Nikon N70 35mm SLRs
Nikon N70 35mm SLRs
[Apr 24, 2001]
Michael Hoichman
Intermediate
Strength:
-3D fill flash metering and very good built-in flash
Weakness:
-Stupid automatic programs It is a very good camera. Except for the lack of DOF it has no significant weaknesses. The interface is computerised and intended for gudget lovers. It is convenient and clear, but you can't operate it without taking your eyes from the viewfinder. Personally I prefer F80 interface (lots of buttons vs. a complicated command dial ring). Anyway, all the frequently used functions are easily operated. Built-in flash and flash metering are both great (better than even in F80). Memory functions are usefull (especially for this kind of interface). Idiotic programs spoil a little bit the interface. But this is true about all amateur cameras. Similar Products Used: F50 |
[Apr 30, 2001]
Jason Vines
Intermediate
Strength:
fast,reliable,meters all Nikon lenses, even manual ones, flash is useful,veryfew buttons, durable,metal film rails, efficient
Weakness:
awful CR123 batteriers This is a pretty good nikon, but from the last era of Nikon cameras, like the N90s.The bulky grips should be able to store AA batteries liket the N90, but Nikon has chose to use lithiums- probably to limit their use to amateurs. In this era, leaving out features was the way to designate different models. Nowadays, durability is left out in proportion to type of use- whch makes more sense. I really hate missing DOF preview, but admit I rarely use my 50 F1.8 lens for DOF effect (usually for shallow DOF). My 24-120 and other zooms, I can usually predict what wide open (not so shallow DOF) to F8 (or anything smaller), which is really slow, will look like. People should trash the programs- don't they realize that in AUTO mode, the camera is in 1 program already. THe other programs just shift the starting point, like portrait (starts at wider aperature) and landscape/hyperfocal (smaller aperatreu-starting at F8). THe default program probably is an EV level program (like any Point and shoot)-at high EV light levels, it goes to F8 and at low level, jumps to wide open. People don't complain about this. I'm just beginning to use Aperature Priority after all this time (like my manual bodies), but anyway I usually use it at wide open or at around F8. This is where Landscape and portrait mode would fall in anyways, especially since my variable aperature zoom changes aperature as I zoom (3.5-5.6 or 3.5-4.5)- I don't have to grab for the ring or check it when I zoom. Anyone using an autofocus camera on AUTO mode is just using their SLR with a Point and Shoot 'program'. The camera can get the shot becasue it works quickly, when preset, and it quiet ('clocks'). Excellent value because of the F80. I admit the F80 feels more like my manual cameras- small and analog, but then it doesn't feel solid like the F70. Something like the Nikkormats versus the later FE,FM cameras. Actually I just felt an EOS rebel and its 'heft' feels more similar to the F80 than my chunky, more solid F70. Anyways, use your gear. The F100 is the ultimate amateur camera, albeit without a flash (gimme a baby flash with it). Similar Products Used: None |
[Apr 30, 2001]
Jason Carvalho
Casual
Strength:
Solid. Relatively fast AF and Motor Drive (3.7fps). Does everything I need and gives full control over exposure. Excellent Metering.
Weakness:
No Depth of Field preview. No Multiple exposure - Although I'm not sure how useful these really are and if absolutely neccessary, there are ways to achieve both on the F70. Despite what people say about the user interface, I think this is an excellent camera. I can switch to and from P, S, A & M in seconds and most other features can be accessed very easily as long as you fully understand how the interface works. It's worth spending time reading the manual fully. Customer Service Never Used Similar Products Used: Yashicha 200AF |
[May 02, 2001]
chuck
Intermediate
Strength:
Great feel. Nikon lenses. Wonderful step up from old Ricoh I was using.I tried them all this is the one that had the best feel, and nikon name, without breaking the bank.
Weakness:
Controls are a little fiddly, but not as difficult to learn as I've read. After messing with all the others, this is the one that felt the best in my hand, that means I'll have it there more often. Excellent deal for the money. Customer Service Not yet Similar Products Used: Looked at almost everything. |
[May 09, 2001]
Jon Hayden
Intermediate
Strength:
-Fast AF
Weakness:
-No DOF This is a great camera for the midline camera user. The controls are a bit hard to figure out, but if you read the book, it is quite simple. It has a fast continous mode, and it uses those great Nikkor lenses. The DOF preview I could live without, being I shoot mostly pics for a newspaper, in the sports department, but overall great camera! Great for photography students who want to give up their manuals and expand their expertise! Customer Service The guys helped me use the camera to it's potential. Similar Products Used: Pentax ZX-M |
[May 16, 2001]
Robert Mug
Intermediate
Strength:
Economical
Weakness:
no DOF Except for the DOF and battery issue, this camera works for me. Sure, I want the F100 like everybody else, but I got this camera at an excellent deal. It works fast because I have stored my commonly used programs in the QuickStore. THe first one is a general purpose shooting with MATRIX, the second is a spot meter (with use of the AEL), and the third is fill flash compensation -1.0. These work great for me and I don't need to change any modes and it is quick. I also preset the fan selector to the exposure compensation feature so that exposure compensation is accessible with the fewest adjustments. This is not an easy to use analog setting camera by any means- I am somewhat technically inclined and am sick of buying more and more crap when I know this camera works fine. I even made my own AA battery pack from the current Pentax AA battery pack holder. It requires some modification (cutting and rewiring) and adds a significant chunk of weight to the bottom of the camera, but has paid itself off while I leave the camera on for street photography. I recommend this modification for hobbyists because you will run through Lithium batteries like water while you play with the camera. Flash charging is slow, but the benefits of not worrying about battery life is better. As I have customized my camera (very custom- no one else can understand it), it works very fast for me. It is like I programmed the camera just for me (Individualism!!!) I have no doubt that this camera can get the shot. Like anyone else, I have contemplated purchasing an N80, but am concerned about the durability of that camera (checkout a Canon Rebel's insides to see why). My N70 is very durable- it has survived an instant rainstorm in the Utah desert, shock from mountain biking, and constant rough/tumble from scrambling around outdoors. I am surprised that the flash cover hasn't popped off due to some impacts. For all that it has gone through, all I need is a damp towel to wipe it off and it is practically new. Similar Products Used: None |
[May 29, 2001]
Steve Spiker
Intermediate
Strength:
Value
Weakness:
Viewfinder collects dirt inside!! Great first AF SLR, somewhat complicated to get the hang of for new users but very rewarding when mastered. The metering system is tops, rarely makes a mistake (and then mostly likely user error. Good value for build quality and features. Customer Service Good, dropped from bus storage, repaired quickly by service agent although they stuffed the film advance requiring reshipment and repair. Similar Products Used: Looked at many models |
[Jul 19, 2001]
Another "Dan the Man"
Expert
Strength:
Durability, ease of use, functionality, quiet motor.
Weakness:
No backlit LCD. I swore off Canon cameras years ago (primarily because of lense interchangability). Then I bought an N6006. This N70 is awsome by comparison. Much easier to use. Durable(withstood the humid jungles of Peru, against Nikon's advice). Quiet enough to use at weddings. I've shot close to 3000 pictures with it and have no complaints. An overall good value. A great camera for people who take the art of photography serious. Customer Service N/A Similar Products Used: N6006 Nikon |
[Aug 05, 2001]
Andy Highfield
Professional
Strength:
Superb metering
Weakness:
No DOF preview This is a really superb, much under-rated camera. It produces amazingly good exposures and is much, much lighter and less bulky than the N90s or F5. The lithium batteries doubtless contribute to this low weight/bulk (just carry spares and limit use of the built-in strobe). It's a great travel/field camera. Very tough and durable indeed. When new, these were around $700, or 600 UK Pounds - you can now pick up mint, amateur owned F70's for less than $200/140 UK pounds. An incredible bargain for a fine camera that is both reliable and delivers the goods. My company was so impressed after buying one, we went out and purchased two more! A much better camera than the F80 in my opinion. Delivers identical results to the N90s and even F5 in 99.99% of situations. Save the money on more expensive bodies if cash is tight, and get a mint, used F70/N70. Spend the $$ saved on good Nikon lenses and film. This is one of the best used camera buys out there at the moment. I often find myself taking an F70 with me rather than the F90x or F5. The much criticised handling is actually fine once you get used to it - we use ours on aperture priority almost exclusively anyway. Bottom line? The N70/F70 is a lovely camera at a rock bottom price. If you are looking for a great Nikon body and find one of these in good condition, don't pass it by. Customer Service Never needed Similar Products Used: Use N90s/F90x and F5 |
[Aug 01, 2001]
Jovan Ivkovic
Expert
Strength:
Smal, fast 3.7-3.8fps, 3.1with focus tracking, adjustabile exp/apert. i 1/3EV steps in all mods, -1EV 3dmatrix and central metering.
Weakness:
flash x 1/125, use 2xcr123 litijum bateris, don't have bat.pack for. AA(R6) bateris. All in all much beter then F80, as I see for much smaler price Similar Products Used: nikon F501, nikonF601, Nikon F90x, Nikon F80, |