Nikon F4 User Manual

linstruction Manuali

H

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

NOMENCLATURE ............................................................... 5-12

OPERATION ...................................................................... 13-27

MOUNTING THE LENS
INSTALLING BATTERIES
CHECKING BATTERY POWER

LOADING FILM .................................................................. 20-21

FUNCTION SETTING
SHOOTING
REWINDING FILM

CONTROLS IN DETAIL...................................................... 28-78

FILM SPEED DIAL ............................................................. 28-29

Using DX-Coded Film .......................................................... 28

Manual Film Speed Setting

FILM ADVANCE MODES .................................................. 30-31

Mode Selection

FOCUS MODES.................................................................. 32-43

Manual Focus with Electronic Range Finder
Manual Focus Using Clear Matte Field

Autofocus.............................................................................. 35

Autofocus Operation ....................................................... 35-36

Focus Tracking................................................................ 37-38

Taking Pictures with Main Subject Off-Center

Special Focusing Situations ................................................ 41

Autofocus with Optional Autofocus Speedlights

Freeze Focus ....................................................................... 43

EXPOSURE METERING SYSTEMS.................................. 44-47

Matrix Metering .................................................................... 44

Center-Weighted Metering
Spot Metering
Metering System Selection

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14-17
17-19

23-25
26-27

39-41

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13

22

29

31

32-33

34

45
45

46-47

4

42

EXPOSURE MODES

Manual Exposure Mode................................................... 48-50

Programmed Auto Exposure Modes

Shutter-Priority Auto Exposure Mode ............................. 54-56

Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure Mode............................ 57-58

Stop-Down Exposure Metering ............................................ 59

EXPOSURE COMPENSATION

In Automatic Exposure Modes

AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) Button ................................ 60-61

Exposure Compensation Dial ......................................... 62-63

In Manual Exposure Mode
Auto Exposure Bracketing

SHUTTER SPEED DIAL

B Setting................................................................................ 67

T Setting................................................................................ 68

X Setting................................................................................ 68

DEPTH-OF-FIELD PREVIEW BUTTON

METER COUPLING LEVER .................................................... 70

MIRROR LOCKUP LEVER ..................................................... 71

SELF-TIMER ............................................................................ 72

MULTIPLE EXPOSURE LEVER
ALTERNATIVE SHUTTER RELEASE BUTTON

SYNC TERMINAL..................................................................... 75

VIEWFINDER ILLUMINATOR SWITCH................................... 75

MULTI-METER FINDER DP-20

Diopter Adjustment Knob ..................................................... 77

Eyepiece Shutter Lever

Exposure Compensation Dial for Interchangeable

Focusing Screens

Accessory Shoe

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48-59

51-53

60-66
60-62

64-65

67-68

76-78

66

69

73

77

78
78

74

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY................................................... 79-85

Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash In Each Exposure Mode . . 80-81

Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash.................................................... 82

Center-Weighted Fill-Flash
Rear-Curtain Sync Flash Photography

Multiple Flash Photography.................................................. 85

LENSES ............................................................................. 86-87

Lens Compatibility Chart

ACCESSORIES ............................................................... 88-101

INTERCHANGEABLE VIEWFINDERS .............................. 88-89

INTERCHANGEABLE FOCUSING SCREENS

Focusing Screen Selector Guide

POWER SOURCES ................................................................ 92

OPTIONAL SPEEDLIGHTS
OPTIONAL CAMERA BACKS

VIEWING ACCESSORIES ................................................. 96-97

CLOSE-UP ACCESSORIES............................................... 98-99

REMOTE CONTROL ACCESSORIES

CAMERA CARE TIPS

NOTES ON BATTERIES ............................................... 104-105

SPECIFICATIONS

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82-83

84

86-87

90-91

91

93

94-95

100-101

102-103

106-109

FOREWORD

Thank you for purchasing the F4. We’re sure it wiii make photography more exciting and

rewarding than ever.

With a weaith of exciting new features, the Nikon F4 is designed to be as up to date as
you are in your approach to photography. Uitra-fast autofocus, versatiie Matrix Metering,

Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash, an unprecedented fast shutter speed of 1/8000 sec. and flash
sync speed of 1/250 sec., top film advance speed of 5.7 fps, are just the beginning of

what you’ll discover in this ergonomically designed camera. At the same time, the F4

retains compatibility with virtually all Nikon lenses present and past, and a great many of
the accessories and attachments that make the Nikon System the most comprehensive
in all 35mm SLR photography.
We would like to think that the F4 is not only the fruit of Nikon’s commitment to perfec
tion, but is also Nikon’s joint creation with everyone committed to fine photography,

including yourself.
Get to know your F4, but before using it, be sure to read this manual thoroughly.

*For F4 series cameras, Nikon offers two versions - Nikon F4s with High Speed Battery Pack

MB-21 containing six AA-type batteries, and Nikon F4 with Battery Pack MB-20 containing
four /VA-type batteries.

*

NOMENCLATURE

CPU contacts

Aperture coupling lever

Self-timer indicator LED

Mirror lockup lever

Depth-of-field preview button
AF-L/AE-L simultaneous lock

lever

AE-L button

AF-L button

AF coupling

Tripod socket

Reflex mirror

Aperture direct-readout window

Film advance mode index

Film speed dial lock release

Film rewind crank

Film rewind knob

Alert LED

Shutter speed dial

Film rewind lever (R1)

Shutter release button

(R2) lock button

Film take-up spool

Film sprocket

Multi-Meter Finder DP-20

Accessory shoe

Eyepiece shutter lever

Viewfinder eyepiece

LCD illumination window

(finder side)

Metering system selector

Compensation value scale window

Shutter speed/metering system index

Diopter adjustment knob

Exposure compensation dial

for focusing screens

VIEWFINDER INFORMATION

ADR (Aperture Direct-Readout)

Focus indicators

Flash ready-light signal

Exposure compensation indicator

Note: This illustration shows all possible display

for referenoe only. During camera use, the
actual display will vary, depending on mode.

12mm-dia. reference circle

5mm-dia. reference circle

Aperture (P/S), A(A)
No indication (M)

AE-iock indicator

Metering system

Shutter speed

■a«/» □ 0 C _ ÈDL E GIG -D BC

AW G G G O - ■ -K- -O

P(P)
No indication (S/A/M)

S(S)
No indication (P/A/M)

Electronic analog display (M)
No indication (P/S/A)

High Speed Battery Pack MB-21

Grip portion (MB-21G)

Shutter release button lock lever

Shutter release button

Shutter lock index

Grip release lever

Battery chamber

Mounting screw

LED indicators

Guide pin

Battery check button

10

Battery holder (MS-21)

Bottom portion (MB-21B)

Remote terminal

Tripod socket

Nl-Cdl

1—

et

LR el

Battery selector

Lock screw

Battery Pack MB-20

Release lever

Battery chamber

11

Lens (AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4)

Infrared compensation index

Focusing ring

Distance scale window

Depth-of-field indicators

Aperture ring

Meter coupling ridge

CPU contacts

12

Distance/aperture index

Distance scaie

Minimum aperture lock

Aperture scaie

Aperture-direct-readout scaie

OPERATION

---------------

MOUNTING THE LENS

Remove body cap and front and rear lens caps.

See page 86 for Nikon lens
compatibility chart.

Twist lens counterclockwise until it

securely locks into place, make sure not

to touch lens release button.

To remove

To remove lens, press and hold lens release button and turn

lens clockwise.

13

INSTALLING BATTERIES

With High Speed Battery Pack MB-21

Remove grip (MB-21G) by rotating grip reiease lever counterclockwise (to (g ),

Remove battery holder (IvlS-21) from
bottom portion (MB-21 B).

14

Install three AA-type alkaline-manganese or NiCd batteries with terminals positioned
as shown inside battery holder.

Install three AA-type alkaline-manga
nese or NiCd batteries with terminals
positioned as shown inside grip. Then
set the battery selector inside grip to
“LR6’' for alkaline-manganese batteries,
or to “Ni-Cd” for NiCd batteries.

•When changing batteries, it is
not necessary to remove base
from camera body.

Slide battery holder back into base until
it locks into place.

Attach grip to camera body and turn release lever clockwise until it stops.

• To remove base from camera body, rotate lock screw coun
terclockwise using a coin.

•To attach base to camera body, align mounting screw and
guide pin with camera's tripod socket and guide hole, then
rotate lock screw clockwise with your fingers. (Do not use
a coin, screwdriver etc.)

15

With Battery Pack MB-20

I*

e

©^©

Rotate battery pack release lever counterclockwise (to g), and remove battery pack.

Attach battery pack to camera body and turn release lever clockwise until it stops.

16

Install four AA-type alkaline-manganese
batteries with terminals positioned as
shown inside battery pack,

Batteries with a "-I-’’ terminal
that exceeds 6mm in diameter
cannot be used.

1

J

n

At temperatures around 20°C
(68°F), AA-type alkaline-manga
nese batteries give the highest
overall performance, including
faster advance rates and a greater
number of rolls of film. At lower
temperatures, however, the perfor
mance of alkaline-manganese
batteries deteriorates. For shooting
at low temperatures, it is advised
that you use NiCd batteries. (See
table on page 108).

CHECKING BATTERY POWER

With High Speed Battery Pack MB-21

Push the battery check button.
If both LEDs light up, power is sufficient.

r

You can also check batteries by
contirming that the viewfinder LCD
is on, in the same manner as
when using the MB-20 (see

J

next page).

If only one LED comes on, replace
batteries.

If neifher LED lights up, batteries are
exhausted or improperly loaded.

17

With Battery Pack MB-20

To switch camera on: while pressing

lock release, turn film advance mode
selector from L (lock) position to S, Ch,

Cl, Cs or Ci) ■

If it turns off immediately after you remove your finger from the button, replace batteries.

18

Next, lightly press the shutter release button and confirm viewfinder LCD appears.
LCD stays on for approx, 16 sec. after you take your finger off button. This indicates
sufficient battery power.

If the shutter does not operate and display does not appear in the viewfinder,
batteries are exhausted or improperly loaded.

• The batteries operate both auto
focus function and camera

motor; when operation becomes
noticeably slower, change
batteries.

•To conserve battery power when

not using the camera, be sure to
turn film advance mode selector
to L.

19

LOADING FILM

With DX-coded film, while pressing lock
release, set film speed index at DX.

Í ^

«Usable film speed range for 1

DX-coded film is ISO 25 to 5000. I

I

«With non-DX-coded film, set to 1

j appropriate film speed from ISO

6 to 6400. For details on film
speed setting, see page 28.

1_____________________^

20

While sliding camera back lock lever, lift
film rewind knob. The camera back will

pop open.

Insert film cartridge.

r

------------------------------------------

• Do not touch shutter curtains
with your finger or wifh film

leader.

• To avoid fogging film (especially
high-ISO film), do nof load/

unload film in direct sunlight.

____________________________

^

J

Pull film leader across to red film index
mark.

Check to ensure film is properly posi
tioned with no slack, and close camera
back.

Fully depress shutter release button; film
automatically advances to frame 1.

P0D

During film loading, shutter does
not operate, helping save on
battery power. Additionally, the F4
uses a minimum length of film
leader, so you can expect to get a
full 36 exposures and, often, even
more.

21

FUNCTION SETTING

Focus mode:

Set focus mode selector to M (Manual Focus), S (Single Servo
Autofocus) or C (Continuous Servo Autofocus).
For details on focus mode, see page 32.

Exposure mode:

Set exposure mode selector to M (Manual), Ph (Fligh-Speed

Programmed Auto), P (Programmed Auto), S (Shutter-Priority

Auto) or A (Aperture-Priority Auto).

For detaiis on exposure modes and viewfinder LCD, see
page 48.

22

Metering system (with supplied standard Multi-Meter
Finder DP-20):

Set metering system selector to Matrix (K), Center-Weighted

((•)) or Spot (•).
For details on metering systems and viewfinder information,

see page 44.

Film advance mode:

While pressing the lock release, set the film advance mode to
S (Single frame), Ch (Continuous high speed). Cl (Continuous
low speed) or Cs (Continuous silent).
For details on film advance mode, see page 30.

SHOOTING

Position viewfinder focus brackets on
main subject.

In the manual focus mode, turn the lens focusing ring until the image in the viewfin
der appears sharp and/or the electronic range finder in-focus indicator (•) appears.

23

In the autofocus mode, position autofocus sensor area on
subject, lightly press shutter release button and confirm in
focus indicator LED (•) appears in the viewfinder. (In Focus
Tracking, the in-focus LED does not appear — see page 37.)

Keep your hands oft the lens focus ring when the focus mode
selector is set to S or C.

if (◄) does not disappear, the subject is closer than the closest
focusing distance of the iens in use. Move back from the
subject.

24

In the S (Single Servo Autofocus) mode, the shutter can be
released only when the in-focus indicator LED appears; once

the LED appears, focus is locked as long as the shutter release

button is lightly pressed,
If the subject moves and the focusing distance changes,
refocus by briefly removing finger from shutter release button

and lightly pressing again to reactivate autofocus operation, or

use Continuous Servo Autofocus mode or Focus Tracking. See
pages 35 and 37.

Viewfinder Focusing Screen
(B-type screen supplied as
standard)

Manual focusing is accomplished
using either the clear matte field

(focus until you see a sharp im

age) or the Electronic Rangefinder

(focus until In-focus indicator is
visible). If you choose an optional
screen, additional focus and
composition aids are available.

For details, see page 91.

Confirm exposure.
For details on viewfinder information in
each exposure mode, see pages 50
to 58.

Fully depress shutter release button to
take a picture. Film will automatically
advance by one frame. Viewfinder LCD
frame counter advances by 1.

f“ ——

• If any abnormality occurs during film advance, red alert LED blinks and
shutter locks. Open camera back and reload film.

• LCD indications turn off approx. 16 sec. after you remove your finger from the
shutter release button.

✓ V,

................

............

— ^

.

....

25

REWINDING FILM

Film advance stops automatically at end
of roll, and red LED lights up.

26

Power rewind

Turn film rewind levers (R1) and (R2), while pressing respective lock release. This
starts film rewinding.
During film rewind, red LED blinks, frame counter counts backward and rewind knob
turns. After film rewind stops automatically, red LED turns off.

*To rewind film before reaching end of roll, follow the same procedure.

• Releasing the shutter after film rewind resets R1 lever. R2 lever is automatical
ly reset when camera back is opened.

* •

V

Manual rewind

To rewind film manually, pull out film rewind lever (R1), lift film rewind crank and turn
it in the direction of the arrow until the tension is gone, indicating the film leader is
rewound completely back into the cartridge.
Confirm that the R2 lever has returned to original position; if not, move it back into
place.

Open camera back and remove film
cartridge.

27

CONTROLS IN DETAIL

-------------------------------

FILM SPEED DIAL

The F4 offers two ways to set film speed, depending on film in use.

DX-Coded Film

While pressing the lock release, set the film speed dial to DX,

Camera automatically senses film speed (ISO 25 to 5000) of
installed DX-coded film.

28

With dial set to DX, use only DX-coded film. If non-DX-coded
film or film with a defective DX code is loaded, or no film is
loaded, lightly pressing the shutter release button causes the
red alert LED to blink, and the shutter locks.

Manual Film Speed Setting

While pressing the lock release, set the film speed dial to the film’s ISO number.

__________

8 10 16 20 32 40 64 80 125 1 250 j 500 | 1000 1 2000| 4000j

12 25 50 100 200 400 800 1600 3200 6400

The scale on the dial has numbered settings for speeds from ISO 6 to 6400. Two
dots between each pair of ISO numbers stand for intermediate settings. Every posi
tion is locked in 1/3 EV steps. The table above shows the speeds for all intermediate
settings.

160 320 640 1250 2500 5000

If DX-coded film is loaded, but the film
speed is set manually, the camera gives
priority to the manually set ISO number.

29

FILM ADVANCE MODES

The F4 has four automatic film advance modes.

Single-frame shooting (S)

Fully depressing the shutter release button takes one picture,

and immediately advances the film by one frame.

30

Continuous shooting (Ch, Cl, Cs)

Shots are taken continuously as long as the shutter release

button is depressed. Choose Ch (Continuous high speed), Cl

(Continuous low speed) or Cs (Continuous silent). Continuous
silent (silent means very quiet environment) is for times when
conditions require a minimum of operating noise.
The next table shows film advance speed in each Continuous

mode:

With High Speed

Ch
Cl

Cs

For Continuous Servo Autofocus, with AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.3-

f/4.5 lens, new AA-type alkaline-manganese batteries, a shutter speed
of 1/250 sec. or faster, at normal termperature.

•Depends on brightness of available light.

Battery Pack MB-21

5.7 frames per second

3.4 fps* 3.3 fps*

1.0 fps 0.8 fps

With Battery Pack

MB-20

4.0 fps

• Continuous framing rates may vary with the autofocus mode
set to Single Servo because the shutter is released only when
the subject is in focus.

• With the autofocus mode set to Continuous Servo, the shutter
will fire when you press the shutter release button, regardless

of focus status. Autofocus will operate in Cl mode when re
quired focus adjustment is minimal. However, if considerable

focus adjustment time is necessary, there may not be suffi

cient time between frames for the required adjustment.

• For prolonged shooting at low temperatures, set the film

advance mode to S or Cl (except with autofocus mode at
Continuous Servo), In these modes, the shutter charging
motor and film advance motor are driven sequentially to save
battery power.

Mode Selection

While pressing the lock release, rotate film advance mode
selector.

Note that the selector includes a self-timer setting («£)).

31

FOCUS MODES

The advanced autofocus system of the F4 works even under
extremely low-light conditions — as low as EV minus 1. The
Electronic Rangefinder operates for both autofocus and

manual focusing. Manual focusing can also be accomplished
using the clear matte screen or any optional screen with an

optical rangefinder. Normally, the Electronic Rangefinder’s abil

ity to detect focus is superior to the human eye. However, there
are certain subjects that cannot be focused upon in any way —
such as shiny metallic subjects, blank walls, etc. In this case, X
appears and autofocus with an alternate subject at the same
distance or manual adjustment by estimating the distance is

recommended.

Manual Focus with Electronic Rangefinder

Manual focus using the Electronic Rangefinder works with most
Nikon lenses, including AF Nikkor when operated manually.
(For a complete list of usable lenses, see lens compatibility
chart, page 86.) Lenses with a maximum aperture slower than

f/5.6 are not suitable for Electronic Rangefinder focusing, even

though focus indicator LEDs appear. Focus using clear matte

field or change focusing screen to J type.

32

1. Set focus mode selector to M (manual), If lens has an A-M
switch, set to M.

2. Look Inside viewfinder and position focus brackets on the

main subject,
Lightly press shutter release button.

3. Keeping shutter release button lightly pressed, rotate lens
focusing ring manually and watch focus indicator LEDs
inside the viewfinder.

• If ◄ arrow (rear focus) or ► arrow (front focus) appears,

manually rotafe lens focusing ring in the direction indicat
ed until the in-focus indicator LED appears.

• If ◄ arrow does not disappear when you turn focus ring

counterclockwise to the limit, the subject is closer than the
closest focusing disfance of the lens. Move away from the
subject.

4. Confirm in-focus indicator LED appears, then fully depress
shutter release button.

33

Manual Focus Using Clear Matte Field

1. Set focus mode selector to M (manual).

2. Focus on subject using clear matte field.

34

Autofocus

The F4 provides two autofocus modes — Single Servo
Autofocus (S) and Continuous Servo Autofocus (C).

Single Servo Autofocus (S)

In Single Servo Autofocus mode (S), fhe shutter cannot be re
leased until the subject is in focus; once the subject is in focus,
the focus sfays locked for as long as the shutter release button
is lightly pressed.

Continuous Servo Autofocus (C)

The camera continues focusing for as long as you keep the
shutter release button lightly pressed. The shutter release but

ton can be fully depressed anytime, regardless of focus status,
except when film advance mode selector is set to Cl.

Autofocus Operation

1. Set focus mode selector to either S or C.
If the lens in use has an A-M switch, set switch to A.

2. Position viewfinder focus brackets on main subject.

35

3. Lightly press shutter release button to start Autofocus
function.

• In continuous shooting (Ch, Cl, Cs) with the autofocus mode

set to Single Servo, autofocus operates between exposures
for as long as the shutter release button remains depressed.

If the shooting distance changes during shooting in Cs
mode, remove your finger from the shutter release button
then press to start autofocus again.

36

4. Confirm the viewfinder in-focus indicator appears, then fully
depress shutter release button to take an in-focus picture.

• In Single Servo Autofocus, if in-focus indicator LED does
not appear and X appears, shutter locks.

• In Continuous Servo shooting, focusing sharpness
depends on subject speed and direction; autofocus may
not always operate fast enough to follow certain subjects,
so automatic Focus Tracking may be recommended — see
page 37.

Focus Tracking

When shooting a moving subject, with the focus mode set to
Continuous Servo Autofocus and the film advance mode to
Low-Speed Continuous (Cl), Focus Tracking is automatically
activated to ensure focused images. In Focus Tracking, the
camera analyzes the speed of the moving subject according

to focus detection data, and drives the autofocus lens by

anticipating the position of the subject at the exact moment of
exposure.

1. Set focus mode selector to C, and film advance mode to Cl

2. Position viewfinder focus brackets on subject.

37

3. Lightly press shutter release button to start Focus Tracking.

38

4. Confirm both arrows (►◄) appear in the viewfinder, then
fully depress shutter release button to take an in-focus
picture.

»With Focus Tracking, even if the subject is in focus, the in

focus indicator (•) does not appear.

»If the subject speed becomes erratic. Focus Tracking will

be automatically deactivated and standard continuous

focusing will operate.

»Focus Tracking ability will vary according to subject’s

brightness and movement, lens in use and shooting

distance.

• During Focus Tracking, the subject must remain within the
focus brackets.

Taking Pictures with Main Subject Off-Center

Single Servo Autofocus

2. Confirm in-focus indicator LED appears

in the viewfinder.

1. Position focus brackets on subject and lightly press shutter
release button.

3. Keeping the shutter release button lightly pressed, recom
pose, then fully depress shutter release button.

39

Continuous Servo Autofocus

Use AF-L (Autofocus Lock) button.

2. Keeping shutter release button lightly pressed, confirm in
focus indicator LED appears, then depress AF-L button and
hold in.

40

1. Position focus brackets on subject and lightly press the
shutter release button.

3. With AF-L button depressed, recompose as desired and
fully depress shutter release button.

• With the AF-L button depressed, focus will be locked even

If you remove your finger from fhe shutfer release button.

• AF-L button can also be used in Single Servo Autofocus

mode.

• Simultaneous use of AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) button is
recommended. In this case, turn AF-LVAE-L simultaneous
lock lever to (••) and press AF-L button.

Special Focusing Situations

To successfully focus, whether using the F4’s Electronic Range
finder, an optical rangefinder, or a clear matte field, the subject

must be reasonably illuminated and have sufficient contrast. If
the focus-not-possible indicator X appears, manually focus by
estimating distance or choose an alternate focus target with
the same distance, lock focus, then recompose.

The following situations are examples that are difficult to focus
and require greater concentration to secure correct focus.

1) When shooting the following:

■ Bright subject with a shiny surface, such as silver or
aluminum.

. Strongly backlit subject.
. Scene with variety of subjects located at different distances.

2) When using a linear polarizing filter, or special filter such as
a soft-focus filter. (A circular polarizing filter can be used for
autofocus operation.)

R60 (red) and 056 (orange) filters will interfere with Elec
tronic Rangefinder and autofocus operation. When using
these filters, focus manually.

41

Autofocus with Optional Autofocus Speedlights

Although the F4’s autofocus works at lighting levels as low as
EV minus 1, performance may vary depending on subject de
tail and contrast. In dimmest light conditions, use Nikon speed­lights during AF operation, if it is too dark. The speedlight's AF
Illuminator lights up only in the Single Servo Autofocus mode.

1. Mount Nikon Autofocus Speedlight SB-24, SB-23, SB-22 or
SB-20 onto the F4’s accessory shoe.

2. Compose picture through viewfinder and lightly press
shutter release button.

3. Speedlight’s AF illuminator lights up and autofocus
operation begins.

• The focal lengths available when using AF Illuminator with AF

Nikkor lenses are 24mm to 105mm.

• For details, see Nikon speedlight instruction manual.

42

Freeze Focus

The optional Nikon Multi-Control Back MF-23 or 250-Exp.
Multi-Control Back MF-24, when attached to the F4, offers a
Freeze Focus function which automatically fires the shutter
when the subject enters a preset focus position. This feature is
especially convenient tor manual focus with the F4’s Electronic
Rangefinder. For details, see the MF-23 or MF-24’s instruction
manual.

43

EXPOSURE METERING SYSTEMS

The F4 features three types of exposure metering systems—

Matrix, 60/40 Center-Weighted and Spot Metering.
When using the Muiti-Meter Finder DP-20, the F4’s suppiied
standard finder, you can select either of three metering sys
tems by setting the finder’s selector to (K) for Matrix, ((•)) for
Center-Weighted and ( • ) for Spot.

44

Sensitivity of Five Segments

Matrix Metering (K)

This system is idealiy suited for quick operation and for the

most dependable Auto Exposure control. It can also be used
for Manual metering and flash exposure control operation with
any Nikon TTL speedlight.
In Matrix Metering, the meter automatically provides the main
subject with correct exposure in virtually any lighting situation,
without the need ot manual exposure compensation. The Matrix

Metering sensor determines scene brightness by dividing the
scene into five areas, analyzing each area for brightness and
scene contrast.
This metering system is available with the F4’s supplied
standard Multi-Meter Finder DP-20.

Sensitivity of Center-Weighted

Metering

Center-Weighted Metering ((•))

Choose Center-Weighted Metering when you want to base
exposure on either Auto or Manual Exposure control for a
centrally located subject. Selecting Center-Weighted Metering
overrides Matrix Metering and concentrates 60% of the meter’s
sensitivity into the center of the viewfinder which is outlined by
a 12mm circle.
This metering system is available with the F4’s supplied
standard Multi-Meter Finder DP-20 and the optional AE Action
Finder DA-20.

Sensitivity of Spot Metering

Spot Metering ( • )

For seiective metering of tiny subjects or for advanced manuai

metering techniques, use Spot Metering.
The area metered is represented by the approx. 5mm-diameter
circie in the center of the viewfinder. This metering system is
effective when precise measurement of a speciai portion of the
subject is required. The spot metering sensor is incorporated

in the F4’s body, so Spot Metering is avaiiabie with any of the

F4’s interchangeable viewfinders.

45

Metering System Selection

Set the metering system selector to either Matrix, Center­Weighted or Spot Metering, and confirm respective mark
appears in the viewfinder LCD. For available lenses for each
metering system, see page 86.

46

Matrix Metering

i D C

< L J F S.& P ■

Center-Weighted Metering

CU

F P i

Spot Metering

■ M !.?■:. F';.6 p ■

47

EXPOSURE MODES

The F4 offers Manual (M), two Programmed Auto (Ph, P),
Shutter-Priority Auto (S) and Aperture-Priority Auto (A) Expo
sure modes.

48

Manual Exposure Mode

In the Manual Exposure mode, both shutter speed and aper
ture can be set manually to achieve the desired effect. 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.

1. Set any of the click-stopped shutter speeds on the shutter speed dial (4 sec. to
1/8000 sec.); the lens aperture ring may be continuously adjusted (i.e., inter

mediate f/stops are usable).

1 ») !.?S ° 'Cp' ° I

3. Adjust aperture and/or shutter speed referring to the Electronic Analog Display in
the viewfinder LCD.
The Electronic Analog Display range is -I-2EV to -2EV, in increments of 1/3EV.

2. Lightly press shutter release button.

49

With Multi-Meter Finder DP-20

1 C)i

, 1» c . n ■ I

C J Cl ■

Correct exposure

With other finders

i:^

Overexposure by 1-2/3 EV

B («)'

Underexposure by 1EV

50

a • I ■ B

I- ' ► :«tj

Programmed Auto Exposure Modes (Ph, P)

Programmed auto operation is ideal for quick operation and is

the simplest method for exposure control. Together with Matrix

Metering, it is very reliable.
Programmed Auto Exposure modes can only be used with
lenses having a built-in CPU such as AF-Nikkor lenses and the
Nikkor 500mm f/4 P. For lenses without a CPU, exposure mode

is automatically set to Aperture-Priority Auto (A). Setting the
exposure mode to Ph (high-speed program) or P (normal
program) lets you choose normal or high-speed program. For
a higher shutter speed, such as when using a telephoto lens,
or for shooting a fast-moving subject, Ph is recommended.

Dual Program Chart (e.g., 50mm f/1.4, ISO 100)

The EV (Exposure Value) chart demonstrates the difference

between the F4’s normal and high-speed programs. Follow
either colored line to where it intersects a diagonal line. This
shows the combination of aperture (vertical line) and shutter
speed (horizontal line).

Metering range EV0-2I

' Normal program

High-speed program

High-brightness limit for Matrix Metering

51

1. Set lens to its minimum aperture (largest f-number).
With AF Nikkor lenses, lock lens aperture ring at its mini

mum setting. (See lens instruction manual.)

52

2. Lightly press shutter release button and confirm exposure in
the viewfinder.

Shutter speed is controlled steplessly from 30 to 1/8000
second. Controlled aperture value and shutter speed are
steplessly selected. They are indicated in the viewfinder LCD

in 1/2 EV steps.

With Multi-Meter Finder

M ! P

■

Correct exposure.

i c ii F -i.b P

t;^) F !£

Overexposure; use film with a lower ISO speed or use Nikon
ND filter.

F i.'-i P t

Underexposure; use a Nikon speedlight or use film with a
higher ISO speed.

Fjj)P ■

Lens is not set to the smallest aperture setting. Set lens to
smallest aperture.

(•)

Non-CPU lens is used; automatically shifts to A mode.

With other finders

53

Shutter-Priority Auto Exposure Mode (S)

This mode lets you choose shutter speeds manually. Use a fast
shutter speed to stop action, or create motion effects by choos
ing slower shutter speeds. The F4's microcomputer automati
cally selects the correct aperture to match the selected shutter
speed.

This mode Is available with lenses having a built-in CPU such

as AF Nikkors and the 500mm f/4 P.

54

Low shutter speed

1. Set lens to minimum aperture setting (largest f-number).
With AF Nikkor lenses, lock lens aperture ring at minimum
setting.

2. Rotate shutter speed dial to select desired shutter speed
within the range from 4 to 1/8000 sec. in 1 EV steps.
Slower speeds down to 30 sec. are only available in Ph, P or
A mode.

3. Lightly press shutter release button and confirm exposure.
Aperture is controlled steplessly within the aperture range of the lens and indicated

in 1/2 EV steps.

55

With Multi-Meter Finder

■

Correct exposure

c c c

r Ii.O

With other finders

a

Si

Overexposure; select higher shutter speed or use Nikon ND
filter.

(~) St

Underexposure; select slovi/er shutter speed, or use a Nikon
speedlight.

C - -

J U Li

Lens is not set to the smailest aperture setting. Set lens to
smallest aperture.

Non-CPU lens is used; automatically shifts to A mode.

56

(F££) SI

im

Cl I li II

Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure Mode (A)

This mode operates with all Nikon lenses. When used with any
optical system such as Reflex lens, microscope, telescope,

bellows, etc., the F4’s microcomputer automatically selects the
correct shutter speed to match the aperture you set. This is the
recommended mode when depth of field is your prime con

sideration. For less distinct backgrounds, as in portraiture, use

larger apertures to obtain a shallow depth of field. For overall
sharp, clear pictures, as in scenic photography, use smaller
apertures.

pi

KWhmiii

Small aperture

57

1. Set lens to desired f-number by rotating lens aperture ring.

2. Lightly press shutter release button and confirm exposure.
Shutter speed is controlled steplessly from 30 to 1/8000
second and indicated in 1/2 EV steps.

58

With Multi-Meter Finder

■w

Correct exposure

Overexposure; select smaller aperture setting i
or use Nikon ND filter.

‘ -

1 L» LI U

«

_____

I

I

Underexposure; select larger aperture setting or use a Nikon

ID

speedlight.

With other finders

Correct exposure

Overexposure; select smaller aperture setting (larger f-number)
or use Nikon ND filter.

Underexposure; select larger aperture setting or use a Nikon
speedlight.

Stop-Down Exposure Metering

For lenses and other systems without automatic
diaphragms

When the automatic diaphragm ring does not couple with the
meter coupling lever of the camera, such as when using a
PC-Nikkor reflex mirror or bellows attachment, focusing should
be done with the lens wide open while exposure measurement
and shooting must be done with the lens stopped down.
In A mode;

Take the picture with the lens stopped down. With a PC-

Nikkor, correct exposure must be determined before
shifting the perspective. To do this, first use the AE Lock;

the lens can then be shifted to take the shot.

In M mode:

Stop down the lens to determine the correct exposure, then

take the picture.

For lenses with fixed apertures

Because the aperture of a Reflex-Nikkor lens is fixed, in photo
micrography or telescopic photography, it is impossible to

change the exposure by varying the aperture.

In A mode:

The F4’s computer will automatically adjust the shutter
speed. Take the picture by simply depressing the shutter

release button.

In M mode:

Select the appropriate shutter speed (in 1 EV steps) for
correct exposure. If a correct exposure cannot be obtained,
use either an ND filter (if the scene is too bright) or supple
mentary illumination (if too dark).

59

EXPOSURE COMPENSATION

In Automatic Exposure Modes

AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) Button

2. Center main subject inside viewfinder

or move in closer.

60

1. Set exposure mode to Programmed (Ph, P), Shutter-Priority
Auto (S) or Aperture-Priority Auto (A).

3. Lightly press shutter release button, and confirm shutter
speed and aperture in the viewfinder.

4. While lightly pressing shutter release button, press AE-L
button and hold in.

5. Recompose and shoot.

•While exposure is locked, “EL” appears in the viewfinder.

• In Single Servo AF mode, before releasing shutter, be sure to
refocus by briefly removing your finger from the shutter re
lease button and lightly pressing again to reactivate autofo
cus function.

• Simultaneous use of AF-L (Autofocus Lock) button is recom
mended. In this case, turn AF-I7AE-L simultaneous lock lever
to (••) and press AF-L button.

•This works best with either the Center-Weighted or Spot
Metering system; with Matrix Metering, exposure compensa
tion is automatic.

61

Exposure Compensation Dial

Using the exposure compensation dial, you can compensate
exposure within the range of ±2EV in 1/3 EV increments.

While sliding the lock release, rotate the exposure compensa
tion dial to set desired compensation value. The dial is grad
uated in one-third stop increments. —1 and —2 indicate one
and two stops underexposure, respectively; -1-1 and -1-2 indicate
one and two stops overexposure.
Because the exposure compensation mark and vaiue appear

in the viewfinder when the shutter release button is lightly
pressed, you can set the compensation value with your eye on

your subject through the viewfinder.

62

•After use, reset dial to 0. (■) mark and compensation value
disappears.

• Exposure compensation can also be achieved by intentional
ly readjusting ISO film speed from its actual rating. See page

29.

(In Center-Weighted Metering)

Without compensation

+2EV compensation

Examples:

+2EV

-2/3EV

63