The F60 is a reasonably capable (but fairly basic) entry-level SLR. Discontinued now, but can be bought very cheaply secondhand. The body has a very plasticky feel to it; the plastic is slightly textured, but it isn't covered with any grippy substance (eg. rubber) at all. This makes the camera feel cheap (which it is) and fragile.
The camera has a fair amount of preset shooting modes (this could be good for a beginner) in addition to the usual P, S, A, & M modes. The shutter speed range is 30 secs - 1/2000th sec + B, flash sync is 1/125th sec. The motor wind is slow (only 1 fps), with continuous drive only available in "sport/action" mode (as is continuous AF).
Being an entry level model; the F60 only works properly with either AF, AF-D, AF-G lenses. AI or AI-S lenses can be used, but the lightmeter won't work. AF-S lenses allow the lightmeter to function, but the AF won't (AF-S lenses are probably beyond the reach of many F60 owners, due to their cost).
Matrix metering (3D metering if "D" or "G" lenses are used) is available in all(?) modes apart from M (where centre-weighted metering is used). If exposure lock (AEL) is used, centre-weighted metering is used in all modes)
I've only had one problem with mine in the five years I've owned it. On one occasion, the command dial had no affect (simply switching the camera off/on sorted the problem though).
An OK camera; but if you are after a decent SLR camera, a better purchase would be a F80.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
(+) Fold out LCD screen, Image Stabilization, Zuiko lens quality, Picture quality, Flash options (-) Noise in low light, Too many buttons, Badly laid out, Too many gimmicks
A lot of professionals prefer the older style digital SLRs, they were made so much more reliably than the later models, I agree, they are all plasticy! just a word of advice though, when/if changing lenses, make sure the camera has been off for a while and try to change the in a dust-free environment otherwise you'll get dust specks on the CCD which needs professional cleaning!
oldgoth 26.11.2005 01:32
I perfer the old Nikon F501 and 601 as they feel abit more solid, plus you can use some old nikon lenes.
soamiguy 26.11.2005 00:15
Good review - not knowing much about cameras I got a bit lost with all the abbreviations tho!! Rob
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Nov 25th, 2005
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