Howard_Creech's Full Review: Nikon F4s Film Camera
Nikon F4S bodies are starting to show up in camera stores everywhere as photographers trade them in on F5's and F100's. The bodies are usually in excellent condition for a couple of reasons...first the camera was introduced only 12 years ago and had the shortest run of any "F" PRO model Nikon, and secondly because many of these "PRO" cameras were purchased by serious amateurs who handled them carefully. Prices are hovering around $900 for a really pristine example (excellent examples can be had for as low as $750.00)....and the F4S is a LOT of camera for nine hundred bucks.
Nikon's first "pro" level auto focus camera, the F4S was designed to bridge the gap between traditional mechanical cameras and the new autofocus/autoexposure technology. Dials and controls are logically and traditionally placed, the F4S has a serious "retro" look, sort of like an F3 on steroids. With matrix metering (first introduced on the classic FA), an autofocus/autoexposure system pioneered on the N8008 (still one of the finest all round bodies ever), and Nikon's famed ergonomics and durability the F4S was an instant success story.
The camera's shutter was engineered to provide accurate operation for 150,000 exposures without measurable deviation. The dust and moisture seals are designed to withstand climatic and environmental extremes that most photographers will never experience. Shutter speed range is from 30 to 1/8000th of a second. Three metering modes (5 segment Matrix, 60-40 centerweighted, and spot), five exposure modes (Standard and Highspeed program, Shutter or Aperture priority AE, and metered manual), the ability to meter (and provide focus confirmation) for hundreds of "F" mount manual focus lenses, Multiple TTL flash modes, MLU (mirror lock up, for vibration free close ups and copy work), Multiple exposure capability, depth of field preview, both manual and powered film advance and rewind, and manual ISO film speed setting (along with DX code film speed setting) makes the F4S an extremely versatile photographic tool, competent to handle virtually any photographic situation that may arise.
Is the F4s a good buy, with all the new technology around? That depends on your personal style of photography. Much has been said about how slow the autofocus on the F4S is, in comparison to the F5 or F100, true it is measurably slower than the auto focus on the newer models but how important is this? If you shoot street/event images usually, then the F4S will do a great job for you (and it is built so sturdily, that you may be able to use it defend yourself with in cases where an irate subject attacks the photographer) Landscape shooters will love the solid feel and classic operation of the F4S, and hey, that mountain range or slot canyon ain't going nowhere, Travel photographers will have no complaints, except the solid "no nonsense" weight of the F4S. In most photographic situations the Nikon F4S will measure up quite well against any currently available camera model. If action/sports or macro (with live subjects) is your thing then one of the newer models will probably work better for you. The bottom line here is Nikon F5 two grand (plus)...F4S $900...you do the math.
If you would like to read more about 35mm cameras, please see my reviews:
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.