I got this on the bay for less than £30. It came with a lens too so I was stoked. Once I put some AA batteries inside, everything seemed to fire up and work as it should.
It was produced between 1988-1991 and was superseded by the F801s. It is quite a heavy camera and very much like the F90x which I already have. In comparison the F90x is a better camera with faster autofocus and wider lens compatibility. The details that are important for me, the speeds and ASA range are the same on both cameras, those being 6-6400 ASA, 30secs – 1/8000 +B.
To be honest, I am not sure why I bought it, other than the price. I must have read another review somewhere. I definitely read this great one.
The first roll I loaded was a half used Kodak 200 which I had taken out of a jammed beer can camera. I took it to Elsecar Heritage Centre, a place near Barnsley that I have been meaning to visit. I didn’t find the auto focus noticibly slower than any other camera I have used. I finished the last shots at home with my dad’s budgies.
Here are some of my results.
I liked using the camera and felt I hadn’t used it enough. So when I needed an automatic camera for a trip to London, this one still contained batteries and was in easy reach. I loaded it with No Color Studio Experimental No.10, which is a 100asa Black and white film. I took this camera and a spinner to a demonstration. I developed the film in a soon-to-be-released developer from Zone Imagining.
Here are most of the results.
The camera was perfect for this situation. The automation meant all I had to think about was framing. The camera also lets you set your own ISO, so the lack of any DX coding on this film wasn’t an issue. The weather was dull, but the high speeds would have helped with a faster film.
Despite the dramatic situation, I was thoroughly enjoying getting in there and shooting. At the end of the roll, I lamented the fact that both rolls I had shot at the demo were monochrome. So I decided to load a colour film and shoot a little more. This time it was a gifted roll of Film Never Die Kiro Iro 400. I actually didn’t shoot many more shots at the demo and finished the roll in Manchester.
Well, what a bargain of a camera. I might have to put it side by side with the F90x and see of there is a big difference in weight. Given all the cameras I have, it seems a bit superfluous to have both of these. But then there is the old camera collectors worry…what if one of them stops working? I won’t be able to get another at this price. Do I really need it?
So what, I like it and at the moment I am going to keep it. Apprently, Jim Grey came to the same conclusion.
I have an F801S and it is a great camera.
The non-s is pretty great too.
Oh my gosh, the sheer graceful lyricism of those lovely Kodak 200 shots!
It seems sort of a crime, a disgrace, does it not? that these very fine cameras sell for so little now; I am on my second N8008s, and have had the N90s, also twice.
I well remember how dear, how costly they were to buy back when, and believed them then and now to be well worth every cent.
Mine is presently loaded with some long-frozen XP2; your post inspired me to order up a three-pack of Gold 200, but Holey Moley! 30 USD (24.25 pound sterling)!
I will have to shake off the thoughtless, profligate imprudence of high-rate digital to which we have all become accustomed and shoot singly, with reflection, deliberation, and care, paying very close attention. As we all once did; as is clear from these shots that you still do.
Thank you as always for this post.
Cost v enjoyment = worth it
Tha k tou as always for your lyrical text.
I think this one might be my go-to auto focus slr. Though, I do like the light minolta I have and the lenses for my..shhh..digital
Peggy — it looks like Nikon had a lot of nice, black , AF, ‘semi-pro’ models — I have (at least!) one of most of them. I really love all the options on the 90x/s — but the 8008 makes me feel safer — I could seriously knock an attacker out with it, no problem! But yep — with a good/clean lens, these all can take great pictures — and the 8008 is easy not to ‘fiddle’ with — set it, and forget it, and capture great photos — like yours. Love the start contrast of that 100ISO B&W film but that color 400 film — wow! The grain and feel in the reds and yellows are amazing. Wish that I could get similar film here in the US…. Thanks!!!
Mmm looks good, does the lens function with your digital?
It should, I havent tried it. My digitals might not work with it though. Next time I get it out I will try.
I have three F801Ss, my only Nikon cameras. They’re heavy but well-built, full-featured, decent AF, goes to 1/8000s… There’s little not to like apart from the usual Nikon stuff that’s the wrong way around. Maybe the best bargain around in AF film SLRs.
I agree, mine definitely was a bargain!