Nikon are one of the Key players in SLR design and manufacture. And I’d argue all the models they’ve produced using their F mount are useable cameras. But there are better cameras amongst the pack. The F-601M although arguably the most technologically advanced manual focus SLR Nikon ever made is not one of those.
I’ve come across a few more basic cameras that pick up a mythic tag comparing them to a more esteemed classic. But the Nikon F-301 (or in my case weirdly the Americanised N2000) is perhaps the most bizarre of the bunch. That’s because some folks do compare it to the legend that is the F3
Whilst it’s no F3, if you’re on a budget this might be good compromise.
Usually when I review an SLR I tend to caveat my reviews by pointing out optical performance depends on the Lens glass and don’t focus on that side of things. But with this Ukrainian beast it really is all about the glass in the form of the Helios-81N ( гелиос-81н )50mm 1:2 lens.
But let’s not ignore the camera and we’ll begin there.
I’d already nailed a good SLR body with the Pentax MZ-5 for the Poundland challenge this year. But a AF SLR Nikon body also arrived for a 99p plus postage. So how does the F65 fare ? and how does it compare to other bodies.
One of my targets in my Poundland Challenge of getting cameras for a quid or less was to get a SLR body. I knew this was still likely and I’d come close with a Mamiya camera with a non interchangeable lens (some sneaked in at last minute with a £1.20 bid. I’d also passed on a Nikon F55 (already own) and a Praktica BM series body that went for 99p. Still I was bit surprised when the MZ-5 (ZX-5 in US), a 1996 Pentax prosumer AF SLR arrived for just 99p.
Like any technology the camera as we now it has changed many times during its life. It’s a process that continues, even among modern digital SLR cameras.
For every feature, function and design point though there was a first time. Here we take a look our first 5 of those important milestone cameras, the ones that made history, and the ones that continue to have a lasting impact on camera design in the 21st century. Continue reading History Makers – Part 2 – Guest post by filtr film cameras→
This is probably the weirdest camera I own. I wasn’t too sure if I if I should provide a breath sample with it or take photos. Welcome to the Minolta Zoom 110 SLR. Not only is it one of the weirdest looking in the world. But it’s also a fully functioning SLR that takes 110 film and arguably if not a bridge camera then sets the path for them.
Stick a cropped sensor digital lens on a film body ? What could possibly go wrong. Thanks to me recently arrived Nikon F75 we actually have the chance to do this and if you like your shots with a lo-fi slice but with good gear this might just be up the street for you Continue reading Goin’ Lomo on a Nikon – DX lens on a Film Body→
So I’d discussed the weakness of the F55 in the comparison review with the D50 dSLR. The F55 is arguably the cheapest Nikon film bodies you can buy but does spending a bit more snag you a better camera in the guise of the F75. The reality is it a bit more nuanced. Continue reading Nikon Budget Face off – Does the F75 make the F55 pointless ?→
In both film and digital land there’s some bargains to be had in the second hand market. This blog like many has focused on the bargains to be had in the analogue world but few discuss older digital cameras in the same way (a notable exception being our sometimes guest writer Dan James over at his 35hunter blog). But can you make a real comparison ?