F4S or F5?
Mar 19, 2018 16:17:11 #
I have the opportunity to purchase either an F4S or an F5 in "excellent" condition from a reputable dealer for roughly the same price. I have owned several F4S's and love them, especially the ability to use the older lenses with ears (although I have had only AI and AIS lenses for years). I also like that all the controls are manual. The F5 is electronic, has the extended trip and advanced metering, but will it handle AI lenses and what restrictions would that entail? FPS is not an issue, nor is weight. Interchangeable screens is; I like an E (grid) screen and would like to be able to find a BriteScreen. Of course, these will have to be added, as the cameras will probably come with B screens. I also have a concern about battery life. Any comments from members who have used either or (ideally) both cameras would be most welcome. Thank you, but I am not interested in the F6 at this time (outrageous prices), nor am I interested in other cameras or formats; no replies about Canon, Pentax, 4/3, mirrorless, digital, etc., please. Thank you for your assistance.
Mar 19, 2018 16:23:59 #
I have them both but since I don't like the F4S so the F5 is for me. Using the AI/AI-S lenses the F5 only support A and M modes and CW and Spot metering. Matrix is not supported. Setting the aperture via the aperture ring. With AI/AI-S lenses the F5 can't set the aperture via the sub command dial. Of course the F5 has interchangeable focusing screen but I don't know about brite screen as I never want to use them. They are brighter but not easier to focus. The F5 should come with the E screen as standard.
Mar 19, 2018 16:25:19 #
I've owned and used an F5 for about 4 years now. I think it's a great camera. I've used the lenses I purchased with my D700 and D800e, as well as lenses I used on my F. It works great. Although I purchased two additional battery modules, I've rarely used them as the batteries seem to last quite a while. I just alternate them from time to time. Except for it using film, it works very similarly to my digitals as far as metering modes, etc.
--Bob
--Bob
BHC wrote:
I have the opportunity to purchase either an F4S o... (show quote)
Mar 19, 2018 16:28:23 #
As I have said between the F4S and F5 I picked the F5 but if I only use AI/AI-S lenses I would use the F3. It's simpler and more elegant. I loved the F2AS I once had but still the F3HP is my favorite.
Mar 19, 2018 17:52:06 #
BHC wrote:
I have the opportunity to purchase either an F4S o... (show quote)
I bought the F4 in 1988, upgrading to the F4S a couple years later. I bought the F5 when it came out in 1997 and STILL use it. Its likely the best 35mm SLR ever built! Grab it and never look back!
Mar 19, 2018 19:34:18 #
BHC wrote:
I have the opportunity to purchase either an F4S o... (show quote)
Other people seem to know what you're talking about, so l guess this must be about Nikon - it would be really nice if you would tell us and not leave it as a logic puzzle.
Mar 19, 2018 19:45:11 #
rehess wrote:
Other people seem to know what you're talking about, so l guess this must be about Nikon - it would be really nice if you would tell us and not leave it as a logic puzzle.
I just Googled "F4s camera" and had the answer in about 4 seconds, less time than it took for you to ask.
Mar 19, 2018 19:47:01 #
OddJobber wrote:
I just Googled "F4s camera" and had the answer in about 4 seconds, less time than it took for you to ask.
That was easy, wasn't it?
Mar 19, 2018 20:22:31 #
rehess wrote:
Other people seem to know what you're talking about, so l guess this must be about Nikon - it would be really nice if you would tell us and not leave it as a logic puzzle.
Typing "F4s camera" into a search box is a lot more efficient and effective than whining ... and even less typing
Mar 19, 2018 20:30:26 #
LWW
Loc: Banana Republic of America
OddJobber wrote:
I just Googled "F4s camera" and had the answer in about 4 seconds, less time than it took for you to ask.
If you don't know what either is, how could you offer an informed opinion?
Mar 19, 2018 20:32:31 #
LWW
Loc: Banana Republic of America
I have 3 F's, an F2, F3HP, F4s, FM, FM2, D50 and D7200 and the F4s is the most enjoyable and ergonomic to use of the group.
Mar 20, 2018 00:21:13 #
LWW wrote:
If you don't know what either is, how could you offer an informed opinion?
With all due respect, if you and others don't instantly recognize that the models specified are Nikon, I doubt that your input, no matter how well intended, would be informed and/or helpful. I really value opinions from users; I do not rate internet comparisons highly. Thank you.
Mar 20, 2018 00:22:47 #
LWW wrote:
I have 3 F's, an F2, F3HP, F4s, FM, FM2, D50 and D7200 and the F4s is the most enjoyable and ergonomic to use of the group.
How does it compare to the F5?
Mar 20, 2018 05:02:47 #
LWW
Loc: Banana Republic of America
BHC wrote:
How does it compare to the F5?
Tech wise the 5 is a better camera, ergonomics and ease of use the F4s has it all over the 5.
I would actually prefer evenan F3 over the 5.
My $0.03. YMMV.
Mar 20, 2018 06:58:13 #
BHC wrote:
I have the opportunity to purchase either an F4S o... (show quote)
I've owned neither, but based on what you've written, I would suggest getting the F5.
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