OCD: Nikon AF

F3-AF: Nikon's earliest AF camera, they took an F3 and modified it with a special prism with an autofocus sensor. Unlike later models, which use a motor in the body to focus the lens, the F3-AF used AF lenses with the motor in the lens. A somewhat rare item these days, and with truly terrible autofocus capabilities compared to current cameras. Thus it's more of a collector's piece than a user camera (though it is fully usable with all manual focus Nikkors).
4004 Early amateur AF camera. Uses thumbwheels on the top of the camera to adjust shutter and aperture. Terrible AF by modern standards.
4004s Updated version of the 4004. Still terrible by modern standards.
5005 Complete upgrade of the 4004s. Not very fast AF by modern standards, but reasonable for non-demanding photographers.
6006 A good camera overall, it is still respected today as a good AF camera. AF isn't as fast or as accurate as current models, but the construction quality is far better than current cameras (such as the N70).
8008 Somewhat of a "cult" camera, the 8008 is a good overall camera with matrix metering and a nice complement of features. Construction quality is truly excellent, with an all metal body. AF is not very good by today's standards, but the camera is popular with those who want the advanced metering and features for their manual focus lenses, and use AF only occasionally.
8008sUpgrade of the 8008. Featuring the same AF sensor as the F4s, this camera remains popular with photographers, who like the combination of reasonable AF, extensive features, and construction quality not seen in cameras today (except in the N90 or higher).
F4/F4s Professional tank still popular with a number of photographers. As a pure AF body, it isn't the greatest (hence the number of people who switched to Canon a few years back), but as a professional machine it works exceptionally well. This camera has the best viewfinder of any Nikon AF camera for use with older manual focus lenses. The motor drive runs at up to 5.7 fps, which will kill a 36 exposure roll in about 6 seconds flat. Great for those who want a professional camera with excellent features, and for whom AF is not a primary concern.
N50 Amateur level camera from a few years back. Reasonable AF, but has severe restrictions when using older manual focus lenses. The tiny buttons on the camera used to change settings annoyed a number of people.
N60 Replacement for the N50, the N60 is the only current entry-level AF camera to actually have a metal frame underneath all the plastic. A very simple camera to operate, it's probably the best entry-level camera available at the moment. However, amateurs and more serious photographers should NOT consider this camera as it is somewhat limited. FOr such photographers, an N70 would be a better choice.
N70 The current mid-level body, the N70 is a good overall camera. Constuction quality is quite good, features are extensive, and operation is relatively easy.
N80 A new camera not yet available (due to ship in mid-May), it offers the same AF system found in the F-100 and similar body styling. Operation appears to have been greatly simplified, without sacrificing features. Unlike most AF cameras, the N80 will take a STANDARD(!!!) cable release, not an expensive electronic one. Overall, it looks like an excellent addition to the Nikon line.
N90/N90s Full-featured and offering accessories not generally available for other cameras (such as the MF-26 Multi-control back), the N90 and the upgraded N90s have remained extremely popular despite being somewhat dated - teh N90s was introduced in sometime around 1994-1995. AF is accurate, fast, and body construction is very rugged. A number of professionals use the N90 both as backup and main cameras, and it is one of the most popular models for serious amateurs. A truly excellent camera whose only drawback is the lack of multiple exposures and autobracketing without the MF-26 control back.
F-100 Ladies and gentlemen, this is what the F5 SHOULD HAVE BEEN. A great professional camera with all the features you need, the F-100 is one of my favorite cameras on the market. Great Dynamic AF system that works very well and is amazingly fast. Tank-like construction, as seen with all F-series cameras.
F5 The current top-of-the-line. Expensive, big, heavy, and with every feature possible. The Color meter is truly innovative, but drains batteries faster than any other metering mode. Overall, a great camera, but expensive and should be considered only by professionals who need more than the F-100 and those with large bank accounts.

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