Nikon N65 35mm Film Camera

Product Rating
4.37 of 5
118 reviews

Price Range
$150 - $150

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Product Description

Summary

This is a good camera for the bucks. It feels and works like a more expensive camera.

Strength

Compact size and easy to use.

Weakness

Setting dial can move without realizing.

Summary

I think this is a GREAT camera. Having started off with a Yashica that's at least 25 years old was very frustrating. This camera was easy to learn on and takes great pictures. It has the capability of being a point and shoot, or a semi-professional camera.
I've read complaints that this camera has a "cheap" feel to it. Nah. I've used others with cheaper feels to them. I would highly recommend this camera to pretty much anyone. Read through the entire instruction manual, and you'll get some real insight to it's full potential.
True, it's not an N80 or an F-100, but for those who aren't quite professional but still want to take great pictures, the N65 is your camera.

Strength

-Positioning of controls
-Speedlight
-3D Matrix Metering
-Lightweight
-Multiple focus areas
-Multiple exposure
-Full control or full automatic
-2.5 frames per sec.
-It gives you its opinion if it thinks the exposure is wrong (somewhat)

Weakness

-The Minimum aperture lock lever on the Nikkor 28-80mm lens is flimsy
-A bit pricey, but what isn't?!?

Summary

This is a very good mid-level, fuller-featured 35mm camera, and if one spends the money for a good lens (and possibly flash) it's a good rig and will take good pix. My biggest complaint is not with the camera but how it's marketed by both Nikon and salespeople: I'd been away from the field for a decade or more, and to read the glossy print you'd think the N65 is a substitute pro camera in a plastic consumer-market body. NOT. But taken for what it is (a plastic-bodied consumer-market camera with a lot of really good features) it is a good value and a very good camera. But I wouldn't want to take it on outdoorsy outings, in the cold/wet/gritty/etc.

Four+ stars for value and features, three stars overall only because of the nits with the controls and how they seem to be pushing the thing out of it's niche in order to attract more buyers.

Strength

Good camera for the price, lots of value in there. Lots of features, good pre-programmed DOF control (and other) modes, etc etc. Spend the money for a good lens and it's not a bad camera. Spend the money for a really good lens and it will take really good photos in most conditions. And remember that the lenses can grow with you (modern Nikon lenses fit nearly all their modern cameras.)

Weakness

Left thumb wheel is too easy to bump out of position, needs lock or "bump protector." I didn't like the feel, location, and assigned functionality of many of the controls. Self-timer, while essentially a standard at 10 secs, leaves one scrambling when using it. And since no remote of any type available at this time, that is bad. Some of the controls felt cheap/gritty, which did not instill confidence. The exposure control seemed to be fooled once in a while (or perhaps it was that thumb wheel getting bumped.) AF seeks too much in less-than-ideal lighting.

Summary

The N65 is Nikon's best beginner SLR ever. It includes the broadest range of features ever offered by Nikon including its "Vari Program" modes selected with a single dial on the top deck. Beginners can use this simple to use way to progress from rank novice on to more controlled modes. The Dynamic 3D focus capability with "close focus priority" or "focus tracking" are valuable features "trickled down" from its pro line.

The depth of field preview capability is a useful feature usually not found on cameras in this price range. A user adjustable diopter control is a nice addition for those with less than perfect eyesight.

The camera's built-in Speedlight has all the capability of that on the N80 including balanced 3D fill, slow synch, rear sync, and red eye reduction.

While this camera might not be up to the rigors of pro use, the camera is not overly built and its small size and light weight (around 14 ounces) are welcome attributes for a beginner.

While Nikon has detoured from its usual design philosophies in building the N65, it still retains details that make it a true Nikon. For instance, users will see plastic where Nikon usually uses steel in the film pressure plate, guides and rails. However, the pentaprism is still glass and the mount in the venerable steel Nikon F.

I don't believe there's a more valuable beginner SLR on the market.

Strength

A powerful and compelling novice SLR camera and intro to Nikon's SLR system. Has features not found in competing models at this price point. It's built-in flash matches features found in the N80.

Weakness

May not be as durable as other Nikon novice SLRs. Was a bit sad that the DX setting couldn't be overridden (other than by the exposure compensation) as I normally shoot Velvia (ISO 50) at an exposure index of 40. However, most beginners rarely bias film speeds. Heck, most don't use slide film.

Summary

This is an excellent beginner camera. It's very intuitive, and produces great pictures, even if you're just starting. It's a wonderful step up from point-and-shoot and is portable and convenient for amateurs and even some pros. What I love about it is that you can grow with it as you learn more about photography. Great job, Nikon!

Strength

Great price; 3D Matrix Metering system; depth-of-field previw; 2.5 fps; light-weight and portable; good quality built

Weakness

None really; may not be enough for some pro photographers