The F100 replaced the F90X in 1999, accompanying his big brother, the F5, as the early Nikkormats did with the orginal Nikon F. The F100 inherited the F5's ergonomics and added further improvements. When you hold the F100 you immediately feel that this is a well balanced camera.
The top view of the Nikon F100 shows a well organized positioning of command dials and other operational features. This layout has become the standard for up-scale Nikon models: from the F6 to the very recent D700.
The camera was positioned as an 'affordable pro' compared to the F5.
Although about twice the price of a F90X, the price tag was acceptable in comparison with his big brother.
To achieve this, the F100 used more plastic parts, a brass lens mount, it lacks mirror lock-up and has no eye-piece shutter nor a removable prism.
Despite of these cost cutting measures, the F100 was a highly regarded piece of equipment, questioning the F5 price premium.
The MD15 makes the F100 look very similar to the F5.
Although it doesn’t change the camera performance much, attaching the MD15 to the F100 reassures a firm hold on the body.
When using larger and heavier lenses, the use of the MD15 becomes more or less a necessity.
Nikon F100 picture set at 'tochka Z on Flickr' by Patrick Verbessem