Cons: lacks spot metering, slow flash sync, no backlit LCD
The Bottom Line: Go get one if you're beginners. Go get one (as backup) if you're professionals. You won't be let down by this sophisticated model for all levels.
samnwong's Full Review: Nikon N65 35mm Film Camera
I'm an F65 (called N65 in US) user in Hong Kong and this one is my first SLR which I bought three months ago during a promotion period at ~HKD2500 (~US 320) with a bonus camera bag. I knew nothing about photography before I bought it and now I've learned the zone system etc., and have shot several rolls of amazing slide films featuring nature and night photography.
F65 does have several features that I think if added would make it a perfect camera (I also think Nikon'd better avoid doing it due to marketing strategies). First, there's no spot metering. I don't use it anyway (I've had the chance to played with an F80 from my colleague after I've bought my F65 and find that spot metering can complicate things. What's more interesting is that after you've done lots of [smart] calculation and arrived at the final exposure setting, it'll probably equal to the matrix metering suggestion :D). So why the complication? Matrix is perfect for all daylight and abundant existing light conditions and center weighted metering is just good for night and low light conditions, see the point? Even the legendary FM2 has center weighted only.
Second, slow flash sync, this is really something. But the 1/90 speed in F65 is more than adequate for me. I'm not a journalist or a wildlife photographer.
Finally, no backlit LCD, but I've bought a small torch to solve this problem. Even without a torch, you can find almost every piece of information inside the viewfinder which's lit.
I really don't understand why some other reviews complain about the lack of ISO setting. Yes, there's no ISO film speed setting but you can well duplicate the effect by having exposure compensation. Eg., when the camera is loaded with an ISO100 film, you can push it 1 stop by having a -1EV compensation, through which you get the exposure settings of an ISO200 film! So, no more complaints about this.
As for the light weight of the body, I've found two even smarter ways to solve it. Solution 1, buy a battery pack and load it with 4 AA's. Solution 2, buy a classic, heavy Nikkor lens to replace the somewhat toy-like plastic zoom that comes with F65.
Oh, there's an optional remote control to go with F65 that functions like a cable release (but selling at a much lower price than a reasonable release). The remote is a must for serious low light pictures and it looks cool. The only disadvantage is when somebody nearby is using the same remote control that he/she may trigger your shutter accidentally :p
Yes, F65 works with all Nikkor AF-S and AF-I lenses. It has a metal mount. It's durable.
Again, as I've mentioned, I've shot wonderful pictures with the camera and till now it works to my full satisfaction. As others are always pointing out, it's the brain behind the camera that matters.
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