The F4 was so revolutionary that the usual aficionados found it too advanced for the time and went on to lambast it. I have two of them and they are absolutely perefct for my hands. The F4 was also the blueprint for all future Nikon SLR and DSLRs and almost all other makes of camera, where you can easily see its footprint all over the place. A camera from the heyday of Nikon.
You have hit on an issue that has bothered me for some time. I have never liked the shutter sound and vibration from the D2, D3 & D3s cameras I have owned and used. It has always puzzled me why they (Nikon) could not produce the same smooth action as in the F4 (and F100 for that matter) in the pro digital bodies. I tend to think you are correct in that it was probably an economic decision to control costs. Too bad, because as you point out, there is no other body that performs this way. This contributes to the shooting experience. Nothing else feels like it. Well done video. I look forward to part two.
HELLO AND, I HAVE FOR MANY YEARS VERY EXCELLENT RESULTS WITH MY SILVER FM3A AND TO NIKKOR F-2, 24MM & 135MM AIS WITH OCASSIONAL USE OF SB-28: I KNOW THAT'S NO LIE BECAUSE RESULTS RING TRUE
Great! I totally agree with you that the F4 is a excellent tool. Basically I am an Olympus guy, but after I got my F4 by accident I love it! First I was impressed by all the stunning technology built in, but later by using it I learned the hidden possibilities to shut great pics. I love my beast! 😉 BTW like the style of your vid! Thx for sharing!
A very nice and quality video with information I didn’t know about, although I own an F4 myself. I had good results even with 50mm 1.4 at 1/8 sec, holding by hand as the shutter releives so smooth. I love this heavy beast. I also have an FM with MD11 and an F3. All fantastic cameras wich never failed. I use the FM since 40 years, it never needed service!
I own two of them since 1992, because I wanted a reliable camera and started to study art history, praehistory and archaeology to this time, where I had to take many photos in art collections, architecture and on excavations. The dusty environment of the excavations have never been a problem for the cameras. I think in an Nikon advertisment I read that some of them lasted about 120000 fotos. So I decided for the F4E and F4S, together with 35-70, 80-200 and 105mm Makro lenses and an SB-25. We also had a film developing seminar in University. Since this time I shot an unknown number of films Agfa, Kodak, Ilford with these cameras without any problem. They are good, reliable tools.
Hi Steve, great English skills by the way. When I watch your videos I just want to go out and buy a quality camera. I travelled extensively through the 1980's and 1990's up mountains and through deserts but all I had was a cheap Ricoh K5 and KR10. I dont know why I never invested in a quality camera. But, I have been making up for this now using your videos as inspiration. I have two beautiful Nikon F3', a Nikon F60, I still have my old Ricoh KR10 and now I am going to buy a Nikon F4. We are all thankful your country has kept these cameras for future generations. Mine are all purchased direct from Japan. Your videos are lovely and interesting, like the comparison with an M4 rifle. Thats great!. Long live the Emperor.
They way I see it, the joy of using a vintage camera is essentially to experience time travel. If we're time traveling to 1988, why would I want to use a mechanical F3 or FM2 when I can experience the future with an F4 - a camera so ahead of its time that normally people couldn't even grasp it conceptually.
Nice review. I am still happy with my F100, F90x and F80 SLR, and especially my old manual focus SLRs from the 60 to 80s. The F4, F5 & F6 is Overkill for my needs, but a F6 would be nice to have, as pinnacle of Nikons AF SLR. Even into 2023+ the F4 is a heavy Main Battle Tank from Nikon. /edit The 500 Like here. ;)
My collection isn't too big yet, but the F4s delivers more haptic experience than any other camera or gadget. Al Bundy would call it the Ferguson of cameras, with a mirror saying: give me you best series shot! *wooosh*wooosh*woosh*woosh* Thor would have chosen it over his hammer and in 2000 years some drowned F4 found in the Mariana trench might be called the "antikythera from Nippon"
Thanks Steven but the F4 is one butt ugly camera and you need a wheelbarrow to move it around if i need to shoot slow speeds i take my fuji XT4 ibis electronic shutter 1/2 sec possible but point taken the F4 was a milestone in slr technology i remember at the time the press profis said ( it does everything)
I went mad and bought a Canon EOS1 with 50mm f1.8 lens, it was the great rival of the Nikon F4 with the best autofocus available at that time on a 35mm SLR. The EOS1 seems to hold up well, I understand it has a magnesium alloy chassis like an F4 but high end polycarbonate and rubber coating so you don't get paint rubbing off and showing brass etc.
Sure you can tell it was shot with the F4 and not with one of the amateur cameras. It was not without a reason the pros bought the F4, being it only for the 100% wievfinder. Exactly that viewfinder you will see as an effect in the pictures.
I have one practícale unused as my husband that bought it in 1993 dies a year later and I took it to africa on a safari but I didn’t know how to use it and most pictures were terrible. What a pity… it has the wide angle and the 75-300 lenses; the electronic flash and a couple of filter lenses too in a nice carrying case if anybody wants to buy it…
I absolutely love your photographs taken with the Nikon F4. I currently use the Nikon D5500. I intend to purchase the following from the Nikon Company Nikon D5600 Nikon D750 Nikon D780 Nikon Z5 The Future Nikon Z5 Mark 2
Steven, thanks for sharing your input on this still amazing light capturing device. Shooting down at 1/30 or 1/15 seems unrealistic hand held, however the images taken, are usable, and surprisingly clear. A few months back, I bought an old F4S, cleaned it up, loaded a roll of Ilford Delta 100, put it on "P" and shot (with AF Nikkor 28-85mm f1:3.5-4.5) continuous slow exposure, and was thrilled at how smooth and effortless it was to shoot with this machine. Focus with this lens was quick, accurate, and effortless. I have heard AF lenses are slow to focus, with the Nikon 4F, but the 4FS with the battery pack had no issues finding and nailing focus. I have several film cameras and I think this is my new favorite. The F6 does a great job as well, but it is much newer. I will be shooting another roll here soon, and developing the film at home. Shooting in "P" for the first roll, was to let the camera do its thing, and so I could see how it managed shutter speed, aperture, and focus, like I said, for a 40 year old machine, it did not hold back. The first roll is shot, and once I finish the second, both rolls will go into the tank and get developed. I plan to find and purchase another F4S, this camera is that good. I think the only issue I can see with this 40 year old is the potential for LCD bleeding. If the prism has LCD Bleed issues, that is easily overcome with a new prism, however if the upper LCD (the one embedded in the body) has LCD bleed, then this is more of a challenge to fix (replacement parts no longer available), although NOT a deal breaker, as the upper LCD only displays the exposure number. Great Content on a great Camera Steve, thanks again for posting!
Many thanks John, you are right the f4's LCD is a big problem so must check it if want to buy. And I would say F4 standard is a good choice if you want to buy another F4 body. Because for F4 another cons is its weight. Thanks again John for your nicely comment. :))
You know Nikon .. came out with the counterbalancing shutter with carbon fiber shutter blades , came out with matrix metering .. chemo with a motor drive actually 3 .. Bud if you Google the best 35 mm camera in The 1980s ... . Lol ... Critics will dance around the Nikon F4 and bring up every other camera lol which is a joke ... They'll even bring up the Canon AE-1 ... Made out of Total plastic and even the gears ... Lol ... All the critics will ... Sidestep this camera so much .. like it never existed ... Sometimes they'll bring up the Nikon F5 or 6 ... Rarely .. lol ... Which is kind of a joke because Nikon never put anything cheap in the Nikon F4 Not like all plastic chassis and gears Canon AE-1 .... LOL you type best camera in the 80s these so-called Lane critics will never admit lol ... What is it with the so-called critics ... You will never ever find Nikon for up in the top 5 cameras in the 1980s even though they're innovative ... Thought of everything ... In a camera should be ... Yeah you'll see these wimps .. saying that the camera is too heavy ... You want something built like a tank .. or do you want something late and cheap like the Canon AE-1 pick one because you can't have both ... the only reason people don't like a Nikon F4 ... ? It was made in the age of I don't give two F's about it's to heavy and big .. We are making a camera for a professionals , Doing away with batteries that operate the light sensor on the bottom of the camera , coming out with 3 spot metering settings you can have the standard Nikon F4 with a 4 AA batteries or you can step up to the 6th batteries being up the from rate to 5.7 frames per second ... I have this camera with the four AA grip and a 80 - 200 mm ED lens ... pictures in this video , I think the lens is a few ounces heavier than my Nikon F4 lol Yeah sure Minolta came out with DX , there Pro camera ..which I have I have a lot of Cameras PENTAX MX , Olympus om 10 , getting off track I will always love the design and build quality of the Nikon F4 ... FYI : You can put Nikon F4 in you put a lens on Nikon F4 ... and when you focus it it'll tell you in the top right-hand corner if the subject that you're taking a picture of is focused , In manual mode with a manual none Auto lens I'll tell you CANON never came out with that in the 80s nor Pentax , the only camera company that had it all and then lost it all was Minolta the last camera that came out was the Minolta XD in 1977 ... can you imagine Minolta in Nikon teaming up
There's no other camera in history the company has improved and went Way Beyond what other camera manufacturers that has exceeded and want way Beyond 35 mm film photography ... today's cameras have Matrix metering Nikon knew this when it was still 35 mm film .. do their counterbalancing shutter to their carbon fiber shutter blades ... which at the time was only implemented in the US Blackbird stealth fighter planes .. yeah they have put titanium shutter blades but they're not as light as the carbon fiber .. where you going to take a picture handheld at 1/30bof a second Nikon F4 made the Holy Grail of a Camera back when 35 mm film was and still top ... And still is .. to to ilford Delta black White to Kodak Portra 400 Color
Yes, many years ago the results of photography were not controlled only by the Japanese, but mainly by Kodak and Fujifilm. The sad thing is that now the Japanese have complete control over the results of photography.
Excellent work, I have been a photographer since 1989, I have been a user of several brands and the best analog camera that I had and still have is the F4s according to my experience. It fills me with satisfaction to have it in my hands and just seeing it makes me want to go out and take photographs.
I didn't have any real problems with shooting at 1/30th and even 1/15th with my OM-1. Nonetheless, I'm set for buying an F4, simply because I wanted one from the day it came out.
Just got back into film photography after 20 years a few months ago with a Nikon FE. This video has made me want to upgrade to the F4 soon. Good stuff, I could sense your passion for the camera through the video
Hey Steven just found your channel, I have a video out this weekend featuring my newly acquired Nikon F4 so I was searching resent uploads on that camera. Anyway after just 47 seconds I've already liked and subbed your channel for more. Regards Paul.
Awesome video (part one and two). I love my F4, and I have quite a collection of accessories for it. Kinda went overboard with the collecting thing :) Cheers!
Hi, you make my day everytime I touch any of your videos😊. Can I ask an advice - which body (except for another F4) would you recomend for second body & not just backup. Many many many still many thanks for your exelent videos
Great video Steven. I tried an F4 but had to return it due to LCD bleeding which is a common issue with these. I ended up getting an F6 instead, which is truly a marvelous camera. I can definitely shoot 1/15th with the F6 and a 50mm lens without issues.
Wonderful video Steven! I always look forward to seeing your videos as soon as they come out! I also am a Nikon devote. But have avoided the F4 because much of the research that I’ve done has suggested that they’re not as reliable as their prior mechanicals nor the more advanced electronic cameras like the F5 and F6 (as one might expect). I’ve been using an F3/T, F5 (the “tank of tanks”), and the F6 for some time now without any issues whatsoever so there may be something to what I’ve read and heard about the F4! I have no experience with the F4 so I will admit to some bias but why take a chance on a design that doesn’t appear to have been built for the long haul like so many of the other analog Nikons?
Hi Steven, I'm Ray from the UK. I really liked this video and I'll watch part 2 as soon as send you this comment. I was lucky enough to have the Nikon F5 as my second ever SLR camera(the first one the Nikon F601/N6006). Had the option to purchase the F4, but at the time, Nikon had just launched the F5 and I wanted the latest and greatest the company had to offer. Never regretted getting the F5, I still have it and still use it! However, there is no doubt the revolution the F4 started. I wanted to ask your opinion on the cost saving trend seen in later years. For instance, Nikon outsourcing the manufacturing of their flagship Z9 to Thailand, and they're not the only ones off course. Thank you for video!
Thanks for your comment Ray. Now all Japanese camera manufacturers are produced in Thailand. Japanese consumers don't care much about it, but foreign consumers care more about whether they are made in Japan. In order to cater to this, many manufacturers also sell cameras in Japan that writes they are made in Japan. But I believe they are still actually made in Thailand. However, Nikon's quality is indeed much better than Sony's.
I just started taking my first photography class in Uni, and the F4s is my weapon of choice. It's perfect in every way, no camera has ever fit my hands so well and actually using it is like clockwork. So user friendly. 6:50 this is also true, I just traded my D750 for an Olympus M5-Mkii because of how unergonomic and ugly it was. Btw, your photos are beautiful. I hope to develop an eye like yours some day.
Thanks Steven, this was a very inspiring video and I like the way you present it, thanks! You are the culprit that I am now waiting for my own F4 camera to arrive from Japan :D
Hi I noticed not many women in the comments here but I’m really interested in this camera. Any insight as to what size your hand should be to fit around the grip comfortably?
it's such a beautiful camera, truly a timeless design Also, the modern Nikon Z cameras look fine to me, especially the new Zfc. Not quite to the level of Fuji cameras in terms of design, but not bad.
hi sir steven very inspiring videos about vintage camera and lenses. I am really a huge fan of vintage cameras it so good and touching to see you making this wonderful videos, someday if i have my own money i will buy cameras and lenses like yours. Im happy I found you here in youtube!
Good evening Steven.Just watched Your Great Interesting Video! Very informative, very succinct. I've never owned The F4, however it would seem to be able to do most tasks as , you have shown. May i ask What are your opinions on The F6? I would be very interested too know. Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn. Subscriber!
Beautiful camera ! Have you ever tried using AF lenses on it ? Everyone says the autofocus is really slow, and it's not worth using it, rather just use manual focus lenses.
I always wanted the F4 but as a young man, couldn't afford it in the 1980's. I bought an F3 instead as I could just afford it. I have just dug it out, still immaculate, just bought two button batteries to get the F3 going again. I might just buy an F4 if I can find a good one. Some good sellers on eBay from Japan, I am in the UK
I have all F cameras except F6. The 4 is my favorite even though the 5 is better. It’s a fun camera to use, heavy yes but it helps me steady it. I love the look it’s awesome. I would say the F3 is the female camera the 4 is the male and the 5 is the child 🥴 the 6 🤔 well it’s the millennial offspring. Of course the F and the 2 are the grandparents. The are all super in their own right.
Im the proud owner of a late model F4s. If there was such a thing as the best looking, most complete camera my vote is for the F4. Its my favorite of the single digit pro cameras from Nikon. And being spoiled I have the F thru F6. A few other cameras as well but this weekend Im taking my F4 to the mountains with some slide film.
The F4 was so revolutionary that the usual aficionados found it too advanced for the time and went on to lambast it. I have two of them and they are absolutely perefct for my hands. The F4 was also the blueprint for all future Nikon SLR and DSLRs and almost all other makes of camera, where you can easily see its footprint all over the place. A camera from the heyday of Nikon.
You have hit on an issue that has bothered me for some time. I have never liked the shutter sound and vibration from the D2, D3 & D3s cameras I have owned and used. It has always puzzled me why they (Nikon) could not produce the same smooth action as in the F4 (and F100 for that matter) in the pro digital bodies. I tend to think you are correct in that it was probably an economic decision to control costs. Too bad, because as you point out, there is no other body that performs this way. This contributes to the shooting experience. Nothing else feels like it. Well done video. I look forward to part two.
Thanks Davis :)
为什么不在b站上放上这些视频呢😮 ，在b站上看了别人盗过去介绍f2的视频特意翻过来看
HELLO AND, I HAVE FOR MANY YEARS VERY EXCELLENT RESULTS WITH MY SILVER FM3A AND TO NIKKOR F-2, 24MM & 135MM AIS WITH OCASSIONAL USE OF SB-28: I KNOW THAT'S NO LIE BECAUSE RESULTS RING TRUE
Not better timing. Just picked up a Nikon F4 yesterday. First camera that I am now owning.
Great! I totally agree with you that the F4 is a excellent tool. Basically I am an Olympus guy, but after I got my F4 by accident I love it! First I was impressed by all the stunning technology built in, but later by using it I learned the hidden possibilities to shut great pics. I love my beast! 😉 BTW like the style of your vid! Thx for sharing!
This is a lovely interpretation of the design and historical framing of the F4. Not a review - better.
So glad :))
A very nice and quality video with information I didn’t know about, although I own an F4 myself. I had good results even with 50mm 1.4 at 1/8 sec, holding by hand as the shutter releives so smooth. I love this heavy beast. I also have an FM with MD11 and an F3. All fantastic cameras wich never failed. I use the FM since 40 years, it never needed service!
Awesome Nikon film camera user👍👍，thanks😄
I own two of them since 1992, because I wanted a reliable camera and started to study art history, praehistory and archaeology to this time, where I had to take many photos in art collections, architecture and on excavations. The dusty environment of the excavations have never been a problem for the cameras. I think in an Nikon advertisment I read that some of them lasted about 120000 fotos. So I decided for the F4E and F4S, together with 35-70, 80-200 and 105mm Makro lenses and an SB-25. We also had a film developing seminar in University. Since this time I shot an unknown number of films Agfa, Kodak, Ilford with these cameras without any problem. They are good, reliable tools.
👍！
Hi Steve, great English skills by the way. When I watch your videos I just want to go out and buy a quality camera. I travelled extensively through the 1980's and 1990's up mountains and through deserts but all I had was a cheap Ricoh K5 and KR10. I dont know why I never invested in a quality camera. But, I have been making up for this now using your videos as inspiration. I have two beautiful Nikon F3', a Nikon F60, I still have my old Ricoh KR10 and now I am going to buy a Nikon F4. We are all thankful your country has kept these cameras for future generations. Mine are all purchased direct from Japan. Your videos are lovely and interesting, like the comparison with an M4 rifle. Thats great!. Long live the Emperor.
Thanks Reg, :)))
They way I see it, the joy of using a vintage camera is essentially to experience time travel. If we're time traveling to 1988, why would I want to use a mechanical F3 or FM2 when I can experience the future with an F4 - a camera so ahead of its time that normally people couldn't even grasp it conceptually.
Gifted and eloquent presentation. Best photo video I've ever seen.
Thanks:)
Nice review. I am still happy with my F100, F90x and F80 SLR, and especially my old manual focus SLRs from the 60 to 80s. The F4, F5 & F6 is Overkill for my needs, but a F6 would be nice to have, as pinnacle of Nikons AF SLR. Even into 2023+ the F4 is a heavy Main Battle Tank from Nikon.
/edit The 500 Like here. ;)
I just purchased this as my first camera, I am amazed after developing my first roll
My collection isn't too big yet, but the F4s delivers more haptic experience than any other camera or gadget. Al Bundy would call it the Ferguson of cameras, with a mirror saying: give me you best series shot! *wooosh*wooosh*woosh*woosh*
Thor would have chosen it over his hammer and in 2000 years some drowned F4 found in the Mariana trench might be called the "antikythera from Nippon"
Thanks Steven but the F4 is one butt ugly camera and you need a wheelbarrow to move it around if i need to shoot slow speeds i take my fuji XT4 ibis electronic shutter 1/2 sec possible but point taken the F4 was a milestone in slr technology i remember at the time the press profis said ( it does everything)
I went mad and bought a Canon EOS1 with 50mm f1.8 lens, it was the great rival of the Nikon F4 with the best autofocus available at that time on a 35mm SLR. The EOS1 seems to hold up well, I understand it has a magnesium alloy chassis like an F4 but high end polycarbonate and rubber coating so you don't get paint rubbing off and showing brass etc.
There's an argument that Minolta XM motor is, of course with the motor drive attached, even more comfortable to grip. Just my opinion...
Sure you can tell it was shot with the F4 and not with one of the amateur cameras. It was not without a reason the pros bought the F4, being it only for the 100% wievfinder. Exactly that viewfinder you will see as an effect in the pictures.
I have one practícale unused as my husband that bought it in 1993 dies a year later and I took it to africa on a safari but I didn’t know how to use it and most pictures were terrible. What a pity… it has the wide angle and the 75-300 lenses; the electronic flash and a couple of filter lenses too in a nice carrying case if anybody wants to buy it…
your love and appreciation for the F4 really comes through...excellent review and almost like a documentary
Thanks a lot:)
I absolutely love your photographs taken with the Nikon F4. I currently use the Nikon D5500.
I intend to purchase the following from the Nikon Company
Nikon D5600
Nikon D750
Nikon D780
Nikon Z5
The Future Nikon Z5 Mark 2
Steven, thanks for sharing your input on this still amazing light capturing device. Shooting down at 1/30 or 1/15 seems unrealistic hand held, however the images taken, are usable, and surprisingly clear. A few months back, I bought an old F4S, cleaned it up, loaded a roll of Ilford Delta 100, put it on "P" and shot (with AF Nikkor 28-85mm f1:3.5-4.5) continuous slow exposure, and was thrilled at how smooth and effortless it was to shoot with this machine. Focus with this lens was quick, accurate, and effortless. I have heard AF lenses are slow to focus, with the Nikon 4F, but the 4FS with the battery pack had no issues finding and nailing focus. I have several film cameras and I think this is my new favorite. The F6 does a great job as well, but it is much newer. I will be shooting another roll here soon, and developing the film at home. Shooting in "P" for the first roll, was to let the camera do its thing, and so I could see how it managed shutter speed, aperture, and focus, like I said, for a 40 year old machine, it did not hold back. The first roll is shot, and once I finish the second, both rolls will go into the tank and get developed. I plan to find and purchase another F4S, this camera is that good. I think the only issue I can see with this 40 year old is the potential for LCD bleeding. If the prism has LCD Bleed issues, that is easily overcome with a new prism, however if the upper LCD (the one embedded in the body) has LCD bleed, then this is more of a challenge to fix (replacement parts no longer available), although NOT a deal breaker, as the upper LCD only displays the exposure number. Great Content on a great Camera Steve, thanks again for posting!
Many thanks John, you are right the f4's LCD is a big problem so must check it if want to buy. And I would say F4 standard is a good choice if you want to buy another F4 body. Because for F4 another cons is its weight. Thanks again John for your nicely comment. :))
I just bought a mint condition f5. So happy.
Phoah, a lot of statements backed up by nothing.
You know Nikon .. came out with the counterbalancing shutter with carbon fiber shutter blades , came out with matrix metering .. chemo with a motor drive actually 3 .. Bud if you Google the best 35 mm camera in The 1980s ... . Lol ... Critics will dance around the Nikon F4 and bring up every other camera lol which is a joke ... They'll even bring up the Canon AE-1 ... Made out of Total plastic and even the gears ... Lol ... All the critics will ... Sidestep this camera so much .. like it never existed ... Sometimes they'll bring up the Nikon F5 or 6 ... Rarely .. lol ... Which is kind of a joke because Nikon never put anything cheap in the Nikon F4 Not like all plastic chassis and gears Canon AE-1 .... LOL you type best camera in the 80s these so-called Lane critics will never admit lol ... What is it with the so-called critics ... You will never ever find Nikon for up in the top 5 cameras in the 1980s even though they're innovative ... Thought of everything ... In a camera should be ... Yeah you'll see these wimps .. saying that the camera is too heavy ... You want something built like a tank .. or do you want something late and cheap like the Canon AE-1 pick one because you can't have both ... the only reason people don't like a Nikon F4 ... ? It was made in the age of I don't give two F's about it's to heavy and big .. We are making a camera for a professionals , Doing away with batteries that operate the light sensor on the bottom of the camera , coming out with 3 spot metering settings you can have the standard Nikon F4 with a 4 AA batteries or you can step up to the 6th batteries being up the from rate to 5.7 frames per second ... I have this camera with the four AA grip and a 80 - 200 mm ED lens ... pictures in this video , I think the lens is a few ounces heavier than my Nikon F4 lol Yeah sure Minolta came out with DX , there Pro camera ..which I have I have a lot of Cameras PENTAX MX , Olympus om 10 , getting off track I will always love the design and build quality of the Nikon F4 ... FYI : You can put Nikon F4 in you put a lens on Nikon F4 ... and when you focus it it'll tell you in the top right-hand corner if the subject that you're taking a picture of is focused , In manual mode with a manual none Auto lens I'll tell you CANON never came out with that in the 80s nor Pentax , the only camera company that had it all and then lost it all was Minolta the last camera that came out was the Minolta XD in 1977 ... can you imagine Minolta in Nikon teaming up
Yes！！！！！！！
There's no other camera in history the company has improved and went Way Beyond what other camera manufacturers that has exceeded and want way Beyond 35 mm film photography ... today's cameras have Matrix metering Nikon knew this when it was still 35 mm film .. do their counterbalancing shutter to their carbon fiber shutter blades ... which at the time was only implemented in the US Blackbird stealth fighter planes .. yeah they have put titanium shutter blades but they're not as light as the carbon fiber .. where you going to take a picture handheld at 1/30bof a second Nikon F4 made the Holy Grail of a Camera back when 35 mm film was and still top ... And still is .. to to ilford Delta black White to Kodak Portra 400 Color
Yes, many years ago the results of photography were not controlled only by the Japanese, but mainly by Kodak and Fujifilm. The sad thing is that now the Japanese have complete control over the results of photography.
Excellent work, I have been a photographer since 1989, I have been a user of several brands and the best analog camera that I had and still have is the F4s according to my experience.
It fills me with satisfaction to have it in my hands and just seeing it makes me want to go out and take photographs.
I didn't have any real problems with shooting at 1/30th and even 1/15th with my OM-1.
Nonetheless, I'm set for buying an F4, simply because I wanted one from the day it came out.
Just got back into film photography after 20 years a few months ago with a Nikon FE. This video has made me want to upgrade to the F4 soon. Good stuff, I could sense your passion for the camera through the video
Thank❤️
Great vid. I was just thinking of trading in my f4 for and f6 but now I have second thoughts! Well done
thanks😄
04:42
As a F-301 user, this is how I use it too 😄
Hey Steven just found your channel, I have a video out this weekend featuring my newly acquired Nikon F4 so I was searching resent uploads on that camera. Anyway after just 47 seconds I've already liked and subbed your channel for more. Regards Paul.
I'll check it out!
@@StevenTanno cheers mate endure xxx
Awesome video (part one and two). I love my F4, and I have quite a collection of accessories for it. Kinda went overboard with the collecting thing :) Cheers!
HELLO, GREAT CONTENT, PEACE FROM MANHATTAN
many thanks😁
Hi, you make my day everytime I touch any of your videos😊.
Can I ask an advice - which body (except for another F4) would you recomend for second body & not just backup.
Many many many still many thanks for your exelent videos
F2 as！！！😆
@@StevenTanno OMG, expected higher than 4 value😅
I love the way I've been interested in your review of the F4, I discover it differently, it is so good, I have a new video too
I'll check it out! Thanks:)
I have 5 film cameras but F4 is my favourite by far: heavy, easy to use, fitted perfectly for me. Just amazing !
Indeed!
Steven I bought an F4 and K screen because of your videos thanks lol!!!!
Great ：）
I really liked your video! Not like anyone else, and a lot BETTER, CHEERS Steven!
Thank you DP
Great video as always. I also love the F4. I have the one with the smaller batterypack MP-20.
With MP-20 is best choice. I will talk it in part 2. Thanks my friend :)
Got an F4S to go with my F3 and F-801. The F4 dwarfs the other two.
Great video Steven.
I tried an F4 but had to return it due to LCD bleeding which is a common issue with these. I ended up getting an F6 instead, which is truly a marvelous camera. I can definitely shoot 1/15th with the F6 and a 50mm lens without issues.
Yes F4's LCD is a big issues.
I just got my very own F4....it really is a tank. I cannot wait to take it out for a few snaps. Thanks for the video
Awesome video
Would you recommend the F4 or the F3??
Both are great.
Wonderful video Steven! I always look forward to seeing your videos as soon as they come out! I also am a Nikon devote. But have avoided the F4 because much of the research that I’ve done has suggested that they’re not as reliable as their prior mechanicals nor the more advanced electronic cameras like the F5 and F6 (as one might expect). I’ve been using an F3/T, F5 (the “tank of tanks”), and the F6 for some time now without any issues whatsoever so there may be something to what I’ve read and heard about the F4! I have no experience with the F4 so I will admit to some bias but why take a chance on a design that doesn’t appear to have been built for the long haul like so many of the other analog Nikons?
F4 have some cons like LCD, weight...But I love its all physically and look like a weapon ：））thank you Tim.
You have never owned an F4 but have used other camera's "so there may be something to what I've read". Strange comment to make.
Hi Steven, I'm Ray from the UK. I really liked this video and I'll watch part 2 as soon as send you this comment. I was lucky enough to have the Nikon F5 as my second ever SLR camera(the first one the Nikon F601/N6006). Had the option to purchase the F4, but at the time, Nikon had just launched the F5 and I wanted the latest and greatest the company had to offer. Never regretted getting the F5, I still have it and still use it! However, there is no doubt the revolution the F4 started. I wanted to ask your opinion on the cost saving trend seen in later years. For instance, Nikon outsourcing the manufacturing of their flagship Z9 to Thailand, and they're not the only ones off course. Thank you for video!
Thanks for your comment Ray.
Now all Japanese camera manufacturers are produced in Thailand. Japanese consumers don't care much about it, but foreign consumers care more about whether they are made in Japan. In order to cater to this, many manufacturers also sell cameras in Japan that writes they are made in Japan. But I believe they are still actually made in Thailand. However, Nikon's quality is indeed much better than Sony's.
I just started taking my first photography class in Uni, and the F4s is my weapon of choice. It's perfect in every way, no camera has ever fit my hands so well and actually using it is like clockwork. So user friendly.
6:50 this is also true, I just traded my D750 for an Olympus M5-Mkii because of how unergonomic and ugly it was.
Btw, your photos are beautiful. I hope to develop an eye like yours some day.
Thank you so much :)
はじめまして。
東京にお住まいの様ですので日本語も堪能でらつしゃると思いますが、日本語の動画を出されるつもりはないのでしょうか？
これからのご活躍も楽しみにしています。
ごコメントありがとうこざいます。考えてみます😄
Thanks Steven, this was a very inspiring video and I like the way you present it, thanks!
You are the culprit that I am now waiting for my own F4 camera to arrive from Japan :D
thanks😊
Hi I noticed not many women in the comments here but I’m really interested in this camera. Any insight as to what size your hand should be to fit around the grip comfortably?
My hand is 7 inches just right.
Thank you for this video🙏🏼
Just discovering this camera and your videos are very informative and passionate, great work.
Thanks :)
it's such a beautiful camera, truly a timeless design
Also, the modern Nikon Z cameras look fine to me, especially the new Zfc. Not quite to the level of Fuji cameras in terms of design, but not bad.
yes，thanks ：）
hi sir steven very inspiring videos about vintage camera and lenses. I am really a huge fan of vintage cameras it so good and touching to see you making this wonderful videos, someday if i have my own money i will buy cameras and lenses like yours. Im happy I found you here in youtube!
Thank you for so sweet comment：））
Funny, bought one last week, haven't had time to run a roll of film through it but looks like a bad ass machine indeed :)
yes bad ass😂
Good evening Steven.Just watched Your Great Interesting Video! Very informative, very succinct. I've never owned The F4, however it would seem to be able to do most tasks as , you have shown. May i ask What are your opinions on The F6? I would be very interested too know. Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn. Subscriber!
Thanks for watching!
I have not used F6 but I know it's a great one!
Very interesting videos
Great history
Does Nikon F90 have the same shutter balance of F4? I noticed that there's no mirrow slap on the F90
As I know F90 haven't shutter balance
@@StevenTanno thanks for your reply. I have never tried an F4, but I did try F3 F5 and f90x. The latter is the one with the smoothest shutter. Cheers!
12:03
What camera did you use to record the video?
A Sony ：））
Great review, many thanks
Thank you：）
Beautiful camera !
Have you ever tried using AF lenses on it ?
Everyone says the autofocus is really slow, and it's not worth using it, rather just use manual focus lenses.
Yes, autofocus is bed, slowly and noise i will talk in part 2 about cons. Thank you:)
@@StevenTanno
Thanks !
Thanks Steven. Can’t wait for part 2!
Thanks :)
Thanks for Sharing
My pleasure
I always wanted the F4 but as a young man, couldn't afford it in the 1980's. I bought an F3 instead as I could just afford it. I have just dug it out, still immaculate, just bought two button batteries to get the F3 going again. I might just buy an F4 if I can find a good one. Some good sellers on eBay from Japan, I am in the UK
I'm selling my EOS 1V and getting an F4, because the EOS 1 is ugly.
I have all F cameras except F6. The 4 is my favorite even though the 5 is better. It’s a fun camera to use, heavy yes but it helps me steady it. I love the look it’s awesome. I would say the F3 is the female camera the 4 is the male and the 5 is the child 🥴 the 6 🤔 well it’s the millennial offspring. Of course the F and the 2 are the grandparents. The are all super in their own right.
😂👍
The F3 was already electronic, so this is nothing new for the F4 as it is claimed in the video.
Hi Steven, I love Japan and I used to visit Japan 2-3 times every year since 2017. Do you know we are we going to be able to visit again?
I don't know but maybe soon, I hope:))
wonderful vid ! i cant stop watching all of your videos :) I think I should call you 老法师。 HAHAHA
哈哈哈👍
Im the proud owner of a late model F4s. If there was such a thing as the best looking, most complete camera my vote is for the F4. Its my favorite of the single digit pro cameras from Nikon. And being spoiled I have the F thru F6. A few other cameras as well but this weekend Im taking my F4 to the mountains with some slide film.