Thinking about a used Nikon F5 or F6

[Pumal]

Why go al the way when you can have practically everything with an F-100 for a fraction of the cost? I still like my F-1 and F-2 better than the F-6

[spleenrippa]

Why go al the way when you can have practically everything with an F-100 for a fraction of the cost? I still like my F-1 and F-2 better than the F-6

Hey, an F80 only has a few features less than the F100 and is even cheaper still!

[vbarniev]

Well,...I have them all; but I can tell you that the T90 is no lesser cat

[Ira Rush]

First, a big Thank You, to all whom responded, it was very helpful.

The F6… WOW…. A monster of a camera, with an equally monster price!

So.. To cut to the chase, I chose the F5.

I got an F5, in good condition, for just under $400. While price was not the only factor, it was a realistic factor, as used F6’s in similar condition were anywhere from $1,200 to about $1,600. Would rather “eat or pay the rent”!

Other factors, besides the price included, the feel of the F5 compared to the F6… the F5 weighs probably more than my old F and F2 combined (with their finders attached!) meaning it’s a solid camera.

The interchangeable finder of the F5, (F6, finder is fixed) and numerous choices of focusing screens, the use of common, everyday, sold everywhere “AA” batteries as opposed to the F6 battery needs. The incredible continuous shooting speed of the F5 Vs the F6, the numerous locks on the F5 (shutter lock, rewind lock), the extra shutter release for vertical shoots, I could go on and on.

Sure… there are some things I wish the F5 had that the F6 has… such as EV step factor (f/ stop and shutter speed increments) of the F5 which is fixed at 1/3 stops Vs the F6 choices of either 1/3, ½ or 1. The ease of recording of shooting data on the F6 Vs the F5… here too, I could go on and on…

Bottom line, I chose the F5 and I am happy that I did

[Marvin]

I bought a used F5 at a local camera store for $320 and have been very satisfied with it. The F5 already has the vertical grip built in and I think the F6 you have to add on as an extra. Its a big heavy wonderful camera.

[Robert Budding]

The F6 looks like a very nice camera. Too bad is soooo expensive! I'll keep my F100.