Nikon F5 vs ...?

[Atmosphere]

I am looking into a professional 35mm camera for my photography. I am pretty set on the nikon F5 but before I buy I would like to get a second opinion. I have also heard good things about the F100 but I can afford the F5 body and thats what I would like. My budget is around $400 and there are some on ebay in the $300-$450 range. I am aware of the size and everything and I am fine with a bulky body. I would just like to know if I should look into something else around my price range that would be better. I'm not a specialist and I love to shoot all sorts of subjects. Thanks.

 

[KooK]

I just picked up an F5 in amazing shape for around $550, although I can't comment on the F100, my F5 is AWESOME. Not a huge fan of all the plastics or how bulky it is, but it's got amazing speed, great options, and it feels very solid. Totally happy with it.

 

[Sachphotography]

I would look into a F4 it is a great camera dn can be found for better prices than the f5

 

[Atmosphere]

I found a F4s for $205 in great condition. Should I just hop on that or is it worth the extra money for the F5?

 

[KooK]

I would look into a F4 it is a great camera dn can be found for better prices than the f5

If you don't have a lineup of G lenses or you don't think you want the option, I'll agree. The setup on an F4 looks a lot better, plus the battery packs are interchangeable so you can run faster (larger pack), or run slim with the small one. Not to mention when I was looking I found some in great shape for less than $300.

 

[Atmosphere]

I would look into a F4 it is a great camera dn can be found for better prices than the f5

If you don't have a lineup of G lenses or you don't think you want the option, I'll agree. The setup on an F4 looks a lot better, plus the battery packs are interchangeable so you can run faster (larger pack), or run slim with the small one. Not to mention when I was looking I found some in great shape for less than $300.

I have a 50mm f1.8, a 18-55mm VR AF-s, and a 70-300mm VR AF-S lens. I guess my main questions is from KEH should I get a F4 in great condition or a F5 in decent condition. Thanks

 

[KooK]

Here's what I learned when I was researching the F4 and F5. Both of them use the FX style lens, so if you've got a a digital with a DX, the lens will work but it wont allow for a full capture of the scene on the film because the elements are physically larger on the FX lens. The only digital Nikon bodies that use the FX that I can find are the D700, D3, and D3x, plus a couple of Kodak conversions.

Now the lenses, if you have a G lens it means you don't have an aperture ring because it's controlled electronically, which will still work on the F4 but you wont have control of your aperture period, it will be locked on (I believe) wide open? I forgot which way it goes. However the F5 has the electronic aperture control and will fully control the G series lens

 

[Sachphotography]

Nikon Autofocus F5 35MM SLR AUTO FOCUS CAMERA BODY - KEH.com

I would go with that. I have bought BNG stuff from KEH and they are great and returns are easy if you are not happy 235 is a great price for an F5

And dont waste your money on an F6....... why nikon why is all i have to say...1900??? seriously????

 

[Atmosphere]

Nikon Autofocus F5 35MM SLR AUTO FOCUS CAMERA BODY - KEH.com

I would go with that. I have bought BNG stuff from KEH and they are great and returns are easy if you are not happy 235 is a great price for an F5

Alright great thanks so much everyone for their response. I will post back here on the condition of the BGN F5 when it arrives.
:thumbup:

 

[KooK]

The 50mm F1.8 is an FX so it will work well. Plus it has an aperture ring so it will work with the F4.
AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D | Nikon

The 70-300mm VR AF-S looks to be an FX so it will work. No aperture ring.
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED (4.3x) | Nikon

The 18-55mm VR AF-S is a DX so it wont work well. No aperture ring.
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (3.0x) | Nikon

 

[Atmosphere]

The 50mm F1.8 is an FX so it will work well. Plus it has an aperture ring so it will work with the F4.
AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D | Nikon

This is my Nifty-fifty

I believe it will still work. Since my 18-55 or my 70-300 won't work I guess I am also gonna get a zoom lens.

 

[KooK]

Woooo, I can't comment on that lens Oldie but goodie though. Although the 70-300 I linked to will work fine with the F5, the 18-55 I linked to will not. Like I said just keep an eye out for FX and DX. FX is what the F5 uses.

 

[djacobox372]

I own an f5 and an f100.... the f100 is the better camera, as it's lighter without sacrificing build quality, it also has auto-focus points that you can actually see. At about half the cost of an F5, it's a far better deal.

That said, the f5 just "feels" better, probably due to the weight. I have a vertical grip fro my f100 yet it still doesn't feel as nice as the f5.

The F4 also feels really nice, but I'd avoid buying one unseen due to the issues it has with LCD bleed.

 

[j-dogg]

I actually have that exact lens and loved it to much I bought an adapter to use it on my Rebel, with the 1.6 crop factor it shoots like an 85mm f2.8 :thumbup:

 

[Atmosphere]

I actually have that exact lens and loved it to much I bought an adapter to use it on my Rebel, with the 1.6 crop factor it shoots like an 85mm f2.8 :thumbup:

Cool. I also recently picked up this:

Vivitar 70-150mm

And this:

Nikkor 28-80mm (for a cheap midrange zoom AF lens)