shot is as described except that it was shot after he stopped. If I can find the one I had intended to post, I'll post the information here, the correct image will be located in a folder in my gallery (if I can find the correct negative).

 

Vernon

I use my F2 for travel, wedding (available light),

landscape, and wild life photography. I use color and

black & white negative film (Kodak 400UC, Tri-X) because

I like having lots of prints to look at.

I find it easier with manual focus and manual exposure

simply because I don't take rapid burst shots in changing

lighting conditions. I find I get far better shots with

good planning, and knowing what kind of shot I want.

Look at the recent issue of Time magazine with the

swimmer Phelps on the cover. The photographs are by David Burnette

for the olympics cover story: all done with his array of manual

cameras (often from his 4x5 speedgraphic) and black&white film.

 

I'm not saying that you can't do the same with a modern AF camera.

It's just that well thought out, well planned, and well timed

photographs can be taken just fine with a manual camera.

 

My money saved from changing to another "modern" camera is used

for film and processing and lots of nice prints that I like to

look at.

I have an F100, N80, and F3HP. My 50mm f/1.2 AI-s lives on the F3HP and my 50mm f/1.8D lives on my N80. The F100 usually has the 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D or the Micro 60mm f/2.8D on it. If I want to go light, I will just take the N80-50 f/1.8D set up. It gets used for all manner of things. Shooting family events, parties, some art applications, but I find myself going light more and more often.

If I want to do available light, landscapes, or other high portability work, I take the F3HP. It is still a darned great camera, and it (and the F100) is the reason that I don't have an F5 yet. More or less because there is nothing that I want to do that I can't do with those two bodies.

If I am shooting in a studio-type setup, and I have time to meter well and bracket every shot, I take the F100 and its lenses. Not that I can't do that with the other two, it's just that I feel more comfortable just shooting straight with the N80 and F3HP.

 

In other words, I use my Nikon MF to take pictures.

I own a FE2 and a N70. I don't own any autofocus lenses, so I

don't use the full capabilities of the N70 yet. Right now I prefer

my FE2 because of the simpler controls. It's much easier for me to

quickly adjust the aperture and shutter speed. I have to do this a

bunch since I mostly take pictures of my kids, which are always on

the move. Again, I'm using manual focus lenses with the N70 and I

always have to pull my eye away from the view finder to read the

aperture setting on the lens barrel. The N70 does not have the

window to view the markings on the barrel from the view finder.

 

I've used my FE2 longer and I'm quicker on the draw with it. I also

prefer the match needles in the viewfinder provided by the FE2. I

find it easier to see where the shutter speed and light metering are

relative to each other over the digital readout provided by the N70.

<p>I find myself using my F3 more and more frequently. The even stranger thing is that

most of the time I

take off the MD4. I'm even selling my digital SLR (admittedly a Canon). Why? I think that I

take

better photos when I slow down, see 100% of the image area, and think about the light. I

also prefer the contrast and color of manual AI Nikkors compared to many AF lenses. The

F3's meter, once you know how to use it, is also hard to beat

when you have the time to take it slow. Most of the shots on my website were taken with

the F3. <a href="http://www.williamsvisual.com">www.williamsvisual.com</a></p>

<p>My wife shoots with an N80 with great results. I do like the built in flash for outdoor

fill and the program mode works very well. I enjoy using AF, but I find myself taking it

more seriously when focusing manually. With the freed up Digital funds I think I will buy

an F100 to get closer to the feel I enjoy.

<p>I also own an FE2. I mainly use it with B&W film that I process here at home (and mainly Tri-X) with occasional Velvia rolls. While my Canon D30 sees the most action these days, the FE2 and Rolleiflex are still used as well. It's too bad that we've made so much progress in the 20+ years since the FE2 was popular yet the high-tech digital SLRs of today seem to be twice the bulk of the old film cameras. Come on! Microchips! Smaller fabrication processes! Downsize already. I'm still actively interested in film and using the old Nikon SLR as evidenced by the fact that I ordered a quite-pricey Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 lens for it just yesterday. Besides, these old SLRs are harder than a coffin nail. You could use it to scrape ice off your windshield all winter and still shoot 500 frames per day with it without incident. In situations like the concert photography I used it for a few weeks ago, I wouldn't dare take a digital SLR with an expensive "L" or zoom lens into a group of hundreds of flailing bodies in a mosh pit but the FE2 not only handled the beating but with a small, cheap, but fast prime lens was able to snap usable photos.</p>

 

<img src=http://www.pbase.com/image/32648759/medium.jpg>

<img src=http://www.pbase.com/image/22652115/medium.jpg>

<img src=http://www.pbase.com/image/22655966/medium.jpg>

<img src=http://www.pbase.com/image/32648797/large.jpg>

Ill use my manual focus Nikons for most anything. I dont

think of this AF-MF thing as a big division or as AF v. MF. I

think of it as one Nikon system.<br>

<br>

I tend to shoot candids of people on B&W and also color

negative; landscape, Macro, Architecture, etc. on color slides.

Most of my lenses are AI and AIS. Most of those that are AF are

AF-D and work well or acceptably on MF Nikons. When I use AF I

often use the AF-ON button and disable AF at the shutter release.

I particularly like the F5s dual channel custom settings as

I switch from channel 0b to 0A when I want more conventional AF.<br>

<br>

My AF Nikon cameras are the Nikon F5 and an F100. These accept AI

and AIS lenses gracefully. I use the F100 mostly with AF lens and

the F5 with any lens I care to use. I think of the Nikon F5 as

the finest SLR Nikon has ever produced and the best Nikon for

manual focus Nikkors. I also own Nikon FM2n(s), FE2(s) an F3 with

MD-4 and an F2As.<br>

<br>

I bought the F3 specifically for macro as the cameras

metering is not changed or lost when the DW-4, 6x finder is used.

The FE2(s) are clearly smaller and lighter than the F5 and I use

these with flash or anytime I want a smaller, lighter camera. I

prefer the FM2n(s) for evening and night use because the diode

meter display is very easy to use when the finder may be dim.<br>

<br>

Ive spent a lot of time taking about how I use my AF Nikon

bodes as you can see I use them as MF bodies much of the time

thought the F100 usually carries an AF 35~70/2.8D.<br>

<br>

My second Nikon system dates from 1978. I dropped out of 35mm

while Nikon got its catalogue filled with multi-coated lens and

then as planed started a new Nikon system with the Nikon F2As. <br>

<br>

After a disastrous trade-in of a Pentax 6x7 system in about 1982

I mostly stopped selling or trading photo equipment. Now I think

things over pretty well and seldom sell anything. My manual focus

Nikkors range from a 15/5.6 to a 400/5.6 ED with only a gap at 18mm

and 45mm. This is the result of careful purchase. Id almost

rather drop a piece in the trash as to trade-in anything because

so much money is lost by chasing the silver bullet.<br>

<br>

I have a strong preference for fast primes but then I like my

zooms too so I have a number of choice zooms such as the 25~50/4.0

AIS, 75~150/3.5 Series-E, 80~200/4.0 AIS as well as AF 35~70/2.8D,

AF 70~180/4.5~5.6D ED and AF 80~200/2.8D ED. I like to have my

cake and eat it too.<br>

<br>

Do I have too much equipment? Hell No! I sacrificed for this

system and do not subscribe to the PHOTO.NET life of optical

poverty.<br>

<br>

NAS is not evil, NAS is good! (sm)<br>

<br>

Regards,<br>

<br>

Dave Hartman.<br>

<br>

Beware of "NAILS" or "Bipolar Nikon Disorder,"

a kind of hell for the Nikon owners soul.

The only AF cameras I have are digital. I have an EM and FM2n. I use the EM a LOT. It's my favorite. Or should I say they are my favorites as I have three. They're so cheap. I also use the Series E lenses. Kind of a purist thang.

 

Professionally I do nature work and product photography. I would use the digicams, but clients expect to see a "real" camera, so I use both and pick whichever shots are best.

 

But bottom line, I do a lot of hiking, so the EM finds it's way into my fanny pack more days than not.

I use my Nikon MF gear for... well everything really. I don't even own any AF gear - except for a Yashica T5 P&S and my small Olympus 4MP digicam which is both digital and AF... wow! ;-)

For me taking pictures also evidently involves twisting a focusinf ring - it comes naturally and I don't even have to think about it, nor which direction to turn the ring. Bu then I have to admit I am not into sports photography or anything like that. I have always known it that way and when AF came along I just never bought it because my MF gear doesn't wear out fast enough. Not shooting enough film I guess...

Mine is a F2, no meter, probably the best all mechanical SLR made by anyone and of course MF lenses, 300/4.5ED, 200/4, 135/2.8, 55/3.5 & 28/3.5PC Nikkor.

I do mostly portraits, landscape and architectural photography. And, I have driven stick shift cars for almost 40 years, auto transmission, auto focus, not for me.

 

Vahe

I have an F100 and a Nikkormat EL. I use the F100 for general work because I like the convienience of autofocus and the more precise Matrix metering (as opposed to 60/40 centered in the Nikkormat). I use the Nikkormat alot for close up work, as I don't as yet have a AF Nikkor macro lens, and so am bound to the Nikkormat and it's 55mm f/3.5 macro.

 

I also use the Nikkormat occasionally for indoor flash pictures. I do this because a while back I was captivated by the nostalgia of flash bulbs. So, I went e-Bay crazy and ended up stockpiling about 800 or so on the top shelf of my bedroom closet (For those of you who have no idea what a flashbulb is, it is an oxygen-filled bulb with a bunch of Zirconium or some other kind of wire packed into it. Each one can only be used once, so I have the equivilient of about 800 or so flash pictures in my bedroom closet right now. There's much more to it such as base types, guide numbers, colored coatings, etc., but I'll leave that out).

 

The F100 can only sync with bulbs at 1/30 or slower, as it was designed and built long after they were phased out. However, my Nikkormat from the mid-'70's has an option for bulb sync, and I can fire them throughout the whole shutter speed range. I also find that they give me a warmer, more pleasing light than electronic flash. It is also fun to blast someone back in their chair from across a room. They are bright.

 

Hope this helps with your survey.

"My manual focus Nikkors range from a 15/5.6 to a 400/5.6 ED"

 

Tell me about the image quality of 400/5.6ED, I hear that this is the best 400/5.6 from Nikon as far as image quality is concerned, it is 5 element design compared to 7 elements for the same lens in ED IF version. I know that it is a slow lens and that it does not focus as close to the ED IF, but those are not important to me since I am primarily interested in distant landscapes.

 

Thanks,

Vahe

This is my first post. Great website! Sorry if I'm a little winded.

 

After shooting only manual for the few years I've been taking photos, I just picked up an AF Canon elan 7NE. I started with a Nikon F3AF that found in perfect condition at a fair price (It jumped out of my lap on a subway and I've broken the DX-1 prism - anyone have one in good condition they don't need?). Wow, I love this camera. The F3 is so well designed. I can hold it comfortably, lock the exposure, press the DOF preview, and everything else (except exposure compensation) so easily. The 80% center weight and 100% viewfinder works well for me. Oh, and in 10 million years, smart cockaroaches will be snapping pics with this solid camera.

 

Along the way, I picked up an Argus C3 to practice shooting without a meter. Its 50 years old, but takes great pictures. I love my C3 and want to buy one for all my friends (hey, they only cost 5$). I've learned a lot by using the C3.

 

I also bought an old Canonet GIII rangefinder and found the aperture real clumsy. I don't use it much.

 

Finally, I just picked up the Canon Elan 7NE because I was curious what I was missing from the AF world. This has been my experience so far:

Good things-I love being able to see the camera settings in the dark via the viewfinder. The servo autofocus really helps me maintain focus on my niece as she runs around. The little pop up flash gives me fill flash that my F3 can't. I can set the flash compensation to give me just a squirt. It is really light compared to the F3 (a big plus for me). I rally like the eye tracking auto focus. It works, even with my four eyes.

 

Not as good things- I don't think the AF is much faster than manually focusing. I've been using the non USM 50mm 1.8 lens, but I just ordered the 100mm f2 USM lens that will let me MF in AF mode. That should help me in low light. The DOF preview is in such an odd place and it is too compicated to electronically lock up the mirror that is done so easily on the F3. Oh, and the expensive AF lenses...

 

I haven't figured out how to justify buying the Elan 7NE. I guess the AF is good for those moments when I need to track things that are moving more quickly than I can focus manually. I haven't fallen out of love with the F3.

 

Anyone have similar experiences switching to AF?

In Nikon land, I have an N80, an FM3a and now a D70. I don't use the N80 anymore at all. I'm "learning digital" on the D70. Otherwise, I use my FM3a pretty much all the time for the following reasons:

 

-1- The VF image in my FM3a is just much bigger and brighter than my other two Nikon bodies. Maybe I'd feel differently about this if I had a F100 or F4 or F5 AF body, but I don't. But see below.

 

-2- I like to manual focus almost all the time, and the Nikkors have really smooth MF. And the bright focusing screen on the FM3a makes this practical and quite pleasurable.

 

-3- I like primes. My FM3a lens kit is 28/2.8, 45/2.8-P, 105/2.5 and 135/2.8 (I only carry one of the latter two). All pretty nice glass, IMHO that I didn't blow too much $$$($) on. I'll add a fast one someday. Three lenses do it and then some for 95% of my shooting. The other 5% is typically covered by the CV 21 f4 on another RF camera system.

 

-4- Because the FM3a is pretty small relatively, and because the primes are pretty small too, I can actually have this kit with me 100% of the time. Yup, even at work or whatever. It fits in a Domke "little smaller" F-6 bag with plenty of room to spare. So this is why I'm not sure I'd favor an F100 or F5 given their relatively larger size.

 

-5- If I think I'll need flash, my SB-800 fits right in the bag too. I don't usually need flash, though, but I'm planning on getting something much smaller (SB-30?) and an SC-17 I can just park in a corner of the bag just in case.

 

-6- For tripod work, the FM3a has the pre-mirror up self-timer thingy to reduce camera shake. Heck, if I'm going to use a tripod, might as do what I can to minimize camera shake.

 

-7- Then the etc. Really sturdy, etc. I like center weighted metering. I never use the AE mode. I just don't like using an SLR like a P&S. I always get bitten by contre jour back lighting and what not. Hell, I have an expensive P&S for that :-) I have DOF preview on the FM3a, so I'm not missing that. Handy with the longer lenses.

 

Only real "gotcha" is that I've been shooting a Bessa R rangefinder and now I've just got a Leica M6 TTL. That's a great shooter for wide angle and normal lenses, is even a bit smaller (especially the lenses), has no mirror slap, is quiet and is also really well made. So my new target "walking around" kit is the M6 with 21/28/50 lenses. Again, some tiny flash just in case (Oly S20 maybe).

 

I still plan to use my FM3a for the longer lenses though. We'll see.

 

As for the D70, once I "learn digital" I'm not sure exactly what I plan to do with that one :-)

 

Anyway, at current used prices, it's just amazing that at least one vision of a "Nikon dream system" can be assembled from a used FE2 or FM2n, a few used mint Nikkors and a used SB28 or whatever - for a relative song. I foolishly bought much of my stuff new, because I'm a beginner and just didn't know any better :-)

 

Happy shooting!

Oh I really want one of those Bessas myself. A Bessa R2, specifically. I want one to play with such lenses as the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2... Ideally, I'd end up with an M6 TTL and 50 f/2 Summicron but I don't want to have to sell my car to afford an old rangefinder body and lens.

Though I do own a Canon G3 to cover AF and digital quickie needs the AF isn't terribly fast and I find myself shooting 90% of my photographic whimsies with an FM2 kit. In low light I can focus faster than the G3, which can't handle the dark as well as a fast prime and fine grain film anyhow. I love the ergonomics of the FM2 and its related period cameras and I find it a good tool for mucking around on the street with. It's usually paired with the 25-50mm f/4 as a general purpose lens but in low light that comes off in favour of the 50mm f/1.4. The FM2 is a tough and reliable companion that I have no intention of parting with. I don't shoot anything as quick as sports very often (I can handle a passing person or car with the 105mm with some care) so I don't ever feel the need for AF. The MF system has been far more economical to build than an equivilent AF one.

 

I still cannot help but think of the AF and MF series of lenses as two separate systems; the number of cross over bodies is shrinking as the consumer digital bodies lose full compatability and the newest lenses lose their aperture rings.

I have a D100 and F100 and two FM bodies. I'd love my F100 even more if it had a

split prism focusing screen. The best camera ever made in my opinion is the FM/

FM2. Clean, light, solid, and small. Feels better than a woman in your hands.

 

I use the manual cameras and MF because I hate when the AF decides to hunt or bug

out. I know when I focus manually, that ring isn't gonna move unless I move it.

Thanks to all who answered - it is interesting (and helpful) to see how others wind up

dividing their shooting when they have both MF and modern AF Nikon SLRs readily at

hand. I agree this isn't a real division (say as much as film vs digital), but it says

something about the strengths and weaknesses of of each of the tools as they apply

to different situations. I grew up shooting slides on a Nikkomat FS (using a handheld

light meter) so I'm not afraid to meter slides without matrix or spot metering. But

even so, I often find myself using the F100 to shoot slides these days because the

Matrix and Spot metering seem to give more keepers exposure-wise. Sounds like

many of you out there feel less concerned about just using center weighted metering.

In addition to the sheer pleasure of handling a manual Nikon, it seems that the big

plusses are the viewfinder (IMHO, not even the F100 matches my FE-2), its

ruggedness, and small size (especially in a case with a prime lens anywhere up to 100

mm). And yes, I agree with all who have said that it's fun taking photos with any of

the cameras under discussion here.

 

Thanks again for your thoughts and to anyone else who wants to offer their 2 cents

(and as well to photo.net for making this discussion possible)!

Right now I'm using my two manual focus Nikons for everything. The film door latch on my N6006 broke or I'd be using it more often - I like the autobracketing feature for slide film.

 

There isn't much I can't do as conveniently with my F3HP and FM2N. Oh, the 1/3 EV exposure compensation dial on the F3 is fiddly but I only use it when shooting Provia. When shooting b&w or color negative film I don't worry about minor exposure adjustments.

 

I recently used my two manual Nikons to shoot publicity stills for a local theatre. Since I was using rented monolights and metering everything by hand with my Minolta Autometer IIIF I can't think of anything I could have done better or more conveniently with AF/AE SLRs.<div></div>

I use mine for everything. Got two. A F3P and a Nikomat FTn (waiting in the shop for me to pay the repair bill). Got five lenses for both bodies. A 24f2.8 Nikkor-N that I'm still waiting for from eBay, a 50f2 Nikkor AI, a 55f2.8 Micro-Nikkor AIS, a 105f2.5 AIS Nikkor, and an older 200f4 Nikkor-Q Ai'd that I frequently use with the F3P... I do have the MD-4, and also have a Sunpak 383S that I've owned since late '90.

 

My first camera was a Honeywell Pentax H3v (aka Pentax SV) with 55f1.8. Got that one from my aunt back in '84.

 

Second was my dad's first Nikon - a Nikomat FTn (like my current one, only uglier than heck). That body usually had a 50f2 Nikkor-H on it.

 

Third was a Nikkormat FT2, which I wish I hadn't sold in '97. Got it in December '90 as a birthday gift.

 

Fourth was a Nikon FM2n. Bought it in '91, used it up until late June of this year, when I traded it and body #6 in on the F3P.

 

#5 was a beat up black FM that died about 2 months after I got it. Purchased in September '97. Leather was coming off, accessory shoe was missing, and, the meter was flaky. Suffered its demise when the lens release button got permanently glued into the down position with superglue (after a failed attempt to reglue the leather), and the shutter jammed.

 

#6 was another black FM that replaced #5. Much nicer, but spent a lot of time in the bag, since the shutter wasn't firing correctly. One curtain opened too slowly, whereas the other closed at a normal rate. Very underexposed or non-exposed photos. Was that way from mid-'98 until early this year, when it was CLA'ed. Also traded in on the F3P.

 

Body #7 is the aforementioned Nikomat FTn that I still have. Purchased with a jammed shutter, and bad foam. Was CLA'ed by one shop, not too well, btw, and sorta worked. Had the opposite problem of body #6. Shutter needed replacement. Still looking for a good chrome Nikomat FTn nameplate for said body. Was my father's for a while, until #8 came along.

 

Body #8 is my dad's new Nikkormat FTn - purchased this off that auction site for his birthday... Needs calibration of the meter, and mirror foam. Otherwise is real nice. Late model FTn body. His lenses are a 50f1.8 Nikkor AI and a 135f2.8 Nikkor AI.

 

The only AF cameras I've used are P&S 35's and digi's... Not ones that belong to me. Rarely used'em as well. Much prefer MF. Just like with my cars. Manual transmission, and manual steering.

 

I might pick up a F4 one of these days, but, will never use it in AF mode. That might allow me to delete the MD-4 from my F3P permanently and just use the F3P as my discreet body with the 50f2...

-J

Nikon FE, The super slow shutter speeds for "Auto" night shots is truly amazing. Nikon F4, for hand held shooting with either AF or MF lenses at slow speeds. The heft of the body coupled with the smooth counter wieghted shutter action is IMO second to none for sharp hand held images. All that having been said, neither of these cameras would be my first choice for sports or action photography.<div></div>

On a recent trip to Japan, I took a F3 and a F80. The F80 for snap shots and mandatory family photos where getting the shot fast is everything. The F3 for everything else. I used general purpose slide film (Fuji Provia) in the F80 and more specialised films (Velvia or Astia, depending on light condition) in the F3.

 

It worked quite well.