A New Chapter: Embracing the Nikon F80
For years, my photographic journey has been linked to the tactile precision of the Leica system for both my M10 and M6. Zone focusing and manual exposure. I haven’t been one to embrace or use the Sunny 16 rule. The deliberate, fully manual approach of the rangefinder has been my constant companion, a testament to the joy of slowing down and truly making a photograph.
Weirdly, I have found this to be an irritant on the M6 film camera, but something of a joy on the digital M10. I think this is more to do with the chimping effect, than anything else.
Since dropping my M6 and damaging the film winder (I can’t bring myself to write a blog post about it, but in essence I thought the cameara was attached to my wrist strap, let go of it and watched in slow motion as it hit the floor and bent the aluminium film winder), I’ve been using my Minolta X500 camera with a 28mm lens. I must say it’s been an absolute delight. Whilst zone focusing isn’t a direct comparison to the M6, it’s been okay.
I’ve had a rethink with my camera equipment and considered whether or not to dispose of some of my lesser used equipment. Whilst I loved my Chamonix 45N2 4x5 large format camera, I wasn’t using it at all and decided to sell it on eBay and to require some equipment that I would put to better use. I initially considered buying the Fuji GW670 medium format camera, - the Texas Leica - but couldn’t justify the £1,400+ price tag.
On consideration, I decided to look at acquiring a 35mm auto focus film SLR camera. Something that would be a lot more comfortable on the pocket, and also be put into far much more use than a 4x5 view camera.
The decision to step away from the purely manual world of the M6 wasn't taken lightly, but the F80 offers a compelling proposition. It represents a bridge, a way to explore the capabilities of a more automated system while still retaining the soul and charm of film.
Autofocus - CHECK, auto film load - CHECK, Auto film rewind - CHECK.
The images in this blogpost, are from the first three rolls, I put through the camera yesterday on Kodak 5222 Double XX film.
The F80, known as the N80 in North America, was a remarkably advanced camera for its time, boasting features that many digital photographers take for granted today.
First impressions are key, and holding the F80, I'm struck by its ergonomic design. It feels substantial yet comfortable in the hand, a far cry from the dense, compact brick of the Leica. The controls are intuitively placed, promising a more fluid shooting experience. I'm particularly excited about the autofocus system. After years of meticulously splitting an image in the rangefinder, the idea of swift, accurate focusing is both liberating and a little daunting.
This isn't about abandoning the Leica; it's about expanding my toolkit. Imagine capturing the bustling Lanes of Brighton and Hove with the speed and precision the F80 offers, or perhaps experimenting with its multiple exposure mode to create ethereal street scenes. I'm eager to see how the matrix metering handles the challenging light often found on the Sussex coast, from the bright, open expanse of the beach to the shadowy alleyways.
The F80 also opens up a world of Nikon lenses, and I'm looking forward to exploring different focal lengths and apertures that were less practical with my M6 setup. This camera feels like a doorway to new creative avenues, a chance to experiment with different photographic approaches without sacrificing the beautiful rendering of film.
My first roll has been a very pleasant surprise and I'm already envisioning the possibilities. This isn't just a camera; it's an invitation to learn, adapt, and grow as a photographer. Wish me luck as I navigate the exciting new terrain of the Nikon F80! I'll be sharing my initial results and thoughts soon.
Until next time, keep snapping.