Film Photography's BEST Kept Secret? The Nikon N8008s 35mm SLR Review.
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- In this video, I review Nikon's wonderfully plastic but tough and durable Nikon N8008s. This 1990's era semi-pro 35mm film camera is packed with features to include a flawless matrix metering system. The N8008s really shines with the MF-21 Multi-Control Back mounted on the camera!
N8008s Instruction Manual tinyurl.com/vtuuzyb
MF-21 Instruction Manual tinyurl.com/sr34a95
Photographic Magazine's Article on MF-21 tinyurl.com/tmz4hhb
More Photos taken with the N8008s flic.kr/s/aHsmJumei2
PHOTO Credits: 2:32 Trev Lee for the multi-exposure pics.
IG: @TrevLee Website: TrevLeePhotography.com
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Best review of this body on youtube- I've seen them all ;)
Thanks!
I got this camera a a gift from an art teacher years ago and couldn’t find any helpful videos about it tell now, thank you so much!!!
You’re welcome Macy, enjoy it.
Nice review! Very accurate. I used both the N8008 and N8008s in the ‘90’s as a photojournalist before switching the the Nikon D1. I loved the N8008’s. Much better than the N4004 and N6006 which were the first Plastic Nikon SLR and redesigned compared to the N2000 and N2020. The N8008 was light yet durable for newspaper work. I loved my FE and FM2 with the MD-12 motor drives but they were heavier. F3 with the MD-4 was a lead weight tank.
Those old AF lenses are a smidge slow focusing but tack sharp! I still use a couple old Nikkor AF lenses regularly in my camera bag. Yes the Nikon SB-24 & 25 Speedlights were used with the N8008. TTL Flash with the Infra-Red focus assist was terrific. I haven’t shot film in 26 years but my N8008 has earned a special place on my old camera gear display mantle.
Great video Eric! As a film shooter and developer, I have watched a lot of camera review videos over the years. Your videos are the best. You explain the features and demonstrate the use of the buttons on a camera better than anyone I have seen.
Thanks so much. I appreciate you stopping by as well.
Fantastic, loved the straight honest review from the heart and i think you like it, i have one coming next week!
Excellent review! Good, balanced evaluation of all aspects of the camera, particularly the wide range of ISO settings!
Fantastic review (as always). A few years ago I found this model at a thrift store and bought it. The camera was immaculate, it was like the camera was never used, it was in perfect condition. It was before I was more into film photography and I ended up selling the N8008S on eBay. Now I wish I hadn’t sold it. I love the vintage style and electronics on this camera. Not only does the camera work great, it looks super cool too.
Thanks for making this video, all your videos are great.
Thanks so much Michael. Very kind of you and I appreciate you stopping by.
You are a good reviewer, i like your style, it is just simply and easy to understand what you have to review for this camera, good job!
I appreciate that!
About to load my first film in this beauty. Your tutorial definitely helped. Thank you and sending love 🙏🏼
You're welcome and I send love back! It's what the world needs!
I also have a N90s, which I love - I have a lot of Nikon bodies and lenses. As always, your commentaries are sooooo good and informative, well researched and detailed. I think you cannot have too many Nikons . . . .
Hah, that’s my rule to!
Mate, taking me down memory lane. The 801s was a beast. Thanks, mate.
I love your videos because they’re so beautifully detailed and expressive. I just bought a second N90s for $22 and I’m over the moon about it. Please keep your wonderful videos coming!
Hi Diane, thanks so much for sharing and for your kind words. This whole series of Nikons “fantastic plastic”, 90s-era semi pro film SLRs really are a treasure. I never expected to like the N8008s as much as I do. 😀
I have a F90X (what the N90S camera was known as outside of North America) and I love it! One of Nikon best ever film cameras. See my review of this alongside other Nikon film cameras on my channel :)
Thank you very much I bought this camera and data back and went back to your video to learn more about this accessory
Cool, enjoy it.
Awesome classic. Still have mine original non-S version from 1988!
Thank you for your video Eric. I forgot what a fun camera this was and still is. This camera was my first, and it introduced me to the world of Nikon. I remember spending hours in the darkroom while taking a class at my local Jr. College.
Very cool. Film is what photography is all about. You slow down, think, feel and snap. Nothing like it. This Nikon is also a great camera with an infallible meter and great glass n
thanks! didn't knew about all the extras like ME in this camera!
What a well done review...excellent. I am getting back into film and this may be the one...thanks for the review
You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
This is the best camera review. I'm definitely getting this camera it's really a good one with all these electronic features. Thank you for your in depth review Sir👌🏾👌🏾
Thanks so much. It’s a great camera that has good compatibility with Nikon F-Mount lenses (even manual focus) and a superb metering system. Great choice!
I dreamed of an F4 but it was WAY out of my price range at the time, I was saving for the 8008s but eventually bought a 6006 ( which was still very expensive at the time.). Still works like new an took great pictures, and got me into the Nikon world. Nikon built them to last back then. Great review for an awesome camera.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I just found my old one (forgot I had it) and appreciated the review/reminder how to use it. I just put a roll in and will see how it works these days. Very fun.
Nice! Such a capable camera too.
Just won a bid on one of these b/c of your video! Cant wait to learn it. Thank you.
It’s a great camera. Enjoy it!
Great overview! Thank you.
Thanks a lot Eric. You just got me to open my case to rediscover my good old F801s. Allmost forgot about the art of "thinking and constructing" a photo on a film camera,, unlike the standardisation of what is thought to be "a good pic" imposed by digital cameras and algorithms such as JPEGs. The F801 (espescially the s model) camera is a milestone in the modern photography due to it's advanced features such as telemetry, high speed shutter (1/8000), wide ISO range, multi-exposure mode, and so on ...
I’m glad that you’re rediscovering your trusty film cameras. They are an absolute joy to use. I get so many “keepers” when I use film probably because so much more thinking goes into film photos. The F801s has an infallible metering system also. Very consistent results. Enjoy!
Great review Just won a bid on one of these with lens as long time Nikon User your right the Nikon Flash system (creative lighting) is fantastic ) been digital for so long and wanted to play with film again LOL Great to see people still using it Just like Vinyl
Thanks for this very informative video! Just picked up one of these beauties with the Micro 60mm f2.8 D lens for 200$. I’m getting into medium format film and wanted to practice shooting and developing with 35mm and my collection of old Nikkor AI/S lenses. Tested the meter against a light meter and it’s spot on perfect!
Yep, the meter on this camera is one of the best I’ve ever used.
Great revew eric. Just in process of purchaing one. Thanks geoff
Thanks Geoff I’m glad you found it useful.
Just got this camera and it's fantastic to have such a great video to introduce all the attributes of this nice machine. Terrific video many thanks indeed, shall come back to it fairly often
Recently thrifted one and I’m really excited about using it to take some pics
Nice. It’s an awesome camera
Very thorough review, thankyou
Glad it was helpful; Thanks!
Great review!! i just purchased this camera and your video was very informative. thank you.
Glad I could help. It's a fun camera to use.
Me too! Thank you so much for sharing this video. Your video helped me decide to get the N8008S.
Hello Eric I Know this video is a few years old. The way I get film out of the canister is to take a piece of leader from exposed film. And trim off the sprocket holes and cut it to the size of double sided Scotch tape. And stick about an inch long piece of the double sided tape on one end. And shove it in the canister near the bottom where the tongue is. And turn the bottom of film reel in the same direction that the film rewinds in. Until it grabs the piece of film you inserted and then pull out the film. Have a great day Lawrence.
Picked this thing up for 12.50cad at the thrift store. Think I got a deal!! Awesome in depth review
I know you shot this video a few years ago but I found it very helpful, thank you.
Thanks. The good thing about my videos is that they don’t really expire. The information remains relevant because I’m talking about classic cameras.
Very nice review. I have two of these from my uncle. Time to break them out again.
I have the 8008s with data back, flash, and lens....bought so cheap it was a giveaway. Amazingly capable camera with superb exposure meter. One camera that’s a secret cheap buy that those in the know snap up!
I love bargains like this. A truly capable and usable camera for literally pennies! The multi-control back is the cherry on top!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel You do great detailed videos.....great clear voice as well. Keep 'em up! Love watching them.
One of my work horses, I had mine modified with a pc contact for studio flash and had repairman set it to leave some film out when rewound. Still usable today if I shoot 35mm.
“Workhorse” is a great description for this camera. I has a great metering system also.
Superb review, many thanks. Jack D.
Thanks Jack. I’m glad you found it useful.
Very informative
I have looked at your video a few times prior to getting the F801s camera from Ebay at a cost of £21.00 plus an additional £3.00 for post and packing. I will take a photo of the F801s/N8008s when it arrives and post it on my 'Flickr' site with a link to your RUclips video. So people can hear and see what you have to say about it!
Great video thanks for all the useful information! Is there any prime lens for portraits you recommend for this camera? Where is the best place to print the photos and best size to choose? Also what is the best 35mm film to use for portraits?
I love my F-801 (no S=spot meter for me :-D) . I think it's very handsome and has a great grip and intuitive interface.
It only cost me around $50-60 including the 24mm f 2.8 AF nikkor. Bargain.
The only problem so far has been a stuck rewind. I unscrewed the bottom cover (JIS cross point screws similar to philips heads but smaller),
and put a drop of oil on the switching cog mechanism that flips right to left to engage the rewind sprocket. Now it's working well again.
For batteries I tend to use NiMH rechargeables.
Cheers from Norway! (Subbed)
Thanks for the sub! I think you are knowledgeable about mechanical things (I’ve never even heard of a JIS cross point). I agree that the F801 is just fine without the spot meter-I never use the spot function on any of my cameras.
I have this lense. AF 28-70 3.5/4.5. i agree with you that it is really good. it has its problems (chromatic abberation on high contrast backgrounds, no stabilisation) but its sharpness in the whole range is really good (apart from maximum aperture ghosting). the last two summer-holidays i had to force myself to use the modern lenses and often switched back to this one.
It’s a little known gem. I enjoy the image quality but also the compactness.
Muito bom esse review. Tenho uma nikon dessas que guardo com muito saudosismo. Não sou profissional, apenas um usuário.
Parabéns por esse Review.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I loved mine and remained my mainstay until I converted to digital.
Your so right. I’m not a fan of the plasticky cameras but functionally it’s a superb camera especially the flawless metering system.
This is cool. I just bought one this morning form FleaBay. I think in Aperture priority, set to matrix with maybe 1/3 stop of plus EC and it should just get out of the way and let you shoot.
Absolutely, the meter in this camera is absolutely incredible. I was blown away by how it can't be fooled by tricky lighting.
Also, there were many Nikon cameras that could do multiple exposures prior to this one like the FM2 and FE2 for example.
The F3 certainly could it, even with the MD-4 in operation
Man this is a great video!! thank you!!
Thanks for watching!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Do you know what is the main difference to the F-801?
The F801 and N8008 are the same camera. The former being for the world market and the latter for the US market. The “s” was added in the later models, ie N8008s and F801s when Nikon added spot metering and faster autofocus.
Excellent video first class. Brian UK.
Thanks very much!
It does the job of a film camera and does it well.
The best thing about the N8008s, in my opinion, is the meter. I'm blown away by how good it handles high contrast scenes. Oh, and the price.
Your review does this camera justice. I looked at one in college in the early 90s. Couldn’t afford one. I did purchase an excellent unit five years ago. Can’t understand why these young people haven’t jumped in the opportunity to buy one. They’re so focused on the AE1P which is more expensive and has far less capabilities.
Thank you,
just bought this today for $20.00. I don't know yet if it works. But yes, the lens looks impressive. I mainly bought it for the strap. Nice yellow vintage looking strap with the words NIKON on it. Those good quality straps can cost as much as $40.00.
Sounds like a great deal!
Hi Eric, You did a great job reviewing this camera. Excellent demonstration of all its Features! I am looking at one on eBay and I think I’ll buy it thanks to your detailed review. Nice job. Just subscribed too. One question: I have a Series E lens that should work in Manual focus mode. What AF lenses should I search for that work with this camera? What are they called exactly? Again, excellent review and I thank you.
This camera is compatible with lenses marked AF or AF-D for autofocus compatibility. The newer AF-S and AF-I lenses won’t autofocus. I really like the zoom that I showed in the video. It’s got a handy zoom range and is surprisingly sharp! Nikon AF-D prime lenses are legendary. The 50mm f1.4 has snappy autofocus and great contrast/sharpness/bokeh. Lots to choose from!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Thanks Eric! Appreciate your help. Keep doing those great videos! Are you on Instagram?
I just added one to my collection as I have my late dads one but don’t really want to use as a kid we both wanted a F4s but out of our price range and I dreamed of a F3hp with a MD4 on it I own both I know my dad would have loved it
It’s a surprisingly capable camera. The meter is so good on this camera. It can’t be fooled by tricky light.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel absolutely Nikon was always advanced in its thinking plus they still stand up today still stunningly capable
Thank you for the cool and informative video. Does this camera have a diopter adjustment?
No the N8008s takes screw in eyepiece diopter lenses.
I recently found this camera after emptying an old box but I cannot find the rolls for it, does someone know any website where I can buy them?
Thank you!
Great tip, great video!
The button illuminates the inside of the viewfinder with your info. See the light that is green on the prism
No. The info in the prim is illuminated by the thin white slot in front of the prism, during daytime/enough-available-light. Turning on the meter (lightly pressing the shutter button) will illuminate it if not enough light is present. The light button on my 8008s used to illuminate the front LCD panel, but just like his camera, it doesn't anymore (the little light may have burn out).
"prim" = prism
This is almost like a hybrid camera .. very interesting.
Surprisingly good camera with a near infallible light metering system.
I used a 8008S for years untl I switched to my F100. I ended up giving it to the son of a friend who had shown real talent both in composition and darkroom work. Unhappily (for me), his interest was absorbed by higher education, so I do not know if he'll go back to film later. We'll see. The 8008S autofocus was a distinct improvement over the 8008. It seems to do it all,, except it won't focus the G-class autofocus lenses.
Thanks for sharing. The F100 is a fine camera. I had one a few years ago that was destroyed in a pretty nasty tumble that I took when flying over the handlebars of my bike. I replaced it a few years later with an F6 that I found for a pretty good price. The F6 is compatible with just about every F-Mount lens ever created so I’m glad I got it. The wonderful thing about film photography is that it’s always there, waiting for anyone who wants to dabble back in just like your friends son might do one day. It’s all about inspiration.
Love this video, I found a Nikon N8008s with a 50mm 1.8 and a 35-70mm all for about $50 and I’m in love. It’s my favorite film camera
It’s an awesome camera. It’s also got a seriously good metering system.
Great review!
One question:
Sometimes my f801s goes to ff
It doesn't read the f stop
Can i improve the connection between lens and camerbody in any way?
I’m not sure but if I ran across that issue I would just clean the contacts.
The illuminate button illuminates only the viewfinder (it is also illuminated automatically in low light). It does not have underlit LCD like N90s/F90s. just fyi
Good thanks.
I have a f2 and a n80. The n80 has the quietest shutter I've ever heard in a slr. It may even be quieter than a m2. If you ever see one give the shutter a go and have a listen. You'll be shocked. Anyways, this 8008s is pretty cool.
I’ve never tried one but I will now! Thanks.
will Voigtlander 58 1.4 work properly with this one? I mean, metering, aperture, focus confirmation etc (I assume it should)
It should mount and work but not in all metering modes and not in all shooting modes. You probably won’t get Program mode, etc. If I had to guess, Manual exposure and Aperture priority modes with non-matrix metering. If you have the SLII version it has a chip for matrix metering.
Great video, I have a question can you recommend a 50 mm lens that allows auto focus for this particular camera?
Hi, thanks. To have full compatibility in all modes you should get a Nikkor AF or AF-D lens. I would really recommend the AF Nikkor 50mm 1:1.4 D which you can get used for around $160.00 or if you didn’t want to spend that much, the AF Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8 D is also great for about half the price of the 1.4. The 1.4 is one of the sharpest lenses in the Nikon lineup and has great bokeh. The 1.8 is also a great performer and is a little smaller. Both lenses are sharper and faster than any Nikon zoom. Make sure you buy from a reputable seller with a return policy and that the aperture blades are clean and free from oil and the glass has no fogging, fungus, (major) dust, or separation. Good luck!
Film Photography Channel thank you so much for the information and the reply, I truly appreciate it 🙌🏽
The best value 50mm lens with FULL compatibility with this excellent camera is the Nikkor AF 50mm f1.8D. The f1.4 version of this lens is an excellent choice too but is not such good value as the f1.8. The AF 50mm f1.8D looks rather cheap and plasticy but the optics are great, and it's cheap to buy even brand new. I would not recommend an G type lens as they lack aperture rings which means you would not be able to use manual or aperture priority modes (shutter priority or program modes only).
I just purchased the N8008 model. The focusing motor on mine is even louder than yours like a high pitched whirring sound. Is there a way to lubricate the motor inside? I also get an error on the first shutter press right after I turn on the camera . I press the shutter again and it starts working again. Anyways the camera turned out some great pictures, and that shutter sound is priceless.
Sounds like it may need repair. I’m not well versed in the mechanical functions unfortunately. It would be great if the seller you bought from offers returns.
What lens type do you recommend? Just picked up the camera body and looking for a lens.
The lens I show in the video is a good all purpose zoom lens and is surprisingly sharp!
Nice review. Who else came here from some old man showing how to put film in this camera?
Any one have issues with this camera ? i tried loading film on it and it does not do anything it just shows a E and the motor does not move
aperture at FEE? the FEE "error" will show up if you're in P or S mode and the lens isn't in the smallest aperture
It normally does that if the film was not properly loaded.
Just purchased this from a second hand store .. the battery chamber will not come out .. please tell me that this issue is fixable & all is not lost 😞
If you can’t return or exchange it, I would first confirm that the thumbscrew is completely loosened and then try to work the battery holder lose very softly. It may have corroded batteries that are causing the battery chamber from coming out. If it’s corrosion it may have ruined the camera or it may be a smaller amount that’s preventing the battery holder (btw it’s not a battery door but a battery holder) from coming out. Hopefully it’s just a little bit of rust or corrosion that doesn’t ruin the camera and that can be scraped off. I wish you luck!
I was disappointed with a roll I shot on my n8008- subjects were silhouettes in backlit scenes (and I was in matrix metering) BUT a short time later the lens I was using went haywire so now I'm thinking it was an issue with the electronics in the lens. Anyway, I've since "upgraded" to the n90s
I think you’re right that the lens must’ve been the issue because I find the matrix meter in the N8008s to be incredibly good. If you didn’t already, check out the photos at the end of this video to see how well this camera handles tricky lighting situations like the photo under the bridge with the sun blaring on the left side and others. Thanks!
Too late for you again, but for new users: If you have the Nikon 8008 without the 'S' you will lack spot metering, so you have to work around the problem by using the AE-lock button while measuring to the side or just pointing the camera down a bit before you frame and take the picture of backlit subjects.
So can these picture from the camera get uploaded to a computer
Yes, after scanning you can upload to a computer.
Nikon F-801S - for ever!
Yes!
Hello! Does this camera's autofocus work with modern lenses?
Hi autofocus works with Nikon F-Mount lenses that are marked AF or AF-D. Their autofocus system works with a screw drive that is built in to the camera body. The newer lenses like AF-S or AF-I have the autofocus motor built in to the lens body and won’t autofocus with this camera body. You can use the classic manual focus AI-S lenses also. I use a micro nikkor 55mm f2.8 Ai-s lens with this camera since I don’t really need autofocus for macro work.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Thanks for your answer, I bought this camera and a 50mm Af nikon lens but it has an error in the autofocus 😔, it fails by a few centimeters
It’s hard to say without knowing the exact name of the lens as it reads on the lens barrel and viewing what the camera is doing. Try all the modes of you haven’t already and check if the aperture ring (if it has one) is locked or not.
I have this camera. I have been thinking about upgrading to the F100, is it a worthy upgrade?
Absolutely. Mostly in terms of style since it’s a sleeker, quieter camera. But it also has better autofocus with focus tracking, 3D metering and is compatible with more lenses. It’s a really good camera that you can shoot very fast with but the camera you already have is also very good.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Thanks for the reply, love your in-depth reviews!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel I bought a very good F100 on eBay, and I was almost going to sell my 8008s. I put a fresh set of batteries on the F100, shot about 12 frames. I took out the batteries and left them out for about a week. Put back the batteries on the F100, and went out to shoot a few things for fun on a Sunday. The F100 refused to shoot, the battery icon was flashing at 1/2 power. Took out the same batteries and put them on the 8008s. No problem whatsoever, I finished an entire roll, with plenty of battery juice to spare. Now I'm selling an F100...
Thank you for a great review ! I just got this second hand as my first film camera. Though after this video I have some questions about the lenses and modes. If anyone can please answer: for now I have
Nikon 35mm f/2 AI-s lens. As I researched non of the auto modes are available with this lens but even in manual mode, screen shows F-- it never says how much aparture I have. And when I turn aparture ring only where the shutter should be written changes.
Hi ShotiCko, I have exactly the same set-up as you, as I understand it, you won’t get matrix metering, shutter priority or any program modes with manual lenses, they won’t display the aperture either I’m afraid since there’s no way to for the camera to electronically ‘know’ what the aperture value is unlike the AF lenses, if any icons flash on the LCD panel it means it’s no applicable/not working, I hope that helps.
I have a N8008. Are there any differences from the N8008S?
Yep, some say the "s" stands for spot since the N8008s has spot metering. Others say it stands for SPEED for the faster autofocus in the N8008s.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Thanks!
Is that like our English version of Nikon F90.
Too late for you, but for new viewers: It's called F-801s in Europe. It added spot metering to the previous model.
I have one in excellent condition for sale.
Convinced me to buy one lol
I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine. It’s a lot of camera for the price.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel just got it and already love it. Great, quality feeling and very convenient controls. Thanks again for the info!
Your very welcome. Enjoy.
The 8008s might be a great camera but at today's prices you can get the amazing semi pro F100 for under $200. A bargain!
I had an F100 a few years ago that took a nasty fall on to the concrete! It was a great camera and I think better than the N8008s. This camera can be bought for only $20-$30!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel
8008 is the best on the earth !
Sounds like that's a gem of a camera... why does it have to be so ugly?! Shame!
Lol, it truly is an "ugly Betty". I was surprised to find out how well-built they are under all of that plastic. I've read tons of testaments to the durability of this camera. Also the non-3D matrix meter in this camera is exceptionally accurate.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Nikon used to make nice looking cameras, the rangefinders, the F, F2 and F3, the Nikkormats, the FM and FE series, the EM, FG and FA, even the F-301 and 501 weren’t bad looking. Then we had models like this one, the F90, the F100, the F4, F5 and F6 etc, all of which had a similar, ugly, look. The ugly look seems to have come in at the same time as autofocus; come to think of it the F3-AF was pretty ugly too with the big rectangular lump on top.
I’really start to lose track of the Nikon modles at about this time they made so many different ones, and changed them frequently, while most of the older ones stayed in production for longer.
@@srfurley A lot of the latest digital cameras (even the new mirrorless wonders) look ugly to me (disproportionately). It looks as if they were smashed in from the left side.
@@jsprite123
The original Nikkormat FS and FT series were a bit angular compared to models such as the FM and FE, but the modern designs look to me like inflatable black rubber dummies.