Yesterday, I had the first opportunity to use the Nikon F5, and I managed to finish one roll of film. You’ll get to see some shots eventually, but I can share with you some of my thoughts.
We went to a few different activities yesterday, and I had the F5 hanging from one shoulder, and a DSLR from the other. I did not notice the weight of the F5 more than I would other cameras. But then again, one of my DSLRs is a D800e on which I had the 24-120mm f/4 VR yesterday, probably a bit heavier than the F5 with 50mm f/1.4G.
It feels great to hold and operate. The controls are where they should be, and although I’m new to the camera, and muscle memory hasn’t set in yet, I think this will be a simple camera to use, even though it’s complex and full of options.The viewfinder is a joy! Big and bright. Compared to most other cameras, it reveals a new world to you.
One little complaint: it’s frightfully easy to hit the shutter release buttons by mistake, easier than I’ve experienced with any other camera. We’ll see when I get the first roll back, but I’m pretty sure I fired off at least two shots by mistake. You have to lock the buttons when you’re not shooting it seems like. Something to get used to.
