babbling78's Full Review: Nikon N65 35mm Film Camera
Before you read any further, let me state clearly that I am not a photography expert. I know very little about it, and even less about cameras in general. But, when I was researching my purchase, I found loads of great reviews out there that gave me plenty of information, but I longed for someone of my skill level to just say "couldn't use it worth a darn" or "even an idiot like me can get great pictures from this thing" so, this is my effort to add that. My review is only to reflect my personal experience, I can offer no technical opinion.
I decided I need a camera before a recent trip to Europe. I was fairly sure that I wanted a Nikon. I'd used one in the past with some pretty great results, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember much about the actual one I'd used in the past (and wasn't about to contact my ex-boyfriend to find out!)
After loads of research, through both epinions and several of my photography contacts, I decided that although I would've preferred an N80, an N65 was more in my price range and should do what I wanted. I purchased my camera at a local camera store for $309.00. This covered a "kit" that included the body, a lens (Nikon 28-80 mm), batteries, my first roll of film and a strap. They also threw in a UV filter for free. I also purchased a Tamron lens (85-300 mm, I believe.)
I first used the camera on a short cruise in September. I had very little problem figuring out the basics. I could easily take point and shoot pictures, the camera focused quickly and the kit lens allowed me to get up close and personal with my friends without being in their faces. At first I was slightly concerned about the focus quality. There is a small lever on the eye piece that allows you to adjust the focus seen through the eyepiece (for people who wear glasses?) So at first, everything appeared blurry after focusing, after figuring out that fact and adjusting it, I had no more problems with that.
Watching the moon rise one night, right over the top of an impressive hotel, we were inspired to futz with some of the manual features. Not having a tripod along, we arranged several books on a table top and focused the lens manually. We made some adjustments, and took several shots.
Now, the important part is the pictures. When we returned home, my first stop was to get my film developed. I was astounded at what I got back. The colors were amazing, and true to what I had experienced. Clarity was great, I had 1 out-of-focus picture out of 4 rolls, with previous point and shoot cameras I've owned I've always had quite a few per roll. The attempted moon shot was hard to judge, the light seemed perfect, but thanks to the rocking motion of the boat, it was bit blurry. To be honest, there were quite a few pictures that I thought rivaled the professional pictures in the cruise line advertising. (Note: There were 5 cameras in the group of people we traveled with, the 14 people on the trip all agree that they're glad I had my new camera along because quite a few of their picture didn't turn out nicely at all.)
The next trial was Europe. There was a much greater opportunity for poorly lit settings (dark castle interiors for one.) Here I ran into the problem that I'm far to clutzy to carry a nice camera around without protection. I had a nice little camera bag, but then it's hard to pull it out for those "quick" shots. Overall, I decided it was a pretty insignificant problem.
When I developed my 11 rolls after my trip I was again very pleased. It's nice to be able to take mindless point and shoot picture, but to also be able to manipulate the image using the manual features when you want too. Again, please keep in mind that I have almost NO photography knowledge, in spite of that I was able to get some really amazing night shots of London. Family photos that turned out great inspite of the poorly lit pubs we were in. The pictures from extremely sunny days were not too full of contrast. (Note: My mother also has a very nice Cannon Rebel of some sort, although she also has loads of really nice pictures, mine were more consist in their quality. I think that says a lot since she's been taking pictures for 30-some more years than I have!)
So, I'll break down my observations:
Pros
1. Camera was fairly affordable and allows for a variety of lenses (meaning if I ever learn more about photography I should be able to upgrade lenses and keep the body I'm comfortable with.
2. Even though I'm a photo-idiot, I could capture really great pictures.
3. Thanks to the quick focusing, I was able to catch quick shots
4. By fooling around with some of the manual settings I was able to get some neat night and low-light shots.
5. Very durable, I'm notoriously hard on things (MAJOR clutz!)
6. Colors and sharpness were really great.
7. Using this camera helped me to capture memories that other friends couldn't with their basic point and shoot cameras.
Cons:
1. More bulky than most point and shoot cameras.
2. Eyepiece can be adjusted, not good if you haven't figured it out yet.
Overall, I think this is a great camera. I've since taken some great engagement pictures for some friends, and captured some great memories. I find it very comforting that I'm not "losing memories" to out of focus, or poorly lit pictures anymore. And I haven't even gotten around to reading all the information Nikon provided with the camera yet!
So, yep... even an idiot like me can get great pictures from this thing!
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