Nikon F100

 Nikon F100 Review: Magnesium Beast

The Nikon F100 was produced from 1999 until 2006.  It is widely considered to be a scaled down version of the high end F5. Think of it as the D800 of the late 90s. While it may turn off some users from the lack of "involvement" or "process" of analog photography due to its fully electronic nature, its an incredibly competent camera that could serve as a bridge for those who are thinking of trying out film from digital. DSLR users may find many of the functions familiar, as it has more in common with a modern DSLR than it does with an SLR from a decade before it. 

What exactly is it?

Its, in my opinion, one of the most underrated film cameras out there. I say this because you get a lot for what you pay for. While there are better cameras from that time, the F100 is a better value for money.

When released, it was one the best cameras on the market. Even today, it can compete with many modern DSLRS with its capabilities. In fact, many professionals still use the F100 due to its rugged simplicity. Just think of it as a modern Nikon DSLR that shoots film, because that might as well be the case.

This was what it offered back in 1999.

• The weather sealed magnesium body.
• Shutter speed up to 1/8000 of a second.
• Flash sync speed of 1/250.
• 4.5 frames per second. 
• Compatible with modern D and G type Nikon lenses.
• Matrix, centre weight and spot metering.

What is it like to use?

An F100 in its most vulnerable position.

If you have been shooting a Nikon DSLR, then the F100 will feel directly at home. Many of the controls and button layout hasn't changed much, with the controls being fairly straightforward since there's not as much settings that you can change as you can do with a digital camera. There's a few modes you can use, such as shutter and aperture priority, fully manual mode and of course programmed auto. You can also play with the metering systems, with matrix, centre-weighted and spot metering.

What I like about it is the fact that you can choose where you want to focus out of 5 focus points spread out in the viewfinder. Based around how you want to compose the photo, you can choose a focus point using the shutter and the little knob that surrounds it, much like the back button focusing of modern cameras. You can then lock the focus.

What about usage outside?

Make no mistake, this is a fairly bulky camera, and it still looks like a DSLR, so using it in public on the streets will get you the same reactions that a DSLR will get you. Due to its size and bulky aesthetic in comparison to lower end SLRs, I've had more people ask me questions when I take photos on the street of people compared to when I'm using something like a rangefinder. People do take you more seriously with this thing than with your Canonet. I got tired of carrying it around my neck fairly quickly, too, and found more comfort in just holding it in one hand with the strap wrapped around my arm, finger always on the shutter. The on/off switch is conveniently around the shutter too, so I can practically use the camera one handed. And since its a big magnesium block, I'm pretty sure you could knock someone out with it too.

However, what did surprise me is how quiet the shutter is in comparison to comparable Canon cameras. Its no rangefinder, but in public environments its not obvious either. Unless you're in a library or at a funeral, its unlikely to annoy people with obnoxiously loud shutter clicks, unless you go for a full burst mode. You know those shutter soundbites that you hear in movies and on TV? That's what the F100 shutter sound like. Its very satisfying, I found myself wasting frames just to hear the shutter sound.

Should you get it?

Small lens, big camera.

If you've been shooting primarily digital and want a taste of film without having to relearn everything from scratch and deal with manual everything just yet, the Nikon F100 is a perfect camera to bridge the gap between film and digital. You can use your modern Nikon lenses on it, and the controls are very easy to get a hang of if you know how to use a digital Nikon. Heck, I primarily shoot Canons and I knew how to use the F100 after a few hours with ease.


You can get them used for fairly good condition for less than 200 dollars. If you're willing to pay a bit more you can even get a bundle with accessories and even in its original packaging. Its a great walk around camera that's very robust and takes incredibly good pictures. Its a good introduction to analog photography. After you get bored of this thing, then only then maybe you can think about manual cameras.

Technical specifications

Exposure control	Programmed Auto [A] with Flexible Program, Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] and Manual [M]
Shutter speed	1/8,000 to 30 s; stepless on [P] or [A]; in 1/3 EV steps on [S] or [M]; Bulb
Exposure metering	3D Matrix, Center-Weighted and Spot; EV 0 to 21 at ISO 100 with f/1.4 lens (EV 3 to 21 with Spot Metering)
Power source	AA-size battery holder MS-12 provided (four alkaline or lithium batteries); 3V lithium battery holder MS-13 available (for two CR123A or DL123A batteries); Multi-Power High-Speed Battery Pack MB-15 and R6/AA-size battery holder MS-15 are also available (for six alkaline or lithium batteries, or Ni-MH battery MN-15)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 155 x 113 x 66mm (6.1 x 4.4 x 2.6 in.)
Weight (body only without batteries)	Approx. 785g (27.7 oz.)