The Nikon N75 SLR

The N75/F75 SLR with a 35mm f/2 AF-D Nikkor

Cheap and good are rarely found together, but in the case of the Nikon N75 (F75 outside North America), they coexist.  Introduced in 2003, the N75 was Nikon’s last consumer-level AF 35mm SLR, and it replaced the N65.  It sold for around $300 with a kit lens when first introduced, and it apparently was also sold as a body without a lens for less than $200.  To put things in perspective, the Nikon D100 was introduced in 2002 and cost about $2000 for just the body.  Guess which one of these cameras can be used today to produce quality images with the least amount of fussing about?  The N75.  Just put in two CR-2 batteries, a roll of film, and you are ready to shoot with this lightweight SLR that has the most features of any camera in its class.  

The control layout is the typical one for Nikon SLRs

Uncluttered controls

The N75 is definitely more compact than the Nikon N80, but the major difference between the two is that the N75 only uses the DX code on the film cassette to set the ISO, whereas the N80’s ISO can be set manually.  If there is no ISO code on the cassette, the default ISO goes to 100.  That’s going to be a limitation if you are accustomed to using low-ISO films with no ISO codes, or using hand-rolled film. However, for many users, that’s not going to be a problem. The N75 replaced the N65 and N55, which are consumer-grade SLRs with similar control layouts and features.   The N75 is also the only Nikon SLR that automatically winds all the film out of the cassette at the beginning, and pulls the exposed frames back into the cassette as you shoot. This is commonly done in Canon’s AF SLR cameras,  but is a novelty with the N75.  I actually like the feature, since it cuts down on the rewind time.  The N75 was discontinued in 2006, making the Nikon F6 the last AF film SLR produced by Nikon.  There is an excellent review of the N75 by Thom Hogan, so go to his site to learn more.  

The N75 has most of the features found in the N80 and F100 (with the above exceptions). It’s small, inexpensive and light, yet it also takes most Nikon AF lenses.  Like the N80, and similar consumer-grade Nikon AF SLRs, the N75 does not meter with manual lenses.  You can use them, of course, but you will have to shoot in Manual mode, dialing in the shutter speed and aperture manually with no meter.  That’s always been the disappointing thing about Nikon’s dumbing down of non-pro AF bodies, both 35mm, and digital.

However, the N75 is a delight to use.  It has excellent 25-segment matrix metering, as well as center-weighted and spot metering.  I use mine primarily in Aperture-Priority, but it has all the PSAM modes as well as 6 special exposure modes.  When I pair the body with either the 50mm f/1.8 or 35mm f/2 AF-D lenses, it becomes a high quality "point and shoot." It’s only a tad over 13 ounces without a lens, and with the CR-2 batteries, it should be good for many rolls of film.  It definitely is noticeably lighter than my N80, and a LOT lighter than my F100, and has most of the features of those models.  Best of all, these cameras are plentiful and inexpensive.  I have a black-bodied F75, and to me, it looks a lot better than the silver-looking N75 that we typically see.  Paired with a good flash like the Nikon Speedlight 80DX, you can do flash photography and know that your exposures will be pretty much perfect.  

The SB-80DX flash on the camera

While the N75 does have a pop-up flash, which certainly works for fill flash, I recommend using a full-featured TTL flash that will give better results in a variety of situations.  In my case, I use a Nikon SB-80DX speedlight, which is as full-featured a film camera flash can be.  The only drawback with that flash is that it won’t work with your DSLR, as it only works with the 35mm SLR Nikons.  They sell for less than $40 used now, which is a pretty good deal for a modern TTL flash unit.

I often see a lot of love for the low-cost Canon Rebel series as entry to using film cameras, and of course, they are pretty decent low-cost AF SLRs.  I’ve used quite a few of them, and yes, they are inexpensive.  Some of the earlier Nikon AF SLRs that are now inexpensive are just a bit clunky, such as the N60, which is much larger than the N75 and N80, but loud and slow.  The N75 has just that right combination of controls where I want them, ease of use, and the ability to control your exposures to a very fine degree.  Online, I see prices for N75 bodies typically less than $40.  The nice thing is that these cameras are relatively young, are very mature in the control layout, and will accept most AF Nikon F-mount lenses.  It’s a great camera for travel, as it takes up less space and weight than even a DSLR. I highly recommend a lens like the 24-50mm AF-D for travel, but the 35mm f/2 AF-D is a great lens and doesn’t weigh you down.

I recommend the N75/F75 SLR to anyone that wants a lightweight, inexpensive 35mmm SLR.   Pair it with a prime lens, and you’ve got yourself a great little camera for street photography, travel, and hiking companion.    

Here are some examples from the N75.

SHD 100 film

SHD 100 film

SHD 100 film

Ilford FP4 film

Reflx Lab 200T film

Fujifilm Superia 200

Fujifilm Superia 200

Fujifilm Superia 200

Fujifilm Superia 200

Fujifilm Superia 200

Kentmere 100

Kentmere 400

Kentmere 400

Kentmere 400