The F5 designers disappoint me. In order to set the self-timer value one has to go into custom settings. You can't see the exposure meter in the top LCD window. My old N8008s does better on both accounts. I compose my shot and then, once set, almost always work without looking into the viewfinder. I therefore prefer all the info to appear in top LCD window. While the F5 might be full of new and latest features, exactly why did we have to lose the ease of operation--ala the F4s. Why lose old lens compatibility--e.g. matrix metering with AIS lenses? Thom's response: Well, I don't necessarily disagree with you. Nikon has consistently proven that they'd prefer to make arbitrary changes to designs rather than listen carefully to potential users. I remember that when the F5 first appeared, a number of pros quickly decided that the F5 didn't really give them anything that they didn't already have, except, perhaps, for faster autofocus. On the flip side, they lost matrix metering with older lenses, suffered through questionable battery life (at least in the earliest units), gained weight, lost grip flexibility, and lost simplicity of operation (hey, Nikon, pros don't have time to consult custom settings cheat cards!). Over time, I've noticed a few, including myself, drifting back to their F5s. First, the matrix meter is better (read: more accurate and better at guessing in unusual situations) than any I've seen on any other camera, period. Second, not only is the autofocusing state-of-the-art, but the heftier autofocus motor in the F5 body makes some of the "slower" lenses, like the older AF Nikkor 300mm f/4, focus measurably faster. Finally, the camera is even better weatherproofed than the already excellent F4. Still, the design lapses are very frustrating, as you note. For what it's worth, you can get your older MF lenses to matrix meter with an F5 by having a CPU installed in the lens (a US$85 option from third parties). Also, are you closing the viewfinder when you meter with the top LCD? If not, you're losing some accuracy in some situations.WS writes: Having just bought an F5, I find that the Nikon designers have indeed taken into account the users of the camera. While it would be nice to use non-binary choices in the custom settings, for the majority of settings you set them once and leave them be. That's what they are designed for. The camera is very easy to hold and everything is in a logical place. The locks are easy to activate yet unobtrusive to use. Combine the matrix metering, which in my estimation is the most advanced in the 35mm field, with the speed of autofocus, speed of exposure calculation, and reliability, the Nikon F5 represents an enormous amount of value. True, you can't cut down on some things, such as battery packs. However I feel this is good. It makes the camera simple; there are less individual components to fail or have their contacts affected by dust, oil, etc. Interchangeable viewfinders and focus screens represent an incredibly flexible camera system that allows the camera to change with your change in style.Thom Responds: I basically agree with you on everything except custom settings. At least six of the custom settings are ones that I do change in the field, depending upon what I'm shooting. And even setting them once at home is going to take a manual at your side to perform. Professional tools are normally highly refined, and generally don't require someone read the manual every time they need to use a feature. Note that Nikon finally wised up on the D1x and D1h, where they've made the custom settings a menu system with reasonable names--the F5 has two LCDs, so there's no lack of real estate to put in better feedback.