The Nikon AF N8008s is a pretty analog film camera released back in 1991 to replace the Nikon AF N8008. In those distant times, no one thought that in a decade and a half the figure would rule the world of amateur photography.
Nikon AF N8008s is better known as Nikon AF F-801s (cameras with the letter 'N' in their name were mainly produced for the USA market). Unlike the Nikon AF N8008 (Nikon AF F-801), the new Nikon AF N8008s received faster autofocus and spot metering exposure. Otherwise, the cameras are identical.
Nikon AF N8008s
Working with the Nikon AF N8008s is very pleasant. As soon as you bring it to the right eye for sighting, you experience a slight shock from what you see. The optical viewfinder is simply huge, much more than any there Nikon D800 и Nikon D4. After my viewfinder Nikon D80, JVI the old Nikon AF N8008s seems the size of the universe. JVI Nikon AF N8008s has 0.75X magnification, and it's a pity, but only 92% frame coverage. After shooting with Nikon AF N8008s even with Nikon D700 stiffness due to JVI.
In addition, the camera has a well-designed LCD display in JVI, its brightness physically depends on the illumination. At the top of the camera, where the built-in frog flash usually hides, there is a white window strip that projects light onto the LCD display in JVI. The brighter the lighting - the brighter the LCD, which allows you to always clearly see the camera settings in JVI. For example, on many CZKs, I don’t see the LCD at all on a bright day or when shooting in backlight. In conditions with poor lighting, the green LCD backlight turns on, and you can notice how the white bar-window starts to glow green.
Nikon AF N8008s, top view
exposure carried out using a 5-segment sensor, I have no complaints about the measurement. The focusing system uses only one, central, focusing sensor (I do not know its type), the camera supports focusing, as well as the operation of an electronic rangefinder with lenses with a relative aperture of at least 1: 5.6. Of course, sometimes it is quite difficult to work with aiming by only one central point, because you constantly have to use the tactics of 'pointed - recomposed - removed'. The camera can operate in three focusing modes: M, AF-S, AF-Cwhich are switched by a lever near the camera mount.
Nikon AF N8008s film tray
The camera control is very simple. It’s enough to charge the film, and the setup is no different from modern Nikon advanced cameras, which have an additional monochrome display.
The camera has the following buttons:
- '+ -', for amendment exposure within + -5 ev Although the scale itself has a graphic designation + -2e.v., correction is made by third stop.
- measurement method selection button exposure (matrix, weighted average, dot)
- ISO selection button, this parameter is set either manually or automatically by the DX code on the film roller
- button 'Mode', to select one of the shooting modes: P, A, S, M, Pd, Ph. Ph mode works in a similar way to Program P mode, with the only difference that it tries to set the optimal fast shutter speed (Programm High), and Pd sets the optimal slower shutter speed.
- Drive button to select one of the drive modes S, Ch, Cl.
- button 'ME' for multiple exposures. You can take up to 9 pictures in multiple exposuresto turn off multiple exposure, just set the value to 1.
- timer button, the timer can be set to a delay of 2 to 30 seconds, and also choose a two-shot mode.
- af-l button that locks focus.
- depth of field preview button.
- red button for rewinding the film. The button is only activated if pressed simultaneously with the 'ME' button (foolproof).
- AE-lock button for fixing exposure.
- there is also a button for forced backlight LCD in JVIBut there is no backlight for the main monochrome display.
A slight difference (from modern advanced Nikon central control centers) in control is another power-on lever. The lever is not under the index finger near the shutter button, but simply on the top of the camera. It has three positions: OFF, ON, BEEP (on, off and signal). In the 'signal' mode, the camera also turns on, just additionally activates a sound notification.
Illumination of the information line in the OVI camera Nikon AF N8008s
Without a crochet, I affirm that to control the camera after Nikon D700 и D80 you don’t have to get used to it at all, just take it and take it off, everything is intuitively clear. In addition, the camera lies well in the hand, the entire handle is rubberized. Additionally, you can use the remote control cable (the photo below shows the connector for its connection).
A small inconvenience, in comparison with modern central brake call centers, is a small selection of shutter speeds. You can set the values on the Nikon AF N8008s: bulb, 30 s, 15 s, 8 s, 4 s, 2 s, 1 s, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1 / 60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000 and 1/8000 seconds, that is, excerpt changes in feet. Exposure Flash sync is 1/250 second.
Amazingly, the Nikon AF N8008s can shoot at 3.3 frames per second, which is more than mine Nikon D80, yes, and from Nikon D800 the old filmmaker is practically not far behind.
Focus Mode Switch and Nikon AF N8008s Timing Connector
Since this is a very old camera, it only supports working with lenses such as AF, Non-G (without a focus motor and with aperture control ring). With AF-S, AF-I lenses, the camera will not focus. The stabilizer will not work with Nikon VR lenses.
With G-type lenses (without an aperture ring), you can shoot in either P (Ph, Pd) or S mode. In M and A modes, iris control is not supported and the iris will always be completely closed.
The camera supports metering exposure with manual Ai lenses, Ai-s at the same time the electronic range finder works. For more convenient work with the camera, you can use the special Multi-Control Back MF-21 back cover, which will allow you to use some additional functions.
The camera does not have a built-in flash, but it can work with external flashes Nikon SB-20, SB-22, SB-23, etc. With my Nikon flash SB-900 the camera only works in manual mode either in Auto Non-TTL Mode.
Battery Compartment and Battery Holder MS-7 Nikon AF N8008s
For those who have shot with Soviet Zeniths and other non-autofocus cameras all their lives, I can assure you that the Nikon AF N8008s is a miracle of engineering. After my Zenith-E, the Nikon AF N8008s experience is so amazing that I can't even find anything to compare with.
Nikon AF N8008s is powered by 4 AA batteries, for work I use NiMh batteries, which are enough for 4-5 film rolls of 36 frames each. The camera automatically charges and rewinds the film, and also rewinds it when necessary. The film compartment opens only when two latches are pressed simultaneously. There is a special window in the compartment through which you can see if the film roller is inserted.
Sample photos on Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1: 3.5-4.5D
Sample photos on Cosina MC 19-35mm 1: 3.5-4.5
Find more sample photos taken with the Nikon AF N8008s in the review. Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8D.
Prices for modern Nikon cameras in popular stores can look at this link.
In comments Can I ask you a question on the topic and you will answer, and you can also express your opinion or describe your experience. Many little things for a photo can be found on AliExpress.
Actually, I don't do film camera reviews. Nikon AF N8008s is an exception, because I sometimes shoot with this camera, and it also poses for shooting with different lenses, for reviews. Of course, there are a ton of much better analog cameras out there. Nikon AF N8008s I took for the article 'Mirror Full Frame, 28 MP for 240 cu'after which the camera got accustomed to me. Sometimes, there is nothing better than loading a clip of fresh film, leaving in search of adventure with Nikon AF N8008s, and then handing over the film for development and waiting for what happened there.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
Thanks Arkady for the review, I have the same camera only without S, when I thought which camera to buy for myself, I came across your article and decided to try it. it turned out, now I’ll take another one in reserve
Correct, please, to select the modes of film broaching, use the DRIVE button and not the MODE button. Very good article, thanks for your work.
Fixed
Thanks for the review, I found one for $ 21 on ebay))) I wait
I also bought it about two years ago ... when I looked at the VDI I almost went nuts ... only the backlight does not work in my device ... it showed that the camera had been repaired before ... the whole board is one flexible cable ... tough ... but in general the camera works fine)
Arkady, thanks for the review.
I have three film cameras. It is similar to yours (the address “to you” in Russian and culture implies ONLY the plural. Those who wish I can tell the story of the emergence of “vykanye”) F90X in two copies (the second one was bought as a spare parts donor, but is actively used), F5 and Hasselblad 203 I shoot portraits only on b / w film, or on colored landscapes (available with ISO 25, which is very convenient).
As for the BB, the instructions in English on white indicate how to display it on a gray card.
I give the scan to the photo lab on the Nikon COOLSCAN 8000. It does not produce digital noise besides everything.
The film gives a smooth transition of tones, which does not work with the numbers. This can be seen in b / w photographs with a complex light pattern.
Well, and this is FOR YOURSELF :)
the appeal "to you" in the Russian language and culture implies ONLY the plural. For those who wish, I can tell the story of the occurrence of "weeping")
Tell me so
Arkady, I also wanted to ask: will this camera see this camera with the Lushnikov Dandelion? If not, how to get out of the situation?
I have such a typewriter-801 without a letter. A very nice thing. A friend has the same, only it looks like he came back from the war - all broken and cracked on top, but it works like a clock! Personally, the digital film has not replaced me (they coexist in parallel) and it's not only in the process itself. For creative photography, the film seems more suitable, plastic, with smooth transitions of halftones and colors, and if it makes noise, then it is beautiful. For an artist, it’s itself. And if there is sharpness, resolution, etc., for work, who needs it quickly, or just for those who have not been to art museums, but knows how it should be, then yes-D800 + Glasses and a flag in hand ... PS. No matter how much I tried to get an imitation from a number, it looks like , but no more. Probably, I don’t know how. Or those who do not shoot on film write about it….
Hello Arkady!
Your photos on film, those that are presented on the site, with a soul, and the point here is not only in the film, as for me)
As I understand it, you do not write articles about the film, but I would like your look at the general development process, choosing a film, choosing a scanner, buying the necessary equipment, so that you share your experience of how you do it.
I have experience in photographing on film, but it was a completely different distant time)
In fact, very little material on this topic on the Internet)
Hello everyone))) I am the proud owner of Nikon N 5005 (F 401x). What can I say about the camera, it is a very solid, reliable, convenient and high-quality thing. Before me she was filmed by a volcanologist in Kamchatka, but she looks like a solid “4”, and this already says something. And as for the film, I assure you, it will exist next to the number for another decade ...
Miles sorry, missed the "in" in the word "hello."
Miles sorry, missed the "in" in the word "hello."
Arkady, fixed Nikon 50mm1: 1.8D AF Nikkor suitable for this camera? and which of the inexpensive zooms would you recommend to her?
Thank you
Yes, it does. From inexpensive zooms of what focal length?
And now I switched to the film with the numbers. I just wanted to try what it is. The choice fell on the best of the Soviet, Kiev-19, simply because it fits my optics from Nikon. And I liked it. Oddly enough, I liked to mess around with tanks and solutions, a magnifier, paper. Here is such a hobby. Then Kiev-19 was replaced by Nikon FM, the most beautiful camera.
after prices for digital have skyrocketed, the film will no longer look like something “long forgotten” ..
oh 7000, I remember how I was at UAH 6000 ... if not for the horses, I would have had time to take ..
Thanks for the nice review. I have a Nikon F3. This is an awesome camera. It is necessary to shoot on film for the soul. But usually the convenience of digital cameras outweigh. And you won’t get anywhere from progress. But the experience gained by shooting on film does not interfere in the present. Those who claim that a limited number of frames forced the photographer to take a more responsible approach to frame selection are right. And if there is such an experience, then when working with digital, the habit of thinking remains. And, of course, by presenting a negative, it is easier to confirm the originality of the picture and the captured event, otherwise you can take photos at random. It is also important that the manual optics for the F600 go perfectly with the Nikon D3. Based on the foregoing, I mainly shoot on a number, and sometimes for the soul on film. So far, 35mm film is available. But for Mamiya M645 it’s already difficult to get the film.
Sometimes I want to shoot on film, now I'm photographing on Zenit12sd. They offer such a camera with a back MF-21 for 800 UAH in good condition. Worth taking what do you think?
Arkady, Offer such a camera with a back MF-21 for 800 UAH in good condition. Worth taking what do you think?
I’ll sell it for 100 UAH or give it in good hands, I’ll send a photo. Anton 050 4937299
Unlike modern devices, just a set of brass gears already inspires respect. Most working apparatuses are already well past twenty-five years.
Good day! Arkady!
Thank you so much for this project. I read your reviews both for information and just for relaxation (as an interesting book). I am looking for similar resources on the film on the net, but so far without much success ... Can you recommend something ... Interest in the film woke up when, when buying Jupiter 9, they gave a zenith e with a sticky shutter as a bonus.
Ps.
Now I shoot on: canon 40d and 600d, fifty fifty canon 1.4, world 1c, jupiter 9, jupiter 37a.
Since you are hooked on Canon, I would recommend that you find a film camera of the same company - then you will not have to look for adapters + interchangeability of accessories (the same flashes, for example).
If you use manual Soviet optics, then I advise you to look for a model with the possibility of metering with non-chip lenses (I don’t know how things are with Canon, I’m a nikonist)).
I think the price is $ 20-50 for a used filmmaker.
Nikon F80 took it for the sake of compatibility with all my AF-glasses (at that time about $ 30 came out).
If you want cheaper - then Kiev-17/19, quite budgetary - Zenith E / ET, but then the problem of compatibility emerges, and the convenience of working after Japanese film film - how to work with a chisel after working with a puncher.
Bw! Thanks for the advice. I took for myself at first zero zenith 12 sd. But my main question was on sites where they would also write professionally and interestingly about film technology.
Hello again and good day.) I will also bring my little contribution to the common cause.
Thanks to the article, Arcadia became the owner of the N8008 about a year ago. I shoot a little, solely for my own pleasure. Actually on the camera. Very pleasant to handle. A kind of monolithic brick. My paw is medium in size, it is very comfortable to hold the camera. The viewfinder is really huge, very handy. I was pleasantly surprised by the metering of the exposure (though only center-weighted) when using manual optics, and without any chips and dancing with a tambourine. By the way, the metering is VERY accurate. Confirmation of focus has never messed up.) I did not check the maximum rate of fire. Autofocus is noisy, what to do. Also, in the dark, sometimes he does not want to focus. Although, to be honest, Nikon F100 behaved in the same way in such conditions.) I don't feel a lack of focusing points - autofocus lock helps a lot. The camera is very pleasant to shoot in conjunction with manual optics. I want to outline a few nuances on it that are not indicated in the review.
1. The most important thing. If you think that the film is a cheap full frame - you are mistaken.) The film has a good cost, both for the film itself, and for developing, printing and scanning. But the result is worth it. And by the way, the good thing about the film is that it disciplines. At the same time, it is tough and merciless. She teaches to think strongly and click less. As a result, more worthwhile material and hard disk space.)
2. Now on camera. It is very important that G-lenses are not suitable for it. Of the autofocus, only those that have an aperture control ring and without a focus motor. And all would be fine, but an unexpected man (personally me) was in wait with a wide angle. The legendary 17-35 / 2.8 will remain on this camera without autofocus. That wide angle is not a problem, but 35 mm is not so sweet. And they remain either 18-35 / 3.5-4.5 (dark, for my taste), or 20-35 / 2.8 with a large MDF, which, again, is not critical in landscapes, but interferes with reporting / portraits. Or third-party manufacturers.
3. The lens test has become a number for me. When buying a lens, the constant was the phrase “Can I test it first, and then we'll see?”. But at that time I didn't have a number.
4. Accessories. They are few. To put it mildly. And getting it is problematic. There is no batblock. Although the carcass already weighs a lot.) True, I did not change the batteries from the purchase and 15 films after they feel great.) The remote control for a two-pin connector is generally not found with fire during the day. Life hack - use a key or any metal object to close contacts. Special attention to people with poor eyesight. The camera does NOT have diopter correction. Generally. No. Corrective lenses are hard to find, too. True, the inconvenience is rather relative - I shoot with glasses and feel great.
5. Arkady mentioned a small set of excerpts. Of course, against the background of Zenith, their scatter is enormous.) So. The difficulty is in changing the exposure in feet. And one fine moment you get either a good overexposure, or a good oversight. And there is simply no middle ground. Here it is necessary to decide what is more important at the moment, because each film reacts differently to overexposure / overexposure.
That's, in general, that's all. I confirm the words of Arkady - the camera is very pleasant, and the viewfinder of the crop after it causes claustrophobia.)) Personally, I am very glad that I started with this particular camera. I'm thinking of buying myself an F100 to be able to shoot several films at once, but I'll keep this one for myself anyway. Moreover, it costs very little on the secondary.)
PS A little addition. One of the reasons for buying this particular camera was external sympathy and its solidity. All the Canons I held left an impression of a shaky and flimsy plastic toy. True, I did not feel a series of film units. This same camera can be killed, it seems.))
Hello. Share your experience on how to scan film at home.
PS: I don’t consider options to buy a special scanner or hand it over to a special center)))
Well, you can attach it to the glass, in the light, and carefully redraw it.
take off the macaroons with a digital camera. On drtv the plot was
A special scanner is the most optimal option. Personally, I have the same as Arcadia - Epson V330 and I am completely satisfied with it. In addition to the film, I scan documents, notes and am happy. The only ones Yes, you can shoot with a mackerel in the light, then drive the negative into fsh and translate it into positive for a long time. But, especially for my taste, this is a long hemorrhoids.
Thanks for the kind words. We ve got our eyes on the F3 for the next professional Nikon. Stay tuned!
Technology changes, but looks don't.
For the future test :)