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Nikon F5

This is a review for the Nikon F5. I base this review on the 3 films i have shot with it over the last three months.
As it is always the case, if you need a complete overview about the F5, background information and full insight about its numerous functions, visit MIR's excellent website and also have a look at the review by Thom. I will limit my review on my experience of using the camera and i will compare it with it's predecessor - the Nikon F4s - and it's rival; the Canon EOS 1n RT.

Using the camera
Once you pick up the camera, you are surprised by its weight and its build. Metal, metal and some more metal. Despite being a slightly bigger camera than the F4s, the camera is better designed and balances better in my hand. The hand grip is thinner allowing better hold of the camera. All buttons, switches and dials are well designed and weather-sealed.
Of course there are a number of ergonomic hiccups. There are a lot of complaints on the internet regarding a number of major omissions:
a) The impressive backwards compatibility with MF lenses is gone - it was an extra £100 conversion.
b) The F5 is a battery monster
c) No choice to trim the F5 down - you cannot remove the motor drive.
d) No illuminated AF point in the viewfinder - the selected focusing point turns from dark grey to black - useless.
Except all the above - which i thing are all valid points of criticism - there are a number of other things that Nikon should have done better. These involve the lack of a custom settings for leaving the film leader out during rewind (the F5 has 25 custom setting but non that deals with leaving the film leader out), the bizarre concept of not automatically rewinding the film when it reaches the end (what can you do with a fully exposed film inside a camera?) and a couple of buttons that i thing are not placed it where i would like them to be (+- button and the depth preview button).
Once you switch the camera on, the AF is startlingly fast and assertive. In terms of noise, this is a relatively loud camera; not that it gets distracting or anything but i think the F4s is quieter.


The Nikon F5 vs The Nikon F4s Vs Canon EOS-1n RS
So, how does the Nikon F5 compare against the other two cameras? Let's have a look.
* Meter accuracy: Well, in theory, the Nikon F5 wins. But this is more a theoretical question rather than a practical - i still haven't seen a badly exposed picture from the F4s or the EOS.
*Build Quality: All three cameras are build to extremely high standards, it is impossible to say which one will survive a fall from the third floor. My gut instinct says the F4s but i might be wrong.
* Viewfinder: Easy, it is the Nikon F4s. The F5 is very good but does not feel as bright as the F4s. The EOS has probably the worst viewfinder of all cameras i ever had but it has a pellicle mirror.
Nikon Vs Canon AF speed
* Compatibility: Easy - the Nikon F4s again. While both Nikons will mount all F-mount nikkors, the F4s gives matrix metering. It was an £100 extra for the F5. Only EF glass for the EOS.
* AF Speed: The Nikon F5. Having said that, the Canon is probably a close second. The EOS-1 appears to be hesitant at times whilst the F5 is very assertive. From minimum distance to infinity, the F5 will rotate the lens faster. In the 90's there was a shoot out between the two, done by Practical Photography. Have a look on the conclusion. The F4s is very competent though - don't be fooled.
* Size/Weight: Check the picture. The difference between the 3 is minimal. The Nikon F5 is somewhere between the F4 and the EOS. Despite that I find it the easiest to hold.
* Ergonomics: (Highly subjective) Easy, there is nothing that can beat the F4. The other two offer more features and better customization thought.


Conclusion
So is the Nikon F5 my best ever camera? I am not sure. At this camera market - all cameras are expected to perform flawlessly under all conditions. And all the above mentioned camera do it. The F5 addresses many omissions and the newer electronics make it a faster camera. But there are a number of areas where the F5 lags behind its predecessor. Battery consumption and the ability to trim the camera's size down is one of them although i think that the fact that the F4s will offer matrix metering with any vintage glass is a big big plus for me.
There is no doubt that the F5 will surprise you pleasantly with it's flawless performance. If it is AF speed that you need, the F5 is the camera to go for. If you have vintage Nikon glass and want matrix metering, then look no further than the Nikon F4.

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