New Addition To My Nikon Collection...

...and the best part is that it was essentially FREE!

Last week, I spied an ad on Craigslist for a Nikon N50 with lens and Nikon SB-28 Speedlight for $50 (!!!). So I did some research on the N50 and learned that it is an entry level body from the 90's. I've been thinking about finding a replacement for my aging, but still working SB-24 Speedlight, and the SB-28 would definitely be an improvement. I knew that the SB-28 by itself normally sells for over $100 used. If this deal was real, it would be a great price for the three pieces of gear. I researched prices of used N50's, and found that they normally sell for $60 and up depending on condition.

So, I emailed the seller and said that if everything worked, I would come by after work to pick up the camera and strobe. The seller replied to confirm the address, but I noted that he never confimed that everything worked.

When I got to the house, I examined the equipment. The N50 powered up, but I noticed that the lens seemed to be sluggish. I noted that the lens was a cheap, Quantaray 28-80mm. I was most interested in the SB-28, and I found that it was in almost new condition. The strobe powered up and I was able to test fire it. Without further ado, I handed over the $50 and left.

When I got home, I examined the camera more closely and I found to my dismay that the focusing ring on the lens was frozen. To check the camera, I swapped on one of my Nikkor lenses, the 50mm f1.8D. I was pleased to find that the N50 seemed to work fine. I downloaded a N50 user manual to learn how to operate the camera's very odd user interface (all buttons, no dials). I learned that the camera can operate in both "simple" mode and advanced mode that allows program, shutter, aperture, and full manual modes...not bad for an entry level camera. So, I was pleased that I had a fully functioning body and a like-new SB-28, all for $50.

I almost trashed the lens, but I thought better of it, and the next day I decided to see if I can fix it. As it turned out, all I had to do was tweak the AF screw on the back of the lens a little, and it freed up the focusing ring. I mounted it back onto the N50, and it worked!!! This Quantaray lens (manufactured by Sigma) is very poorly constructed, but at least the glass is clean. I think it's used value is around $40.

The N50 is the polar opposite to my F4s, one is entry level, while the other is the flagship of that era. Where the F4's shutter mechanism is well damped and ultra smooth, the N50 goes "KERRPLOPPP..ZZZZZZZZ" when the shutter is tripped (very loud). On the other hand, the N50 is probably half the weight of the F4, and since it cost me nothing, it would be a great go-everywhere, toss it in the trunk kind of camera.

Of course, you know that I like cameras of all vintages and qualities because I believe that it's up to the photographer to get the most out of whatever equipment is available. So I like to play with all different sorts of gear.

I will get the test rolls back soon, that I shot with the N50 and share the results with everyone. I hope you enjoyed this little camera story.

--Warren