Nikon's light entry autofocus SLR — the F-65, electronic, matrix metering, Nikon F, 2001.
The Nikon F-65, introduced in 2001, was an entry-level autofocus 35mm SLR from Nikon's later film era, a light body aimed at beginners. It was sold as the N65 in the United States. It belonged to the base of Nikon's autofocus range at the turn of the 2000s and used the Nikon F bayonet mount, part of the long-lived Nikon lens system.
This is an electronically controlled 35mm SLR on the Nikon F mount, with a vertical-travel focal-plane shutter that is electronically timed, offering speeds broadly to 1/2000 second plus B. Metering includes matrix and centre-weighted patterns; exposure modes include programmed, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual, plus subject picture programs. It provides phase-detection autofocus, integral film advance and a built-in flash. As an electronic body it depends on batteries to operate.
The F-65 suits beginners and casual users wanting a light, simple autofocus SLR with automatic exposure, picture modes and a built-in flash. Its plastic-bodied construction keeps it light and affordable, favouring ease over ruggedness. It works with AF Nikkor lenses, and later G-type autofocus lenses suit it well, giving an easy entry into the system.
On the used market, being fully electronic, it needs good batteries, so test AF, the flash, meter and exposure modes. Check the shutter, inspect the LCD for bleed, and look for perished light-seal foam, though this later body is less prone to it than 1980s models. Try loading and rewind. It uses standard lithium cells rather than mercury batteries. AF and G-type Nikkor lenses autofocus; manual AI/AI-S lenses have limited metering support here.