My go to is the Nikon F6 with the MB-40 grip with either the Milvus 85mm or 55mm Micro 2.8. A beast of a camera!! And the metering has never let me down 😄
Thanks for sharing. I bought the F6 a couple of years ago just as its production run ended and I love shooting with it. It's such a joy to shoot with, given it's got most of the modern conveniences of the best DSLRs from Nikon, and it puts it all onto film! Such a wonderful camera!
What a great camera! I have the Nikon F, F2, F3, F4 and F5 (and the F100) but never had the F6. If I get the chance to buy it one day, I certainly will. But I haven't used my F5 yet (a mint condition copy I purchased some time ago) and I have high expectations with this particular camera. Photography with film cameras requires special care as to the choice of subject and the simple use of film. With only 36 shots, it's not like digital photography, where you can shoot without thinking about the limitations in the number of shots. That's why it's a good idea to switch between digital and film photography once in a while. The limitations in film photography lead to greater considerations about what you are actually doing with a camera, a consideration that can improve your digital photography.
I’ve been using my Nikon F6 since 2012, and still the most dependable equipment among all of my cameras including Z5 and other digitals. AF accuracy, metering, and mechanical rigidity are way beyond the class. 👍 The data imprinting function, another key feature of F6, is a truly ‘maker’s mark’ when it comes to the dark room photography. Indeed, the exposure information can be printed in the frame border!
You don't have to use the old triggers - the latest Nikon WR-R11a/WR-T10 Remote Controller Set works great. I use mine along with mirror lockup to avoid camera shake from mirror slap when the camera is mounted on a tripod.
I'm so jealous! I nearly bought one a few years ago for under NZ$500, but my wife would have killed me several times over if she found out! I do have a F100 from my late friend's estate. This has the benefit of using AA batteries - I use NiMH and they seem to last pretty well. I also have a handful of F80s that I bought cheaply, but they use the CR123As.
Damn great stuff, like all of your brilliant reports..F6 is nikons exit ...digital times...well made ....a farewell package. Using a f5 is using the holy grail of 35mm analog film, this f5 is an icon, like the fm2. I own both, and i will give it away just with my cold hands. Go ahead and thx for sharing your great movies.
I enjoyed this video. The F6 is the greatest camera I've ever used. One thing that I've experienced, that you touched upon, is the angle of loading film rolls. When I'm out on a tour, trying to photograph everything I possibly can, I find that little chunk of plastic forcing the angle VERY ANNOYING! Sure, when sitting at a table or something it's easy to manage, but when you've got the camera bag open on your knee, balancing the F6 with the film door open, maybe the car's now moving or whatever... That little black triangle makes loading a fresh roll feel like solving a Rubik's Cube before I can get to shooting again. Peace!
Does anyone know where we could find the Nikon School video for the F6, similar to the video Nikon has made for the F100 featuring Bob Krist, and F5 featuring Joe McNally?
The focus confirmation located lower center of the viewfinder is huge and bright. Easiest of my nikon cameras to use manual focus lenses. You eye doesn't have to move to lower L of view finder as you focus or upper R with the F5 and with it I lose sight of the focus confirmation. It's like they designed this camera for folks using manual focus and the focus confirmation. My favorite camera.
Just got mine. I shoot a number of zeiss manual focus lenses as well as some autofocus and the focus confirmation arrows are HUGE and near the center of the viewfinder in the bottom bar. When you hit back button focus, the focus point turns red to make finding it easy or if you lost it while focusing. Pull visual focus past focus, hit the bbf and adjust the arrows, meatball. Nail focus. I am selling my f5, as the focus confirmation is hard to get visible at the top of the viewfinder and this camera does all I need. I don't use 8 fps with the cost of film and 5 is plenty. My studio lights will easily keep up with 6 fps. This camera is lightweight compared to the f5. The auto focus is fast. The meter bar runs up the R side of the view finder but since I usually meter with a hand held meter, not as important but I have confirmed it is dead on with my meter since I use on board meter to spot just below the eye, focus and then adjust shutter speed to get 1 stop brighter than dead center, middle gray, where caucasian skin falls on the zone system. It is always dead on. I have to say this is my absolute favorite camera, even more than the d850. It enables me to shoot film, quickly, accurately with a tool that feels familiar to my series of D200, 700 and 850. Oh, and film auto rewinds with a tag out for those that start loading their developing tank reels in daylight then finish in a dark bag.
Now have shot it a bunch, haven't shot it in a day and will shot it tomorrow. with 400 film rated at 250 tmax or portra 400, with fast glass and the 1/8000 shutter, can shot over a wide range of lighting conditions. I like that it doesn't rewind all the way into the cassette so if I don't feel like carrying a second body, I just rewind, mark the cassette with iso shot and last shot number and can reload it later. Not quite as convenient as changeable backs on my mf cameras. but if I want to carry more lenses and not another body, it works. Downside is it is expensive over $1000. I love using my zeiss and voigtlander manual focus with it, since the focus confirmation is huge, bright, and in the lower center of the viewfinder. My favorite camera of 9.
Long time ago. No fanboy (use Canon, Leica, Nikon... ). Was happy to get a F100 several years ago for 90 Swiss Francs!! Use it wit all my AIS, nifty fifty and G lenses. Maybe I will find a F6 in the future 😊😊. Still got an Nikkormat 😊. Sold F3 and F4s... electronic problems with F3 😢😢😢... and sold my D3s....
I need to know the best focus modes to use, and if you are shooting portraits with the 58 1.4 wide open?? Focus recompose and shut off the shutter focus activation?
If you're shooting static portraits then you usually can't go wrong with AF-S single point and just focusing on the eye. The multiple focus points come in handy when using AF-C, combined with back-button AF-ON focus (rather than trying to use the shutter button to focus), when your subject is moving or erratic. If you can get used to it turning off shutter focus activation and focusing solely with AF-ON is by far the most reliable way to get accurate focus. No lens will perform at it's very best wide-open, but if you want the 'dreamy' look the 58mm f/1.4 will do it for you - stop down to f/2 for slightly more DOF :)
@@graysofwestminster ok so shut off focus on shutter button, back button focus and recompose. Do I also have to change if the shutter will release if it’s out of focus?
It is definitely more modern than the F5 BUT... No interchangeable viewfinder... no dealbreaker, but every other F camera did have one, so... Is it really an F??? Or should Nikon have called it the F200s? Just some thoughts...
The F6 is not a camera that appealed to me, I never really saw the point of it, having to use the battery grip on it to get round the problem of the midget batteries sort of defeats the point of a smaller body. I still use my F5 and F4s bodies as they fit in nicely with my digital kit and workflow. Always good to have options on set.
Well obviously digital is the better alternative to shooting high frame rates but its pretty amazing these cameras can transport film so quick and accurately.
The F5 had an accessory back that does film imprinting as well. There was a memory unit inside that would store exposure info which could be downloaded. I forget the number of rolls but an F5 could be modified to double that number. Special software was needed to do the download. I believe their was other features to that back as well.
Hi David, I am fortunate to own the F through F6. Had 2 F100s and they were perfectly great cameras. But if you shoot an F6 and feel and hear how crisp it is Im sure you will be sold.
Who has seen the "the last roll of Kodachrome" docu with Steve McCurry? There is a funny goof in the film where he loads his cam with the film - it's a F100 when Steve opens the back, but it's a F6 when he closes the back 🤣🤣🤣 tried to repeat this with my F100, but my skills as a magician are so poor. 😁
Actually I think the F4 was a more impressive camera in the hand than the F5 or 6. Still have my original copy bought new some years ago. NEVER will sell it.
I hear you. I've got the F4 and F5, both are incredible cameras! F4 is great, because you have real knobs for every function + locking mechanism. I have no desire to get the F6, I am completely satisfied with my F4 and F5. I don't even like the way F6 looks, it just doesn't have that fancy design that the F4 and F5 have.
Only problem with the grip is that Nikon failed to make it compatible with the same battery as the D3series, D700 and D300 (MB D10). Carrying different batteries and chargers is a total pain! Nikon please learn and ensure compatiblity throughout all the z series now and in the future.
Thanks for sharing. First time after so long that noticed Rebecca's eyes. I m one of the F100 fanboys, but maybe in the future when my F100 dies I my get the F6. The point is: before the Z one could carry a common set of lenses, that is no longer the case, so I am not sure about the future of film in my kid.
I have un DK17m on my D2X where it brings a big viewfinder size benefit on APS-C, but on the full frame F6 + Dk17m the viewfinder image is for me too big to be seen at a glance, it's not a benefit at all to have to move the eye to see the image edges,
@@jean-claudemuller122 No, strictly speaking, the viewfinder magnifier is a necessity in order to be able to see the precise manual focus, because analog DSLRs do not have a "zoom-in" button. And no, the focus indicator does not really help if you want to focus quickly manually, because moving the focus point also costs valuable time. And btw: This is why the DK17m is so hard to find: almost everybody wants one and they are no longer made.
I said 'No@ to this camera and stuck with my F5 as it offered no advantages at all to me at much greater cost. Size wise there is little difference if you add the grip. With the databack fitted there is little difference in functionality. A fine camera but ultimately it was an effort in trying to improve on perfection. The only disadvantage is thae F5 has no longer rechargeable battery available - not that camera's fault but Nikon's!
I’m sticking with the F5. No disrespect to the F6, but it was kinda late to the party for me. The F5 is the only camera that I have ever really wanted and it is very affordable now. The F6 is still too expensive for me.
My go to is the Nikon F6 with the MB-40 grip with either the Milvus 85mm or 55mm Micro 2.8. A beast of a camera!! And the metering has never let me down 😄
Thanks for sharing. I bought the F6 a couple of years ago just as its production run ended and I love shooting with it. It's such a joy to shoot with, given it's got most of the modern conveniences of the best DSLRs from Nikon, and it puts it all onto film! Such a wonderful camera!
Completely agree. I love my F6 as well.
What a great camera! I have the Nikon F, F2, F3, F4 and F5 (and the F100) but never had the F6. If I get the chance to buy it one day, I certainly will. But I haven't used my F5 yet (a mint condition copy I purchased some time ago) and I have high expectations with this particular camera. Photography with film cameras requires special care as to the choice of subject and the simple use of film. With only 36 shots, it's not like digital photography, where you can shoot without thinking about the limitations in the number of shots. That's why it's a good idea to switch between digital and film photography once in a while. The limitations in film photography lead to greater considerations about what you are actually doing with a camera, a consideration that can improve your digital photography.
I’ve been using my Nikon F6 since 2012, and still the most dependable equipment among all of my cameras including Z5 and other digitals. AF accuracy, metering, and mechanical rigidity are way beyond the class. 👍
The data imprinting function, another key feature of F6, is a truly ‘maker’s mark’ when it comes to the dark room photography. Indeed, the exposure information can be printed in the frame border!
Imprints are not only possible in the picture or between the frames but also on a black Number 1 frame including a filing ref Number
I don’t shoot film for the same reason as to why I don’t drive a Model T…that being said, I WANT THIS BODY!!! 😩
I never had F6, but I loved my F5 ❤ I shot my first wedding with F5 and it's just like with the first lover, there's only one.
You don't have to use the old triggers - the latest Nikon WR-R11a/WR-T10 Remote Controller Set works great. I use mine along with mirror lockup to avoid camera shake from mirror slap when the camera is mounted on a tripod.
What focusing screen would you recommend for manual focus lenses?
I'm so jealous! I nearly bought one a few years ago for under NZ$500, but my wife would have killed me several times over if she found out! I do have a F100 from my late friend's estate. This has the benefit of using AA batteries - I use NiMH and they seem to last pretty well. I also have a handful of F80s that I bought cheaply, but they use the CR123As.
Damn great stuff, like all of your brilliant reports..F6 is nikons exit ...digital times...well made ....a farewell package. Using a f5 is using the holy grail of 35mm analog film, this f5 is an icon, like the fm2. I own both, and i will give it away just with my cold hands. Go ahead and thx for sharing your great movies.
I enjoyed this video. The F6 is the greatest camera I've ever used. One thing that I've experienced, that you touched upon, is the angle of loading film rolls. When I'm out on a tour, trying to photograph everything I possibly can, I find that little chunk of plastic forcing the angle VERY ANNOYING! Sure, when sitting at a table or something it's easy to manage, but when you've got the camera bag open on your knee, balancing the F6 with the film door open, maybe the car's now moving or whatever... That little black triangle makes loading a fresh roll feel like solving a Rubik's Cube before I can get to shooting again. Peace!
So I'm not the only one, Makes me feel like an amateur as I struggle to get another roll loaded... especially if it makes me miss shots.
Nice job! I just bought a pair since I went into digital when these came out and I missed them!
Does anyone know where we could find the Nikon School video for the F6, similar to the video Nikon has made for the F100 featuring Bob Krist, and F5 featuring Joe McNally?
Great video and great style guys. Loving your films.
A great location, Hever Castle ?
This is a perfect camera to use with Zeiss Otus lenses.
The focus confirmation located lower center of the viewfinder is huge and bright. Easiest of my nikon cameras to use manual focus lenses. You eye doesn't have to move to lower L of view finder as you focus or upper R with the F5 and with it I lose sight of the focus confirmation. It's like they designed this camera for folks using manual focus and the focus confirmation. My favorite camera.
Just got mine. I shoot a number of zeiss manual focus lenses as well as some autofocus and the focus confirmation arrows are HUGE and near the center of the viewfinder in the bottom bar. When you hit back button focus, the focus point turns red to make finding it easy or if you lost it while focusing. Pull visual focus past focus, hit the bbf and adjust the arrows, meatball. Nail focus. I am selling my f5, as the focus confirmation is hard to get visible at the top of the viewfinder and this camera does all I need. I don't use 8 fps with the cost of film and 5 is plenty. My studio lights will easily keep up with 6 fps. This camera is lightweight compared to the f5. The auto focus is fast. The meter bar runs up the R side of the view finder but since I usually meter with a hand held meter, not as important but I have confirmed it is dead on with my meter since I use on board meter to spot just below the eye, focus and then adjust shutter speed to get 1 stop brighter than dead center, middle gray, where caucasian skin falls on the zone system. It is always dead on. I have to say this is my absolute favorite camera, even more than the d850. It enables me to shoot film, quickly, accurately with a tool that feels familiar to my series of D200, 700 and 850. Oh, and film auto rewinds with a tag out for those that start loading their developing tank reels in daylight then finish in a dark bag.
Now have shot it a bunch, haven't shot it in a day and will shot it tomorrow. with 400 film rated at 250 tmax or portra 400, with fast glass and the 1/8000 shutter, can shot over a wide range of lighting conditions. I like that it doesn't rewind all the way into the cassette so if I don't feel like carrying a second body, I just rewind, mark the cassette with iso shot and last shot number and can reload it later. Not quite as convenient as changeable backs on my mf cameras. but if I want to carry more lenses and not another body, it works. Downside is it is expensive over $1000. I love using my zeiss and voigtlander manual focus with it, since the focus confirmation is huge, bright, and in the lower center of the viewfinder. My favorite camera of 9.
The last interchangeable viewfinder are ATG's Rolleiflex 3003, Canon New F-1, Nikon F5 & Pentax LX
What lenses would you buy for a Nikon F5 or F6?
i still have my nikkormat its been along time since i loaded a roll of film, fugi velvia.
Still think I would like a F3 or FM2
The ergonomics of the FM2 is extremely poor. If your lens is heavier than 300g, you'll have a very hard time holding the camera steady.
Long time ago. No fanboy (use Canon, Leica, Nikon... ). Was happy to get a F100 several years ago for 90 Swiss Francs!! Use it wit all my AIS, nifty fifty and G lenses. Maybe I will find a F6 in the future 😊😊. Still got an Nikkormat 😊. Sold F3 and F4s... electronic problems with F3 😢😢😢... and sold my D3s....
I need to know the best focus modes to use, and if you are shooting portraits with the 58 1.4 wide open?? Focus recompose and shut off the shutter focus activation?
If you're shooting static portraits then you usually can't go wrong with AF-S single point and just focusing on the eye. The multiple focus points come in handy when using AF-C, combined with back-button AF-ON focus (rather than trying to use the shutter button to focus), when your subject is moving or erratic.
If you can get used to it turning off shutter focus activation and focusing solely with AF-ON is by far the most reliable way to get accurate focus.
No lens will perform at it's very best wide-open, but if you want the 'dreamy' look the 58mm f/1.4 will do it for you - stop down to f/2 for slightly more DOF :)
@@graysofwestminster ok so shut off focus on shutter button, back button focus and recompose. Do I also have to change if the shutter will release if it’s out of focus?
is it better than the Minolta A-9?
You should do the F100, FM3Α, and the F3 next!
It is definitely more modern than the F5 BUT...
No interchangeable viewfinder... no dealbreaker, but every other F camera did have one, so...
Is it really an F???
Or should Nikon have called it the F200s?
Just some thoughts...
I know the chances are just about zero. But how great wouldn't it be if Nikon took the af module from the D6 and stuck it into a F7?
The F6 is not a camera that appealed to me, I never really saw the point of it, having to use the battery grip on it to get round the problem of the midget batteries sort of defeats the point of a smaller body.
I still use my F5 and F4s bodies as they fit in nicely with my digital kit and workflow. Always good to have options on set.
For me the f5 is legendary, f6 is something for nikon fan like us.
Running thru a roll of Portra 800 in 4.5 seconds, @$20 roll, ~$4.5/second. Can't think of a faster way to burn money except gambling.
Well obviously digital is the better alternative to shooting high frame rates but its pretty amazing these cameras can transport film so quick and accurately.
I have a feeling that in a year or two, a roll of film would cost double or even triple the price.
The F5 had an accessory back that does film imprinting as well. There was a memory unit inside that would store exposure info which could be downloaded. I forget the number of rolls but an F5 could be modified to double that number. Special software was needed to do the download. I believe their was other features to that back as well.
I have and still use my F100 with grip, but I would be lying if I did not ponder adding a F6 to my collection
Hi David, I am fortunate to own the F through F6. Had 2 F100s and they were perfectly great cameras. But if you shoot an F6 and feel and hear how crisp it is Im sure you will be sold.
I've upgraded to the F6 from a F100. It's definitely worth it.
Who has seen the "the last roll of Kodachrome" docu with Steve McCurry? There is a funny goof in the film where he loads his cam with the film - it's a F100 when Steve opens the back, but it's a F6 when he closes the back 🤣🤣🤣 tried to repeat this with my F100, but my skills as a magician are so poor. 😁
Actually I think the F4 was a more impressive camera in the hand than the F5 or 6. Still have my original copy bought new some years ago. NEVER will sell it.
I hear you. I've got the F4 and F5, both are incredible cameras! F4 is great, because you have real knobs for every function + locking mechanism. I have no desire to get the F6, I am completely satisfied with my F4 and F5. I don't even like the way F6 looks, it just doesn't have that fancy design that the F4 and F5 have.
❤
Only problem with the grip is that Nikon failed to make it compatible with the same battery as the D3series, D700 and D300 (MB D10). Carrying different batteries and chargers is a total pain! Nikon please learn and ensure compatiblity throughout all the z series now and in the future.
The MB-40 *is* compatible with the EN-EL4a batteries (from the D3 series etc.) - all you need is a BL-3 battery door
Thanks for sharing. First time after so long that noticed Rebecca's eyes. I m one of the F100 fanboys, but maybe in the future when my F100 dies I my get the F6. The point is: before the Z one could carry a common set of lenses, that is no longer the case, so I am not sure about the future of film in my kid.
F90 has all you need and uses 4 AA batteries.
Save a thousand bucks and buy a F100. As far as you’re concerned it’s equivalent
Unfortunately the DK-17m are extremely hard to find and crazy expensive nowadays. Why doesn't Nikon manufacure some of these again?
I have un DK17m on my D2X where it brings a big viewfinder size benefit on APS-C, but on the full frame F6 + Dk17m the viewfinder image is for me too big to be seen at a glance, it's not a benefit at all to have to move the eye to see the image edges,
@@jean-claudemuller122 No, strictly speaking, the viewfinder magnifier is a necessity in order to be able to see the precise manual focus, because analog DSLRs do not have a "zoom-in" button. And no, the focus indicator does not really help if you want to focus quickly manually, because moving the focus point also costs valuable time. And btw: This is why the DK17m is so hard to find: almost everybody wants one and they are no longer made.
I said 'No@ to this camera and stuck with my F5 as it offered no advantages at all to me at much greater cost. Size wise there is little difference if you add the grip. With the databack fitted there is little difference in functionality. A fine camera but ultimately it was an effort in trying to improve on perfection. The only disadvantage is thae F5 has no longer rechargeable battery available - not that camera's fault but Nikon's!
I’m sticking with the F5. No disrespect to the F6, but it was kinda late to the party for me.
The F5 is the only camera that I have ever really wanted and it is very affordable now. The F6 is still too expensive for me.