Large dot matrix LCD screen on rear panel displays, shutter speed, lens aperture, ISO, custom setting bank, AF-sensor pattern, AF mode, and data-back printing location.ĭata imprint (in-frame, between-frame, #0 frame) Number of high-frequency components reduced for lower sound levelsġ1-area (nine cross-type and two line-type) AF sensor pattern with CAM2000 module that provides frame coverage of 18mm (50%) horizontally and 7mm (29%) vertically Shutter sound reduced to 59dB, and just 48dB in “silent” mode Standard B-type focusing screen with a further seven optional typesįixed viewfinder prism head with built-in viewfinder blind, and viewfinder eyepiece lock to prevent accidental loss (release activated by eyepiece blind lever)įast continuous shooting (5.5 fps 8 fps with MB-40 Battery Pack) Viewfinder information includes, /- three-stop analogue exposure/exposure compensation display along right side, focus confirmation, exposure mode, shutter speed, aperture, battery level, frame counter, and flash-ready indicator below bottom edge of frame
The F6 with the PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D
I will, of course, be reviewing a full production model as soon as possible. To date I have had the privilege of trying out a pre-production camera for a few weeks, which has given me a strong flavour of what the F6 is capable of achieving but even at this late stage in its development Nikon have been tweaking its specification, so the list of features below is not comprehensive. Whatever the case many Nikon devotees consider the F5 as representing the pinnacle of film camera design so how does the new camera compare? Well, based on my first impressions, I would suggest it raises the bar even higher, and by a significant amount. What does the future hold for the F6? Only time will tell! Study the camera’s basic feature set, and it is difficult to determine which came off the drawing board first, the F6, or the D2H. Toward the end of 2003 another reliable contact suggested, in very definite terms, that Nikon had chosen to cancel the F6 project outright. According to a trusted source a fully working prototype was seen in Japan as long ago as the spring of 2002. In time I am sure its genesis will make a fascinating tale. So it is into this dynamic environment that Nikon have pitched the F6. Now, I am not predicting that film will disappear within a few years but I believe it will, increasingly, become a niche market supported by a dedicated bunch of exponents. The recent news that Ilford, one of the bastions of traditional chemical based black & white photography, have been forced to call in administrators is yet another indicator of how rapidly trends in photography have changed.
Amongst the ranks of professional and semi-professional photographers sales of film SLR cameras has been in free fall as many continue to switch to digital models. Nikon have already announced that they will cease production of compact film camera models during 2004. A quick glance at the statistics and current state of the camera market will soon confirm that film camera sales have been in steady decline during the past couple of years across all sectors. If nothing else Nikon’s decision to introduce the F6 is certainly a brave one, as it appears to be at odds with all rational thinking.
Simon Stafford takes a first look at the new ‘flagship’ SLR film camera from NikonĪs the technology of digital imaging continues to forge ahead with new camera models introduced by the various manufacturers at what seems to be steadily decreasing intervals of time the announcement, today, from Nikon that they are to launch a new ‘flagship’ film camera SLR in their professional ‘F’ series will certainly raise a few eyebrows!
The F6 has a removable booster pack - hooorah! although the F5 is a great piece of kit, lack of this feature always annoyed me when I owned one. as unfunny comedian Jimmy Cricket used to claim.