I bought a used N4004 "on the cheap" in October 2001. I knew
next to nothing about the camera, only that it was an autofocus
Nikon SLR and probably worth every penny I was paying for it. (As I
said, I picked it up cheap.) I've created this page to share my
research on the camera, one I quickly learned is reviled for slow
autofocus, among other things. For instance, one Web
page states "it's AF is pretty close to worthless."
Having used my N4004, I have to agree with those who say it has
slow autofocus. It's not intolerable, but my N6006 is much better. The N6006 also lets you
choose between continuous autofocus and "focus-and-lock" (Single
Servo AF). The N4004 will only focus once and then lock on the
subject. If you want to refocus, you must let go of the shutter
button, then activate it again.
The entry-level N4004 offers no meter coupling to older lenses,
AI or not. Only AF lenses will couple to the metering system. Worse
yet, once you switch from automatic exposure, the N4004 provides no
metering information at all. (And even with auto exposure, it only
provides a "too dark, use flash" indicator.)
The N4004 has its pros and cons - and sometimes the same
feature makes both lists. For instance, it was created as an
alternative to point-and-shoot cameras, so the viewfinder is
particularly sparse with information. It doesn't display the
shutter speed or lens opening. For the 35mm tyro, that makes for a
less confusing camera; for the seasoned user, it's a frustrating
lack of information.
The viewfinder will let you know when you should use flash. The
built-in flash covers a 28mm lens and is good to about 10' with ISO
100 film and common zooms in the 28-70 or 35-105 range. With ISO
400 film you can double that. Range also increases with faster
lenses, and flash exposure is measured through the lens (TTL) with
either the built-in flash or any dedicated flash with a TTL
contact.
Matrix metering: Yes, but only 3 segments.
The N6006 cannot autofocus any lens slower than f/5.6. It cannot
meter at all with non-AF lenses or in manual mode.
Now that I've had the opportunity to run some film through the
camera, I'm less impressed than ever. The wind mechanism is noisy,
and I've been unable to make it function in any mode except for
program mode when my Vivitar 19-35 zoom is attached. While okay for
a tyro or as an emergency backup body, I'm glad this isn't my
primary camera.
Go to Nikon AF SLR home
page.
