For Christmas 2001 I received/purchased the F65 (N65 in the US) as a camera that would fulfill my newfound hobby of photography. I didn't need anything fancy, but something that would provide great quality, be lightweight (for backpacking), and offered a variety of features and effects without being overly complex; the F65 was just that.
You'd be surprised at the emotional attachment one grows towards a camera. Seeing it tumbling down the scree slope (for about 30-40 feet) only 6 months after I had purchased it and getting smashed up was about as wrenching as watching your house burn to the ground. However, most of the damage was only to the exterior, and considering what it fell down, I'm incredibly impressed with the quality of the F65. The lens obtained a small crack, but it was merely esthetic. The back panel suffered the most and had to be completely replaced as the latch broke (exposing the film) and it had some rather gnarly gashes. For about $180 (CAN) it was back to normal with no damage to the interior. The quality and durability is simply amazing, as I was surprised I even found the camera intact.
The camera is a little difficult to figure out at first, as it is rather complex in all that it offers. However, after a few months and consulting the manual a few times it all becomes straightforward and easy to remember. Typically, I just set everything to be automatic and it does a wonderful job. Only when I'm trying to do a certain effect do I alter the settings, and it's never more complex than turning one or two dials. The problem I have is that the LCD does not display the information specific to a certain mode long enough and allow you to alter it to your preferred settings. Once you get to know it, it's not as big of a problem, but when you are trying to learn how to do certain things having the LCD not display all the information is a nuisance. For instance, if you want to simply adjust the shutter speed, you switch it into the mode "S" and you have about 5 seconds where it displays the shutter speed, and if you don't alter it within those few seconds it will take it off the LCD, and to get it to display again you have to switch it out of "S" and then back into "S" and go through the same joy. All in all, it is easy enough for beginners and just as good for advanced photographers.
The modes it offers are Landscape, Portrait, Automatic, Night, Close-up, Action, Aperture, Shutter Speed, or you can just put it completely into Manual. Within each mode a few more options are offered, but I can't say I typically notice any difference in pictures. The Action mode allows for pictures of things in motion (ie. Soccer game), Night uses a light separate from the flash, Landscape highlights edges and such, Portrait focuses in on the center, and the others are pretty self explanatory. Also offered are 6 different focal points, center, left, right, top, bottom, or all five. However, I typically just use the focus lock to focus items that I want off center and get results that are just as good.
The only option that it doesn't have (or that I can't find) that I would like is the option to disable the shutter speed so that it can be longer than 30 seconds. I wouldn't use it a lot, but I would certainly use it a lot for night pictures. The speeds that it does offer are fine for most pictures, but I’d just like the option for very long exposures.
The attached flash has never helped a picture I've taken, so I disable it most of the time. I've taken comparison shots of the exact same subjects to test it, and the flash pictures always come back washed out or too dark. I typically take pictures of nature, so I also prefer the natural lighting as it gives more of a realistic feel. Also, every time I get somebody else to take a picture with it, they hear the flash pop up and think that the noise was the shutter. I just started using the 10-second self-timer to avoid having to explain that they didn't actually take the picture. There is also a remote control available, but the 10-second self-timer is usually good enough.
The camera is very light, and as an avid backpacker, keeping weight at a minimum is an important factor. It's size & shape is the only problem, but it's no different than other SLR's. I purchased the Zoom lens at a later date, and although I typically do not use it, it is a great lens and isn't too big or heavy for storing. My only problem is I don't have a case for the zoom lens, which I hope to get this Christmas.
To be honest, every time I get my pictures back I'm incredibly disappointed in the picture quality. However, the image is still fresh in my mind and therefore I'm expecting more from it. When I go back at look at it after a month or two, I feel completely different and think the picture quality is fantastic. I've entered a few of my pictures into local contests (Ironically, I have been beaten by a legally blind woman - ouch), and although I've never won first place, I've often been told by complete strangers that they like mine the most.
Although I have some peeves with the F65, I've come to love it. There are better cameras for more money, but for my needs I doubt I'll ever need anything much better than the F65. For the $365 (CAN) that it cost, I'm incredibly happy with what I got out of it, and even when you add the $180 repairs to it I'm still quite happy. Compared to the $700 Digital Canon IXUS V3 I recently purchased, I’d say you’re getting a much better camera for half the price – and it’s not like the IXUS V3 is a bad camera. Hopefully this camera will last twenty years or longer, and when it does die I won't go for anything much more extravagant as it just isn't needed for myself or most other people. If you are into professional photography, then the F65 probably won’t cut it, but for anybody else I’d say it is a great choice.
Whether you are new to photography or consider yourself advanced, I’d highly suggest the F65 be on your list of SLR’s to check out.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 300(365 CAN) This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts
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