Viewfinders is where we all compose and get inspired with our shots. So far, since the early 90's, I've used and tried almost all pro Nikon bodies from the F2 to the D3X and the best viewfinder imo is the one from the F4. Big, bright, crisp, lifelike focus and I can see all four corners without peering too closely into the viewfinder. Even the D3X viewfinder feels small in comparison to the F4.
My point here is, if only Nikon can bring a revised version of these type of viewfinders into their next pro bodies. I had these thought for so many years and just managed to share it now. I still carry my F4 on most days, just to "exercise" my eyes. So, what do you think in your opinion is the best viewfinder from Nikon?
Yes, the F3HP gets close to that "spacious" viewfinder feel that the F4 offers. The F5 however isn't as close to the other two and I still have my old F5. The F5 af focus points can be confusing sometimes.
Agree on the F4. It's the best. Also the best ergonomics and best feel of any camera. In both the the plain F4 version and the F4s version. The F4E grip was just too large. The thing I really like about the F4 finder besides the items you mentioned is that all the info you need is readily available in the finder without taking your eye away. I would love to have a digital back on that body.
I owned the F3HP and liked its viewfinder the best. Utter simplicity - just shutter speed and F/stop. Screen engraving showed metering area (80/20) and split image focusing. Lets you get on with composition in that High Eyepoint view. I used the F4, and it is very good, but ultimately, for me, I came to appreciate the near battery-less operation of the F2.
The F2 has a viewfinder that while not HP is still very good and simple. Especially with the Zeiss ZF lenses.
I wish Nikon felt there was a market for a retro type DSLR with a simple viewfinder. I'd even go LCD less - more challenging and surprising.
^yeah I've said that a few times too - give us a retro manual focus (maybe some hidden upgraded manual focus confirmation tools?) digital SLR with no LCD even to keep it as compact and stylish as possible. Embed wifi or bluetooth so you could use a smartphone or tablet or laptop as an LCD!
Even if it wasn't ultimately profitable they could probably make so much PR with it, and stress the vast array of old and new lenses that can be used with it, something their competition can't do and most people aren't aware of.
In my opinion, by FAR the best "viewfinder" is Live View. I only used is sparingly up till the last year or so. Now, just about every macro or landscape is composed in Live View. For whatever reason, it seems like I make better compostions via Live View than the viewfinder - and I'm really not sure why. I've been an active photographer since 1985 and have used my share of both 35mm, digital, and medium format finders. However, Live View just seems to work better for me.
The other great thing about Live View is that it allows you to work away from the viewfinder hole. It's awesome for awkward macros or when you're camera is dangling form a tripod over a steep waterfall and you can't really get your head to where you have the camera positioned (last week).
Big, bright, crisp, lifelike focus and I can see all four corners without peering too closely into the viewfinder. Even the D3X viewfinder feels small in comparison to the F4.