I just switched camera systems this month and bought the F4s. After around
50 rolls of film, I think the camera's great.
Couple of items to answer your questions:
1) There are three flavors of the F4: F4, F4s, F4e. The one you probably
want is the F4s, which has the vertical grip and uses 6 AA batteries. The F4
has a smaller grip and takes 4 batteries (slower winder speed, shorter
battery life, lighter than F4s). The F4e is larger and heavier than the F4
and F4s, and it takes rechargable Nicads. I haven't had to replace the
batteries in my F4s after 50 rolls, and I am using AF lenses, supposedly,
the batteries should last another 25 rolls or so. The battery packs are
interchangable, so if you have an F4 you can turn it into an F4s or an F4e
by substituting the different grips.
2) Manual lenses work fine, and the matrix metering will work with them
assuming they are the newer AI-S lenses.
3) The AF is not nearly as bad as some would have you believe. I have
pictures of ducks landing and taking off to prove it. I used the 80-200.
4) I paid $800 for a mint condition, amateur owned F4s.
5) You want an F4 with a serial number of 24xxxxx or higher. There were some
updates over the years of production.
6) You should buy the Magic Lantern Guide for the F4. It'll help you figure
out the battery packs, metering, and which lenses/teleconverters can be used
properly. It'll also explain the updates (#5).
7) The flash system is excellent for an older camera. There are more modern
cameras that can't do flash like the F4s. Definitely get a Nikon speedlight
and the cord.
The camera is big, heavy, solid, and the vertical grip is terrific. I'm very
happy with mine.
Eric Edelman
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>From: Matthias Ochs <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Subject: The mighty F4.... [v04.n272/1]
>Today I was shopping for a used FM2n (I think I am going to buy one soon
>!) and found of all things a F4e (I think it was an 'e'). Of course I
>had to ask to have a closer look..... .....well, what can I tell you,
>I REALLY liked it (esp. the feeling from just holding it - it feels like
>soild metal - with the weight to prove it ! ).
>So, now I curious about it an would like to ask you all for your
>experiances with this body - did you like it ? I really like to use MF
>lenses, so is it any good to use with these ? What features do I lose
>? Matrix metering I supose ?
>I'd be really thankful for a few comments from people who have used it
>(and it is a bit on the expensive side, isn't it ?)
