Nikon F4

  • Matrix metering
  • Centre-weighted average
  • Spot

The Nikon F4 was the first true professional Nikon camera with an integrated autofocus system, and the second professional Nikon camera with auto focus after F3AF. You should replace with your introduction in 1988, the Nikon F3 ( but which has been built on the basis of demand until about 2003 on)., Designed by the Italian designer Giorgio Giugiaro F4 represented a major step forward as the previous jumps from the Nikon F to F2 and F3 for, as they also have a built-in motor drive, a much faster shutter and complex exposure measurement functions except autofocus had.

Compared to semi-professional Nikon F801, the autofocus speed was increased again. The autofocus of the F4 also has an automatic focus tracking on the camera or moving away objects, the focus of the lens as calculated in that the optimum focus is achieved at the moment when the mirror is already folded up and the shutter curtain will already opens. In terms of equipment, the F4 of the F801 had anticipated some features, these include above all the interchangeable viewfinder and spot metering. However, the Nikon F801s was soon presented, which also had spot metering.

Variants

  • Q4: This camera version was delivered without a vertical shutter release, but the handle is offered four batteries of the format AA place name MB - 20th The burst speed is 4 frames per second.
  • F4s: This is the most popular F4 version. The battery grip with vertical shutter release (designation MB -21) was supplied with the camera, it offers a total of 6 AA batteries or rechargeable place. The continuous shooting speed increases to 5.7 frames per second.
  • F4E: This variant was initially delivered only in Japan, the later variant also occurred in Europe in the stores. It is, as with F4s a battery pack with vertical shutter release with the camera attached, but in a different form, title MB - 23rd This takes on special batteries, which allow a continuous shooting speed of 5.7 frames per second.

Interchangeable viewfinder

As is already known since the Nikon F, this camera also provides the ability to change the viewfinder. A total of four interchangeable viewfinder of Nikon were offered, with the prism finder DP -20 was supplied with the camera. This viewfinder will only fit the F4.

  • Prism finder DP -20: Standard equipment for the F4, supports all three metering modes. In addition, he has a built- diopter correction (from -3 to 1 diopter) and a built-in eyepiece shutter. An ISO - center contact is provided on site.
  • Sports finder DA -20: only supports Center-weighted - and spot metering. This viewfinder was just like the DP - 20 is equipped with an ISO - center contact.
  • Lichtschachtsucher DW -20: only supports spot metering. The viewfinder shows the image upside down. A five-fold magnifying glass was installed.
  • Six- Magnification Finder DW -21: has a built-in magnifying glass, eyepiece from above, only spot metering. It is ideal for the photomicrograph in order to ensure adaptation to the eye may, the viewfinder eyepiece has a diopter from -5 to 3.

Exposure

At Belichtungssteuereungsmodi the Nikon F4:

  • Program AE P (not shiftbar )
  • High Speed ​​Program AE Ph ( not shiftbar )
  • Automatic mode A
  • Shutter-Priority Auto S
  • Manual, cross-coupled Metered M

The individual modes are set via a slide switch under the Belichtungskorrekturrad.

Unlike fully electronic cameras the shutter is still adjusted on the lens, the time is set like a traditional SLR at shutter ( left of the viewfinder ). If you want to photograph Program AE or aperture priority mode, so you have the aperture ring on the lens to the lowest value ( highest number ) set, otherwise the camera will report an error ( in the viewfinder LCD displays Fee ) and the trigger is blocked.

There is no way the camera body itself is, adjust the aperture, the fully electronic G- Nikkor lenses can program or aperture priority mode only be used in the modes.

Metering

In terms of metering are a 5 field matrix metering, center -weighted metering and spot metering. The measurement characteristic change occurs at a switch on the right side of the viewfinder.

Other Accessories

In addition to the investigators and battery handles and the rear wall to the multifunction rear walls MF -22 and MF -23 and MF -24 magazine -length film for 250 exposures is replaceable.

Classification

With the Nikon F4 in 1988 to the professional sector the autofocus on after it has been some attempts using a specially equipped F3 before. Simultaneously, the first autofocus lenses (AF - Nikkor lenses ) came on the market. Unlike some of its competitors Nikon changed the F bayonet not, so at the F4 continue all available Nikon lenses could be used. Competitor Canon introduced a year later with the EOS - 1 is also a professional camera that adoption of the F4 in different areas, eg the autofocus speed was superior. In the course of Canon lenses with ultrasonic drive developed that had a further speed advantage. This prompted many professional sports photographers to adjust their equipment to Canon. In the field of sports photography, which was for many years a domain of Nikon, Canon thus gained the upper hand. It was not until 1996 with the Nikon AF-S Nikkor lenses also presented with ultrasonic drive and F5 could be reclaimed market share again.

However, although the Nikon F4 is still considered by many photographers as an excellent camera, it meant the end for Nikon 's market leadership in professional SLR photography.

Frame rate Metering mode#Average metering Flash synchronization Canon Inc. Nikon F5
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