The Nikon N8008, also known as the Nikon F-801 in some regions, is a film camera released by Nikon in 1988. It was the first true autofocus SLR camera to be introduced by Nikon and was designed to cater to the needs of professional and enthusiast photographers. The N8008 offered advanced features and cutting-edge technology at the time, making it a popular choice among photographers.
**Key Features**
1. **Autofocus and Metering**: The N8008 boasted a sophisticated autofocus system, which allowed for quick and accurate focusing. It featured a 3D matrix metering system that measured light from multiple points in the frame, ensuring accurate exposure calculation.
2. **Film Advancement**: The camera had a motorized film advance system, allowing for consistent and rapid film advancing between shots. This feature was particularly useful in fast-paced shooting situations.
3. **Shutter Speed and Exposure Control**: The N8008 had a versatile shutter speed range of 30 seconds to 1/8000th of a second, providing photographers with the flexibility to capture images in various lighting conditions. It also offered different exposure modes, including aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and manual mode.
4. **Interchangeable Lenses**: Like most SLR cameras, the N8008 utilized interchangeable lenses, giving photographers the freedom to choose a lens that suited their shooting style and creative vision. It was compatible with Nikon’s extensive range of F-mount lenses.
**Release Date and Price**
The Nikon N8008 was officially released in 1988 and was available at a retail price of around $600. Adjusted for inflation, this would be roughly equivalent to $1,300 in today’s currency.
**My Experience with the Nikon N8008**
As a photography enthusiast, I had the opportunity to use the Nikon N8008, and it quickly became one of my favorite film cameras. The autofocus system was remarkably fast and accurate, allowing me to capture sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
The 3D matrix metering system was a game-changer, as it ensured accurate exposure in a wide range of situations. This feature significantly reduced the time I spent on manual exposure adjustments, allowing me to focus more on composing my shots.
The motorized film advance was a blessing during fast-paced photography sessions, enabling me to capture multiple shots without missing a beat. The camera’s compatibility with Nikon’s F-mount lenses was an added advantage, as I could explore different focal lengths and achieve diverse creative effects.
Overall, the Nikon N8008 was a reliable and feature-packed film camera that offered excellent performance. It played a significant role in my photographic journey and is still cherished by many photographers today.
In conclusion, the Nikon N8008 was a groundbreaking film camera that introduced advanced autofocus technology to the world of SLR photography. Its impressive features, including autofocus, metering, and interchangeable lenses, made it a popular choice among professionals and enthusiasts alike. Despite being released over three decades ago, the N8008 continues to be a beloved camera among film photography enthusiasts.
