A simple 35mm camera outfit

[@comfortablyblind6853]

I was in a thrift store yesterday and found the N55 "outfit." It didn't come with the big lens, but what the "outfit" does come with was all in the box. It looks like it has never been used. I paid 25 American dollars and ran to get batteries. It fired right up and is waiting for film. I'm quite happy about it.

[@SteveONions]

They are surprisingly good cameras for the price, incredibly light and easy to carry all day.

[@danbuchman7497]

How ironic that to use a beginners camera, you have to be an experienced photographer. Excellent content as always and excited to see the results of your little stroll.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you liked it Dan.

[@michaelbailey1578]

I wasn't particularly interested in the F55, but I haven't tuned in to your videos for some time (life intervenes) and always enjoy your work and approach to photo work. I bought a F55 for my wife; she really just wanted a point-and-shoot. I works great for her purposes. I'm glad your still working Steve, you're an inspiration to me. Thanks.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Michael, I hope your wife likes the F55.

[@sophietucker1255]

Nice little bit of kit there. I have a F, F2 and a F3 with a nice little selection of prime lenses that I dearly love. I'm 70 and don't do nearly as much mountain hikes as I used to so the added weight of the F's isn't as big an issue for me. Also the F and F2 don't need batteries at all to function at all speeds and that is an added advantage in my book. If I really need something small and light I will take my Olympus PenF digital with the 12-40mm Pro f2.8 or my Nikon 35Ti. Still love your newest addition and the videos too.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Sophie. I prefer the feel of my older metal Nikon’s, the Nikkormat FT2 is such a brick. Like you I also have M43 and love carrying the G80 Panasonic with the 14-140 which covers every situation I’m likely to encounter.

[@unfotografodepelicula]

I had an f60 and it was a great camera to walk around and landscaping, now I'm back to my FM2n and F100 ;) great video!!! thanks!!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@marieta.s]

I actually own a F75 similar to what you just showed us. I bought it around 2002 when I enrolled at my local photo club for classes and they taught us to shoot film. It was that time when digital was just starting and for film cameras was the beginning of the end. I still have it and you brought up a lot of nice memories. 😃

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed the trip down memory lane Marieta.

[@lesliewalters3896]

I remember using the f55 and that 28-80mm lens with slide film and was blown away by the sharpness,colour and exposure of that combination. If someone takes care and doesn't machine gun through a roll, then it's not so expensive. Looking forward to your Hill trip

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Leslie. I always believe in using something before passing judgement and agree that the lens can be spectacular despite the low price and build quality. Nobody cares what you use as long as the results are good 🙂

[@demetriossporgitas2596]

I use the F55 with a Sigma Art 35 f1.4 lens! It doesn't autofocus but everything else works like a charm! I used it with Kodak Ektar to great results.

[@ChristopherMay]

The late, great Galen Rowell was a fan of the 28-80 for his more extreme photography. He paired it with an N65 which is similar in specs and abilities to your F55. I look forward to seeing how you put your new kit to use!

[@SteveONions]

I recall that now Christopher, nobody complained about the quality of Galen’s images either.

[@doctorbohr1585]

Even Ken Rockwell rates it! Its quality is bizarre.

[@robhosailor]

I have and use with pleasure Nikon N55 which is particularly the same camera branded for USA market. It is great camera indeed. Thanks for another great review!

[@SteveONions]

Glad you liked it Robert.

[@dejong431]

Like it! Much overlooked entry level Cameras / Kit lenses, but it is what you do with it rather than having the most expensive on paper best lens. Good use to take the weigth as criterium to take what equipment to take with you on a hike! Sorry for not commenting your videos but have been watching them all!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Jan. there’s definitely too much focus on the camera and not enough on the images. The general public don’t care what you use to get a shot, only other photographers.

[@doctorbohr1585]

I bought one of these a year ago for $70. That 3.3-5.6 lens, despite being a plastic pos, is amazingly good. In fact, for the price it's superb.

[@borderlands6606]

The Nikon 28-80 3.5-5.6 D (1999-2001) is an excellent lens. The G is also very good. The autofocus packed in on my F55 - given the nature of old screw focus Nikons manual focus is no hardship! It was the smallest Nikon, slightly smaller than the Canon 3000 series IIRC.

[@SteveONions]

Yes, another good Nikkor. The autofocus on the F55 is fragile indeed, I have two broken ones!

[@jw48335]

Great coverage and points. I've got three of the Rebel Ti film bodies kicking around, bought at thrift stores for $20 each. They're essentially disposable, used whenever I don't want to risk my other kit. The Elan 7 is the mid-grade Canon, and the EOS 3 would be semi-pro, maybe a bit higher spec than the F100. What I like about the Canon is the Image stabilized consumer primes and zooms. Specifically the 28-135mm IS and 35mm IS. It helps so much with my shaky hands, which was reason enough to choose Canon over Nikon. Looking forward to seeing your N55 vid next!

[@SteveONions]

I’m less familiar with Canon Jeremy but I’m sure the same applies. I also have a couple of VR zooms for the Nikon that allow very slow shutter speeds for handholding.

[@jackyleecs]

This was my first film SLR when I started more seriously playing with photography! I bought it in around 2002 - 2003. I sold the 28-80mm G kit lens and paired it with a AFD 50mm f1.4. The set up was lightweight and convenient to carry around.

[@SteveONions]

I bet the lens weighed as much as the camera Jacky 🙂

[@thegroove2000]

Literally just ordered the kit on eBay because of your review.

[@SteveONions]

Hope you like it!

[@johnlavin-ford8372]

Fantastic unboxing video Steve, puts mine to shame..... I still have an F100 and an F5 and there's very little between them especially with the vertical grip on the F100. Both share the magnesium alloy body and both very weather resistant. The F5 is more flexible though in that you can remove the whole viewfinder assembly and offers few more frames per second... Gosh those were the days lol... 36exp gone in a few seconds. I love the fact you still use film. I really ought to bite the bullet and use those lovely machines. You are an inspiration.

[@SteveONions]

I do like the bigger cameras John but often prefer to take something more lightweight and cheap, especially on longer walks.

[@johnlavin-ford8372]

@@SteveONions I canot fault your logic Steve... I really do appreciate light weight gear as it takes the added pressure off you and helps to reduce the exhaustion.... Lol.. But for some reason I am still exhausted after a hike even if I carry nothing.. Probably as I am old.. I recently purchased an old Leica and I love it to bits. It slows me right down.

[@SteveONions]

I always get tired too John, I’ve begrudgingly learned to accept it but it is annoying 🙂

[@AliasJimWirth]

Always interesting content, Steve, never a disappoint. Thanks for posting.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you James 😊

[@Ktheodoss]

It was an amazing camera. Mine still works !

[@ashjkennedy]

I was gifted this kit a few years ago and it's now in storage. I might get it out purely for a hike or roadtrip with friends! Looking forward to seeing the next video.

[@SteveONions]

It’s worth digging out Ash, a surprisingly useful camera.

[@bernardphilips3423]

Super vidéo comme d habitude

[@SteveONions]

Merci 😊

[@milanmedek3555]

Nice video. I started with an F50 more the 20 years ago. My first Nikon. Still works today, however I use an FM2 now.

[@redbank542]

I bought an F75 and added a f1.8 50mm lens. Great photos from it. I’m also still using an Olympus OM10. The 50mm lens on that is brilliant

[@SteveONions]

Plenty of life left I these old cameras yet 🙂

[@chevy2die]

I literally received my F100 in the mail yesterday! It's a beast but I can't wait to go out and put some rolls through it!

[@SteveONions]

I love my F100 Andrew but it rarely gets out. I should take it with me today as I go into Liverpool for a couple of hours (Delta 400 feels about right looking at the skies) 🙂

[@chacker]

It's nice to see someone use entry level gear with full awareness of its weaknesses and on purpose. You said several times "I have many of them" ... how many of these cameras did you ... I mean, you know these are not single use cameras intentionally 😉

[@sophietucker1255]

Isn't that true. A tool, all tools, have certain things and areas that they work best in. As a tool user it is our job to understand those limits and work within them.

[@SteveONions]

I think I have four F55’s, two with broken autofocus. If I see them going really cheap I’ll pick them up, nice to have spares. Same for the F80, four of those but the prices are starting to climb.

[@chacker]

@@sophietucker1255 so true!

[@chacker]

@@SteveONions you might up the prices by your own "high" demand 😁

[@minisla]

Great to hear about these cameras. I own the f65, F75, F80, and even a few F60 bodies. Probably shoot with the F75 more than the others. Love how easy they are to use. Lenses aren't too bad either. Bit fiddly but they do the trick.

[@SteveONions]

Absolutely 👍

[@steven1000000000]

After seeing this video, I went on ebay and bought a boxed f55 kit with some filters and bits for £59. It's for my brother as a christmas present as he's got some better Nikon glass and was looking for a cheap body. I've never been able to unbox any film camera, so this should be a first. Ultimately, the body isn't that important - it's more about the glass and film.

[@SteveONions]

I think he’ll love it Martin, an outfit for under £60 that can be used to cover almost any situation 👍

[@lensman5762]

Some of the cheap as chips Nikon lenses, actually have amazing performance if used with common sense, as you correctly mentioned. I have a 28~105 AF-D which at F8 or about is indistinguishable from my old 35~ 70 AF-D F2.8, and I know the latter is a superb lens from a period when Nikon Pro lenses were made of metal and built to last. The 28 ~105 is a superb walk about lens when mounted on either my F80 or F90X. I have a Sigma 24~ 105 F4 ART lens for my Nikon D800. It is a superb lens but it is almost a 1Kg in weight . I feel that I am more inclined to carry the little EM5 MKii with the 12~40 F2.8 Pro than the heavy Nikons these days.

[@SteveONions]

I’m also a big fan of the 28-105 and currently have one. I used to pair my original version with the F80 and found I lacked very little. I’m also impressed by the lack of distortion with this lens which makes it perfect for shooting buildings and other man made objects.

[@johnyutzey6504]

Absolutely agree with you about the 28-80 kit lens. Superb. I no longer have mine; I use a Tamron 28-200 (A03) instead, but wish I had kept the 28-80 it was that good.

[@SteveONions]

I’m also a fan of the later Tamron 28-200 John, I have two and find the build and light weight perfect for hiking.

[@johnyutzey6504]

@@SteveONions Yep. The Tamron on a Nikon N80, a 50 1.8 and a couple extra rolls of film in a pocket, a light tripod if required. All I need for an outing.

[@mathiasanders3946]

I own a F65 with the battery-grip..and i love it! And if it breaks get a "new" one for a penny or two :-)

[@ytuberization]

Take the F65, F75 or F80. The F55 has some reliability issues and can‘t use the modern F-mount AF-S G lenses, in contrast to the others. Spot metering in the F80 is an important advantage compared to the others.

[@DI-cm5xc]

Many thanks for the video Steve. Yep, the “Thousand and One Nights” page is so interesting, especially for an old Nikon user from the early seventies til now. Mysteriously, it has also led to a gradual shrinking of my purse. Funny how these things happen. Newer lenses can be superb performers but in my opinion can’t beat the satisfaction of holding a small, solid, beautiful chunk of metal and glass, be it a Nikkor or other premium brand from 50-60 years ago.

[@SteveONions]

I also appreciate my older Nikkors, amazing build and feel, not to mention how small they made them and so many have the wonderful 52mm filter thread.

[@DI-cm5xc]

@@SteveONions Ditto on the filters. I’m a y48 short of a complete set of b&w filters. Will probably complete the set, but 3 yellows seems a bit much. Love the beautiful screw cases they came in as well.

[@carlmorrow1]

Good purchase Steve, as you say some of those kit lenses from that time are very sharp at f8 or f11. i use the canon 38-76mm reversed for macro work (jumping spiders and ants usually). Have had it for 20 years now. Keep up the good work.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Carl.

[@jhenline7813]

That 55 looks very like the Minolta 505 si which can be bought for around £10 on eBay!! Ive taken some really good quality images on the 505 and it has never failed. In fact I have three, as I used to use different films st the same time. The lens mount is metal and I think Minolta is underrated when compared to Nikon. Looking forward to seeing you ‘´up the mountain‘´ Steve.

[@SteveONions]

You’ve got me interested in the Minolta now 😟. I don’t need another system but when has that ever mattered? 😀

[@MattParryPhoto]

This was my first SLR bought in Singapore while backpacking back in 2002! I had both of those lenses too. I dug it out the loft when i started shooting film again in 2016 and the mirror had dropped and not worth the effort to fix. Sold the lenses!

[@SteveONions]

They aren’t worth fixing Matt, easier to buy another one.

[@tobywoolgar9517]

Iv got the canon version the 300v so easy and great auto focus and super light weight .

[@kenblair2538]

Great video, Steve. I'm loving that N(F) 70 I picked up off Ebay, recently. All my old film cameras , require hand metering and was looking for something with a little more automation. It came with a 28-80 zoom. I wanted a 50mm, and found one, not paying attention to specs. It is only auto focus, but for some reason, not compatible with the auto focus of the N 70. It is a AF Nikkor 50mm f1.8 . Apparently an older model. I don't mind the manual focus, but the lens is very sharp. Looking forward to the climbing videos. KB.

[@SteveONions]

Most of the older AF lenses should work Ken, just avoid AF-S. the autofocus mechanism of the F55 is very weak and two of mine are faulty.

[@spuggym8986]

Got a Pentax SV for 85 pounds with a Super Takumar 50mm f1.8, I think the only other SLR I'd want to buy is probably a Nikon F for the waist level viewfinder. Granted I do have a Canon Rebel G which is similar to this, and for a trip out where I dont want to think too much about looking after the gear thats definitely one to consider. I guess this type is good for digital shooters coming into film if they have the same camera systems due to the lens compatability

[@SteveONions]

The lens compatibility is a huge advantage for me and if you can share with film/digital bodies it makes a lot of sense to stick with one manufacturer.

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

I have an N75, very similar, but no lens at present as the cheap sigma it came with died, so looking for the 50mm f1.8 I think. Unfortunately, it won't work with manual focus lenses.

[@SteveONions]

Shame about the MF lens compatibility, affects other bodies up to the F80 also 🙁

[@SammySantiagoIrizarry]

Excellent video Steve! Thanks to the Digital Age we have now a lot of entry levels analog cameras for a few dollards, perfect for hikes and traveling.

[@SteveONions]

Definitely Sammy, digital has made film photography much more affordable - for the time being at least.

[@ldstirling]

Steve, is that another silver F55 with 28-80mm kit lens on that shelf in the background of your video? If so, is that camera broken or still in-use?

[@SteveONions]

It is indeed another F55, lens is fine but the AF is broken (like yet another F55 I own).

[@Morongobill]

Steve, I was hoping you'd put an F5 out on the desk😉

[@SteveONions]

I was too 😀

[@refard5]

love my f80

[@SteveONions]

Me too 😀

[@ruudmaas2480]

Now I know for 100%. It is the photographer and not the expensive gear that makes art. I still have a brand new F80 with a nikkor AF 50mm 1,8 D lens. Perhaps a spare one ? :)) At this moment i only use my digital fuji set up.

[@SteveONions]

I must get another 50 1.8 D Ruud, makes a good combination with a slow zoom.

[@oilyrag525]

Both of these kit lenses have plastic mounts which will break in time. It did on my otherwise excellent 28-80 when two of the three locking tabs broke rendering the lens useless. And it wasn't me being hamfisted as I'm always very careful with my gear.

[@SteveONions]

A broke one of the 28-80’s by removing the lens hood too quickly. It broke the focus mechanism completely. Sadly it was in San Francisco on the 1st day of my holiday 🙁

[@jonnoMoto]

That's more or less what I bought 20urs ago. An f65. Lenses were the same but black. Added the 50mm f1.8 pretty soon on. The 70-300 is ok but pretty crap at 300mm. Used mine hiking, out mountain biking, rock climbing. The 28-100 finally died whilst caving. Still use it today but did suffer the Nikon sticky rubber

[@SteveONions]

The lenses do not stand up to hard use for long but they are great nonetheless 👍

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Interesting -- in my COVID-coping I have collected way too many "vintage" cameras -- including many examples of the last generation of Nikon AF SLRs. Often the cheapest (original pricing) ones seem to hold up the best as far as electronics. I do have a working F100 (they are rather pricey currently). I also have a handful of F80s -- and none of them work completely, they all have some oddities with the electronics. Oh -- and don't get me started on the sticky, black "rubber" coatings! If you know of a reliable solution to getting rid of the stickiness *PLEASE* let me know! The only advantage that I see is that you are less likely to drop the camera as it is stuck to your hand!!! Cheers!

[@SteveONions]

Ah, the sticky rubber issue. I eventually found a way of fixing this (mostly) using a combination of rubbing alcohol and a general purpose spray cleaner (armourall I think). I use them one after the other with plenty of elbow grease and it gradually shifts it. The final finish is a little bit smoother than a new camera but perfectly acceptable.

[@kenblair2538]

Yep, rubbing alcohol worked for me, on the N70 I acquired.

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Wanted an N65 body as a back-up to my beloved N80…you called them F (double digit) models over there….

[@SteveONions]

Yes, all Nikons were ‘F’ in the UK Michael until the advent of digital

[@valdezapg]

I would be worried about the plastic lens mount, also how good is the meter compared to f80 or f100 if shooting slides. anyways i dont own a slr film camera but have been eyeing the f75 because it is lighter and cheaper than f80, just not sure if its metering is as good as f80 for slides and if it scratches film.

[@SteveONions]

The metering is spot on like all my other Nikon’s. The plastic lens mount is only a problem in terms of durability, the image results do not suffer because of it thankfully.

[@georgehuman7253]

F80 could be all I'd ever use, if it could use manual lenses. I love it anyway :)

[@ldstirling]

There is so much to like about the F80. It has about 75% of the performance and capability of the F100 for about 30% of the price. The F80 is lighter-duty, with less weather sealing but it's got everything I was used to having on my D700 DSLR. One big difference is that the shutter speed and aperture adjustments are in one-half stop increments on the F80 instead of one-third stop increments. Another is that it takes CR123 batteries, which are still pretty easy to find, but less optimal.

[@SteveONions]

Absolutely yes! I’m the same, it would be the go to Nikon for everything. Makes me want to get a few small AF primes to go with it.

[@jimgraves4197]

The F55 is a great camera for any level of ability. Nikon have long had a policy of giving novice photographers a great starting package that continues to this day with the Z cameras.

[@SteveONions]

Absolutely Jim. Apart from build quality the results from the camera are as good as any other Nikon.

[@AliasJimWirth]

Yes, Steve, I asked right off why did you buy it.

[@SteveONions]

I’m a sucker for a bargain 😊

[@AliasJimWirth]

@@SteveONions I can relate to that. Sometimes really hard to pass on a good bargain. I usually don't.

[@Lebenspiel]

You know Steve, it depends on point of view.

[@marcp.1752]

The F55 is great to get the job done. Shooting APX 100, Tri-X 400, Pro Image 100 with it. (can't use Adox CMS 20 Pro (II) because of the lack of being a DX cartridge) No ISO Speed Setting. Pro very small & light cheapskate disposable or bad weather SLR great 1st AF SLR for a Film Beginner Top LCD Display (albeit without backlight) 28-80G Kitlens is with good Image Quality (at F8-F11 usage) PASM Dial (Standard) 3D Matrix Metering build-in Speedlight (i never use flash) Contra only 3 AF points (way good enough) AF Points are not illuminated into OVF (F75, F80, F100 Feature & up) No VR Support plastic Lens Mount Shutterspeed up to 1/2000s only no ISO Dial/ISO changeable besides hacking the DX Film code (same: F75) only avialable into silver color only Nikkor G and AF-D Lenses support No AF-S Lens Support Autofocus could brake anytime due a serial error on serveral charges into production line (Nikon can't fix this anymore - would cost a ton more than your 2nd hand F55 anyway nowadays)

[@SteveONions]

I also see them as largely disposable and don’t mind risking them on really rough walks.

[@marcp.1752]

@@SteveONions Yes. I mean, i always care for my gear, but i wouldn't mind, if the F55 or my X300(s) would catch a few raindrops, or -snow. That's what i've been using them also, on bad weather. I don't want, or could afford to waste a XD7, or F80, or X-E1....

[@marcp.1752]

Funny thing, Steve! I have the F55 besides my F75 & F80, and with the 28-70 AF-D, i am using the F55 most. Why? It's basically a displaceable SLR nowadays, and was the last Nikon SLR from afaik 2003, coming to market before DSLRs became mainstream (The D1 was already sitting there since 1999 - but only with the D50, and D70(s) & D40, DSLRs from Nikon became an affordabe Mainstream Camera) Some years ago, the F55 was the cheapest SLR with AF to find (5 to 10 EUR, body only - even some months ago into 2021) now no more. To the readers of this channel - beware of the F55, one thing: Nikon admitted, and made a service issue - the AF could stop anytime, anywhere, and then, some semiconductors on the mainboard of the F55 are gone south - so be very careful, buying a 2nd hand ebay F55, because it could be like an manual SLR only. Especially when people saying "not tested, untested...empty battery, no film to test...and so on...) Good luck!

[@SteveONions]

The autofocus is very weak Marc, I have four of these cameras and two have broken AF 🙁

[@marcp.1752]

@@SteveONions Like i told you Steve. It's a serial issue with the F55 Bodies. I bought my 1st F55 into 2003, but it never had that issue..didn't used it much..and sold it some years later, i think into 2008. My 2nd F55, i bought last year, still going strong.

[@marcp.1752]

@@SteveONions Well, this is not the (AF Speed) issue, it's fast enough. It's a technical, serial issue - that Nikon sadly only discovered later after some time....and made a statement, for free replacement, back into the day. But 2021 - one could sadly only trash them, or using them without AF, because another used, "new" F55 is way cheap. Funny thing aside, i found the F55 AF is way faster, than the F65 - it does have the AF Viewpoint illumination like the better F75, and also 5 AF Points, but my F65 is really painfully slow with AF.

[@tacituskilgore8379]

It's a good chance to show off your handsome face, O'Nions!

[@SteveONions]

😀

[@weisserth]

Paper lenses. I get why you bought this, but quite honestly buying crappy cheap stuff over time is more expensive than buying something proper once.

[@SteveONions]

When weight counts I’d take one of these cheap cameras every time 🙂