Solid well built professional 35mm camera 2nd to none when working trouble free I hope no one else has experienced the same or similar probelem that I have it is in all fairness the 1st time a Nikon camera has ever let me down my other F5 that I sold is still performing faultlesly.

Heavy on batteries

Purchased in 2002 put around about 5 films through camera and was stored away for a couple of months, when taken out of storeage frame counter was still showing 26 frames but camera would,nt turn on changed batteries and lost frame counter display number aswell. I then took F5 to Nikon service centre estimated service charge was £162 but the final charge was £460! almost the same price as a used second hand would now cost in the UK or on ebay. Any how I will now be putting all my film through this camera and hope that I will not have to use service department again in the near future.

Customer Service

Just once for a failed camera in over 40years.

Similar Products Used:

Ftn photomic,F,FM,FE,EM,FM2N,F301,F501,F801,F601,F801s,F4s,F90,F90x,F80,F100,F5

Quality, durability, construction, and lightmeter.

Really only its weight which, for me, has never been an issue. If I need light weight, I'll grab the N80.

I have owned Nikon, Canon and Leica systems and now have just a Nikon system with a backup N80 and pro-quality lenses. While the other two make outstanding equipment, I love the F5. The weight has never been an issue for me. It is so reliable and so well constructed that I wouldn't trade it for any other 35 out there. (Leica is a people-shooter in my humble opinion, not a true "outdoor" piece and very difficult to use if you have over 40 eyesight). I will probably only retire it when affordable digital equipment can truly replace film's resolution and artistic quality.

Customer Service

Only needed once when camera fell off tripod and meter housing severly damaged. No complaints whatsoever.

Similar Products Used:

N80, and in the past, Leica M6, Canon top models.

I've been a photophile for a long time. I got my F5 used, with no manual, and except for the custom functions, I got the layout pretty much down in about half an hour of fiddling. The F5's not as complicated as one might think. But it's not something you'd want to start out with. The AF is as good as any other top-tier camera. I like the F5's layout because most of the features are right there on the body, no fiddling through LCD menus. And the light meter is still the undisputed champion of automated 35mm. That's what the F5 is for-- the most accurate, well exposed snapshots possible. What else could you possibly need 8fps for? Now is a good time to get an F5, by the way; now that Nikon and Canon both are pumping out mostly digital Pro-SLR's, used F5's are getting to be very affordable.

I think a lot of the things the F5 seems lacking in are features that are just coming out-- light-up AF sensors, etc. This is merely a mark of its vintage. The only thing that will kill the F5 ultimately will be complete obsolescence. A camera that came out in 1996 that still competes today is pretty amazing. But yes, it is very heavy, and eats batteries alive, esp. in cold weather.

This is by no means intended to 'once and for all' settle the ongoing debate of the fabulousness of the F5. I just figured I might as well put in my 2 cents, 'cause I've been using one for a little while. There's no doubt in my mind that the F5 was the fastest, most accurate and reliable SLR when it first became available. But a lot of time has gone by, and I think there is at least one other camera out there that rivals its capabilities today. This simply means Nikon just has to produce an F5s or an F6, and the rest of the world will stand in awe for the next coupla years. Here's a guide for the folks who compare the F5 to some completely different camera: If you're professionally shooting a ball game, use an EOS 1v. If you're shooting in the streets of Paris, use a Leica. If you're shooting a portrait, use a Hasselblad. If you're shooting a street riot, use an F5. If you're shooting coral, use a Nikonos. If you like the take the occasional pic-- there's hundreds of cameras out there designed for the casual enthusiast.

Customer Service

I haven't had to deal with it yet.

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS-1, EOS 650, Elan 7, AE-1, A-1, F-1n, QL GL17, Nikon EM, N90s, Nikkormat, Minolta SRT-101, Pentax Pz-1, Pz-1p, Mz-5n, K-1000, ME Super, Leicaflex, etc.

Trustworthy, strong and solid. It's speed and feeling of crispy sound. interchangeble head, weights balanced with heavy lenses. I'm glad to have a crank with my F5.

I need a comand dial with vertical position like D1 and a big AE lock like F100.

I've moved to Okinawa from NYC where the humidity is incredible. Nikon's products work without failing. The mold grows inside of lenses and camera and computer's chips. F5 and manual camera work really good I'm glad to choose Nikons. I can't afford to have Leica with other SLRs like some pros do it's too expensive.

Customer Service

I haven't used it yet.

Similar Products Used:

F5, Ftn, F100, FM2, RZ 6x7.

*Metering system *Durability *Auto-focus Speed *Manual/automatic rewind *Mirror-lock

*Heavy like a rock

Perfect. Sorry, no other camera has a metering system as accurate as this. It's a beast with solid metal construction. It is better than the F100 in that the metering is a bit more accurate, the film can be manually rewound, and it has the ever-important mirror-lock feature. This is a true professional camera. Try as they have, Canon and Minolta just haven't matched the metering system of this behemoth and their body durability just aren't up to par either. OH YEAH, ONE LAST THING: according to Canon contract photographer and factory spokesmodel "Arthur Morris," the Nikon F5 is the world's best camera. He told us so in person in January 2001. If someone that Canon spiffs to push Canon cameras tell you this, you ought to believe him.

Customer Service

None needed

Similar Products Used:

Nikon n90s, Nikon F100, Nikon n65

Flawless design and built RGB Metering - The best in the business Self-diagnostic Shutter (maintains accuracy) Auto Focusing superb Has every feature one could possibly want

None

In March of 2002 I purchased my Nikon F5 along with several lens (35-70 f2.8, 80-200 f2.8, 60 f2.8 and a 24 f2.8). In addition I also purchased Nikon & B&W UV, Skylight & Polarizing Filters; an SB 28 flash & SB29 Flash Units etc. I made this rather substantial purchase after much reading and review as well as talking to other photographers. I can honestly say after about a year that I do not regret purchasing this system. Both the dealer (B&H, Inc.) and the company (Nikon) have been very good to work with and on one occasion when I had to return some Nikon Close-up lens with a discoloration in them -- no questions were asked and I received a shipment of new lens promptly. As to the performance of the Camera -- well, I will say it is indeed both heavy and complicated. This is not a system for the those wishing ease-of-use or something light to carry. However, its' multi-functional and almost indistructable body are the very strengths I was seeking. The F5 no doubt has the best metering and shutter system I have ever used and this body offers for me the opportunity to grow in my photography advocation. The workmanship on this body is superb and Nikon is to be commended for a well-thought-out design with all of the bells and whistles included. I love my F5 and plan to used it for many years to come.

Customer Service

Excellent -- Simply the Best!

Similar Products Used:

F100 Pentax ZX-5n Pentax Super-Program Minolta SRT-101

Makes you feel like a pro.

Beware when taking pictures with 24 exp films. The camera can only (?) be programmed to stop at 35 or 36, but not at 24 exp. So, the film will be inadvertantly jammed after 24 exp if you forget to rewind the film.

I''ve bought and returned several cameras, among them are top of the lines from Canon and Minolta. None of them could get closer to this F5. It just simply makes you a better photographer than you are. I''ve used Nikkor 85mm AF together with SB-28, and the pictures are sharp and the colors are vibrant. However, the pictures sometimes are a little bit over exposed when the subject has light color. Lower the EV by 1/3 could make it better.

Customer Service

n/a

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS 1, Minolta Maxxum 7.

Strengths??? are you kidding me....this is the superman of cameras.....

I''m the weak one....

We''ll I just got back from the Philippines and this freakin camera...PASSED my test with flying COLORS!!!!...meaning, rain, humidity, skin scorching heat, and oh yeah the humidity, I live in a place where when March comes in..whooo God the humidity and heat will knock you out. I forgot the camera one time in the back seat of my car, under intense heat and windows closed, watched a movie and ate afterwards.....4 hours later, I realized that the camera was in the back seat, fearing that somebody would break-in, rushed to the car and find the F5 sizzling.....finished the film had it developed and voila!!! nothing, no condensation or damage, camera functions magnificently..ruubbers didn''t come off, but it was REALLY HOOOTTT..sorry about the long story but I just have to tell you guys!!! hehehe This is the camera to buy!!!

Customer Service

no need

Similar Products Used:

Minolta Htsi, Canon EOS1V

Metering, fast focusing, great for eyeglass wearers, being able to change viewfinders, being able to use so many different focusing screens (I have 4). Durable, Nikon mount, Nikon system accessories, fairly quiet, uses AA batteries. Manual rewind,

Value, paraniod of getting it stolen due to recognition. Not as friendly as F100.

It seemed inevitable that I would progress to owning the F5. Having moved to this camera here are some of my initial feelings about owning this fine piece. 1, No longer can I blame the camera for my mistakes. 2, I like the ruggedness, it looks like it is a lifetime investment. 3, It is no longer the latest in technology though as Canon has upped the bar. I wonder though if it truly makes any difference. 4, I still shoot mostly in the manual mode. 5, There were enough differences from moving from the F100 to the F5 that you must read the manual and get some practice in. 6, I like the comfort feeling I get from knowing I can manually rewind the film if needed. 7, F100 seems a little quieter in operation. 8, Matrix metering is good and the spot metering is like a laser! 9, It balances nicely with big glass attached. 10, Mirror locks up easier than my F3HP does. This is a beautiful camera that shows wonderful versatility. Is it worth twice the price of a F100? No. As with most high performance items, you do not look for value. The costs do not increase in a linear manner. What you get is Nikon''''s best camera. Just remember that the camera is just a light box and that it just controls the exposure of the film. You the photographer and your lens are more important. I bought the F5 becaues I plan to use it much more than nay other camera I have owned. I feel that the price I paid was for the durability and dependability of Nikon. It is a wonderful tool.

Customer Service

None needed to date.

Similar Products Used:

F100, F3HP, N90s, N6006

Ultra high shutter speed. Strong body. Impressive matrix color metering. Fastest auto focus... This camera is almost perfect

It''s so heavy. No automatic rewind at the end of the film! Very expensive

The Nikon F5 is the undisputed king of the AF SLR''s. It''s an awesome and inspiring piece of equipment! The color matrix metering is incredible!! This camera really lets me capture exactly what I see and the instant that I see it. The F5 continues to amaze me with how accurately the TTL flash meters. The auto focus is extremely fast and the build of the camera is SOLID. My only real complaint is with the vertical shutter release button lock,--it becomes unlocked easily and results in accidental releases. Other than that no problems.Fast. Durable. 8 frame/sec. firing rate. the best metering out there. I always buy nikon bodies because they are the best. Don''t expend all your money on the camera and forget a good lens...

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Nikon F4, F3, N90, 6006, FM2