According to the F4 FAQ , from the serial number, my F4s was made around the beginning of 1989. I bought it in February 1999, in absolute mint condition. I'm still amazed that I paid only slightly above the price of the tatty ones for this mint one. These are only minor and cosmetic though, so I'm not disappointed. I think the handling is superb.
Some people disagree, saying it's too big and too heavy.
When I prefer to use a lighter or smaller camera, I use my F3 or FE2 . The answer is that it oozes quality. It is a very solid piece of kit and is a joy to hold and operate. I love the traditionally styled controls - no thumbwheels or fiddly little mode buttons here. Those thoughts quickly disappeared the moment I picked one up though.