The focussing screen choice may also hamper a spot-meter user - this is not a problem for the S2b, which accepts a flat matt without a central spot beautifully. West Palm Beach Auto Glass Repair

None . .

No, this Nikon didn't set the world on fire, but it was never intended to do so. With some good glass, some decent film and a little knowledge this camera will perform as well as any 35mm film camera on the market as far as delivering sharp, usable crisp prints. Lexington Suspension Repair

None . .

AA battery compatible. Cheap. Solid and sturdy. Single shot winder can be made to nearly 2.5-3fps with practice. Uses same af module as 8008 series. Pop up flash.

No metering capability with non-af lenses. Big for an entry level slr (especially compared to today's models). Film speed settings have no dx override. Continuous AF limited to automatic tracking of subjects moving towards camera.

The Nikon N5005 is the ultimate evolution of the much maligned Nikon N4004 series. True, it has some limitations, particularly for photographers used to the more advanced Nikons, but that is the same "problem" that many people had with the also much maligned Nikon EM, they were expecting a camera that wasn't really meant for them. If a photog wants an advanced Nikon for cheap, go online, there are scads of older but still highly useable advanced Nikon SLRs, both AF and manual out there. With digital affecting film camera prices, models like the N8008 cost little more then the price of a new entry level model. The Nikon 5005 was made for the point and shooter but comes with a somewhat limited degree of manual override that can be of use to more advanced users. Based on a body design from the mid to late 80s, the first impression that a modern user will get is how big, solid and substantial it feels, especially considering that it is a point and shoot slr. While not convenient to carry around, it does have an edge in taking knocks and bangs. I would put the N5005 against any Canon Rebel any day of the week for sheer ruggedness. It is widely available and cheap. Forget the N4004. It deserved to be maligned. It's AF was slloooow. The 4004s was somewhat better. The 5005 that I got may not be cutting edge by today's af standards, but considering how slow the standard zoom I put on it (f/4-6.3), it focuses relatively quick. In use, I throw a moderate quality 28-300 f/4-6.3 superzoom on it and lug it around as a "superhappysnap" camera. It is a particularly effective combo for outdoor events with lots of constantly changing people activity and other grab shots. The flash is a nicety but has some problems with casting an annoying shadow on the bottom of the picture if the lens is either too long, too wide, has a shade or any combination therein. To shoot pictues with flash and not get that shadow, I recommend, either short and compact primes (like 28mm, 50mm,85mm) without hoods or small low ratio zooms (like the 28-80 or 35-80mm f/3.5-5.6, big 2.8s of that range won't usually clear the flash). Film speed is read by a dx calibrated computer. This can be a problem for bulk loaders ( are there still any of that breed left?) and for special processing like pushing and pulling . The only non-dx speed available is iso 100. There is no exposure compensation or other override. The camera grips well in small and medium sized hands despite its heft. Be careful when pushing the shutter button to check light meter levels, it can have kind of a hair trigger and can fire a frame, wasting film, especially if it's on manual focus (it locks up on af if the subject is not in focus). The information is displayed inside the frame/eyepiece and indicates such basic statuses as correct or incorrect exposure and focus. Unfortunately, in the program, shutter and aperture priority modes, it doesn't have the ability to display the exact exposure you are actually getting. Only in manual mode does one have that info. I usually put my 5005 in program, aperture or shutter priority mode. With the 28-300 and a fast color print film (iso 400/800), it's more versatile then your average point and shoot, whether digital or film. And because it is so common and cheap, I don't sweat about carrying it around in my back pack as a go anywhere kind of camera (versus say my Nikon N90s).

Customer Service

None.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon N90s, N8008/s,EM,FG,N2020.

TWO DIALS- THAT''S ALL!! very reliable, trouble free. Disappointing to gadget crazy guys, gets as good or better results than overpriced equipment!

Doesn''t have bellybutton for flash cord, have to use hotshoe adapter (25.00). Autofocus is loud, as is rewind. Not as quiet as the N70. Unfortunately you can''t turn off the ISO DX code reader in camera.

The N5005 is a great camera. Unlike it''s new counterparts, the dials are idiot proof and much more practical than LCD displays. I''ve used this camera for years as a primary, and i''ve never had problems. It meters very well, is very reliable, and although i''ve never pushed it- i think it''s durable as well. The flash may not be the greatest on-camera-flash, but honestly, if you''re using flash on camera you''re an idiot. Just the same with program controls, all you need are the four that come with this model, aperature priority, shutter priority, program, and manual. If you feel you need special programs to help you take pictures maybe you should invest in a monkey camera, or take lessons.

Customer Service

none

Similar Products Used:

N70, FE2

A real workhorse. Uses AA (not AAA) batteries which are cheap and available everywhere. Good built-in flash, and matrix metering that gives proper exposure under a wide variety of conditions.

Slow flash recycle time.

Doesn't have the preprogrammed shooting modes that newer models have, but it takes great photos, and is cheap to buy and operate.

Customer Service

Never needed it.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax and Minolta slr's.

It is rugged, has simple and readily understood analog controls. Builtin flash covers 28mm, first Nikon AF to do so. I LIKE IT PARTICULARLY BECAUSE IT USES AAA BATTERIES, AVAILABLE ALMOST EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD. Some years ago I was with 4 other guys with newer, higher-end cameras in the Nicaraguan rainforest, and after a single day in the humidity and heat, ALL the batteries were spent. I was the ONLY one who could keep going, because I could find humble AAA's.

Cannot attach shutter cable, PC cord directly.There are faster AF now. Focussing screen not as bright as manual Nikons, but that it inherent in AF systems.

I like the 5005. It was cutting edge in its day, and still performs well under a wide variety of conditions. It has never failed me, and takes pictures as well as any other camera I have used. I like the analog controls better than the LCD screens that are increasingly common -- and I am glad to see a return to analog with N60 and N80. Today they can be found for very little -- I have given a couple of them to friends as a first "serious" camera, and they love the results they get.

Customer Service

Nevr had a problem with a Nikon. I even had one take a shard of shrapnel in the prism housing, and it kept going for 10+ years until I lent it to a friend and a burglar got it.

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I've used Nikon exclusively since 1962, so I can only compare it to their line. I have had it many years, and stil

The Nikon 5005 is a solid beginner's autofocus. It is built like a brick house and can take a lot. The autofocus is quick and precise, and it has focus tracking,which keeps focus while the camera is moving. The 5005 also has a built in flash, and the quality of picture is very clear and has a depth of field I have not seen in other cameras. The controls are easy to use and unambiguous. Many people have commented on how "professional" the camera looks and are delighted to get a chance to use it.

The Nikon 5005 does not have a shutter cable port. The inherent flash cycle time is slow. The fact that it is autofocus led me to rely solely on that mode of photography (why learn exposures?) The camera is basically a heavy body built to take a train wreck. I began to take outdoor photography seriously when I bought this camera and learned that a camera which weighs quite a lot can be a hinderance when backpacking or skiing.

If weight is not a problem and one doesn't need a shutter cable port (portrait shutter) then this camera is ok. Not a good Nature camera due to weight, it doesn't pack in well, but it can take the occasional trip well.

Customer Service

The Nikon 5005 which I have owned for over ten years has not needed service until recently, when a film advance problem forced my decision to leave it behind on a backcountry ski photography trip.

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Took a Canon manual focus to Alaska and had some film advance problems much like the film advance problem experienced re

Easy to operate have had this camara for 8 years and no problems real good hands on camara rugged, easy to find batteries (AA), can do anything with this camara, great flash, and as far as optics what can you say its a Nikon

No cable release (but you can use the timer) No red eye reduction on built in flash

I have a variety of Camaras from point and shoot bridge camara to a Chinnon CS and have access to others and when the picture counts I always grab the 5005

Customer Service

Never had a problem

Similar Products Used:

Cannon Rebel, Olympus OM1, Olympus OM 10,

Well built.
Nikon quality.
Good AF.
Excellent metering.
Accepts all Nikon lenses.

No shutter cable.
No manual ISO setting.

An excellent & easy to use camera without the fragile LCD screen & small buttons found on most newer cameras. Doesn't require a manual to operate. A bit on the heavy side, but that's a plus for me. Accepts most Nikon lenses, so I can interchange my FM2n lenses. Uses AA batteries. Good built-in flash (a little slow to recycle). Both Matrix & Center-weighted metering that is quite accurate. Has the same electronics as the more expensive n8008. An inexpensive camera with outstanding Nikon quality. Excellent for the beginning photographer, and a great back-up camera.

Customer Service

Never needed.

Similar Products Used:

Olympus OM-1 & OM-2
Minolta Maxxum 7000
Nikon FM2n

solid build
wild-choice of Nikon lenses
uses AA batteries
easy to use
fully fool-proof

cannot use shutter release cable
too heavy

I received this camera many many years ago as a gift, it started to serve as a spare body since I got a N8008s 5 years ago and ever since. It never dissapointed me, because the shutter will lock if the subject is out of focus, so you'll always get the sharp pictures. This probably is the last AF Nikon without a LCD, which I think is great, since the LCD sometimes confuses me. Two dials do it all, kind of like MF camera. Weight is the only thing I dislike about this camera, heavier than my N8008s, very strange, but I can live with it. It still a perfect camera for starter, and a great second body for semi-pro like me.

Customer Service

not yet needed

Similar Products Used:

Nikon N8008s
Nikon N65
Nikon FG
Canon ESO