F4s Vs F5

[John Woo]

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

 

[michaeladawson]

It depends on what you want, I guess. I haven't looked up all the specs of the F4s but I would suspect two areas that it loses out to the F5 in are:

1. Matrix metering.
2. Autofocus speed - it won't have the latest, fastest module.

Can anyone comment on these two items?

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of
used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

 

[John Woo]

Thanks for the reply.

By the way, what's the difference of F4s from F4 or F4e...and even for F4s, only the logo of F4 appears on the body of the camera??

1. Matrix metering.
2. Autofocus speed - it won't have the latest, fastest module.

Can anyone comment on these two items?

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of
used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

 

[michaeladawson]

The difference between F4s and F4e is only in the attached power supply based on what I have read. The e model uses the MB-23, the s model the MB-21. No difference in the main body of the camera.

To clarify on what I poste earlier... the F4s/e has matrix metering. But I strongly suspect that it is not as advanced as what you find on todays F5/F100. On the other hand the matrix metering works with older manual focus AIS lenses, if you have any.

By the way, what's the difference of F4s from F4 or F4e...and even
for F4s, only the logo of F4 appears on the body of the camera??

1. Matrix metering.
2. Autofocus speed - it won't have the latest, fastest module.

Can anyone comment on these two items?

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of
used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

 

[Clark Hampton]

The F5 is better hands down on autofocus and metering (the only film camera with color metering). It also supports the AF-S lenses. I don't think the F4S does.

I'm still waiting for that "digital back" for the F5 that everyone talked about back in 1996 when the F5 was new. Can't wait any longer....getting the D100.

To clarify on what I poste earlier... the F4s/e has matrix
metering. But I strongly suspect that it is not as advanced as
what you find on todays F5/F100. On the other hand the matrix
metering works with older manual focus AIS lenses, if you have any.

By the way, what's the difference of F4s from F4 or F4e...and even
for F4s, only the logo of F4 appears on the body of the camera??

1. Matrix metering.
2. Autofocus speed - it won't have the latest, fastest module.

Can anyone comment on these two items?

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of
used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

 

[John Woo]

As far as I read from the web: kenrockwell.com, it seems that F4s also support AF-S lens as well.

I'm still waiting for that "digital back" for the F5 that everyone
talked about back in 1996 when the F5 was new. Can't wait any
longer....getting the D100.

To clarify on what I poste earlier... the F4s/e has matrix
metering. But I strongly suspect that it is not as advanced as
what you find on todays F5/F100. On the other hand the matrix
metering works with older manual focus AIS lenses, if you have any.

By the way, what's the difference of F4s from F4 or F4e...and even
for F4s, only the logo of F4 appears on the body of the camera??

1. Matrix metering.
2. Autofocus speed - it won't have the latest, fastest module.

Can anyone comment on these two items?

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of
used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

 

[Ed Keys]

I'm still waiting for that "digital back" for the F5 that everyone
talked about back in 1996 when the F5 was new. Can't wait any
longer....getting the D100.

To clarify on what I poste earlier... the F4s/e has matrix
metering. But I strongly suspect that it is not as advanced as
what you find on todays F5/F100. On the other hand the matrix
metering works with older manual focus AIS lenses, if you have any.

By the way, what's the difference of F4s from F4 or F4e...and even
for F4s, only the logo of F4 appears on the body of the camera??

1. Matrix metering.
2. Autofocus speed - it won't have the latest, fastest module.

Can anyone comment on these two items?

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of
used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

John---The biggest difference between the F-4 and the F-5, to my mind, is the focus tracking/frames per second. With the F-4, in order to track, you have to use the low setting. That gives you, as I recall, about 1 1/2 frames per second. With the F-5, it can track at its highest speed which is 7 or 8 frames per second, depending on which power source (rechargeable battery pack or alkalines) that you use. In ordinary shooting, the high frame rate may not be needed but in action sports photography it's almost a necessity. I shoot harness racing on a regular basis and the ability to catch a horse in perfect stride is something that the F-5 does more consistently than the F-4.
Have fun, Ed

 

[John Woo]

Hihi Ed,

Thanks for yorr reply. BTW which one is heavier?? F4s with MB21 or F5 please?? Also is the Logo "F4s" really on the right front of the camera??

I'm still waiting for that "digital back" for the F5 that everyone
talked about back in 1996 when the F5 was new. Can't wait any
longer....getting the D100.

To clarify on what I poste earlier... the F4s/e has matrix
metering. But I strongly suspect that it is not as advanced as
what you find on todays F5/F100. On the other hand the matrix
metering works with older manual focus AIS lenses, if you have any.

By the way, what's the difference of F4s from F4 or F4e...and even
for F4s, only the logo of F4 appears on the body of the camera??

1. Matrix metering.
2. Autofocus speed - it won't have the latest, fastest module.

Can anyone comment on these two items?

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of
used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

John---The biggest difference between the F-4 and the F-5, to my
mind, is the focus tracking/frames per second. With the F-4, in
order to track, you have to use the low setting. That gives you, as
I recall, about 1 1/2 frames per second. With the F-5, it can track
at its highest speed which is 7 or 8 frames per second, depending
on which power source (rechargeable battery pack or alkalines) that
you use. In ordinary shooting, the high frame rate may not be
needed but in action sports photography it's almost a necessity. I
shoot harness racing on a regular basis and the ability to catch a
horse in perfect stride is something that the F-5 does more
consistently than the F-4.
Have fun, Ed

 

[Dan Heimbach]

Here is a link that should help you out
http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/nikon_articles/body/f4/f4_11.html

Dan

Thanks for yorr reply. BTW which one is heavier?? F4s with MB21 or
F5 please?? Also is the Logo "F4s" really on the right front of the
camera??

I'm still waiting for that "digital back" for the F5 that everyone
talked about back in 1996 when the F5 was new. Can't wait any
longer....getting the D100.

To clarify on what I poste earlier... the F4s/e has matrix
metering. But I strongly suspect that it is not as advanced as
what you find on todays F5/F100. On the other hand the matrix
metering works with older manual focus AIS lenses, if you have any.

By the way, what's the difference of F4s from F4 or F4e...and even
for F4s, only the logo of F4 appears on the body of the camera??

1. Matrix metering.
2. Autofocus speed - it won't have the latest, fastest module.

Can anyone comment on these two items?

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of
used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

John---The biggest difference between the F-4 and the F-5, to my
mind, is the focus tracking/frames per second. With the F-4, in
order to track, you have to use the low setting. That gives you, as
I recall, about 1 1/2 frames per second. With the F-5, it can track
at its highest speed which is 7 or 8 frames per second, depending
on which power source (rechargeable battery pack or alkalines) that
you use. In ordinary shooting, the high frame rate may not be
needed but in action sports photography it's almost a necessity. I
shoot harness racing on a regular basis and the ability to catch a
horse in perfect stride is something that the F-5 does more
consistently than the F-4.
Have fun, Ed

 

[alfred_schiele]

Hi

1. Matrix metering.

That's true! F5 colour matrix metering is really the best I ever tried.

2. Autofocus speed - it won't have the latest, fastest module.

Maybe, but because F4 AF field is smaller than todays designs like F5 it is very accurate on the point you need. Never had any issues with F4 while I had with F5, slightly. F4 is not as good for moved subjects of course!

Can anyone comment on these two items?

In addition I found the F4 viewfinder a little bit brighter. The LCD screen in F5 makes it a little darker additionally. Nevertheless both viewfinders are excellent. And nothing beats FM-2 in viewfinder brightness... (;

Regards, A. Schiele

P.S. Before I forget, both are not digial (-;

 

[John Woo]

Dan,

Really thanks a lot to clarify that for me.

Dan

Thanks for yorr reply. BTW which one is heavier?? F4s with MB21 or
F5 please?? Also is the Logo "F4s" really on the right front of the
camera??

I'm still waiting for that "digital back" for the F5 that everyone
talked about back in 1996 when the F5 was new. Can't wait any
longer....getting the D100.

To clarify on what I poste earlier... the F4s/e has matrix
metering. But I strongly suspect that it is not as advanced as
what you find on todays F5/F100. On the other hand the matrix
metering works with older manual focus AIS lenses, if you have any.

By the way, what's the difference of F4s from F4 or F4e...and even
for F4s, only the logo of F4 appears on the body of the camera??

1. Matrix metering.
2. Autofocus speed - it won't have the latest, fastest module.

Can anyone comment on these two items?

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of
used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

John---The biggest difference between the F-4 and the F-5, to my
mind, is the focus tracking/frames per second. With the F-4, in
order to track, you have to use the low setting. That gives you, as
I recall, about 1 1/2 frames per second. With the F-5, it can track
at its highest speed which is 7 or 8 frames per second, depending
on which power source (rechargeable battery pack or alkalines) that
you use. In ordinary shooting, the high frame rate may not be
needed but in action sports photography it's almost a necessity. I
shoot harness racing on a regular basis and the ability to catch a
horse in perfect stride is something that the F-5 does more
consistently than the F-4.
Have fun, Ed

 

[Thom Hogan]

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of
used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

The basic differences are listed at the start of my F5 review (www.bythom.com/f5.htm). To that, add: the F4 is no longer made.

Other answers:

• Yes, the F4 appears to use AF-S lenses just fine
• The F4 with the MB-20 battery back is smaller and lighter than the F5
• Only F4 appears on the body, the extra letter indicates only the battery pack differences, and Europe and the US got different BPs.

--
Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide
author, Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D100
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1x
http://www.bythom.com

 

[John Woo]

Thanks a lot for your info, Thom. I am bidding a F4s now in ebay.

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of
used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

The basic differences are listed at the start of my F5 review
(www.bythom.com/f5.htm). To that, add: the F4 is no longer made.

Other answers:

• Yes, the F4 appears to use AF-S lenses just fine
• The F4 with the MB-20 battery back is smaller and lighter than

the F5

• Only F4 appears on the body, the extra letter indicates only the

battery pack differences, and Europe and the US got different BPs.

--
Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide
author, Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D100
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1x
http://www.bythom.com

 

[Ron Frank]

Hi John,

The basic differences between the F5 and F4s are:

F4s - do not use NiMH, lithium
does not have a color meter
does not have the AF select areas
slightly slower AF (but not much)
1/2 the price of the F5

I'm sure there are a few more. IMO nothing here that would result in my puchase of a F5. I've had my F4s maybe 12 years (can not really remember). It shoots today as it did when I purchased it, solid. With digital here I skipped the F5, and got a D1x.

Ron

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of
used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

 

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

One thing no one mentioned is that the F4 is the most sophisticated body that can still use Non-AI lenses. The F5 does not have the metal tab on the Aperture Indexing ring that flips up to allow the old F/F2 lenses to be attached.

Now, one needs to meter at the shooting aperture, but it does work. Plus, the F4 is the only body that used matrix metering and could attach a non-AI lens (everything else was center weighted).

Of course, this may not mean much to most folks. There are some sweet deals on non-AI lenses to be had, though, since they can't mount on any of the current cameras (or most of the older ones, for that matter).

I find it interesting that one can pull off a brand-new AFS lens and attach a 1959 one in it's place.

Stan

Are the functions of these 2 camera differ that much?? In terms of
used items, I think F4s is just the half price of F5.

--
Amateur Photographer
Professional Electronics Development Engineer