Nikon N65 (2001)

Name: Nikon N65
Brand: Nikon

A lightweight, fully-featured 35mm SLR built for simplicity and solid image quality

Overview

The Nikon N65 is a 35mm film SLR introduced in 2001 as Nikon's most affordable in-house SLR. The FM10 and FE10 were made by Cosina. The N65 was designed and built by Nikon as an entry-level body with modern autofocus and exposure features. It's almost entirely plastic, which keeps it to 14 ounces. It has a built-in pop-up flash, IR remote control, and a TIME setting for long exposures instead of the traditional BULB mode. A dedicated knob selects P, S, A, or M exposure modes, and a single command dial handles adjustments.

Despite the budget build, reviewers say the N65 delivers image quality on par with higher-end Nikon models like the F5. It's optimized for Nikon brand lenses and supports AF-S lenses, but it cannot meter or make auto exposures with manual focus lenses. The viewfinder is smaller and fuzzier than other Nikon SLRs. It shows no selected AF area or exposure mode inside the finder - those appear only as icons along the bottom. Matrix and center-weighted metering are selected automatically based on camera mode, and the user has no direct control over them.

Specifications

Weight	14 ounces
Flash sync speed	1/90
Top shutter speed	1/2000
Batteries	takes two CR2 lithium batteries
Optional battery grip	MB-17 grip
Optional battery grip power	can use 4-AA batteries in the MB-17 grip

Design

The plastic construction keeps the N65 light and cheap. It has a single command dial and a clumsy AF sensor selector that requires holding a button while turning the dial. The built-in focus assist light helps in low light. The depth-of-field preview stops down to the selected aperture in automatic modes. The viewfinder lacks an illuminator on the top panel, and there is no mirror lockup, no spot metering, and no viewfinder indication of P/S/A/M modes. The MB-17 battery grip adds stability and extended power via AA batteries.

Context

Nikon positioned the N65 as its cheapest in-house SLR, aimed at beginners and casual shooters who wanted reliable results without complex controls. As of December 2004, it was succeeded by the slightly improved N75. The camera was marketed as a simple, no-fuss tool capable of producing professional-grade images, suited to a backup body or to users who prefer automatic operation over manual tweaking.

Market

The N65 originally sold for about $300 with a lens. It was valued at around $19 used as of April 2019. Because of the plastic construction, there is concern about durability - specifically, that the external command dials may break off with heavy use. Reviewers suggest the MB-17 grip improves handling and stability.