I’m 4 years late commenting on this video and I’ve been shopping for a more advanced 35mm film camera. I’ve read and heard negative feedbacks about the F4, but somehow I’m very drawn to it. They say it’s slow compared to its predecessors and why they all moved to the Canon system. But! I’ve always been a Nikonian girl 😊 and not deterred by all negativities. The attraction of the N4 are: I will be able to use all my lenses and that is a big plus. Also, the waist focusing and taking photos. I hope I find a good used one soon. Happy shooting, fellow photobug snappers!!!
@DavidHancock3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! The only detraction I have on the F4 is the weight. It's a perfect blend of the F4 and F5 and a lot of people name it as their favorite camera. I can't really blame them for that, either. It's not my favorite camera or my favorite F, but it's incredible and awesome to use.
@oso_Peligroso3 жыл бұрын
Last week I mentioned to my buddy that I always wanted an F4. He was browsing at Precision Camera in Austin and saw a body for $150!! He scooped it up and brought it to me as an early Xmas present! Thank you for this video!! I honestly had NO idea what most of the buttons are. Still don't but I can refer to this vid over and over again until I get it.
@DavidHancock3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! That is also a fantastic gift.
@tbhv5 жыл бұрын
thank you so much for these two videos! I just received the F4s as a gift from a friend's dad - my dad had Nikkor 35-70mm f2.8 af lens and I am super excited to use this- but I am also totally bewildered by all its functionality! I am going to refer to this video time and time again! Thanks again!
@DavidHancock5 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@tbhv5 жыл бұрын
Hey so I finally got round to exploring the camera and came into some trouble! Just like you mention in the second part of this tutorial, my friend's dad left batteries inside for god knows how long. the corrosion was so bad that that the battery holder in the battery grip wouldn't even come out. I painstakingly cleaned it all the debris out with vinegar but I am still waiting for it to dry before trying it out though I am pretty worried the camera is now out of commission . I had a few follow up questions that I was hoping you could answer if you get the time; If the battery grip is definitely broken can I replace the MB-21 with any other grip or does the grip need to be replaced with the same MB-21? also any tip or trying to bring my camera back to life? Any advice is greatly appreciated! Many Thanks :D
@paultaylorphotography94992 жыл бұрын
Mate another next level presentation thanks. Back in the day I pined after the f4 but as I had the Minolta system with their 300 f2.8 lens I couldn’t afford to switch so I went for the Minolta 9 body which I still have use and love. Later I bought into nikon digital starting with the 1dh then onto the D3s whicj is still going strong I just picked up a f4 body for 300nzd cheap as chips cannot wait to shoot this thing it looks incredible. Have a great 2022 mate really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and expertise📷❤️
@DavidHancock2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Paul!
@paultaylorphotography94992 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock all good mate
@tonyhayes98273 жыл бұрын
JUST bought a Nikon f4 and I thought who better to go to than your good self to work out all its little quirks, like what does this button do and why can't I get this to work etc. And like you always do David, you solved all my issues! Thank-you.
@DavidHancock3 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Tony!
@tonyhayes98273 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock You are most welcome sir.
@johnarcher72363 жыл бұрын
I have only just bought my F4 so am a bit late watching your video instruction manual (both parts). I would just like to thank you for so much useful information. You have already shed light on some areas that weren't that obvious to me beforehand. I am sure that I shall be viewing these again.
@DavidHancock3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@klofisch6 жыл бұрын
I got mine a month ago. One of the last produced in mint condition. The weight is good,.... while shooting with the F4 i can train my muscles for my RZ67.
@DavidHancock6 жыл бұрын
Sounds about right! :D
@aristoioannidis74905 жыл бұрын
Hi David, I trust you are well. I picked up my Nikon F4E recently and linked it with a 20-35mm F/2.8 Nikkor AF. Enough said. Outstanding combination. Most grateful for your 2 videos.
@DavidHancock5 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Aristo! That is a great combination and will work very well for you.
@mamiyapress7 жыл бұрын
I love the F4, I was asked to produce a book for my church 13 years ago, I used the F4 and Fuji slide film, 5,000 copies were printed but I received no payment but I have my place reserved in heaven, getting closer every day.
@DavidHancock7 жыл бұрын
That's a huge undertaking! I'm supposed to be taking photos of all my church members at the end of this month. Thank goodness it's a small congregation!
@jimkerr26547 жыл бұрын
Great instruction video. I love my F4. In fact I have two.
@DavidHancock7 жыл бұрын
I've been enjoying this a lot. It's heavy, but a great camera.
@Lawful_Rebel7 жыл бұрын
I have the standard F4 (With MB-20 grip). This makes this camera far lighter and more manageable for everyday [non-professional] use . I believe the US standard model (although I may be in error) was the MB-21.. It sure is a beast with that extra weight attached. I think I have one of the last to leave the factory in 1996.. It's in beautiful condition. One of the best aspects of the F4 (among many) is its ability to attach and [stop down] meter with even the earliest Nikkor Pre-Ai lenses. It handles so well, it feels incredible in the hand (but not in smaller hands), it's just a pleasure to use with that big bright viewfinder (i prefer it with an E screen fitted).. it's an incredible piece of machinery.
@DavidHancock7 жыл бұрын
The later F4 bodies were significantly better than the first ones. I have one of the oldest ones with the possibility of it having all the known problems like the sticky frame count reset pin and electronics "personality." I would be happy with a MB-20 for sure. I tried to buy one for this but they're a bit spendy for a camera I won't keep after the review is done. I do really like using it, though.
@Lawful_Rebel7 жыл бұрын
David Hancock It really is a fantastic camera.. The most groundbreaking, I think, of the F range.. The first F was a incredible camera but it was basically a Nikon Rangefinder body with a prism, the F2: a more Refined F, the F3 an electronic F2.. The F4 was something completely different altogether I think..
@DavidHancock7 жыл бұрын
I'd largely agree with that take, yes. I tend to see the F3 as a larger innovation but the F4 was a whole different concept.
@diegocarsalade66532 жыл бұрын
Thx a lot Dave! Just bought one from Japan, your tuto is music to my ears!
@DavidHancock2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Diego!
@diegocarsalade66532 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock I am from Europe, I don’t know if I may dare asking for advices with this camera… but… thx again Sir!
@Biriadan7 жыл бұрын
Just a small correction, but the switch around the autofocus lock button actually changes the function of the button to lock exposure and focus when the button is pressed when on the two dot setting or just focus on the one dot setting. the lever does NOT lock focus.
@DavidHancock7 жыл бұрын
You are correct. I goofed on that. (I think I corrected it in the second video.)
@primoremigio36776 жыл бұрын
Bought one and your video help a lot in figuring out how to operate this heavy camera! Thank you for posting this video
@DavidHancock6 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@davidrothschild89137 жыл бұрын
I shoot mine in the rain all time and feel good about it. I always wipe it down quickly after and rarely have it exposed to pouring rain
@DavidHancock7 жыл бұрын
Drizzle, light rain, would almost certainly be okay. But yeah, heavy rain could be an issue.
@Lawful_Rebel7 жыл бұрын
David Hancock The Camera will have had superb weathersealing when new I'm sure, but maybe after 20+years it's not quite so effective.
@davidrothschild89137 жыл бұрын
Been out in steady rain hundreds of times. Camera still works like new. It was made to be used in bad weather. That is why I bought it. If something goes wrong they are cheap(for now)
@arunashamal4 жыл бұрын
I usually with a D4s 24-70 and a flash.. I finally bought a F4 thinking it is to be so heavy, but compared that, F4s is a feather. Anyway I am glad I got the grandaddy to my D4s,
@DavidHancock4 жыл бұрын
Nice! I wouldn't have thought the D4S would be significantly heavier.
@4udience0f0ne7 жыл бұрын
I have an F3 that I love, but I can't get over the fact that there's no vertical grip for portrait-orientation shooting. I'll have to give the F4 a try one day. Can't wait for part 2, David.
@DavidHancock7 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I like the F3 a bit more because it's lighter, but the F4 is a magnificent camera. The vertical grip on the -21 battery pack is fantastic. I can see why so many people have this as their favorite camera.
@nikonman39714 жыл бұрын
I love my f3. But I realy like my f4 ...with the mb-23 grip on it.
@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs3 жыл бұрын
Just bought one to run for fun alongside my Nikon digital cameras bonus lens all fit 👍🏻
@DavidHancock3 жыл бұрын
Nice!
@badman45376 жыл бұрын
Thanks very helpful
@DavidHancock6 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@Katiedoan882 жыл бұрын
Hi! Is the lcd bleed a major issue? Does it impact the shooting experience? As long as I can still see the green focus dot it should be ok, right…? Thank you! 🙏 Also, does every f4 need a battery grip to operate/use AF or can I still use it without one?
@DavidHancock2 жыл бұрын
For the LCD, it won't prevent your camera from working correctly, just prevent you from knowing what it's doing. For the batteries, you'll need them to do anything with this camera.
@Katiedoan882 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock Thank you, Mr. Hancock! I really appreciate it! Just bought one on ebay with lcd bleed and am excited to try it out! From what I've read/seen on the internet, the F4 is pretty accurate for exposure and AF. Do you have any tips for using it in low light/indoors?
@DavidHancock2 жыл бұрын
@@Katiedoan88 Any time! For indoors the best advice I have is a fast film, 400 and faster, and a fast lens, like an f/1.8 or faster.
@Katiedoan882 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock awesome :) I want to try out the 28 and 50mm atm, but have heard some really great things about the 85mm!
@Katiedoan882 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock I also wanted to ask about how you've been focusing with this camera? I've read online that photographers tend to half press first, focus on something that is the equivalent distance to what they want to photograph, and then recompose and shoot.
@cyberdudecyber4 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@DavidHancock4 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@discodoe1 Жыл бұрын
I wish that the video wasn’t such crappy quality.. because you provide so much incredible information that no other video does!
@DavidHancock Жыл бұрын
I wish that five+ years ago I had had the much more extensive video making experience that I have now so that it wouldn't have crappy quality.
@discodoe1 Жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock Don’t get me wrong, I still appreciate how much information is here (and part 2) that is missing in almost every other video. There’s an incredible amount of value in here!
@DavidHancock Жыл бұрын
@@discodoe1 Thank you! I am definitely cognizant that my old videos needed lighting work. Ultimately, content is kind and hopefully people focus on their baskets during the video. That's what I used to tell myself. 😃
@damonlangley66157 жыл бұрын
I just revieved one in a trade. It's definately alot more complicated than my Pentax Spotmatic
@DavidHancock7 жыл бұрын
Well, yeah. :D These have a pretty steep learning curve.
@MrJueKa4 жыл бұрын
"complicated"? - oh no, it`s a pure camera for stills with only the nubs and dials it needs, all self-explanatory, no confusing menu, that`s what I like
@jesperbent36855 жыл бұрын
Very very usefull
@DavidHancock5 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@came_leon6 жыл бұрын
If the f4 takes G lenses on two modes I assume these are shutter priority and Program in which case you don't have to set aperture anyway?
@DavidHancock6 жыл бұрын
You are correct, program and shutter-priority will work with G lenses.
@ballincolin100 Жыл бұрын
Hi David, Could you help me better understand what you are talking about at 00:45-00:58 ? Are you saying that even though the image seen through the viewfinder is only 70% of what is going to reach the film only that 70% will be imprinted on the negative?
@DavidHancock Жыл бұрын
I sure can. The 70% had nothing to do with the film and the entire negative will be used. The camera's prism reduces the size of the image you will see when you look through it. So the magnification is just related to the wait you see the scene while composing the image in the viewfinder.
@patricksteinmetz44 Жыл бұрын
Can you do a video on the Nikon MF-23 Multi-Control back?
@DavidHancock Жыл бұрын
I cannot. I don't have one. I also no longer have a working F4.
@ArchLinuxTux3 жыл бұрын
Great vid, can you make one about shooting on extreme temperature snow and desert and what audiotape fear to bring/use
@DavidHancock3 жыл бұрын
I wish I were the guy to ask about any of those things. I don't shoot in weather extremes and my audio skills are abysmal.
@ArchLinuxTux3 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock you're joking, you're vat least informing those who were born with a dslr around their neck how film worked. You have any good rolling film in a darkroom stories? Because desire practicing all the motions in light, get into the dark room, drop your scissors, use a can opener by feel. You can be in the dark room alot longer then you intended.
The F301 preceded the F4 with a built in motor drive.
@DavidHancock2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@almadam1002 жыл бұрын
great video! what’s a good 50mm to pair it with? of the same era, with AF. Thanks!
@DavidHancock2 жыл бұрын
Thank you and I like the 50mm f/1.8 AI-D.
@KaidFN6 жыл бұрын
David, great stuff! Can you do a nikon F5 video review/instruction? Theres no good videos on youtube about the F5.
@DavidHancock6 жыл бұрын
I'd like to, but need to get my hands on an F5 first. So far, I've been unable to do that.
@came_leon6 жыл бұрын
David Hancock I'm sellin mine if you're interested.
@came_leon6 жыл бұрын
Earvin Quero there's a Ken Rockwell pdf that's pretty straightforward
@KaidFN6 жыл бұрын
Sarah Ben Amar yeah I saw that. I have 1 too but David always make a good review about cameras
@bobakdota8 ай бұрын
Wait can you explain again the G lenses support ? I have AF-S G lenses like 85mm , 35 and 50 : all AF-S G
@DavidHancock8 ай бұрын
Should work just fine. Insofar as I know, the F4 is compatible with every Nikon F-mount lens ever made.
@DavidHancock8 ай бұрын
Asterisk, except the APS-C lenses.
@ArchLinuxTux3 жыл бұрын
Are there any prime locations in a camera bag(backpack stle) to place a desiccant pack? It's got gear in all mesh pockets and velcro dividers. Just throw it on top?
@DavidHancock3 жыл бұрын
On top, the bottom. I keep mine whenever they're out of the way. They do their job regardless of where they're at.
@ArchLinuxTux3 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock so zif zi got it up against a 200mm lense, it'll still work
@andrewpottinger76912 жыл бұрын
I recentli baught a F4 with MB 23 when i press the trigger nothing happens , only a green light comes on under the left of the prisim plus the red light flashes from ehe iso area ???????????
@DavidHancock2 жыл бұрын
Hmm. I'm not sure. I haven't run into that before. I couldn't say reliably if that's a setting or a problem with the electronics. I'd suggest asking the folks at the Photrio Forum or the Nikon Forums and seeing if they have ideas.
@homesickphotographycomau41075 жыл бұрын
hey mate using my nikon 4. can help with double exp lever re you just meant to hold as your shooting or pull it once. for a double shot and tripe what do you? found that it got stuck over laping
@DavidHancock5 жыл бұрын
I believe that the second video in this series shows how to use the double-exposure lever. If not, let me know.
@Godspeedysick6 жыл бұрын
What lens is equivalent to the 80mm lens on medium format? Would it be a 50mm lens for the 35mm camera?
@DavidHancock6 жыл бұрын
That depends on the format. To figure that out you can use the format to 35mm crop factor. Those are 645: 0.62, 6X6: 0.55, and 6X7: 0.5. Then take the focal length of the medium-format camera lens and multiply it by the crop factor. So if you're shooting 6X7 and have a 100mm lens on the front of it, 100mm X 0.5 = 50mm. The equivalent is based on the image format.
@Godspeedysick6 жыл бұрын
David Hancock Thank you. I have the Mamiya 645 with an 80mm. So that’ll give me 49.6 rounded off to a 50mm lens for the 35mm camera?
@DavidHancock6 жыл бұрын
That sounds correct. 80mm is the 'standard' lens on 645 like 50mm is 'standard' for 35mm.
@Godspeedysick6 жыл бұрын
David Hancock Awesome man. Thanks for the timely response!
@marc92ify6 жыл бұрын
How often to LCD leaks happen? Everyone says it's a tank, but it's really annoying if u can't make the most of all the info it shows
@DavidHancock6 жыл бұрын
Using the small data set I have of around six of these, 50%. But I don't always see cameras that have been well cared for.
@marc92ify6 жыл бұрын
Thank you for answering. Much appreciated. So it's those who've received less care that had the LCD bleeding ? Thank you again for your answer
@DavidHancock6 жыл бұрын
Oh shoot. I goofed. My interface shows a list of comments next to the video thumbnail and I didn't read the thumbnail text, just looked at it out of the corner of my eye and I thought it was for the Maxxum 7000. For the F4, I thing that the LCD failure rate has to be low, like around 1% or lower. I would still say that hose that were stored badly or cared for badly exhibit it the most. Being left in a hot car, in a garage over winter to freeze, etc., will cause an LCD to fail far more rapidly than being kept inside.
@marc92ify6 жыл бұрын
No problem. By reading around, people just make it sound like a regular thing when they buy them second hand. Thanks for the reassurance !
@nikonman39714 жыл бұрын
Heavy cameras are good
@DavidHancock4 жыл бұрын
They definitely feel really well made and sturdy.
@andyvan56924 жыл бұрын
by the way that 0.72x is the same as that stated for the Leica m models, ie 0.72 gives you 35mm lens coverage, as well as 28mm, if you had 0.85 x the wide end would not all be covered by the viewfinder magnification!!- why it's so crucial when selecting an M digital or film rangefinder body!
@DavidHancock4 жыл бұрын
That's true for rangefinder cameras. That's not true for SLRs. The 0.72x is the reduction from image size as the light passes through the pentaprism. Any lens focal length will have the image reduced by 28% at the eyepiece compared to on the film. That's what the magnification means in SLR viewfinders.
@normanm117 жыл бұрын
PLEASE ANSWER!! No matter what lens I use, the aperture ring won’t move when on camera. I took it to a repair shop and they told me that the camera is in perfect shape.
@DavidHancock7 жыл бұрын
That's odd. There should be nothing preventing the aperture ring from working. What lenses have you tried?
@normanm117 жыл бұрын
David Hancock I have tried a lot of D and F lenses. Even with the exact same lens you are using in the video. I actually “solved” it by putting something in the little thing (so it gets stuck) that is controlled by the depth of field preview button. Now it works like a charm.
@DavidHancock7 жыл бұрын
Weird. I've never heard of that. I have no idea why that wasn't working correctly. I'm glad that you got it fixed!
@Mulder4953 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHancock Based on my experience, if you have an AF-D or AF-S lens, many (perhaps all) have a switch on the barrel to allow you to choose manual focusing, and if you have that locked so it only autofocuses, the aperture is locked at that f/stop until you disengage that focus lock. Once you do that, then you can use whatever aperture you like. So far, this has only happened to me when in Aperture Priority mode.
@TheShadows504 жыл бұрын
Al lote. La tapa debe estar DERECHA. Por el año de la F4, no corresponde ese modelo de tapa.
@DavidHancock4 жыл бұрын
Gracias!
@johnirby4933 жыл бұрын
"More than 43,000,000 different ways than this camera can operate", yet it can not operate the way I want it to.