It was the successor to the F70 and was based on the highly successful F100 with the notable lack of the weatherproofing and ruggedness that characterizes that camera.

Using the exposure data imprint function will slow the F80 varying on film speed and temperature.

[1] The black F80 keeps with the traditional look of Nikon camera bodies, with a black plastic exterior, white Nikon lettering on the prism with a red rubber insert on the inside of the camera's grip.

Rumors were abound during 2005 that Nikon would make a successor to the F80, and discontinue most other film cameras apart from the F6 and the F80 replacement.

Early in 2006 Nikon announced that they intend to drop production of all film cameras apart from the F6 and FM10.