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Nikon has introduced a new F-series film camera about once every eight years, and a lot of people wondered if the F5 from 1996 would be the last film-based pro SLR Nikon would manufacture. To the surprise and delight of many, Nikon unveiled the F6 with relatively quiet fanfare last autumn. Film photographers in the know should prepare their credit cards for this one.
Having owned the F4s, F5 and now the F6, I can say from experience that the previous F-series cameras are all great, but the best just got better. The F6 still has the same robust build you would expect from an F-series Nikon, and yet it is lighter than the F5 by almost 8 ounces, and it is only about 7 ounces heavier than the F100. (Without optional grip/battery pack). Ergonomics are excellent the F6 fits nicely in my hands.
Improvements include enhanced RGB color matrix metering and 11-sensor autofocus. Unlike the F5, you are no longer required to lug 8 AA batteries around at all times (although you can if you want to) the optional MB-40 battery pack accepts AA batteries or, better yet, a long lasting Nikon EN-EL4 rechargeable lithium ion battery, which will pay for itself rather quickly.
And what can you say about a camera that comes "loaded" with a fully functioning databack? This used to be a $500 accessory in previous F models. The F6 has an LCD screen on the back (grayscale) which allows you to quickly scroll through custom functions and settings, and you also get autobracketing, intervalometer, and the option to print basic information on the first frame of the roll, in between film frames, or inside the frame itself.
Is this the last of the film based F-series cameras from Nikon? Difficult to say. It will be interesting to see if film survives in another eight years. Many labs today are beginning to scale back on film processing operations, and digital cameras are matching (in some cases, surpassing) the quality of 35mm film. The F6 could be the last of its kind. Then again, some folks said the same thing about the F5.
PS as a side note, I would highly recommend the optional MB-40 battery pack. It gives you the option of using AA batteries or the EN-EL4 rechargeable in addition to a vertical firing button and a wheel pad for selecting the different AF zones.
Very nice indeed.
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