I have an F4 with 15mm 3.5 retilinear, 24mm, 55mm Macro, 80-200 AF ED 2.8D, 300mm AF ED F4 that I would like to trade for an M6 TTL + ? Open to ideas. All this will go on e-bay soon. Thought that I'd try here 1

-- Mike Bryan (mbryan@crcwnet.com), August 06, 2001

Answers

I also bought a M6 after having a F 4. The F4 is without doubt the worst camera i have ever owned.Please don't try to off load it on another Leica user or they will hate you for ever.This is only my opinion .I am sure lots of people love F4s but then lots hate Leica range-finders.

-- Tim (timphoto@ihug.com.au), August 06, 2001.

Here's another opinion Tim. I had my F4 system stolen and purchased a M6 kit. I loved my F4 better than my newer N90s. I consider it an excellent AF/MF hybrid. All the controls were in the right place and I could shoot without ever removing my eye from the viewfinder. It's a perfectly capable camera as has been proven by countless pro's over the years. If the M6 didn't suit my taste (it does but I've heard of people who just could never adjust to a RF) I'd certainly look to another F4 and Mike's seems to be a well rounded kit. Everyone has opinions and I guess it comes down to what feels right for any particular photographer. I wonder if you had some significant trouble with your F4 of if you just didn't like it's handling characteristics?

-- JLee (jlee@sccoast.net), August 06, 2001.

All the following in my humble opinion only: The F4 was (IS) one of Nikon's best efforts. I upgraded to the F5 and F100, but many times wish I had hung on to at least one F4 body. Great meter, great quality, great reliability. As for trading for a Leica M, I would recommend you not do that without some serious forethought, and significant time with the M first. Many people trade their entire SLR system to get an M and a few lenses, and find they don't like the range finder. Then you see the relatively new M system for sale at a greatly reduced price on Photo.net or eBay. (Which is precisely how I built up my M system!) Also, there are just some things the M won't do well, or at all, like longer telephoto work, macro work or easily positioning for split neutral density filters, or 5 to 6 frames per second.

My advice is to get an M and one lens (probably a 35 or a 50), use it for about 20 rolls and see if you like it. If you do like it, THEN decide which part(s) of your Nikon system it will replace, sell those and acquire the appropriate M lenses.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), August 06, 2001.

I agree with Jack. The M is a whole 'nother animal from an SLR and to press it beyond its limitations involves some ingenuity and contortions. You might consider selling the 15 and 24 and F4s and getting an n8008s body to use with the 55 Macro and 80-200, then get a used M6 and an older 35 Summicron and Voigtlander 15mm.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), August 06, 2001.

To J LEE , your quite right i had no end of problems with my F4.I loved the F3 and like the F5 but my F4 was a dog.Handeling wise it was fine but i got sick of sending it in to be sorted.We must have got a bad batch in Aust because i do remember others having problems. The 80-200 2.8 that i had went a bit soft after about 6months.This i was told was normal and that you have to have them tightened up every so often.The EOS 1 n i had was more reliable but i had the same problems with there zooms.I no longer own any zooms.I am sorry i know some people love F4s and good luck to them but i would rather a F3 or F5(if you need the features) 0r a FE2 or now FE3.I will never change my mind on the F4,but it was great in the hand when it was working.

-- Tim (timphoto@ihug.com.au), August 07, 2001.

Understood Tim, an experience like that would have turned me off too. Point is I don't think your experience was representative of the whole. There are lemons out in every make and I've heard off less in the F4 variety than in any of the other autofocus models. Good shootin' JLee

-- JLee (jlee@sccoast.net), August 07, 2001.