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| My F100 |
s/n
I’ve read about the progression of Nikon 35mm SLR cameras enough to understand how I want to build my kit. I’ve owned a few now and the ones I have, I use regularly. My library of books on the subject are more than adequate to do the research, I collect all the manuals of the cameras, lens and accessories that I own and wish to own, studying to be able to make informed decisions . I keep the resources handy on my iPhone and iPad as I type these pages to detail the progression of my photography. Often I will download the manual prior to purchasing and loading the first roll of film, I just want to know what I’m getting into.
The decision to purchase the F100 was based on my current collection of lenses. ln the case of my relatively modern AF (auto focus) G type lenses, only my DSLR, the D780 can utilize the AF and the VR (vibration reduction) properties. In addition, the G type lenses aren’t compatible with my film cameras because they do not contain electronic aperture control, the electrical interface that operates the aperture. Those G type lens will not operate properly on any of my manual focus film cameras. These lenses are fantastic but only serve my digital photography. I want to utilize them for film, the main reason why I want a film camera that will do so.
Researching the Nikon FA, it has an advanced matrix metering system compatible with AI-S and AI lenses however not compatible with my G series lenses. I want a film camera with AF (auto focus) matrix metering and electronic aperture control. That is the next step for my film photography. This decision demanded the addition of a film camera that would bridge the gap to AF and the ability to use my G lenses. I want a film camera capable of AF but still able to mount the AI and AI-S lenses.
Enter the Nikon F100! It has a matrix metering system capable of utilizing my G series lenses. By choosing the F100, I’ll advance my film photography with advanced features. I can also utilize all the lenses I already own while still being able to manual focus my AI-S type lenses. The digital D780 and the film F100 are the only two cameras that can utilize all of the lenses in my kit.
That is what I really want.
The F100 is the next logical step in bridging film photography to matrix metering, auto focus and electronic aperture control in my G type lenses.
I primarily use the D780 when I travel. Now I can take the F100 body and a flash and have advanced film capabilities! I can simply pack the D780 kit and the F100 body and I can shoot film or digital, both using the same lenses, that is what I want, more for less.
Cost is a huge consideration. The Nikon F5 would be one choice but the F100 is a much lighter and a better economical choice. The Nikon F6 is a target of my dreams in owning the best 35mm film camera but they are expensive and have their own unique set of issues such as outdated software annd internal battery failure. Having the F6 repaired will be expensive as it is primarily electronic and is limited, no longer supported by a wide range of camera repair facilities. There are fewer technicians that will service the F6 and parts are no longer made and are expensive. The F100 contains nearly all the features of the F6 and my copy will be inexpensive compared to an F6 or an F5 or even my F3.
The story of my particular
Nikon F100 is one of perseverance. On the third try, I had mine in my hands. I have shot one roll of E-100 through it and the percentage of quality images is higher; what I imagine and what I receive back from dev/scan is an increase overall. The auto metering, auto focus, the compatibility of the G lenses with the
D780, in short, it’s exactly what I wanted.
The F100 was an attempt to bring a modern auto focus 35mm film camera into my photography kit. It’s not going to take the place of my F3, not by any means. The F100 will give me options. It’s my auto focus film camera. I’ll learn in a different method in parallel with my manual focus lenses. I’ll end up shooting even less film with the F100! But I’m pretty sure, what I will shoot will be an exercise in choices, menus, sub menus and actually more focus on framing and building an image.
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| Nikon F100 |
Second try: Nikon F100
One rejected in person sale, two returns at eBay. This is becoming a similar occurrence when sourcing used cameras.
I enjoy Ken Rockwell’s reviews on YouTube and I read his web site using much of the advice as an adjunct to my photography. Once I acquire a copy of what ever it is I’m interested in, I use my experience as an amateur to compare with Ken’s as a professional. I use his experienced opinion to help make decisions. Once I own and begin to use the equipment, I compare my experience to what I have previously read. In short, Mr. Rockwell reflects on his experience and then I use that to help make informed decisions for myself.
On acquiring the equipment, he writes about how to win auctions and I try to stick to his method as it actually works, it’s good advice. But sometimes I stray from this method and although I have won, I believe I did not get the best winning price and my experience falls short. Which sort of defeats the purpose of actually understanding a resource for what it is. But Ken’s advice? I sort of look at it like Nikon’s F-mount, his advice is backward and forward compatible. It’s not the only way to do it but it’s a good way, film or digital, Canon of Nikon, old or new.
Anyway, I now have my Nikon F100 using Ken’s advice. Let’s see how this works out, I’m waiting for mine to arrive.
In the meantime, I’ll study the manual.
I use what I buy and write about my equipment from experience. Then, I revisit the page and reflect on the results often posting the pictures I take. Through this method, I am able to see what works and track my performance and progress.
The F3 is my favorite camera but so is the D780, film and digital cameras. They are a progression for me and at the same time represent my choices for learning photographic technique. Although I use both, film is my favorite, manual focus lenses are my favorite but wow, those plastic G lenses are amazing at creating images. Now I’ll get to see just how good they are for film. That’s one direction I’m going, how to move my film photography forward utilizing technology beyond the 80’s where the F3 and all the equipment supporting it was created. My snapshots and thought out pictures are from this equipment. With the F100, I can use that additional layer of technology, auto focus, matrix metering, VR, crazy 28-300mm quiver killing lens. I have more options in less equipment available to me.
I decided to put a copy of the F100 into my collection to use as my first auto focus film camera that I can use with my G series lenses. I will use it in conjunction with my D780. I have a SB-28DX, the appropriate Speedlight made for the F100. I am no longer stuck in daylight mode, I’m using a flash to own the low light and night conditions I’m often wishing to be able to take pictures in.
The F100 and the D780 are the two cameras that I can utilize every single lens that I own, the F100 being the only film camera that will perform this necessary function. I just purchased a Nikkor AF-S 18-35mm f3.5-4.5 G ED FX for shooting wide angle close up for the petroglyphs this season and for Kactus King. I had been zeroing in on the Fisheye Nikkor 16mm f2.8 AI-S and was only two short days from purchasing. In the meantime, I had been thinking to myself, “How do I want to do this?” The newly acquired G lens at 18mm now allows great versatility with both film and full frame digital, the target 16mm would too yet the F100 adds in much more opportunity for me so I will delay the acquisition of the MF 16mm.
From what I’ve read, the F100 will perform auto focus functionality nicely. It is nearly all of what an F6 is for a lot less money or hassle. The F100 will quench that thirst for auto focus program mode matrix metering with. G series lens. I love my F3 however, I also love the ease of compose and shooting the D780, but it’s not a film camera, the F100 is.
I’ve watched quite a few reviews of the F100 and the results are positive but the camera has a few quirks. These negatives can be mitigated with prior knowledge. The battery consumption for one and the plastic construction of the rewind axel fork, film engagement mechanism and last but not least, the plastic construction of the film bay door. It fits tightly yet is not light or weather sealed. Dust is everywhere here in AZ, I’ll have to be careful of setting my camera down in the floorboard of our family Subarus. Also careful in setting my F100 down in the dirt while I’m out hunting rock art. That’s actually no problem now that I know it.
The F100 manual is much more detailed than the manuals for my FG, FE2 and F3. It is not as detailed as my D780. The manual seems to be doing its job at preparing me for the arrival of my copy. I’ll clean the outside completely. Inspect and clean the door contact points thoroughly cleaning as I move through the inspection.
One day I hope to own an F6, Nikons most advanced professional 35mm film camera. The F100 is a big step in that direction. As a film photographer, it represents the technological advances that I want to use in my craft without risking more than a thousand plus dollars on an aging electronically based camera. The F100 I purchased was almost three hundred dollars, a decent price for the big jump in the ability to join the old and new, much like the F6. But for now, I’ll begin the next layer of my journey by taking the first step, purchasing the F100.
The F-100 arrived.
I have decided to purchase an F6 I have tried to bridge the gap with an auto focus 35mm to share my G lenses, I have decided to go all in with an F6, I no longer own a F-100. Great camera but not my camera.
Ken Rockwell Nikon F100 - Power Consumption - How to Win at eBay (Research a Seller)
5 Reasons Why the Nikon F100 is My Favorite Film Camera
How to Shoot the Nikon F100 Film Camera
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| 98.6% Positive review, good enough to warn me not to purchase. |
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| 100% positive feedback |
*#1. Nope! The camera arrived in really bad condition. The seller would not accept the return, I placed a claim with eBay. I hope eBay honors their guarantee. I’ve bought seven cameras from eBay. Four of the seven have not been right, two sent back, out of the three that were keepers, only one did not need repairs. My track record with eBay is not very good at all. Any bad feedback from this day forward, I will not buy.
eBay claim: Successful. Returned camera.
#2. Nope! I found a local Craigslist advertisement for an F100 and MB-15. It read, “Open to trades or $295 cash” I thought to myself, “ I’ve got a G 42 Glock let me see if he wants to trade” I got an email back, “Sure” Long story short, the guy said he was a photographer. He handed me the camera. I quickly put in batteries and it powered up, auto focused, light meter and shutter responded appropriately, But as I gripped it, something didn’t feel right, It wasn’t sticky, the bulbous grip in my right hand felt soft, it was a big bubble underneath. The rubber skin was not tight to the body. It was an obvious defect that wasn’t disclosed. I had quickly disabled the custom menu, went through the camera functionality in short order. I realized that cameras are becoming quite comfortable in my hands and I have experience in this.
For a moment, I abandoned the next step of the F100 and started moving straight for the F6. I forced myself to slow down and remember the progression of the last year.
“Plan your work and work your plan.” Ok, ok, just follow what’s been working...
Buy It Now
#3. Nope! eBay again, this time, 100% feedback and good pics. Looks like a good one. I purchased and am waiting on delivery. It’s here, I checked it against the pics, it’s accurate but hardly near mint. Everything works and I’m almost through the manual and it’s actually a pretty easy to use menu. The layout is intuitive, even the flash options menu but I have decided that I’m all in and going to own an F6. I no longer own an F-100.
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