Nikon F-100 35mm SLRs

Nikon F-100 35mm SLRs 

DESCRIPTION

An exceptional camera evolved from our long experience in providing more of what you need to realize your photographic aspirations. With innovative built-in Nikon F System technology more sophisticated than ever, the F100 makes precise, responsive Dynamic Autofocus so fast that images literally pop into focus. The camera also works perfectly with every AF Nikkor lens, AF-S Nikkor, AI Nikkor and more.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 251-260 of 268  
[Dec 06, 1999]
Phil Ellis
Model Reviewed: F-100

Strength:

Grip suits me well; typically stout Nikon construction; metering capabilities and accuracy are exceptional; ability to customize controls/settings can be extremely useful (depending on what you're trying to accomplish with it); of course, the incredible wealth of available lenses and related accessories Nikon offers is always a huge bonus

Weakness:

None so far (knock on wood)

I have only had my F100 for a month, so I am still putting it through the paces. Thus far I have only used it for shooting rock&roll concerts at the venue where I work. These are my initial impressions:
It is a well-built body, with generally good ergonomics. Most of the numerous controls are intelligently placed and easy to operate, with (in my case) two exceptions: (1)I do not care for the location/operation of the metering mode selector, as it requires both hands, and I would prefer to be able to switch modes without taking my eye from the viewfinder, which I have not yet learned to do without a lot of fumbling (I'm not sure it can be done!). (2)I think the AE/AF-lock button is in a bad place -- fine for horiz. shooting, but not for vertical, because my forehead gets in the way of my thumb.
The weight does not bother me (though I am used to heavy cameras). Only time can answer the question of durability, but it FEELS like it will last a very long time (as all my other Nikons have).
I very much like the selectable cross-type metering/focusing zones, particularly the ability to spot-meter 1% of the image area from any of the 5 zones. I am well-satisfied with the focusing speed. When using a specific focusing zone, initial lock-on to subjects sometimes takes me more than one attempt, but remember that my subjects are often poorly lit and moving very quickly; closest-subject priority focusing mode has worked great every time I've used it.
This is the first camera I've used that allows settings to be made in 1/3, 1/2. or 1 stop increments, and I am loving that.
The viewfinder display is nicely detailed, but it seemed a bit cluttered at first. It took some getting used to. Now that I know where everything is, no complaints.
The custom-setting options seem endless, and it takes a lot of study and practice to be able to make the desired changes without having to resort to the cheat-sheet Nikon provides. This was inconvenient at first, but I must admit I am quickly becoming spoiled by the wealth of options.
My biggest general complaints are the two control placements I mentioned above (also I would have preferred SEPARATE AF- & AE-lock buttons, like the N90 has), and LACK OF MIRROR LOCK-UP, which i consider a SERIOUS DEFICIENCY in any camera marketed as "professional" -- if I did a lot of stationary 35mm photography, frankly, I would probably dismiss this camera out of hand for that reason alone!
The F100 is a remarkable camera, and using makes me feel like a pro, even though I'm not. I do think it is important to consider what type of shooting it will be used for when contemplating buying one. For sports and other types of action, I think it is outstanding, and definitely worth the extra money over an N90 or N90s. For stationary, it is overkill (and lacks MLU!!!). In the end, I believe it is a question of diminishing returns: Does the convenience of the gazillion options outweigh the inconvenience of having to make all those decisions, and set all those controls?
Bear in mind, the stars I give are for the type of shooting I do, not the type you do.

Customer Service

Have never had to contact Nikon for anything other than technical questions. Their 1-800 support line has proved convenient for that purpose.

Similar Products Used:

Can't relate to Canons, as I have only ever shot Nikons in 35mm, mostly N90 and F3HP

OVERALL
RATING
4
★★★★★
★★★★★
VALUE
RATING
4
★★★★★
★★★★★
[Dec 03, 1999]
Alex Lehmann
Professional
Model Reviewed: F-100

Strength:

Excellent fit and finish. The camera is light enough to carry around effortlessly, but has all the necessary functions that would otherwise need a larger chassis

Weakness:

None.

The F100 should really be used with the MB-15 vertical grip for better handling, but I like the fact that we have the option of removing it for travel and lightweight shooting. The F5 is huge and heavy and that's it. The F-100 is a great professional camera as well as a travel camera. It really performs well under stressful conditions and holds true to the Nikon name.

Customer Service

No complaints. Very quick response and courteous. Have only used them once - for a question - no repairs.

Similar Products Used:

Nikkormat, Nikon FM2, N70, N90s with MB-10, F5

OVERALL
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
VALUE
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
[Dec 01, 1999]
Randy Frieder
Professional
Model Reviewed: F-100

Strength:

truly a fine instrument. Fits my hand like a glove (with the MB-15)

Weakness:

in use since january 29, 1999 and with 100's of rolls shot I have had no problems whatsoever

This is the finest camera that I have ever used. The accuracy of the meter, the balancing of flash fill and the focusing system are superb the focus speed is very fast. I highly reccomend this camera.

Customer Service

I live 2 miles from the Nikon USA headquarters, so I pick up and deliver any repairs in person and have never been dissapointed with Nikon's service

Similar Products Used:

I have used practically every camera in the Nikon line since the early seventies

OVERALL
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
VALUE
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
[Nov 17, 1999]
Dennis Aley
Professional
Model Reviewed: F-100

Strength:

I like the no-non-sense features,don't waste space with special programs such as: LS, CU, HF, SP, ETC. I think I have enough experience to set up a camera without all the programs to aid. Great AF, and matrix meter. Tracking moving object is pure delight.

Weakness:

None

Without a doubt the best camera I have used and I have used a lot in my 45 years of photography.

Customer Service

have not needed

Similar Products Used:

Nikkormat, FM2, N90, N90s.

OVERALL
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
VALUE
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
[Nov 17, 1999]
Barry Schmetter
Expert
Model Reviewed: F-100

Strength:

The most ergonomic camera I've ever used. Great construction, well thought out controls, good feature set. Viewfinder is bright and provides plenty of eye relief. The finder display is unequaled photographic history.

Weakness:

The continuous/single/manual servo switch is small, stiff and poorly located.

One of the best cameras ever built, period.

Customer Service

Haven't needed it.

Similar Products Used:

N70

OVERALL
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
VALUE
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
[Nov 17, 1999]
Warren Gleich
Expert
Model Reviewed: F-100

Strength:

Build quality and feel is great. This camera feels very solid and ergonomically a world away from the N70 it replaced.

Weakness:

None what so ever. Keep on ticking without any problems.

I am real happy with my purchase. Some complain of the lack of MLU and view finder curtain, but I feel no need for either and certainly could not justify the weight of an F5.

Customer Service

No need yet

Similar Products Used:

Nikon N70 (which it replaced), Nikon FM2n which is my backup body.

OVERALL
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
VALUE
RATING
4
★★★★★
★★★★★
[Nov 16, 1999]
Sarawoot Chittratanawat
Intermediate
Model Reviewed: F-100

Strength:

This is the right price, right design, versatile camera. It has most features that F5 has with the lower price. The red AF area is easier to locate compared to F5. It also has the AF area lock, which I really like it because I made unintentional hit (by my nose) on the F5.

Weakness:

I heard many people had problem with mid-roll film rewind, back, and FEE error but I haven't had that problem so far.

F100 is a very reasonable camera but not reasonable price. To me, only F100 alone is reasonable price. But if you want to have the MB-15 too, please reconsider F5. The price of MB-15 and F100 is very close to F5.

Customer Service

Excellent!

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F5, N90, N70

OVERALL
RATING
4
★★★★★
★★★★★
VALUE
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
[Oct 15, 1999]
Derek Leath
Expert
Model Reviewed: F-100

Strength:

First let me say, I still field testing.But so far so good. It is a camera you can hold on to. It feels good in your hand.
It has a metal Body which I like.

Weakness:

To new to tell yet

Besides some of the things already listed, it would have been nice to have a normal cable release and a non electronic bulb setting. And maybe included a neck strap just incase you might need one.
If this camera hold out as well as my 1972 Nikon F
I'll be happy.
I'm only going to give it four stars only because 5 is the hightest score and I can't give it 4.5 stars

Customer Service

NA

Similar Products Used:

Just about all Nikon's,
Hassey, Fuji 645ZI.And a whole lot more.

OVERALL
RATING
4
★★★★★
★★★★★
VALUE
RATING
4
★★★★★
★★★★★
[Oct 11, 1999]
Patrick Hudepohl
Intermediate
Model Reviewed: F-100

Strength:

I like the fact that it's a very well built camera, easy to operate and that it's a very fast and quite camera too. So far, it's got all the features I need.

I write in more detail about this camera on my website:

http://www.multiweb.nl/~patrick

Weakness:

Only once did it lock up, but this was almost certainly due to low batteries.

A very well-built camera, sturdy, reliable and fast.

Customer Service

None needed yet for this camera.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FE, Nikon F601 (N6006). Very brief experience with a friend's Minolta 700si

OVERALL
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
VALUE
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
[Sep 24, 1999]
Rafael Reynaga
Professional
Model Reviewed: F-100

Strength:

Fast autofocus, very good construction, great viewfinder info, fast fps, 5 focusing brackets, easy to operate, great TTL capabilities.

Weakness:

No problems yet, but too many comments on the web about F100´s battery or film advance problem.

Great camera, evidently a profesional use intended camera, I am looking to buy another one, to use as a second body, I wish it had a seperate AF lock button like the N90s or 8008, but great though. I am a working fashion photographer, and this is the best 35mm camera I have ever had.

Customer Service

Pretty bad here in Mexico, very slow, and expensive, Nikon japan should do something about Nikon´s poor service in Mexico City.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon N90s, N70, N8008s, FM2, Canon Eos 5, Eos 1n

OVERALL
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
VALUE
RATING
5
★★★★★
★★★★★
Showing 251-260 of 268  

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