Throwback Edit Version: I edited this in October 2024, checked the links and converted it to the new WordPress blocks format. 

I had a little trouble finding information about this camera as it is the Japanese version and has a few names. I initially thought it was the F55 or N55, the N is the USA version. But the U denotes it is the F65, which is good because the F55 has a known fault with the autofocus according to this site. The F65 does not have the same issues. I am a bit sad as the F55 has a great website to link to, which I will do anyway as it was an enjoyable read. Anyway back to the F65. As you know, I love Nikon and their over-complicated navigational systems – not. I bought this one for the lens. You don’t often see Nikon lenses in junk bins and definitely not in this condition. So I thought, if I buy this and then stumble upon other Nikons I can try them out with the same lens.

This version is an entry-level SLR and was surprisingly easy to use. I was just about to leave Japan for the summer so I rushed through a film and got it developed before I left. I thought it would give me something to do if I got jet lag. I didn’t get that, but did get a very bad back just before my flight and have been a little immobile. It meant I had time to work on this post.

I brought many of the cameras I had decided to keep back to the UK, but I left this one in Japan. I did this for a few reasons.

1. I am not a fan of Nikon
2. I can leave all my other cameras in the UK and still have a working film SLR in Japan that I can eventually sell or give away
3. My bag was already way too heavy and I had a bad back, it just didn’t make the cut.
4. To make it harder to write this post

Of course, you now know it works, this website has lots of technical details. What I can add is that it was comfortable to hold, easy to use, and cute to look at. It was far smaller and lighter than the usual SLRs I sometimes carry. The autofocus worked quickly. I can’t fault it. For the price, I thought it was a bargain.

Here are my rushed shots, taken on an expired film.

That dog does not sit still, when I get back to Japan I am going to take a whole roll just of her and see how many actual shots I get. She loves the sound film cameras make when they advance and usually attacks me while I am trying to focus.

Sell or Keep…keep for now as it is on my shelf in another continent and I have no access to it.

On another note, I went on a photo walk around Leeds, UK today. I found it a lot more aggressive and intimidating, but I did find a vintage camera shop, West Yorkshire Cameras. It was a bit like panini sticker books – got it, got it, want it, need it.