I used to be shocked to search out the Nikon F100 trending on Google, however the extra I take into consideration this ‘modern’ movie digicam the extra I perceive why.
The Nikon F100 was launched in 1999 and discontinued in 2006, making it a comparatively latest instance of the format. It was launched as a extra inexpensive various to the Big N’s range-topping Nikon F5, making it an extremely succesful physique for 35mm movie images.
But what makes the Nikon F100 such a beautiful prospect is that it represents a candy spot between specs and affordability. If you’re in search of what’s technically the easiest movie digicam Nikon ever made, look no additional than the Nikon F6, which was launched in 2004 and remained in manufacturing proper up till 2020.
Because the F6 was by no means surpassed, it nonetheless instructions extraordinarily excessive costs on the used market. I’m seeing them priced in and across the $1,700 / £1,400 mark. The Nikon F100, however, goes for round $300 / £300. That’s a giant distinction.
Ultimately, the Nikon F100 will get you shut sufficient to the Nikon F6’s specs that each one however the very hardcore of movie photographers would profit from the distinction. Don’t get me fallacious, the F6 is the extra superior and higher digicam – however for many movie makes use of, the Nikon F100 will do the job.
Nikon F100 vs Nikon F6
Using each the Nikon F100 and Nikon F6 will really feel considerably acquainted to Nikon DSLR customers. They’re not a guide movie digicam just like the Nikon FM; they characteristic quite a lot of computerized modes, making them extra difficult initially however general simpler to function.
When it involves the 2 cameras stacked up in opposition to one another facet by facet, there are a number of huge variations. Firstly, the Nikon F100’s 3D Matrix Metering is inferior to the F6’s 3D Color Matrix Metering and autofocus is an analogous story.
The Nikon F100 featured Nikon’s Multi-CAM1300 5-area AF module, whereas the F6 debuted the extra superior Multi-CAM2000 11-area AF system.
Both cameras are properly made, however the Nikon F6 comes out on prime with in depth climate sealing and an all-metal physique, in comparison with the Nikon F100’s largely metallic construct and solely partial climate sealing. The Nikon F100 may endure from Nikon’s notorious sticky rubber/leatherette, very similar to the Nikon D70.
Lens compatibility is another win for the F6 over the Nikon F100. Make sure you look up exact lens compatibility before buying any film camera. While both cameras can accommodate most Nikon F-mount lenses, the F6 boasts better all-around compatibility. For example, the F6 can retain Matrix Metering when using manual F-mount lenses; the Nikon F100 cannot.
The viewfinders are slightly different, too, with the Nikon F100 featuring 96% coverage to the Nikon F6’s 100%. And while it won’t matter to most users, and could even be seen as a plus to some, the Nikon F100’s shutter is much louder than the Nikon F6.
If that seems like a lot of differences, it most certainly is. The Nikon F6 isn’t regarded by many as the greatest film camera ever made for nothing. But when it comes to film photography as a hobby, the vast majority of film photographers will get by with the Nikon F100 just fine.
If you’ve got the money then, by all means, pick up a fine piece of film photography history. For everyone else, the Nikon F100 is all the film camera you could ever need and provided you can find a good example, you cannot beat current used prices.
You might also like…
Want something that looks cool but boasts more mod cons? Take a look at the best retro cameras. If you’re looking for a more authentic retro film camera experience, the Nikon FM could be all the camera you’ll ever need. And to stay up to date on the most recent imaging advancements, here’s the latest camera news.