Nikon F5 - 35mm SLR camera

A Brief Description
From 1996 until 2005 the Nikon F5 ruled supreme in the Nikon stable as being the most advanced 35mm SLR ever created by Nikon Corporation. It formed the central hub of a massive system of finders, focussing screens, multi-function backs, remote controls and also a software link-up with PC's whereby shooting information relating to any particular roll of film could be archived and referenced using Nikon Photo Secretary.

In addition to being an electronic marvel, the F5 also introduced itself as being the only camera of its kind to actually meter colour information in 3D. As far as speed is concerned, the built-in motor drive is capable of firing at a rate of 8 frames per second whilst still maintaining auto-focus tracking. The shutter is a self-diagnosing system that will automatically calibrate itself. There are also no fewer than 24 customisable settings.

The body is a die-cast aluminium alloy covered in rubber and the prism is made of titanium, making it a highly durable field camera, suitable for the toughest of photographic conditions.

Basic Specs
AE modes: Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Program, Manual.
Shutter speeds: 30sec to 1/8000sec (stepless on P and A modes); Bulb & Time
Synch speed: 1/300sec.
Shutter type: Vertical travel titanium
Weight: 1,210kgs

Editor's Comments
What is there to say about the F5 other than "Wow!" This is a camera that is capable of practically any type of photography, short of being submergable in water. Designed by Georgio Giugiaro it epitomises the classic lines and finesse that has made Nikon the name it is today.

When I first acquired an F5 I was somewhat intimidated by its sheer presence as a camera. It is quite imposing and certainly not the type of camera you would hand over to your SO to take a few quick snapshots with. However, when you feel the camera in your hands you know instinctively that this is a tool that will get the job done. I used to marvel at the speed of the shutter and would often set it to 1/8000 and just listen to the speed of the motor-drive as it flew through 8 frames per second.

The autofocus speed using the camera with something like an 80-200mm f/2.8 lens (not the AF-S version) is incredibly fast. I don't think there is anything quite as fast in the mechanical AF sphere. I am currently using a Nikon F100 with a 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S and in my opinion it is not quite as fast as the F5 with the 80-200mm.

The prices of F5's have been driven down to levels under $500 since the digital "revolution" stamped its authority on photography (this from a camera that not so long ago retailed for over $2,000 new). In my opinion it's still worth getting one if you are a committed film shooter. You simply don't get anything better for your money.

Tell us what you think of the Nikon F5:

Nikon F5

September 14, 2006, 12:14:16 PM by Dallas

What is your experience with the Nikon F5? This topic will be indexed on our CAMERAS page.

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Re: The Nikon F5

1: September 14, 2006, 02:06:19 PM by Baywing

I agree, it's a great value these days.  I paid $2300 for mine, and the model was in the line-up for over 2 years at the time (not the premium you seem to pay for the latest and greatest).  Oddly, just 10 years later, the D100 (my first DSLR) cost almost that much and 15 years later (last year) the D200 was $500 less.  None of them feel as good to my hand as my old (now gone) F4s.

Re: The Nikon F5

2: September 16, 2006, 05:09:22 AM by docsol

I have an F100 and have been debating getting an F5 or F6.  What improvements does the F6 have?  How much does it go for these days?

Re: The Nikon F5

3: September 16, 2006, 01:46:56 PM by AFS

That camera really is a thing of beauty. My AP Human Geography teacher (a fascinating woman, born in Romania, lived  in Italy, studied in Australia) used to have one and remembers it fondly to this day. She was very excited when she saw my D200 and started telling me a few F5 stories!

Re: The Nikon F5

4: September 16, 2006, 02:02:13 PM by nfoto

Actually I once submerged an F5. That occurred when I was trapped beneath an ice floe. Not an experience you want to enjoy too frequently.

The camera in fact did survive well, even the film inside didn't get wet. Had I used an ordinary lens on it, the F5 only had needed to be dried out completely. Unfortunately I had the 85PC mounted and this "open" construction allowed water to enter the Af module inside effectively short-circuiting it So I had to replace that item.

Re: The Nikon F5

5: September 17, 2006, 02:42:44 AM by docsol

Bjorn, what are the improvements in the F6 over the F5, and are they worthwhile for the price difference?

Re: The Nikon F5

6: September 17, 2006, 10:00:17 AM by nfoto

Lack of a removeable finder isn't "improvement" in my book. I've decided not to purchase the F6, since as far as I'm concerned, film is dead. At least for the 35 mm format.

Re: The Nikon F5

7: October 05, 2006, 09:39:45 PM by rsprouse

I just picked up a really nice F5 from a guy on another forum.  Not that I need another film body, but the F5 is just such a beautiful piece of gear.  About a year ago I bought a mint F4s from the same guy.  They are both just nice to hold in your hands.

Of course, so is the D2Xs, and that's the one that is actually getting used!

  -- Russ 

Re: The Nikon F5

8: January 17, 2007, 02:58:17 AM by Rebel

Right now I have An F4, but in a few days I will be adding an F5.

Re: Nikon F5

9: November 19, 2007, 05:15:39 AM by Chris101

F5 rocks!  I don't use mine too often out in the field (we don't have much ice in Arizona) but on the copystand, fitted with a waist level finder (something you cannot do with any digicam nor the F6) it can deliver like no other camera I have ever used, and I have used (and made) a number of copy cameras.



The last time I did this (about 6 months ago) I made more than 200 slides in a single day's session.  Wow!  For that reason alone, I will never get rid of my F5 and 60mm micro lens.

Re: Nikon F5

10: November 23, 2007, 07:58:46 AM by photojazz

Noob here and glad I found this place. The F5, what can I say that has not said....Super! I purchased my F5 after a year long love affair with my F4. I still love my F4 but let's just say I am cheating... F5, AF focus, 3d matrix metering and the size of it makes me feel great every time I hold it. I was out shooting yesterday and a young lady asked me to take her picture while she was standing besides a old steam engine. After I finished she wanted to see it, I told it was not possible until after the film was developed, she replied "Oh, a professional camera, well here is my email address, please send it" A great way to end a photo session.