Matthias,
I used two F4 bodies as my photographic backbone for nearly 8 years
(the "s" version, of course...). Compared with my F3s, I found it too
heavy, but very helpful in terms of metering (eg matrix metering will
work with AF- lenses as well as with MF-lenses) and speed. I found the
F4 much more quicker in terms of handling and shooting than the F3
(where to read the metering in the viewfinder is - though I use the HP
version - not too easy for me). Nevertheless I found all the knobs,
switches, buttons sometimes too confusing as well as the viewfinder.
I personally had a lot of trouble with one of my bodies, which died in
the Indian dessert during a long trip. Sand went through the sealings
and blocked some of the mechanic parts. BTW: my F3/MD4-combo worked
fine all the time... In addition to this, the rubber coating went off
the body, which was not too funny at 42 degrees.
Cons against the F4:
- slow AF
- heavy for what it is
- confusing viewfinder
- confusing usage
- bad sealings
- sometimes not reliable...
Pros for the F4:
- cheap (I think the body costs sth. like a third of a F5)
- powering (It's simple to use common NiCads instead of batteries)
- matrix metering will work with nearly all lenses (which is,
meanwhile, no more point for me, as I have upgraded all my lenses to
the latest AF-/AF-S versions)
Personally, I'd go for a FM-2 as a backup body, because it's rugged,
lightweight, mechanical, simple and will work and work and work. (If
you want to buy a used one, let me know...) I love my FM-2s in
addition to my F5 bodies and normaly I take one with me all the time.
If you need further infos, let me know.
Hope this helps,
Michael
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Michael F. Heidecker
Manager "Brand Dialogue" -
a Y&R and WCJ Partnership
c/o Wunderman Cato Johnson
Kleyerstrasse 19
D-60326 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Phone: +49/69/7502-7867
Telefax: +49/69/7502-7384
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