Nikon film camera query.

[ashishtamhane]

I am considering getting a film camera and would like to know your thoughts on a Nikon F60 available here.

My reasoning for this particular model is as below:

1. Needs to be a Nikon as I already have some AF-D lenses.
2. Needs to have some form of automation.
3. Needs to be cheap.

Thanks,
Ashish Tamhane

 

[ancient_mariner]

2. Needs to have some form of automation.

Auto exposure or autofocus?

My one concern would be the need for CR123A batteries, which may prove expensive in the long term. Otherwise it's probably fine for a camera of that era - it won't give you a vintage feel, so much as being more like a somewhat ineffective modern camera.

See also:

Camera House

Camera House - New & Used Cameras, Lenses, Studio & Darkroom Equipment

www.camera-house.co.uk

Used Nikon F60 Quartz Date Body Black (35mm Film Camera) | London Camera Exchange -Southampton (Civic Centre)

Used Nikon F60 Quartz Date Body Black (35mm Film Camera) | London Camera Exchange - Southampton (Civic Centre) | To buy or for more information visit Southampton (Civic Centre) or call 023 8033 1720

www.lcegroup.co.uk

I have one of these - it feels a bit more vintage than one of the later plastic fantastic cameras, and it takes ordinary batteries.

https://www.cameraworld.co.uk/used-nikon-f301-35mm-slr-film-camera-body-b002010395.h

This is auto-exposure and a 'real' camera:

EM Body Only

EM Body Only

www.ffordes.com

 

[garry71]

I am considering getting a film camera and would like to know your thoughts on a Nikon F60 available here.

My reasoning for this particular model is as below:

1. Needs to be a Nikon as I already have some AF-D lenses.
2. Needs to have some form of automation.
3. Needs to be cheap.

Thanks,
Ashish Tamhane

The fact that their description says the pictures may not be of the actual item, plus no business address on the site tells me to leave it alone.

 

[auntiemaryscanary]

My one concern would be the need for CR123A batteries, which may prove expensive in the long term. Otherwise it's probably fine for a camera of that era - it won't give you a vintage feel, so much as being more like a somewhat ineffective

I find these sort of specialist camera batteries to be OK. My Canon EOS has done at least a dozen films and it cost a fiver. The manual states its good for 40 films but I assume thats in "ideal" conditions, 24 exp only, no flash use etc

For the camera itself I've no experience.

 

[auntiemaryscanary]

The fact that their description says the pictures may not be of the actual item, plus no business address on the site tells me to leave it alone.

I agree with "pictures may not be of actual item" comment. I found the business address at the bottom of the privacy policy page. Maybe a little concerning its not on the bottom of every page.

 

[garry71]

I agree with "pictures may not be of actual item" comment. I found the business address at the bottom of the privacy policy page. Maybe a little concerning its not on the bottom of every page.

My bad I'm afraid. I had a root around, but skipped the privacy policy page

 

[garry71]

I am considering getting a film camera and would like to know your thoughts on a Nikon F60 available here.

My reasoning for this particular model is as below:

1. Needs to be a Nikon as I already have some AF-D lenses.
2. Needs to have some form of automation.
3. Needs to be cheap.

Thanks,
Ashish Tamhane

Forgot to say, the F60 can't have a remote release used with it, the same as my F50 which was very disappointing when I realised.

 

[ashishtamhane]

Auto exposure or autofocus?

My one concern would be the need for CR123A batteries, which may prove expensive in the long term. Otherwise it's probably fine for a camera of that era - it won't give you a vintage feel, so much as being more like a somewhat ineffective modern camera.


I have one of these - it feels a bit more vintage than one of the later plastic fantastic cameras, and it takes ordinary batteries.

This is auto-exposure and a 'real' camera:

EM Body Only

EM Body Only

www.ffordes.com

Auto exposure and auto focus preferably. I want it more for shooting good photos on film rather than the experience.

I am unaware if these CR123A can be recharged. Will look it up. Thanks for the suggestions.

The fact that their description says the pictures may not be of the actual item, plus no business address on the site tells me to leave it alone.

Agreed. I had missed this.

 

[ashishtamhane]

This is auto-exposure and a 'real' camera:

‘Real’ camera as in?

 

[auntiemaryscanary]

I am unaware if these CR123A can be recharged. Will look it up. Thanks for the suggestions.

May be lithium but certainly not rechargeable.

 

[auntiemaryscanary]

I know you said Pentax but this has as much, or as little as automation, as you need. Even comes with an outdated but usable battery. Mid to late 90s peak consumer camera and working but for just shy of £27, what's to loose?

Canon EOS 300 SLR 35mm film camera -TESTED AND WORKING 100% | eBay

When putting it away I have noticed it has the little rubber surround around the eyepiece missing, which is damn annoying as i look after everything I own!

www.ebay.co.uk

I've got the same body but a different coloured lens. Perfectly fine entry level SLR film camera for not much money.

 

[ashishtamhane]

I know you said Pentax but this has as much, or as little as automation, as you need. Even comes with an outdated but usable battery. Mid to late 90s peak consumer camera and working but for just shy of £27, what's to loose?

Already got some Nikon primes. Don’t want another system.

 

[Rodinal]

The CR123a batteries are actually quite good. I use them in my F6 and they do last a long time. The present set have been in the camera for around 10 films now and are still indicating full charge although I suspect that they will start to drop down shortly. In fact the CR123's impressed me so much when I saw an alternative battery pack for an F100 advertised s/h which took the batteries I bought it

Look at some of the older Nikons. For not a lot of money you can buy a F601 which will take your lenses and they have a normal screw in socket for a cable release. I haven't been looking for another camera for a while but they can be picked up for around £40 or possibly less, The AF isn't too bad. The metering is an early but still good - spot, average or multi segment type and the shutter speeds at 30s to 1/2000and fully compatible with your lenses. They also take a Lithium battery pack which has over twice the capacity of the CR123a's

I have just looked at Ffordes Website and they have a F601M which was a manual focus version of the AF F601. Apart from no AF the camera is the same as the normal AF version. The batteries will last a lot longer in that body than the AF version because they only have to deal with metering and the shutter. It is also very well built, more so than the last of the line AF bodies. That one is priced at £29

For my batteries I always buy them from 'The small battery company' who are based in south London. They are only on line but they do not charge postage. Just google the name to get the contact details and the website.

 

[THIRTYFIVEMILL]

The fact that their description says the pictures may not be of the actual item, plus no business address on the site tells me to leave it alone.

Ffordes are fine. I've purchased from them several times.

 

[ancient_mariner]

‘Real’ camera as in?

That was a bit tongue in cheek. Nikon consumer cameras from this era and later were plastic and feel like toys. They are fully functional, but to me, unpleasant to use. I have an IR converted D70 and it's the same. The F301 is metal bodied, feels solid by comparison, but manual focus only and with an older style focus screen - it's an altogether nicer experience but won't make it so easy to just bung a roll of film through ang get acceptable images.

Ffordes are a good shop, and I've been happy buying from them in the past. Also LCE (that I linked above, same camera, less money) are good.

 

[Nod]

Forgot to say, the F60 can't have a remote release used with it, the same as my F50 which was very disappointing when I realised.

The F-60 can be remotely released using the ML-L3 IR release.

FWIW, the F80 is a step up from the F60 that's worth taking.

 

[Rodinal]

I will go along with the reputation that Ffordes have built up. I have been using them for perhaps 20 years and never had a problem with them at all. Yes they may be a little more expensive when selling, but they do fully check any used cameras they buy and if there is a problem they have it sorted out before it is put up for sale. As for LCE also quite good but as for some of the items they have for sale they do not always come up to the mark........I won't expand on what I have found in the past!!
I had not realised that ffordes Address is not shown, but phone them up and you get a human who will gladly give you the address.

I don't remember it all but the address is Ffordes, The Kirk, Wester Balblair, Inverness. You can search for the post code on line.

 

[srichards]

CR123A batteries are easy to get and last ages.

I often buy from Harrison cameras used as well as they have a 12 month warranty with theirs. If you can live with the silver finish they have the F60 too:

Used Nikon F60 Silver 35mm AF SLR Analogue Film Camera with AF 35-80mm f4-5.6 D Lens

www.harrisoncameras.co.uk

 

[BillN_33]

I don't think that you will take many film shots, (certainly compared to digital), it's a lot slower process, which is good in some ways and causes you to value every shot ....... it's not "cheap"

I use my film cameras alongside my digital and use the digital as a guide for exposure setting

Just a suggestion, but (initially) why don't you try a fixed lens RF camera - say an Olympus 35SP or even an Olympus Pen EE, (120 film) - you will have maybe more fun as a 28 or 35 or 50mm focal length is quite a natural "view" to use, if you get what I mean ....... with no need to change lenses

 

[ashishtamhane]

Look at some of the older Nikons. For not a lot of money you can buy a F601 which will take your lenses and they have a normal screw in socket for a cable release.

I have just looked at Ffordes Website and they have a F601M which was a manual focus version of the AF F601. Apart from no AF the camera is the same as the normal AF version.

I would prefer to have AF to cut down on missed shots. Already film and processing is expensive.

I often buy from Harrison cameras used as well as they have a 12 month warranty with theirs. If you can live with the silver finish they have the F60 too:

It certainly is going to be a task to get past that colour. I don’t want a fancy F5 but that colour is going to be difficult to explain!

I don't think that you will take many film shots, (certainly compared to digital), it's a lot slower process, which is good in some ways and causes you to value every shot ....... it's not "cheap"

Just a suggestion, but (initially) why don't you try a fixed lens RF camera - say an Olympus 35SP or even an Olympus Pen EE, (120 film) - you will have maybe more fun as a 28 or 35 or 50mm focal length is quite a natural "view" to use, if you get what I mean ....... with no need to change lenses

Correct. Would be shooting film a lot less.

I am looking for film photography more for seeing how the ’film’ look comes out and less for the experience of the camera model. That said I have been buying old AFD lenses over the years with the view that they can be used with the older models if needed. If I get a different system then that’s pointless.

How does this F90X look?

 

[angelpaaul]

I am looking for film photography more for seeing how the ’film’ look comes out and less for the experience of the camera model. That said I have been buying old AFD lenses over the years with the view that they can be used with the older models if needed. If I get a different system then that’s pointless.

How does this F90X look?

I have the F90 and it will do all you want. However, be aware that the camera itself is solid and heavy plus the weight of the grip.

 

[BillN_33]

I am looking for film photography more for seeing how the ’film’ look comes out and less for the experience of the camera model. That said I have been buying old AFD lenses over the years with the view that they can be used with the older models if needed. If I get a different system then that’s pointless.

How does this F90X look?

I think that it's all about how you intend to use the camera - nowadays with film cameras I keep it as simple as possible and I use 28mm or 35mm - I never use a zoom or tele - and generally it's f8 and the shutter speed setting - RF is easy to focus and f8 gives you a reasonable DOF - the main objective/time spent is to frame the image well - with an RF camera you can go down to really low shutter speeds and still get a good image, focus-wise, with an SLR you have always got the mirror movement to contend with - BUT it depends on what type of subjects/images you intend to shoot - (e.g. I have never shot birds or macros with film and most on the time the subject is not moving).
Good luck

 

[THIRTYFIVEMILL]

Depends what you call cheap. Two bodies leap to mind if I was going to buy a Nikon film camera for reasonable money.

1. Nikon FM2N - this was my first ever camera and the reason I now shoot a Nikon ZF. If you like that old school dial control, as I do, this would be my choice. They are slightly more expensive due to collectors also liking them but you can find good users for £250.

2. Nikon F5 - this was the body of choice for pros before the advent of digital. It's big and built like a tank but has all the bells and whistles and can also be had for around £250 for a decent one.

 

[FishyFish]

From personal experience, I can recommend the F80. It's very well featured, quite compact, can use modern Nikkor F-mount lenses whether they have an aperture ring or not, and also take advantage of stabilised VR lenses. The F100 would be a similar better featured choice, but it's bigger, heavier, and more expensive than the F80.

 

[Rodinal]

From personal experience, I can recommend the F80. It's very well featured, quite compact, can use modern Nikkor F-mount lenses whether they have an aperture ring or not, and also take advantage of stabilised VR lenses. The F100 would be a similar better featured choice, but it's bigger, heavier, and more expensive than the F80.

I agree the f80 is a good camera perhaps a baby brother to the F6 but they are getting hard to come by and for what they are, a little bit expensive. The lasf one I saw was well over £100

 

[Don Fischer]

‘Real’ camera as in?

As in, you don't need a doctorate in photography to take pictures with it. Turn it on and shoot!

 

[BillN_33]

I have a F80, New in box, but I think it's gone all sticky - plus my user F80 which is black, but same problem

 

[Cluster]

I've owned and used a Nikon F60. It had a cheap feel and sound (film advance) when compared to my F70 and friend's F80 and F90.
As the 70 and 80 will be a similar price, I'd miss the F60. My F70 was also sticky. I scraped it off. It's not as pretty now, but a very usable and capable camera, if maybe larger than many.

 

[BillN_33]

Honestly - before you go down this route you want to make sure that you get one that works and has been tested with proof that all is OK - I cannot remember much about the F80, what battery etc., etc., but if they have not been change the light seals, (I'm sure it has them like most SLR's), would need changing. Otherwise you stick a film in have it processed, spend money and then find out that there are problems.

A good quality Olympus fixed lens RF is a lot simpler and IMHO more enjoyable at this stage in time

 

[THIRTYFIVEMILL]

The F100 was a good camera, too. That was my last film camera before buying the D1X. Again, those can be had for around £200 now.

 

[excalibur2]

Well not an expert on many Nikon models, but do have the F90x and thought it was a good camera and takes four AA batteries...I don't use it now as I have the F4 (well maybe if I go somewhere dodgy I might use it again ). There was one nikon camera that annoyed me and refused to fire on my chosen exposure/shutter setting (I want to be in control not the camera) without trolling thru' my posts can't remember which one it was

 

[ashishtamhane]

Depends what you call cheap. Two bodies leap to mind if I was going to buy a Nikon film camera for reasonable money.

Around 100 quid would be a good amount.

Well not an expert on many Nikon models, but do have the F90x and thought it was a good camera and takes four AA batteries.

I will probably end up on a F90x. Just looking around for some more options.

Honestly - before you go down this route you want to make sure that you get one that works and has been tested with proof that all is OK

Agreed!

 

[Rodinal]

I agree with "pictures may not be of actual item" comment. I found the business address at the bottom of the privacy policy page. Maybe a little concerning its not on the bottom of every page.

The full address is on their website. At the bottom of the page there is a tab marked Company Information. Click on this and it is there together with their E mail and Phone number.

 

[excalibur2]

Well not an expert on many Nikon models, but do have the F90x and thought it was a good camera and takes four AA batteries...I don't use it now as I have the F4 (well maybe if I go somewhere dodgy I might use it again ). There was one nikon camera that annoyed me and refused to fire on my chosen exposure/shutter setting (I want to be in control not the camera) without trolling thru' my posts can't remember which one it was

Well in 2015 thought the F401 was crap re-above...dunno what happened to it and probably threw it in the bin as in those days were picking up cameras for peanuts.

 

[ancient_mariner]

Well in 2015 thought the F401 was crap re-above...dunno what happened to it and probably threw it in the bin as in those days were picking up cameras for peanuts.

The F401 was Nikon's budget AF camera IIRC at the time, and not especially wonderful. The bin wasn't a bad place for it.

 

[excalibur2]

Nikon's budget

For just a manual point and shoot I've always liked the Nikon EM........ my Father had it before and he took many correct exposured shots and same for me when I first used it getting back to 35mm.

 

[Nod]

I have a F80, New in box, but I think it's gone all sticky - plus my user F80 which is black, but same problem

Most, if not all of them will have either sticky grips or have had the stickiness cleaned off. I use IPA (IsoPropyl Alcohol rather than India Pale Ale!) and elbow grease to destickificate thgings like that.

 

[ancient_mariner]

My Minolta 7000 (bought used in '88 IIRC) has gone sticky too. It's just what happens with older rubber coating.

 

[ashishtamhane]

So finally ordered a Nikon F60 and some rolls of Illford HP5+. I settled for this since as the F90x is too heavy and I usually carry my D750 with the grip.

Thanks all for the suggestions!

 

[BillN_33]

So finally ordered a Nikon F60 and some rolls of Illford HP5+. I settled for this since as the F90x is too heavy and I usually carry my D750 with the grip.

Thanks all for the suggestions!

what lenses are you intending to use with the F60?