Nikon F6
Introduction
The Nikon F6 replaced the Nikon F5 as the professional grade film SLR in 2004. Due to the overwhelming use of digital technology by professional photographers, it is probably the last 35 mm F-series camera. The camera body was styled by Giorgetto Giugario. Unlike all previous F-series models, it does not feature an interchangeable viewfinder system. It general, the camera closely resembles the styling and layout of the Nikon D2-series digital cameras. This is the only Nikon 35 mm film camera which features the iTTL OTF flash system and is therefore compatible with the latest generation of Nikon flashes. Unlike the Nikon F5 the Nikon F6 supports matrix metering in "A" and "M" mode with Nikon Ai and AiS manual focus lenses. The Nikon F6 can be modified by Nikon so that pre-Ai lenses can be mounted. The Nikon F6 can be operated without the vertical handgrip, which is an intrinsic part of the Nikon F5 body. This makes the Nikon F6 much more compact than the Nikon F5 and about the same size as the original Nikon F4 with the MB-20 battery pack. The Nikon F6 comes with the data back built in. This data back features a display, which looks similar to that of a digital camera and can be used for the customization of many of the camera's features. Data can be imprinted inbetween images, an important feature, which most users leave always on. The Nikon F6 used the Nikon Multi-CAM2000 autofocus module, which is also used in the Nikon D2 camera series.
Important Features
- The exposure metering modes: 3D Color Matrix; Integral (centerweighted); Spot
- Metering range: EV 0-20 in matrix and integral mode, EV 2-20 in spot mode
- Shutter speeds 30 sec. - 1/8000th of a second
- Exposure compensation +/- 5 EV in 1/3rd steps
- iTTL flash supported
- Creative Lighting System supported
- Film advance up to 8 fps (with Multi Power Battery Pack MB-40)
- Built-in Interval timer
- 11 selectable autofocus areas, can be combined into "areas"
- Autofocus detection range: EV -1 to EV +19 (ISO 100, 20 degree Celsius)
Recommendation
Like all other F-series models by Nikon, the Nikon F6 is a professional camera and build extremely solid. It can take a lot of abuse and should last users a lifetime. Like the Nikon F4, the Nikon F6 can handle Nikon Ai and AiS series lenses very well, therefore it is an ideal addition to any manual focus camera collection. The flash system on the Nikon F6 is unmatched by any other 35 mm film camera. This is another reason why users might look to add a Nikon F6 to their camera collection.
