Preview: This is a standard 35MM SLR from Nikon. It falls in the mid-range and is classified as ’amateur-body’ by Nikon. In the US it is known as N70 and in Asia and the rest of the world it goes by F70. The only way to get this camera at the moment is from a second hand dealer or on Ebay, since Nikon has stopped manufacturing this model. I have tried using a lot of other cameras in the Minolta and Canon range, but for some reason, I found the Nikons more reliable and sturdy. I started my experiments in photography using a Yashica FX3, Vivitar 2000S and would strongly recommend the use of manual bodies for beginners. I have had my N70 for almost two years now, and while there have been moments of frustration especially in the beginning, overall I can say that this is a very good camera giving you good results more often than not.
Usage : The camera body like all Nikons, is comfortable to hold with a good grip for the right hand while the left hand can be involved in changing the settings on the lens and so on. The dial, however is confusing and for the novices, it takes time to understand all the controls. Especially in the night, it would have really helped if it was illuminated. It does have options to set most settings in one place. Some options that may be controlled at the display include Shutter speed, Quick Recall, Focus Area, Film Speed Settings, Focus Mode, Aperture Mode, Exposure metering, Flash sync mode, Exposure compensation, Exposure bracketing, self timer, battery power. It does have a function button which can be pressed and the wheel moved to access the desired function. Once, the function has been approached, it is easy to change to the desired setting. Other models like the N75, N65, N80 have simpler options but once you get used to the circular dial of the N70, it is easy to get around.
Specifications:
Focus : Automatic with manual option. It has a focus lock and can also work in Salvo mode for fast moving objects, where it keeps the moving object in focus. For instance, a fast moving car.
Metering : Spot, Center and Matrix. It has three extra built in exposure meteres with matrix , center-weighted and spot metering. The matrix metering can be performed with any AF lens which has a CPU, but to use the 3D-Matrix metering, you need to have a Nikkor-D type lens which are more expensive than the usual AF lenses. A layman’s guide to this would be, where do you want maximum focus in the picture. Spot metering would help in capturing that eye of the Parrot on a tree, while for other general purposes, center-weighted would be more useful. 3D matrix is an advanced concept by Nikon where the focussing is performed by dividing the picture in a 3D matrix and coming up with the best setting.
Lenses : It can accommodate a total of 35 AF Nikkor lenses, ranging from 16mm f/2.8 fisheye to 700mm telephoto. D type lenses, which are known for 3D matrix metering capability, transmit subject distance to AE system. Manual Nikkor lenses can also be used, which include two shift lenses, with some restrictions on usage. In addition, lenses for N70 are also manufactured by Tamron, Sigma, etc. These are cheaper and work well. The G-Type lenses made by Nikon usually rely on the camera body to set the aperture, so these may not work on the N70 in Aperture-Priority mode. The N70 body does not have a facility to set the aperture and relies on the ring of the attached lens.
Depth of field Preview. Depth of field in a picture would translate to how much distance you need to be in focus in your picture. For portraits, where the background needs to be out of focus, a small depth is desired. Depth of Field preview helps in determining the depth in the final picture before taking a shot. The N70 does not have a depth of field preview option and it might need all your experience to calculate the depth needed in your pictures.
Multiple Exposures: The N70 lacks this feature, which is simply about exposing the same picture multiple times. eg- To take pictures of a solar eclipse on the same picture, expose the film multiple times with the sun in different positions.
Flash : The N70 does have a powerful Builtin flash and can accommodate other flashes from Nikon in more demanding conditions. The built in pop up flash prevents the red eye effect, which is the appearance of a red eye in your targets. Apparently caused by position of the flash at the same level of the lens or view finder, so that the retina of the subjects’ eye reflects the flash light causing a reddish effect.
Batteries : It uses two CR 123A batteries, which are more expensive than the usual ones. I wish, Nikon had stuck to the normal rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries for economy.
Weight: It weighs around 580gms, which does not make it the lightest camera in the market, but prevents unwanted camera shake and gives it a sturdy look. Atleast for me, I prefer the heavier ones.
View Finder : 92% coverage, which means the only 92% of the image in the viewfinder translates onto the final picture. This is very good for a camera in this range.
Exposure Modes : Programmed Auto, Vari-Program, Shutter-Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual. In the Programmed-Auto, the camera controls all options and you just aim and shoot. In the Vari-Program, you can use some of the standard settings like portrait, sport, night etc. In Shutter-Priority, you can control the shutter speeds while the rest in controlled by the camera. It is the same with the Aperture-Priority mode where the aperture is controlled by you and the camera does the rest. My advice would be to use the aperture mode, when you get some experience and never use the vari-modes. Trust your judgement better than some algorithm created in Japan.
Conclusion: A great camera at the price offered. It is unfortunate that Nikon does not make it anymore. As a good second camera, it offers a sturdy backup to your main camera. It comes close to the N80, considering the main features at a much lesser price. The main drawbacks of this camera include the learning curve for the display, lack of ’Depth of Field’ preview, multiple exposures. But even with all its drawbacks it is still a good buy. Log on to ebay, you may just find a great deal.
A Final Word: Well, as said and done an equipment is just as good as its user. The N70 does have impressive and helpful features which enable you to take great pictures, but a photographer is the one who makes the final decision before going for the final click. A creative eye and imagination is more important for photography than the equipment. You can get great pictures from that 10 yr old Vivitar if you put your mind and soul in it. So, don’t get carried away from the fancy, super performing cameras. Trust your instincts and go for it. Happy clicking.