Nikon* F4s | Frank Titze

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Nikon* F4s

Overview

The Nikon* F4 is a professional 35mm autofocus single-lens reflex (SLR) film camera that was introduced in 1988. As the successor to the legendary Nikon* F3, the F4 was a landmark camera that successfully bridged the gap between the classic, manual-focus SLR and the modern, electronic autofocus era. It was Nikon's flagship professional camera for over five years and is still highly regarded by collectors and photographers today for its innovative features, rugged build, and user-friendly design.
Key Characteristics:

Autofocus System: The F4 was the first professional Nikon* SLR to feature an integrated autofocus system. While it had only a single autofocus point, it was fast and reliable for its time, making it a viable tool for professional photographers covering sports and news.
Legendary Lens Compatibility: One of the most significant and celebrated features of the F4 is its incredible compatibility with a vast range of Nikon* F-mount lenses. The F4 can use: Eines der bemerkenswertesten Merkmale der F4 ist ihre enorme Kompatibilität mit einer Vielzahl von Nikon*-F-Bajonett-Objektiven:
- Oldest Lenses: Pre-AI and AI (Auto Indexing) manual focus lenses.
- Autofocus Lenses: All AF (Autofocus) lenses.
- Modern Lenses: It works with most AF-D and AF-S lenses, though with some limitations (e.g., it does not support VR—Vibration Reduction). It is one of the few autofocus cameras that can use every type of F-mount lens ever made.
Modular and Interchangeable Components: Like previous F-series cameras, the F4 has a modular design. The key interchangeable components are:
- Viewfinders: The standard DP-20 prism provides a clear view, while other viewfinders like the waist-level DW-20 or the high-magnification DW-21 were also available.
- Film Backs: The multi-control or long roll back could be attached.
- Battery Packs: This is a crucial distinction and the reason for the three different F4 versions including the F4s: The most common version, with the larger MB-21 battery pack (six AA batteries) which boosts the continuous shooting speed from 4 frames per second (fps) to 5.7 fps and adds a vertical grip with a secondary shutter release.
Advanced Metering: The F4 introduced a revolutionary Matrix Metering system. This technology divides the scene into five segments and analyzes them to determine the most accurate exposure, a significant improvement over simple center-weighted metering.
Durable and Ergonomic Design: The camera was designed by Italian industrial designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, giving it a distinct, classic look. It is built like a tank with a magnesium alloy chassis and is well-protected against the elements. Its controls are mostly traditional dials and buttons, which many photographers prefer for their tactile feedback and ease of use.

In summary, the Nikon* F4 is a highly versatile and robust professional camera that is beloved for its combination of traditional mechanical controls, modern electronic features, and its incredible compatibility with the vast Nikon* lens ecosystem. It is a true workhorse that stands as a testament to the quality and durability of professional film cameras.

Evaluation

(++) Lens Compatibility
(++) Mechanical Durable Body
(++) Heavy Body which Stablize the Shooting
(++) Maximum Shutter Speed of 1/8000th Shutter and 1/250th Flash Synchronization
(++) Handling and Functions - Pure Analog Usage
(++) Perfect 100% Viewfiender
(+) Pure analog usage
(+) Autofocus and focus indicator for manual lenses
(--) LCD Bleeding / Breaking - Lack of repair parts

26.08.25

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