Nikon F4s Film Camera

Wow - where could I possibly start when doing a review of this camera body? I guess I can only relate my own personal buying decisions with this particular camera.

I went from a Nikon FA (which finally gave up the ghost) and I had to make a long and hard decision about where I was going to go from there in terms of a camera body. I had a few requirements.

One being that I had grown use to matrix metering with my manual focus glass. That was something that I really, really did not want to give up. My other requirement was that I wanted something that had autofocus capability (certainly not a big priority for me). Thirdly, I wanted something that had mirror lockup. And finally I also wanted spot metering. Basically, it got down to the F4.

It's one thing to hear people wax poetic about using one of the F bodies. If you've never used one before, you might think that those people are perhaps influenced by the allure of a "status item". But once you've hit your finger on the shutter release of something like the F4, you will then know what they are talking about. I watched this happen with a friend of mine (who has used a 6006 for years) after he took his first exposure.

There is virtually no vibration from mirror-slap. Nikon integrated a shutter balancer device that counter-balances the "shutter bounce" movement of the gears within the shutter system. Plus, the mirror box movement is so well dampened.

The viewfinder: A delight. To some photographers who haven't had much experience with using a variety of bodies, they may never know the advantage of a good viewfinder. The finder in the F4 is clear and bright. On manual mode you can see in the range of +2 EV over and -2 EV under the "correct" exposure (which isn't available on other bodies) and the camera also has Aperture Direct Readout (something I also got use to with the manual cameras like my FA) which means you can see the selected aperture even with manual glass.

Nikon F finders also have the advantage of being manufactured from a real block of optical glass. That helps immesurably with viewfinder brightness and clarity. The F finders are also free of distortions (in most of the other bodies there is a degree of pincushion distortion put in to compensate for the typical barrel distortion in wideangles) And what is truly unique is that all of the F finders have 100% coverage. So what you see in the viewfinder is exactly how it will be framed on the 35mm negative.

The other advantage to this camera over the F5 is that it comes with three seperate power winders. The F4 was sold in the US under the F4s configuration, which had the MB-21 motor drive attachment. The MB-20 battery pack slims down the size of the camera considerably.

This camera has a number of other nice touches: DX coding, viewfinder blind, the aforementioned mirror lockup (which is good when you want to take macro shots in the shutter speed area of 1 second to 1/15th of a second) and depth of field preview. Multiple exposure is onboard. You have the choice of manual or auto rewind. There is exposure and autofocus lock switches. Probably the BEST (and least known) aspect of the F4 is that it can used AF-S. Yes - you heard that right, it can use the AF-S suerfast/supersilent focusing.

In general, you cannot go wrong with this camera if you're searching for a great manual 35mm camera that can in a pinch provide good (but limited) AF performance.

One of the best professional cameras ever produced. It has its place with other classic film cameras produced by Nikon like the F2 and F3. Any amateur also feels like a pro photo reporter holding this precise tool. Quick in action it allows stunning results. A broad range of availabe lenses for every use at reasonable prices.

The Nikon F4s camera I bought through ebay/paypal was described exactly and better than I expected. The convenience and price for the camera were well within my means. I got a very good deal (10% of brand new). I am encouraged to buy future items if all are as nice and in the condition, like brand new, as this camera and a F100 Nikon were. This is my dream camera. I like film because I get to create my art as I see it and this camera does it for me. I was very excited with anticipation before I received them from UPS and not disappointed when I opened the package. Recently retired I expect to continue my hobby in photography. Having begun anew my photo hobby since receiving the cameras I have not been disappointed with the results. I am very happy and excited with my new toys. In addition to the cameras I also purchased two speed lights for them. In essence I have a complete photo kit for all my photography endeavors. I had to learn what all the buttons and dials were for. The manual for the camera was very understandable and everything worked as described like painting strokes from a brush. This is a professional camera and great for a hobbyist like me. I am taking pictures like a pro for action and still photography with my Nikon's.

The Nikon f4 is one of, if not THE BEST and most versatile 35mm SLR cameras EVER built.
The f4/f4s although out of production for several years now, is still in use daily, by professionals and hobbyists alike.
With the ability to function with almost any Nikon or Nikon compatible lenses,several sinc. flash units and built-in multiple metering system, multiple viewfinders, not to mention multi-function and polaroid backs,data backs,bulk film backs, high-speed film advance motors(5fps),dual position shutter release buttons, electronic remote control devices...well it's a tough act to follow. By special invitation from NASA,the f4,with a few modifications,has even been to outer-space!
Numerous guides have been published on the capabilities and functions of the f4, most simple enough for even most novice photographers to understand.
The f4 can be a little intimidating for the beginner, but for those with a bit more experience it can open unlimited possibilities for creativity. Whether your interest is fashion, sports/action, wildlife/nature, macro or scientific...the possibilities are endless with the Nikon f4.
The Nikon f4 is not your average SLR. The body is not plastic as so many modern SLRs...it is made of die-cast aluminum, making it extremely durable and a bit heavier than many "lesser" SLRs. The extra weight helps to steady the camera when shooting from a tri-pod in windy conditions or when shooting without the aid of a tri-pod.
The f4 is also more resistant to the elements(dust,water etc...)than many other SLRs, although as with any electronic equipment, care should be taken to protect it as much as possible.

I needed a 2nd F4 body for my current series, (Midwestern rural grain workflow), so I would no longer have to change lenses while at a location. It had to match the body I already had. This seller had one that not only had the "s" battery pack, but the lighter weight pack that I use now. The package also had a macro lens in excellent shape, the electric shutter release and some color print film. I had use for it all and got it at a fair price.

Item was listed great condition and taking beautiful pictures, but received item was missing battery holder and some broken parts falling out. E-mail back to the seller 3 time asking to return or atleast send me a battery holder, seller never respond the e-mail at all. so, please be care full with this seller try to lie to sell the items...

Hi all: I've been a off and on photographer since 1970, I've had Pentax, Canon, and medium format film cameras of most types, the main reason why I switched to Nikon is because I can use a 1959 lens on any of my Nikons and they are truly a pro workhorse,I don't worry that they will switch lens mounts in mid stream like my Canon system that I had a lot of money invested in and they switched mounts for whatever $$ reason. I have Nikon F,F2,F3hp,FE,FA,and F4s and they have NEVER let me down so if you want a plastic featherweight don;t buy a Nikon, It ain't heavy it's my Nikon. Regards, Joe.

I wanted a Nikon F4 with the smaller MB-20 battery pack for traveling. The F4 camera I purchased had the battery pack I wanted and it looked like a great buy because it was listed as being in excellant condition.
The Nikon F4 is a professional level 35mm camera that would meet the requirements of any photographer shooting 35mm film. It has all the bells and whistles and is very robust in construction. One of the nice features of this model is it's ability to use all of the Nikon mount lenses, even the older models.
The Nikon F4 is an older camera but is still a top of the line camera that takes superb photographs!

I had a F$ which was stolen from me many years ago,this was I guess found love
all over again,my Middle name is NIKON so you know, the camera is like me aged with grace, well maintained, operates perfect this I KEEP not for sale,
I think I made a good deal on this, if you only know what you could do with F$
you would want to have one, it is even up there with todays tech but somethings Tech can't give like well mannered gentle beast like F4
thank for the service, it is great

I am compelled to write this review of my favourite camera the Nikon F4S.
I bought this camera, just before my daughter turned a year old. This was in 1991, when then President Bush Sr. was the Commander in Chief. To our surprise, and amazement, when we celebrated her 1st birthday at Mile Square Pk. in Fountain Valley, CA. Mr Bush made a visit to address a small organized rally at the park, at the same time, just yards away from our celebration! I remember taking pictures of the president's Air Force One helicopter flying in to the park. There was absolutely no restriction (that I can remember) at that time (Oh, how the World we live in has changed). I took some great, rare, and memorable pictures that day with my Nikon F4s and still, to this day, after 17 years and another President Bush, my camera is working flawlessly. In my true opinion, I remain convinced that this is THE finest camera ever made! The robust build quality, the ergonomics, the unequaled metering,as well as the substantial feel of the camera will make you a believer. Who knows, this camera might even last till another Mr. Bush occupies the White House.

wanted to buy in 90's,but bought first this year(from nikon fe to f4). it was exactly what i dreamed. af is more than fast enough. and matrix work on manual lenses too. f4/mb20,f4/mb21. will buy another f-4e(mb-23) georgios both in landscape,and portraits. like best to work manually. Bought on ebay. (will buy another on ebay)

This is a professional or a hobbies with experience. This a great camera with a long list of accesories and lenses. You have the ability of having as much or as little automated . This camera is a work horse within limits of reason it will take a lickin and keep on ticking. The camera will take personalized photos and you can be as artistic as you want with the choice of lens and other accesories. Multi exposures and depth of field can be used to create images better than I've been able to get even with cameras in the same range quality and price wise. All in all it is just a great camera if you want to personalize your work.

Having used the Nikon FG for many years, I knew I would like the F4. It is a sturdy camera, and I will use it in a underwater housing for underwater photography. I also use a Canon 5D, However I just can not seem to get away from film. The Nikon F4S is a work horse and you can't beat the EBAY price for a mint camera that sold for over Two grand when it was new.

If you are into film photography, and you don't mind the weight, this is a fantastic camera. This camera sports one of the most accurate light metering systems built in any camera, which includes three different metering modes. It works flawlessly with every type of 35 mm lens ever made by Nikon (F, AI, AI-S, AFS, D and G). Unlike newer automatic focus film cameras, it meters correctly with manual focus lenses. I use it primarily with an AFS 50mm/f:1.4, an AIS 55mm/f:2.8 Micro, and an AFS 24-85mm zoom. It is a definite winner.

This is professional film camera, much better than my digital D200.
I not see any wrong point with it. Is heavy and solid - really stability.
AF and continually exp. working better than in D200. With good lenses you can make highest quality job. Yes, this is top grade professional camera. Hard to find better. Good to know: if you use digital lenses (DX) with it - you will get poor job - black corners.

<p>I'd always wanted an F4 but couldn't afford one. Now that everyone is dumping film cameras for pennies on the dollar, I picked one up from a highly rated seller.</p>

<p>All I can say is wow! Love it! Even though it does weigh as much as my truck!</p>

<p>All but my newest 'G' style lenses work on it, even an early '60's one! With matrix metering in auto aperture mode, that is very nice. Super fast focus with my Tokina AT280.</p>

<p>If you want a great camera, buy one of these and spend the thousand bucks you'll save on a good lens. You won't regret it.</p>

The Nikon F4 was the top of the line 35mm SLR offering from Nikon during the late 1980s until 1996 which saw the release of the F5. They were employed in every area of photography, from fashion, to journalism, to fine art photography. The F4 is renowned for its wide range of lens compatibility, even allowing use of pre-automatic indexing lenses, as well as Matrix metering with Ai-S lenses, a distinction shared only with the Nikon F6 of 2004.

While it may not be the top dog in the pack anymore, who can expect it to be?
As an extremely durable body for film enthusiasts such as myself looking for the widest range of capabilities, a jack of all trades, the F4 cannot be beat.