Very reliable. Well balanced (esp. with MB15). Fast AF. "Real camera" feel. Excellent flash-system (SB28).

Only 96% viewfinder. Lack of mirror lockup.

Best camera I've used so far. (Well, Leica M4 isn't too bad either. :-) The matrix metering is very reliable in most cases, and if in doubt there is spot metering. The grip of the camera is excellent, making shots without flash in dim light situations possible. (Again somewhat like the Leica M-series.)
From time to time the AF seems indecisive, but this is mostly in situations where I want the focus outside the sensor(s). Then MF is easy.
Even though this review is for the camera, the 35-70/2.8-D is excellent in pic. quality, but the handling of the lens is rather old-fashioned. The 80-200/2.8-D on the other hand is really excellent in both pic. quality and handling.
The controls of the camera are easy to use, even though the focusing mode selector could be better. (I've noted that Nikon has "adapted"/snatched the Canon type selector for the cheaper range of cameras, like the F60/F80 ... This is probably a good choice for less experienced photographers, and I wouldn't mind it on the F100 either.)
One thing I really like is the SB28 flash. It is very well integrated with the camera and makes fill-ins just the way I expect every time.
The MB15 handle makes the camera easier to handle, especially for vertical shots, but it also improves the grip for horizontal shots. The slighly faster motordrive isn't an issue for me. But the extra batteries does make a difference also.
Bottom bottom line: A camera that I really trust. I find that it meets my personal needs without taking my attention from the subject. The only worries I have is whether to buy another F100 or save money buying an F80 as a second camera for B/W etc.

Customer Service

Not needed.

Similar Products Used:

Canon Eos's. Nikon F2, F3, FMx, FEx. Leicas etc.

rigid BODY (not back!)
v. good AF
includes many functions available only with MF26 back (vs. F90X)
(almost) all-metal construction (see below for details)

v. poor standard back
this camera 'eats' the battery
no built-in flash

This is a camera for a keen amateur but not for a pro. Why ? It does not stand up to the professional use (I assume as I am not a pro). The main drawback is a very poor quality back that has plastic hooks and allows a lot of dust in. Just imagine what happens if one takes the camera out into the bush or, even worse, a desert area. Secondly, the back AF control (the "joystick") tends to lock quite unexpectidly, leaving the photographer with no choice but to stick to the last selected AF point ...... Generally, I hate this back (just have a lok at the quality of MF26 for F90X and you will know what I mean).

Then again, AF operation is fabulous, far outperforming what you find around, except maybe for F5. Light metering is OK, better than on F90X (this means a compliment).

Lack of the viewfinder curtain is a drawback, but you can work a way around it most of the time. Lack of Mirror lock-up is a drawback, and you cannnot work a way around it(PLS note the mirror is not as smooth as with F5). Custom functions are OK if you need them. Lack of program line modification in Photosecretary is (.... a censored word here) misunderstanding.

WARNING: this camera may stop in mid-roll (???) as if the film ended (???) - an obvious software flaw (a have a recent sample - buyer beware).

This camera is some 30% overpriced as it is. If Nikon add a rigid back and MLU in F100X *AND* remove the aforementioned bugs - I will go for it !!! If you have an F90X (+MF26), do not swap unless you are a novelty addict ! My F90X has *never* let me down so far, so F100 gets only 3 stars this time !

Customer Service

available, but very expensiveve locally

Similar Products Used:

F90X
F70
F5
various EOS,Minoltas & Olympuses, etc.

Solid feel
Great features
No clutter functions to distract you
Smooth auto focus
Fast, quiet autowind

Multiple Exposure OR timer -- cannot do both
No curtain to block light entering through viewport
No (apparent) way to perform mid-roll removal and re-insertion

Although I like the F-100 a lot, I think the F-80 would have been a better value. While the weaknesses listed above aren't typically a problem, they simply shouldn't be there in a camera that costs as much as the F-100.

Customer Service

Haven't used

Similar Products Used:

None

Excellently designed access to buttons and command dials.
Focussing is far superior to previous Nikon models I have used.
Ligher in weight than other Nikon cameras I have used.
Custom modes are great for fine tuning the camera's operation to your liking.

Focus Area Selector has caused immense frustration at intermittent and infrequent times when it wouldn't allow me to change the selected area. I had checked the lock lever and noted it was in the unlock position at the time. Not sure if the problem was caused by weak batteries in camera or some mechanical problem.

Somewhat expen$ive.

An excellent camera for truly professional results. Owing to the higher price it may be inaccessible to first-time photographers but it is a camera anyone who is serious about their photography can use with confidence. I don't know if the higher price is justified but I was prepared to pay it and am continually impressed with the results I get from every roll of film I run through the camera.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F801
Nikon F90s

The organization that I work for has bought two F100's this past year. We have run several hundred rolls through them now and I feel that I can now give some relevent remarks. First, I would like to say that the F100 is a real jewel to handle. It fits well in my hand and all the controls are easy to find and work with. It is much nicer than the F90S that we also have. The focus is faster and more reliable and the body is better built and handles better.

Unfortunately there are some weaknesses that a camera of this caliber should not have. The fact that there is no mirror lock-up is a travesty. We own two F3's and I find them to be a much more professional camera in their controls and operations. Also, having to buy a special cable release is another flaw. And finally not being able to have the option of leaving the tail out on rewind is a bit of an oversite. There are a few more small oversights as well.

This is a very nice camera with a couple too many omissions to be considered a classic camera. Maybe if Nikon comes out with a F100.1 it will become a classic. It is still a major improvement over the N90S.

Similar Products Used:

None

Durable
Feels very natural in your hands.
Custom functions
No glaring weaknesses.

Likes batteries.

I was very excited about getting this camera, it was my first autofocus machine. It took me awhile to learn the various autofocus modes, but once I did it was great. I would recommend getting the added battery pack, it makes verticals much easier and gives longer lasting battery power. I went from a Contax 167MT to this camera, what a size differance (and weight).
A WORD TO ALL CONCERNED; You can have your camera programmed to leave the film leader out after rewind. (see page 63 of the aftermarket book "NIKON F100". I highly advise to purchase this book (20 bucks), it gives pointers that the OEM manual does not. All in all the camera has performed above my expectations, the autofocus is very fast and accurate, the matrix metering is awesome. I use a SB-28 flash with this camera for most of my sporting events and the results have been great. The auto fill-flash works great. I recommend this camera to anyone that wants a pro-line camera, and can afford it. Good job Nikon!

Customer Service

Not needed yet (knock on wood)

Similar Products Used:

I have demo'ed everything

Tough die-cast construction but relatively light, great ergonomics, superbly fast autofocusing especially with AF-S lenses, similarly for AF-tracking, electronic DOF. Thank god they took away Vari-Programs.
User-friendly customization functions.
Large array of system accessories & backward compatibility. Good resale value.

No MLU but mirror action is relatively smooth not to warrant for it. Lack of removable prism. Lack of viewfinder shutter. Not colour matrix meter. Film leader not left out after film is rewound. (Have to spend $15 to program it in.)

The F100 feels like the F5, solid & fits in the hand like a glove & like a rock covered in rubber. Well-strengthened/protected against shocks in the most likely of places - check the corners & protrusions, they are all metallic. The 96% viewfinder frame coverage is sufficient, your prints & slides will not show 100% of what you shoot & is usually cropped. Well-balanced with the MB-15 grip. Illuminated red-focusing squares are brighter than the F80 & better than the F5's black indicator squares. Diopter adjustments is only suited for long-sighted users. Viewfinder has high eye-point design making it suitable for eyeglass wearers as well. (Buy the DK-6 eyecup for better view) The 10-segment matrix meter gives spot on exposures so far. Couple this camera with AF-S lenses will give you TOUGH, FAST & QUIET system. Add a good tripod to compliment it. No doubt the F100 is one of the best 35mm camera in the world today.

Customer Service

None needed.

Similar Products Used:

Yashica AF200; Nikon F70D; Nikon F80.

very solid body.very well made.great handling.it just fit me like a glove(w/mb-15).very easy to understand.fast auto focus.

you can't take multiple ex. and timer at the same time.no view finder curtain.i don't really like the grip's cover.it's not the same matirial as on the back.it feels kind of sticky(but i guess it was made for a better handling).there was a prob. with the joy stick at first but it was fixed by me....

very nice camera to work with.get one and you wont be regret!!!!!!! one word describe all.....SUPER!!!!

Customer Service

didn't try it yet

Similar Products Used:

n ikon f601
nikon fg

Excellent build quality and ergonomica. Fast AF. Excellent metering.

Vertical grip not great.

The best alternative to the F5. Smaller, lighter cheaper with the advantage of red focussing points and better ergonomics.

Customer Service

Excellent

Similar Products Used:

EOS 3

Reiterate the positives in all the other reviews. Has most features the serious photographer needs.

Have experienced some of the 'software' problems mentioned by others.
1. Focus selector joystick has a tendency to freeze up.
2. Frequent "Err" message flashing up on the LCD display for no readily apparent reason. Camera has to be repeatedly 'rebooted' by switching on and off.
3. Camera does not like it if I reload a partially used film. Often locks up in mid-roll.
4. Goes through batteries like they were going out of fashion.

Basically this is a great camera and in most respects close to my ideal. I have very few complaints with the spec (tho' manual rewind option would be nice) or with the user interface.
HOWEVER, I am seriously worried about the software problems mentioned above. On a number of occasions I have had the camera lock up on me at critical points and that really undermines your confidence. I now feel that I have to pack my emergency FM2 as a matter of course in case the F100 throws one of its tantrums and that's really not good enough for a camera with pro ambitions.
I would be very interested to know whether others have experienced similar problems and if so, whether Nikon has been helpful in remedying them.

F100 would be a solid 5 stars without these gltches.

Customer Service

Not tried

Similar Products Used:

FM2
F801s
F90x