Hinter den Kulissen | Nikon F6

The F6: Nikon's new flagship model has all the qualities that enthusiasts desire in the ultimate film SLR camera.

IKENO, Tomohisa (I,T):
It has been a crucial factor in the development of the F6. Digital cameras had already been introduced in the professional market when we started work on the F6, and the market, led mainly by the press, has been experiencing a shift from film-based to digital cameras.
There are many Nikon devotees within the ranks of news
photographers, among whom digital cameras have rapidly
become popular, since speedy results are so crucial to
photojournalism. So Nikon has been meeting this demand
step by step, by fostering the D Series brand of digital SLR
cameras for professional use.
Given current trends, we had to carefully consider what the
market required of the F single-digit series of Nikon
film-based flagship cameras.

Well, when the F6 was in its development stages, we thoroughly inspected many factors in
trying to determine the advantages and disadvantages of film-based cameras relative to
digital cameras. Finally, however, we found that there is little point in considering which of
these two types of cameras is superior.
In studying basic concepts for F6 development, we recognized the problem of digital camera
shutter lag. But since progress was being made to solve this problem, we concluded that we
should not worry too much about so-called disadvantages which, in time, were becoming less
relevant.
On the other hand, however much digital cameras have penetrated the market, there are
people who continue to use film-based cameras. We know that this group includes
photographers who are inclined to try more creative approaches. After considering these
facts, we again thought about the attractions of film-based SLR cameras. Now, I think the
essence of this appeal can be summed up as "the value of unique pictures."

Yes. To explain, allow me to exaggerate a bit. With a digital camera, the number of pictures
you can take is infinite, in the sense that there is no limit in the number of shots to take,
unlike shooting with film. You don't have to hesitate when taking pictures. Just release the
shutter, although later, you may find that you don't want to keep the results.

Exactly. But, on the contrary, some photographers reject the prospect of such ease, as they
desire a more careful, rigorous approach to taking pictures. They want to treasure each
picture-taking opportunity by etching their vision on film.

So, with the F6, we made it our first priority to satisfy customers who want to apply a certain
degree of respect to taking each great picture. To realize this, a camera that allows a user to
take a good picture is not enough. There are many important factors involved, including
comfort of use, functionality as a tool, shooting feel, etc. And we want to make the F6 the best camera in every aspect.

Definitely. We already had a high-speed, high-performance camera, the F5, in our lineup. In
developing the F6, we intended to create a camera giving users even more of what they want
than the F5 does.
The development concept for the F5 was "high speed and high performance." With the F6,
we aimed to offer the functions of the F5, and also enhance the advantages of "finesse and
practicality."