Nikon F4 - Exposure Control

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MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE ("M")

The Nikon F4 is essentially a sophisticated automatic SLR camera. It depends on individual preference, the few exposure control methods provided in the camera such the discussed dual program AE is basically letting the camera take control of all the situation in shutter speed and aperture selection to deliver a good exposure; in both Shutter Priority and Aperture Priority AE mode, the camera will decide to match the aperture and shutter speed based on your selection of exposure mode - seemingly, one way or another, the F4 provides throughout or partial automatic control to help you to be more responsive in taking pictures. However, this camera also provides an manual control mode as alternative - which means to say, everything is going back to basic - you set the shutter speed on the dial, the aperture on the lense and as well as focusing - all will be done manually

I have heard about people insisting taking images only with an old, trusty mechanical camera because it allows him to use it entirely in "manual control". Well, if you want to be a hero, just set your F4 to "M" on BOTH shooting mode switch and exposure selector lever - you will have exactly what you are aiming for, a totally manual control SLR, just like one of those mechanical Nikon FM2n or an older professional class camera such as a Nikon F2 ! EXCEPT in a way, while you are still in absolute in control of everything but the camera's also doing it for you. Why ? While a Nikon FM2 may has only center-weighted metering via its built-in light sensor to give you an exposure guide; the Nikon F4 has THREE options - Matrix, Center-Weighted or Spot metering to aid you to get more precise measurement of exposures.

Unlike a simple three-LEDs display used in the FM2n, with the F4, any deviation from the metered exposure value (Matrix, Center-Weighted or Spot) will be indicated in 1/3 EV steps in the viewfinder's LCD display. The display also shows the shutter speed set; the aperture set is visible in the ADR (Aperture Direct Readout) window. How nice huh ? So, why are you resisting using an automatic SLR such as a F4 in manual mode as in principle, it works the manner ? Unless of cause, you preferred to hear the solid mechanical sound while advancing the film and how the shutter closes after an exposure....

<<< ---- Image from my copyright-free image collection. Malaysian Internet Resources

Well, I am not here to start a debate whether manual exposure should also be operating absolutely in a mechanical camera or not. But with the F4, the Manual Exposure mode requires both shutter speed and aperture be set by the user manually to achieve a technically desired similar effect. basically, the theory of use fast shutter speeds to stop the action, slower speeds to create motion effects or fuzzy outlines. Manually setting the exposure mode also lets you control depth of field, either by softening the background so the main subject of the picture stands out, or by creating overall uniform sharpness. But on applications, this mode is very useful when you have decided to use a FIXED exposure value not affected by external factors. For an instance, a long session of flash photography with a particular subject inside a studio with controlled environment.

NOTE: In a rare case senario, the limited edition Nikon F4P with TWO additional shutter speed settings of 1/350 sec and 1/750 sec. sandwitching the 1/500 sec. (see the Variant Section for more info) adds another level of control for some priviledged owner of that model. However, as the number of that LE model is limited and should not use it as a general reference.

Viewfinder Display in A Mode The shutter speed ring's 19 settings (4 sec. to 1/8880 sec. with X, T and B) can be used in manually. The selection of aperture values (Red) depends on individual lense. With an AF lense, you can release the aperture lock (green). The ADR scales (blue) on the lense relay the aperture selected on the lense to the middle of the viewfinder.

The LCD display shows metering system employs, shutter speed set and the electronic analog display system shows scales with a four f-stops range - two f-stops under exposure and two f-stops over. The under and over ends of the scale are represented by a ''-' and "+" sign on either end which signifies under and overexposure. The hash mark at dead center indicates a neutral value for correct exposure setting.

Each f-stop is separated by 3 marks to indicate delicate exposure readings in 1/3 stop increment. These indicators will react to changes in either shifting the shutter speed setting on the shutter speed ring or when you turn the aperture ring on the lense. Basically, the shutter speed can be set to "T", "X" or 4 sec - 1/8880 sec. in 1EV step. The shutter speed is indicated in 1EV step inside the finder. Aperture value is indicated according to the aperture on the lense selected and shown via the optical direct reading (ADR) and the exposure display comprises and indicates by a bar graph, in 1/3 EV steps within the range of +- E EV steps.

Set any of the click-stopped calibrated shutter speeds on the shutter speed dial (4 sec. to 1/8880 sec., the T, B and X settings will shows a different display - both the T and B will have no indicative exposure data while the X-setting will automatically switch to 1/250 sec. the highest permission flash synchronization speed with the camera.

Note*: The "T" setting is for time exposure and basically, this setting is actually a mechanical control setting. Although supposedly operates without batteries, it actually requires electric current to release the shutter during the early stage of operation. The power will terminate in approx. 32 seconds after activated to conserve energy. (Read more at the shutter unit section).

Once the shutter is tripped, the shutter will remain open for as long as the shutter speed dial is turned to other setting. It requires no cable release and it is a great feature for long time exposure. The "B" is a bulb setting. The shutter remains open as long as the shutter release is depressed and/or the terminal release is activated via a cable release. The difference from T setting is, it still consume power for as long as the it is activated so, it is not advisable to use for long time exposure. The "X" is a 1/250 flash sync. Although designed for non-Nikon dedicated flash use (in connection with the PC terminal and/or the accessory hot shoe but with a capable Nikon TTL speedlight, it can be used in TTL flash metering.

The Nikon f4 does not provide with a popular one touch highlight/shadow control that first introduced by Olympus OM3 and OM4. When dealing with a high contrast scene such as this portraiture shot, revert to manual exposure control is assuring with an intended result. Naturally, you can also use exposure compensation control and/or exposure lock to fix a predetermined exposure value. Anyway, it is always recommended to bracket an exposure or two as any preset exposure or locked exposure may present differing degree of photographic results. Further, when using an AF-Nikkor, it can be quite tricky to lock a specific focus area at such close distance, in such case, manual focusing is more easier to handle.

Credit: Image courtesy of Mr. EEwynFoo ® <eewyn@yahoo.com>. Image copyright © 2003. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.

Note**: The lense aperture ring may be continuously adjusted (i.e., intermediate f/stops are usable). Adjust aperture and/or shutter speed referring to the Electronic Analog Display in the viewfinder LCD. The Electronic Analog Display range is +2EV to -2EV, in increments of 1/3 EV. Also please note*** that with a capable Nikon speedlight, the F4's manual mode is also workable with Nikon's TTL balanced-fill flash operations.

The flash metering can also be considered as another option offers in the Nikon F4 as it is not just a standalone mode and can be used in conjunction with various exposure control modes. The stopped down metering (press the depth of field preview button and meters using actual aperture value with picture taking lense) - useful when the camera is not directly connected to the optic such as older versions of Bellows, Extensions (rings or connectors etc.) completes the 5 metering systems provide in the Nikon F4.

Overall, I think with what the Nikon F4 can provide in exposure measurement should be more than enough to cover any imaginary situations in shooting requirement. If you are still complaining, just think back those days of the Nikon F2 and even the simple auto exposure of Nikon F3, both of these two professional class Nikon SLRs have lasted two generations prior to the availability of Nikon F4's awesome exposure capabilities - there could have been million of great images taken with those oldies and no one is complaining about with their seemingly primitive ways of achieving exposure control. Hey - may I ask - what is going on with you using a F4 ? one thing is for sure, whatever it is, there will be nothing wrong with the camera.. Errr..

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Part I - IV: Dual Program AE | Shutter Priority AE | Aperture Priority AE with Alternative Controls | Manual Exposure Control |

| BACK | to Index Page - Exposure Control with Nikon F4 series
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The Camera Body - Features | Reliability | Focusing | Metering | Exposure Control | Lense Compatibility | Interchangeable Prisms | Data Film Backs | Various Power Sources | Focusing Screens | Flash Photography | Other system accessories | Cases for Nikon F4 Series | Remote Control |

| Specification | Main Reference Map | Nikon F4 Variants
Instruction Manual: PDF (4.5M) - External Link

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Nikon Auto Focus Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page
Nikon Manual Focus Nikkor lenses:- Fisheye-Nikkor Lenses - Circular | Full Frame | Ultrawides Lenses - 13mm 15mm 18mm 20mm | Wideangle Lenses - 24mm 28mm 35mm | Standard Lenses - 45mm 50mm 58mm | Telephoto Lenses - 85mm 105mm 135mm 180mm & 200mm | Super-Telephoto Lenses - 300mm 400mm 500mm 600mm 800mm 1200mm |

Index Page
Special Application lenses:
Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm
Perspective Control (PC) - 28mm 35mm PC-Micro 85mm
Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF
Depth of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm
Medical Nikkor: 120mm 200mm
Reflex-Nikkor Lenses - 500mm 1000mm 2000mm
Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm
Nikon Series E Lenses: 28mm 35mm 50mm 100mm 135mm | E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm 75~150mm 70~210mm

MF Zoom-Nikkor Lenses: 25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm | 35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm | 100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm

Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E | TC-16 | TC-16A | TC-20E

Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

W A R N I N G: The New G-SERIES Nikkor lenses have no aperture ring on the lense, they cannot adjust aperture(s) when operating in manual exposure control even with certain earlier AF Nikon SLR camera models. Similarly, not ALL features provide in a modern AF-S series AF-Nikkor lenses can be utilized fully with a Nikon F4. Please refer to your local distributor for compatibility issue(s).

PLEASE NOTE: Complimentary links are appreciative but it is not necessary, I have limited bandwidth here in this server... So, PLEASE don't distribute this URL to any bulk mailing list or unrelated user-groups, just be a little considerate, thank you. (The more you distribute, the slower this server will response to your requests...). I am NOT a Nikon nor Nikkor expert, so don't send me any mails, use the Message Board Instead. While the content prepared herein should be adequate for anyone to understand and evaluate whether you should invest into a used Nikon F4 pro-camera system for your kind of photography. Well, IF you like what you have seen so far, please help to perfect this site by reporting any broken links or any errors made.

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Credit: Chuck Hester, US for his patience, encouragement and help to setup the various content in this site; Robert Johnson for some of his original images on the F2H-MD appeared in this site; my ex-staff, KiaSu for his superb 3-D logo appeared in this Nikon F2 site; Marc Vorgers from Holland who generously provide me with some of his images of F2AS; MCLau®, who has so much time with me to re-edit the content in this site and not to mention buying a Nikon Coolpix 990 just for this site; Paul Armstrong (pkared@ameritech.net) for his explantion of the FF2 Slidemagic and Nikon F2 Pin Camera Keat Photo, Kuala Lumpur for providing their Nikon F2A to take some images for this site; Mr Edward Ngoh the great camera collector who provides us his collection of F2AS with MD-2; hawkeye.photographic.com for their images on the Speed Magny film backs; Sean Cranor for his image on Nikon F2 25th Anniversary Model; Ted Wengelaar®, Holland for his continuous flow of input on some of the early Nikon bodies; Genesis-Camera for granting permission to use an image of the SS-F2 camera; Mr Sover Wong, Australia for those great images of his rare F2 Gold;CYLeow ®, photo editor of the Star newspaper, Malaysia for some of his images used in this site. Ms Rissa Chan, Sales manager from Shriro Malaysia who has helped to provide some of the very useful input. HiuraShinsaku®, Nikomat ML, Japan for some of his images on various F2 models; my staff, Wati, Maisa, Mai and my nephew, EEWyn®, who volunteered and helping me did so many of the film scanning works; Hong-sien Kwee of Singapore for all the Nikon F2 Pin camera images appeared in this site; Luigi Crescenzi for many of his images on the Nikon F2 Titan; John for two of his images of the Nikon F2/T used in this site; Contributing photographers or resellers: Jen Siow, Foo KokKin, Arthur Teng, Mark Fallander, John Ishii, Ed Hassel, YoonKi Kim, Jean-Louis, M.Dugentas (Dell Corner.com.), Mr "Arsenall", Yang Zi Xiong and a few images mailed in from surfers with no appropriate reference to their origin. Note:certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets, brochures published by Nikon and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their own work to publish in this site based on educational merits. The creator of this site will not be responsible for any discrepancies that may arise from such possible dispute except rectifying them after verification."Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" & "Nikkor" are registered tradename of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. A site made with an Apple IMac.