About F5 fate, F100 hurried, EOS system
In the last digests I 've seen a lot of people claim facts about cameras they never tried. I think that we must not forget that we all use these cameras to take good pictures and not to sport the latest toy or technological object even if these cameras often help us taking better photos with their features. however: 1) it seems very unlikely that the F100 will replace the F5 because F5 is still the edge of Nikon cameras and Nikon usually doesn't replace top F models before 8-10 years 2) I don't understand all this flaming about the new still widely unavailable F100. F801 and F4 came out in 1988 F801s in 1991 F90 in 1992 F90x in 1994 F5 in 1996 F100 late 1998/1999 So there is a 5 or better a 7 year gap from the previous high-end model (F5 excluded) I really think that Nikon was in late in the release of this new model and maybe the F100 failed to be released in time for the Photokina 1998. I am sure that it will be a better camera than past models but it will miss something. This is normal. I think that people who flame about this camera without ever tried it and waiting for the F100 "upgrade" really don't need this camera. I suggest them to save money and get a $699 personal computer where they can enjoy "upgrading" at least every 3 months. 3) let me say something about Canon EOS System; it's a good hi-tech system but I really prefer Nikon because it give me reliable no-nonsense products, with mature technology. Nikon has the edge in some key areas like matrix and flash metering and manufactures cameras with metal chassis and bayonet. Canon has the edge in new tech and has introduced several of them that have been copied and refined by Nikon but only after years. 45 multi-points AF, Eye-control, IS and USM are all useful items but many of them are not reliable because of their still young developmental stage. I think this is especially the case for the new AF system of the Canon EOS3 IMHO this is the most natural approach to autofocusing "I see it, I focus it" and when it will be a mature technology (years from now) it will let us to take full advantage of it but for now, even if EOS3 is a good camera,I think of EOS3 users more as beta testers. However if someone needs in his 35mm system the most advanced features regardless of their reliability and refinement he had better to leave the Nikon system and go for Canon. just my 0.02 Massimiliano Marchetti web page: http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/8043
N60 sharpness problems
You Said: I own a Nikon N60. I have read a lot of posts (especially recently) dealing with the ratio of shots in focus to not in focus. I have only shot about 6 rolls with this camera, but IMHO the auto focus leaves a LOT to be desired. I took the camera back to the shop where I bought it, and it seems to be OK according to them. And for the record, I AM holding the shutter release halfway down while recomposing the shot, to lock focus. I have been very careful the past few rolls to be sure that I am not the cause of the problem. Very few of the shots I get back are really "tack sharp". I'm very disappointed, and have taken to manually focusing to be sure I get good results, which I do when manually focusing. - 1) Possibly you have a defective camera. 2) Is camera shake a problem? What shutter speeds are you using? 3) Is it blur from shutter speeds that are too low? Put your camera on a tripod and make some photographs of a brick wall at different apertures and focal lengths (record your settings). Ideally, do this on slide film (although looking at negs under a loupe should be nearly as good, just a little harder to see the images because of them being negatives :) ). My F601 and F90 perform wonderfully well when I use them properly. If the shutter speeds start to get too low, I get shake and blur. That's to be expected. Jim _ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
Sick 8008 - HELP! [v04.n205/19]
Locked up N8008/F801 ? Take the batteries off. See the hole where the screw goes ? There's a small [Reset] button inside it. Take a small screwdriver/pen/whatever and press it. Put the batteries back in. It usually solves locking problems on the F801s. Also to check: - dead batteries, - contact problem with the batteries, - contact problems with the lens (clean the contacts, take the lens off/on, change the lens), - clean the DX contact, - if in humid places dry your camera real well (the F801s is sensitive to humidity in my experience). By the way, thanks to Andrew for posting the address of a place where to find Energizer's LithEon batteries. I've been looking for them for weeks in preparation of a winter ski trip to Seden. - Guillaume Dargaud CNR/IFA http://sung3.ifsi.rm.cnr.it/~dargaud/Climbing/ "Homicide, /n./ The slaying of one human by another. There are four kinds of homicide: felonious, excusable, justifiable, and praiseworthy, but it makes no great difference to the person slain whether he died by one kind or another the classification is for the advantage of the lawyers." Ambrose Bierce.
Re: Sick 8008 - HELP!
Hi Lew, > I loaded the film and shot the third frame and when > getting ready to shoot the fourth frame I found the system was "stuck". No > control would change anything and furthermore the camera would not turn off. > > I unloaded the batteries and let is sit over night. Batteries back > in...didn't turn on, a good sign. Was able to operate the controls, all > was well...after about five seconds it locked up again...nothing would > bring it back again aside from unloading the batteries again for an > extended period of time. I had exactly the same problem with my F801 (=8008) about a month ago. However, mine also displayed "dx err" occasionally. My solution was to clean the DX contacts and also fit new batteries (i purchased some Ni-cads, 1000mAh capacity as it is cheaper in the long run) and the problem has not re-occured. I was about to get the camera repaired, but this solved it completely. let me know how you go Cheers Arthur Manowski Perth, Western Australia
Do AI lenses have maximum aperture index pin?
There is a pin or lug at 7 o'clock on the mount of all AI-S lenses (looking at the lens from behind) which Nikon calls the maximum aperture indexing pin. Only the FA and F4 (I believe) use this pin to obtain the lens' maximum aperture. However, my AI 55mm Micro has this pin and I am wondering when it appeared in production. Any manual focus AI (not AI-S) lens owners who would be willing to examine their lenses for presence of this pin, please tell me whether your lens has it, along with serial # or year of manufacture and focal length/speed. I will report back to the list as to how early Nikon started preparing to offer Matrix metering, because that is what the maximum aperture indexing pin is for I believe. Michael
Nikon F5 RGB meter and polarizer filter for 300/f4
Hi, all: I think that the RGB meter of F5 does know the color of the subjects. Think about the red, green, blue light all has different wave lenth and different "energy". So just use the combination of three kinds of sensors which are sensitive to different wave length, you can know the percentage of the red, green, blue, in other word "color". This is totally different from the basic 18% grey method. What do you guys think? Possible somebody specialized in physics can give us some hints. I have another question. I just got a Nikkor 300/f4 AF ED. Then I realized that the drop in filter can not be turned in the socket. So how can I use a 39mm polarizer filter? Is there a special "drop in" polarizer filter? Happy shooting. Wang Xinghao Singapore
Re: SB-24 Manual???
I had several replies pointing me at Craig's Cameras web site, which has a pretty extensive list of original and photocopied manuals. http://www.craigcamera.com/ib_nikon.htm I checked and they have my manual. Thanks for the help everyone! David -Original Message- From: David W. Taylor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tuesday, January 19, 1999 10:31 AM Subject: SB-24 Manual??? >I have recently listed my old SB-24 SpeedLight on eBay. Of course, the very >first email question I got was "Do you have the manual?" > >After a lot of searching in dusty corners, I am unable to find it. > >Is there any convenient way of obtaining another copy
F5AE, F6 and beyond
NIKON F6 AND BEYOND >Better yet, just wait for the next F6. No, even better wait for the >F7. The problem with putting off things until tomorrow is that you >wind up with a lot of wasted yesterdays. Just go out and take some >pictures! Smile! Click! Nikon has copyrighted all the F numbers up to F10. Ever since Canon got the jump on them wiht the F-1, hehe. -- F5AE >I have noticed some of the NY mail order houses advertising an F5 >"Anniversary" camera...does anyone know what this is all about? There are 3000 of them. Check mine out at http://members.tripod.com/~luckyrwe/f5.html take a good look at it now, this summer I will be shooting with it. Robert in Redlands
web order from Italy
Hi all, I am writing to ask some informations to italian customers who buy to net shops like B&H. I would like to know if taxes like IVA are applied to stuff coming from abroad, for istance USA. Thank you very much, and excuse me for being a bit off topic, but this information could be useful to other italian Nikon customer who would like to purchase via web. Vincenzo
Any experience on a TC14A and 70-300/4-5.6 AF-D combination ?
Im currently using the AF 80-200/2.8D (new) as a basic zoom/200 mm, and planning to get a TC14A in order to use this lens as a 280/4 manual focus. However for family vacation/traveling, the 80-200/2.8 often says at home, and Im therefore considering to get a 70-300/4-5.6 AF-D (the new light weight two ring ED zoom) for these occasions. Does anyone have experience with the combination 70-300/4-5.6 AF-D and TC14A - which (at least in theory) would result in a ->420 mm/f=8 manual focus. /Claus Kern-Hansen, Denmark
f5 replacement, f6 and f7
F5 REPLACEMENT >Your dealer must be giving you "inside information". Nikon wasn't >supposed to announce this secret for another 3 more months or so... >April first to be precise. > >I know, because my "informant", the same one who told me to buy Netscape >stock just before the merger with AOL told me the F7 will be rolling out >on that date. That's right...the F6 is due out March 28 and will be discontinued 2 days later. The F7 will be competing with the EOS-1nnn due April 2, replacing the EOS-1nn coming out March 27. Robert in Redlands
F5 color metering
david, color do play a part for the F5 metering system. The F5 metering system uses a Red Green Blue sensor (1005 pixels) to detect the color distribution. This color distribution together with scene brightness, contrast and focused subject's distance (if u have a D lens) is used by the F5's built in micro-computer to provide the correct exposure. That is to say that in addition to the reflectance levels the F5 meter system also uses the colors of red, green and blue to set the exposure. __ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
MF lens not as sharp
You wrote to say that medium format lens are half or one-third as sharp as 35mm because the medium format being larger do not need such high resolution lens. Interesting. First time I have heard of this. Thought that medium format lens are just as sharp and because the film format is larger (than 35mm) the resolution is much finer. Could you advise on the relevant literature or reference material that I could look up. Thanks. __ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
RE: Price of the F100 [V4 #207 1/2]
Walter Fletcher asked: "any one know what the aprox. street price for the F100 in the U.S. is? All the local camera stores were I live don't have any info yet. Walter Fletcher" When I talked to a dealer yesterday he said that his Nikon rep had quoted him a price around 1300$ US. Milan Heath
Digitalized F5
I would buy one for my F5 as quickly as I could pull out my wallet. RJB >There is already a company that is set to >market a digital film cassette that drops into the back of your 35mm camera >(in place of a regular roll of 35mm film) and records your pictures digitally. >If you want to see it, go to: www.imagek.com/index.shtml. -- ÐÏࡱá
70-180 Micro
I need a lens for macros and I am considering the zoom 70-180 Micro. Any opinions from owners of this lens? Jordan ___ http://www.jordan.gr [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___
Re: nikon-digest V4 #204
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 08:56:43 +1030 From: "Brian Mckinnon" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re F100 in a hurry [v04.n204/25] Message: 25 >I see you back up what you say will absolutlely ZERO facts, are you a troll? Excuse me Brian, but do you really need to react like this when someone is saying something on the Canon is better than Nikon? This is a FREE place to talk and what Alexander stated were his opinion. You can have your own opinion also, aren't you? But it seems like if someone in the Nikon digest talk something bad about Nikon and good about Canon, he will be labeled as a TROLL, of course, by some of the 'loyal' list member. C'mon, be more democratic. >300mm f4 F5 total shots 13 sharp shots 13 closest shot 6metres EOS 3 inc booster total 9 shots sharp shots 8 closest shot 15metres EOS 1 inc booster total 9 shots sharp shots 9 closest shot 9 metres F90x 7, 7 ,9 metres I think the data for EOS-1n is incorrect. The closest shot should be at 20 (!) meters. >300mm 2.8 F5 13 shots 13 sharp 6 metres EOS 3 booster 11 , 10 ,13 metres EOS 1n Booster 11,10,13 metres F90X 7,7,9metres Also, the closest shot for 1n is 17 meters. If you do a bit of calculation, it is not difficult to know that actually the EOS-1n shoot faster than the F-5 between frames. Let's take the example of the 300 2.8 lenses. They start at a same point, until the cameras can't focus anymore closer. If the F-5 can track to 6 meters while the EOS-1n can do only to 17 meters, that would be a 0.396 second of different for a car moving at 100 km/h, and for an F-5 it can shoot 2.8512 frames more (they don't use the NiMh pack for F-5, so the rate is 7.2 fps). But the data shows that the F-5 does only shoot 2 frames more. The same is apply for the EOs-3, and I think the F-90X is totally outclassed because of frame rate, and because of the SO CALL 'wide area' AF. As an ex-90X user, I'm really upset by its' performance, since it can't even track for OFF-CENTER subject. >Now the F100 has the same focusing system as the F5 but with newer software and a better low light ability so we would hope for simular performance as the F5 It is also interesting to note that the F5 acheives the same Leading performance with a "NON" afs 300mm f4 as it did with the 300mm f2.8 afs which says a lot for its abilities. Now you are 'assuming' the F-100 can do as well as the F-5. But at least the EOS-3 is tested, and it was a PRE-PRODUCTION SAMPLE! >Now about perceived "C" benefits? >Well as shown in the above report the eos1n out performs the eos3 with sharp images so is the new sensor an improvement? You should point out that they used only the CENTER focus point to do the test, aren't you??? and the F5 / f100 five zone system totally dominates. Whats the use of 45 sensors if Five (in the Nikon) can outperform and cover a larger area? >The Eos 3 sensor looses both sensors and vertcle and horizontal sensing ability the further you go away from using their Pro 2.8 lenses. What do you mean by 'looses both sensors and verticle and horizontal sensing ability'? Does that mean the EOS-3 can't AF with 5.6 lenses? I think you got it wrong. >Metering, the F100 has proven Nikon metering abilities and a proven flash system that other brands are yet to equal. The F100 has 3d metering with a database referencing 30,000 images stored within its eprom, centre weighted and a movable spot meter as small as approx 1degree. Yes, Nikon metering is very good, so does Pentax, Minolta, and Canon. Have you ever try Pentax? With the MZ-50 (the lowest in thier series) and its 2, repeat, TWO segment sensor, I popped off 16 rolls of Sensia II in PROGRAMMED mode, and got about 95% of bang on exposure. From my experience with F-90X, it's just as good. With my current 50E, it's also as good. So you can see what a 2 segment meter do compare to the F-5 1005 pixel colour meter. Furthermore, if you want to compare to the referencing library, even the F-5 is outclassed by the F-801s, ever realise that? >Bodies Polycarbonate versus die cast metal, I'll let you decide. This is an endless debate, but I believe a mixture of both is the best. Both are good in some point while have weakness on other points. Although my 50E is a full plastic body, but I don't feel any different in quality with the F-70, and should I tell you the 50E is even a tad heavier than the F-70??? >Nikon also offer unmatched weather proofing and the only system that allows computor linking via photo secretary. Ya, weather proofing is unmathed with the RSAF. About the other, I think it's on par for every brand name. >So, Alexander, I beleive Nikon have released the perfect camera to slot between the F5 and F90x. and its so good to see you back up your claims with facts!! Now it's your own opinion, as the above is mine (but there are plenty of fact for the AF test), so lets have peace, and don't labeled the other which doesn't agree with you as TROLL, O.K.? >Br
Re: Next body advice. [v04.n203/24]
Hi Bill & fellow Nikon users, > I am a long time Olympus OM-1/OM-2n fan, but recently a friend passed I am mainly a Nikon user but have had 2 OM-10 bodies before. I must say that Olympus does make their OM bodies pretty small and light, which is good for travelling and such. >a 50mm f1.8 AF Nikkor, a 24-50mm f3.3 AF Nikkor (this may be the >sharpest lens I have ever used), a 28-300mm f4 AF Vivitar, a Tokina Oh really? Hmmit has been said that the 24-50's 24mm end comes close to a prime 24/2.8's quality. I was contemplating of trading in my AF-D 24/2.8 for an used (but mint) AF-D 24-50 (which are no longer available new here in Singapore). I had an OM 50/1.2 once and thought that stopped down (at f/4) it was pretty sharp, too. > I know that my N6006 was released several years ago, and I don't know The N6006 was introduced in 1990, almost 10 years old. Prior to a couple of years ago, the N6006 was still made in Japan. Now, its made in Thailand (or Taiwan) as is the case with most entry level equipment. I used to own a F601 (Japan made/N6006 equivalent outside USA) myself. It was my first AF camera. To cut to the chase, the Japanese version was quite durable. Mine fell (with tripod) over a small stony hill/clift in New Zealand. The flash housing was cracked, the back cover opened and the film was exposed. I glued back the flash housing and everything seemed to work fine, even the flash. 6 months after that, the flash died, but metering and AF still worked fine till this day. >how old or what kind of life to expect from this cameras, so I am Well, if you look after it with TLC, it should last you for yonks. I have come across F301/N2000, Canon 650 and Minolta 7000s that are still being sold on the 2nd hand market, and they work well! Of course, these cameras do not take to trauma well (like my F601). >future. I would like to buy a body that would be under $500, and the N70 >seems to fit the bill. But, the folks at my local camera store expect >the price on the N90 to drop after the introduction of the F100, putting My personal opinion is that I'd go for the N/F90 if its not more than US$80 difference. Here's the pros (from my viewpoint): 1) It has DOF preview; 2) It is capable of multiple exposure and many useful pro settings using an additional databack, MF-26; 3) It is a lot more solidly built (for those incidental small drops) and its weight becomes useful (feels more balanced) when used with a heavy lens; 4) The layout of the controls and buttons are very similar to the N6006/F601 (and N8008/F801) and provide quicker access (when changing settings) than you could get on the F70, unless you've been practising alot on the F70. 5) It uses AA size batteries which are cheap and readily available. Of course, here's the cons: 1) The N/F70 has a built in flash which can be popped up "in a flash" and ideal for travelling and candid shots. 2) It is much lighter than the N/F90 which is itself a plus point. 3) It has well marked Program Modes with icons, where you can't go wrong. The N/F90 and N/F90X/S's 7 program modes can be challenging to the uninitiated. 4) A special version of the N/F70 comes with quartz date and Panorama mode. But since you already have a whole set of lens (which are non-D), my question is why'd you want a D capable camera? Have you looked into the possibility of a N/F60 (which some say replaces the N/F50) or the N8008s/F801s? Of course, you might eventually venture into D lenses some day. Here's a website that you might find useful about lenses of all makes. Of course, take it with a pinch of salt: http://www.cs.kau.se/~nicke/private/photo/lenstest/brand.html Cheers! Hope it helped. Regards, Deric Soh.
Re: F5 vs F100 metering
"kp foo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >I have used the F5 in a snow background >and I need not make any compensation for perfectly exposed pictures. The >RGB recognises the subject because of the color and differentiates it >from the white snow and compensates automatically for the exposure. >Wonderful isn't it, I actually did a trial on this and was convinced >that it works. With the F100 or any other camera you will have to dial >in +1 or +2 EV to compensate for the bright snow background. IMO, the F5's color matrix metering works in snow, not because it detected color in some other thing and differentiated it from the snow but mainly because it had a different reflectance. For your situation where the F5 worked in snow w/o compensation, I suspect it still would have worked if it had been a 1005 segment matrix non-color meter. The F5 just detected the contrast levels from readings in the different segments and calculated the exposure. Many segments reported highly reflective matter (snow) and some reported low reflective matter (stuff other than snow). The CPU calculates the scenes contrast from these data and determines its best guess exposure. To my understanding of matrix metering, that is how it is supposed to work. I think the F5's main advantage is that it has 1005 segments as opposed to most other cameras 5 to 9 segments. The F5 has the ability to detect scene contrast with better resolution than the meters in most if not all other cameras. I don't see how color comes into play in this situation. On the subject of matrix metering, I personally am not convinced that the N90s's 9 segment (concentrated in the center) matrix metering provides any advantage over centerweighted metering. I haven't found that I could trust it in unusual lighting any more than centerweighted. In the situations where I could trust its matrix metering, I don't think I could trust centerweighted any less. However, I have found the 3D matrix flash metering (3DMFM) to be a great advantage (I haven't experienced underexposure that many report). I took many shots w/ 3DMFM just recently that I know would have been fooled by any other flash metering system. I was taking photos at my sister-in-law's civil wedding ceremony. In one shot, I focused on my sister-in-law who was standing about six feet away. The judge's bright blonde head took up the left 1/4 of the frame and was only about 1.5 feet away. The shot was exposed properly for my sister-in-law as it should. I also took some shots using 3DMFM with she and her husband backlit by a late afternoon sun with the Pacific Ocean behind them. The fill flash exposure was wonderful. It reinforces my conviction that I was right to buy Nikon. People keep saying how great Canon is, and I believe that do make high quality products, but Nikon fills MY needs the best. Now if only I could convince my wife to let me buy an F5 (I have pretty much all the Nikkors I want now), a Contax 645 system, and a 4x5 viewcamera I would be set for life. David Johnson
F5 Digital Option and Leaderless Film Cassettes
I for one would like to see Nikon build a Digital Housing for the F5 and then a new back that would have a Large LCD Screen so that you could immediately see the pictures you were taking. There is already a company that is set to market a digital film cassette that drops into the back of your 35mm camera (in place of a regular roll of 35mm film) and records your pictures digitally. If you want to see it, go to: www.imagek.com/index.shtml. They do not speak, however, to a "digital back" for the instant viewing of your pictures which I think will be a big negative for them when this thing hits the market. Of course with this thing, you wouldn't need the digital housing I am referring to. But can you imagine how great this combination would be and then you could use all of your fantastic Nikon Lenses? Nikon could do this, I believe, but they keep bringing out other specifically digital models. I would also like this system to be able to capture a True, FULL SIZE 35MM FRAME image. I have yet to hear why none of today's digital cameras capture a full frame sized 35MM image. Anyone know why this is? Also, add my name to those who can't for the life of themselves, understand what the fuss is all about with the film leader being left out after rewind. Don't they know that there is no visual difference between a new, unexposed roll of film and an exposed roll with their leaders hanging out?Why take the chance of putting an exposed roll of film back in your camera and shooting another set of exposures on top of the first set because you thought it was new and couldn't tell the difference. Changing rolls in mid stream is something I rarely do and when I do it, I have no trouble inserting my trusty film leader extractor into the film cassette and retreving the tongue. Oh Well, as the Wise Men Said, "With Wondering AWE"!! Lionelnut in St. Louis
Re: Nikon F5 EC-R Focusing Screen? [v04.n201/5]
"Wayne Jordan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Just curious if anyone has heard or heard rumor of nikon making an EC-R > Focusing screen for the F5. (EC-B) = Black , (EC-R) = Red. > > Or as long as I am dreaming an EC-R Type E Screen (Same as EC-B, but > with red indicators and the grid from the E-Series focusing Screens) > > NIKON IF YOUR LISTENING, I BELIVE I SPEAK ON BEHALF OF F5 OWNERS > EVERYWHERE THIS IS WHAT WE WANT!(pretty please)? Wayne (and all): I just called the US Nikon Customer Service number and spoke with Myron. First, everytime I speak to someone at Nikon, I ask them if they are on the Nikon Mailing List. I either get a "No" or a "No, what is that?". Anyway, Myron said that when he attended the F100 training, the first question was if there would new screens for the F5 with RED areas. He was informed that there would NOT. It is possible for Nikon to do this though, so they are making notes of the number of request they get for this. We agreed that if there were a high number of request, it would seem logical that Nikon would produce the product, hence, make it worth there time/R&D. I URGE all F5 owners interested in this to call Nikon Customer Service at (800) 645-6687. I informed him that I was going to post this information and they should be ready, so PLEASE call! Thanks, Mike Baranowski P.S. I'm CC'ing this to the Nikon webmaster. Hopefully he can pass this information on to the proper channels that would benefit from the list, or interesting in helping the list out. Nikon webmaster: http://www.cs.waikato.ac.nz/~ard/nikon/
N60 focus probs...
I own a Nikon N60. I have read a lot of posts (especially recently) dealing with the ratio of shots in focus to not in focus. I have only shot about 6 rolls with this camera, but IMHO the auto focus leaves a LOT to be desired. I took the camera back to the shop where I bought it, and it seems to be OK according to them. And for the record, I AM holding the shutter release halfway down while recomposing the shot, to lock focus. I have been very careful the past few rolls to be sure that I am not the cause of the problem. Very few of the shots I get back are really "tack sharp". I'm very disappointed, and have taken to manually focusing to be sure I get good results, which I do when manually focusing. Can someone shed any light on this? Anyone else out there having the same problem? (By the way - I am louping the negs to check for clarity, not looking at prints.) Now, slightly off topic, I have started developing my own negs and printing my own prints. The question I hope someone might be able to help me out with is: Does anyone know of a mailing list that deals with with strictly darkroom topics? You all are so knowledgeable - I'm sure someone can give me some insight. I have found several web pages dealing with the topic, but no mailing lists. Thanks for your help! Brian
Re: No Caps Included With PN-11?
> Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 21:46:05 -0500 > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: Re: No Caps Included With PN-11? [v04.n196/23] [v04.n200/3] [v04.n205/18] > Message: 18 > >Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 09:38:17 -0500 > >From: Henry Posner/B&H Photo-Video <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > >Anybody know if this is how Nikon ships? If so this is crazy, I want caps > >to keep dust out. If caps are included by Nikon, then I have an issue with > >my very reputable vendor.> > > > >You bought it from us. I had another pulled from the basement warehouse to > >check -- no caps on either end. You should be able to put a Nikon LF-1 rear > >lens cap on one end, and a BF-1A body cap on the other. (Or their generic > >equivalents). > > > >regards, > >Henry Posner/B&H Photo-Video > >http://www.bhphotovideo.com > FYI, the PN-11 has never been shipped with front or rear caps. > > Ed That is interesting. I bought a PK-13 extension tube (not PN-11) from B&H last year, and it came with a Nikon rear lens cap but no front cap. Why would the PN-11 be different? Of course, as Henry says, you can always buy additional cap(s). It just costs extra money. -- Shun Cheung[EMAIL PROTECTED] (732) 615-5135 Kenya Photo Safari -- http://photo.net/photo/nature/kenya.html
RE: F100 in a hurry and comparing products you havent' used
Someone wrote: <<<>>> The difference between specifications and actually product performance is usually quite dramatic. For example I find Nikon N90s' "Focus Lock On" to be unreliable. Sometimes it locks on to a moving subject and other times it doesn't. Nikon makes it sound like the best thing since sliced bread in their marketing brochures. To say that the EOS3 is better than the F100 before actually having used both of the products is to give into the power of greedy marketing employees, that probably don't even know how to take a good picture. They're trying to make money off of you by selling you stuff! Their representation of their product is bound to be a little biased. Of course if you like comparing products that you've never used go ahead. I however find the conclusions of such matters to be rather unpractical. <<<>>> Better yet, just wait for the next F6. No, even better wait for the F7. The problem with putting off things until tomorrow is that you wind up with a lot of wasted yesterdays. Just go out and take some pictures! Smile! Click! Peace Rolland _ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
RE: Nikon USA Catalog
Lucio cegep [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote the following: The reason you didn't receive the Nikon 1998 catalog is because they didn't publish one this year. They did however publish a 4 page supplement to the 1997 catalog that lists the new AFS lenses and a few other products. A new 1999 catalog should be coming soon. To get this catalog just call up Nikon USA at 1 800 NIKON-US and request it. If you poor folks in Canada can't get this catalog from Nikon USA just email me and I'll request one and then forward it to your address. As for the price, it's free and has always been available free to people in the USA from Nikon USA. The $4.95 price marked on the front is just to make you think "Wow Nikon sent me a $5 dollar catalog for free; They're so nice I should go out and buy $500 worth of gear to show my gratitude." This is not an exaggeration! This catalog will make gear heads drool. It has every single photographic product that Nikon makes, and lots of tech info. If every gearhead on this list had this free catalog, then many of the simple product information answers would disappear from the digest. If you don't have it you should; it's a great resource. Peace Rolland _ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
Equipment for Costa Rica Trip
Hi fellow Nikon lovers: I hope someone can give me some advice on equipment selection for my upcoming trip to Costa Rica. I have the following equipment: Bodies - N90s, F5 and Konica Hexar Lenses - Nikkor: 300 f 4.0; 80-200 f 2.8; 35-70 f 2.8; 28 f 2.8; TC14B Tamron: 90 f2.8 macro; 20-40 f2.7 I hope to shoot both landscape/flowers and wildlife. I have never been to Costa Rica, so I have no idea whether wildlife photos are a possibility. My concern is that the wildlife will all be tree dwelling and that the 420mm that I get with the 300 plus the teleconverter will be insufficient. Can anyone shed any light on this? Next, I would like to only bring one body (and the Hexar). Weight considerations lead me to the N90s. However I have been told that it can be extremely humid (rainy) and the F5 may be more weather proof. I also have access to an F3HP if I need it. Would this be a better choice? Any ideas on film? I intend to try and use a tripod as much as possible. Would Velvia or 100 ISA be better for the rain forest? Finally, any ideas on tours? I have looked and not found any photo oriented tours. I realize this is on the edge of Nikon related, but after a year of membership to the Digest, the thought of putting this post on the general photo.rec gave me chills. I welcome private e-mail responses. TIA jjhasluck
Re: Telephoto Lens
Tight budget:- Bill, My suggestion is to keep the gear, take your money, beg for a little more from someone, and buy a used telephoto and 2x converter. I have an N90s and an F3HP. I feel the versatility of the F4 is worth more than either. Many people have said the F4 is Nikon's best manual camera. A used F4s LN- at KEH is listed at $1369, so if you trade it in to a dealer, you'll probably get about 60% of that sum. The difference certainly won't buy the lens mentioned plus a 400mm+ telephoto. That's got to be more the a used telephoto lens. OK here's what I do. I'm married. There are all sorts of things needed done around the house. Fix the car, install a garage door opener, install a new light, shovel snow, etc.. Now I could pay someone to do any one of them, I don't. I do them myself. Then I brag about the savings to my wife and say, "Shelley, I just saved us two hundred bucks (whatever the legitimate sum), aren't you glad you married me. I want to expand my photographic abilities, and this particular lens will help me in a new direction, so I'm going to use that money for this lens." If your as lucky as I, it works. If your not married... Good luck, RichM
Re: Nikon USA- Catalog [v04.n202/16]
Accra, 21 Jan 1999 Good afternoon, The same thing happened to me a few months ago. I requested the Nikon Product Guide and other information (the lenses brochure) explaining that I buy Nikon articles from the USA (B&HPhotovideo). In our area these catalogues are about the only source of information. Internet is here but it is not substitute for a reference book you can touch and read any time. They don't send them outside the USA and that is it. A very narrow minded policy in my opinion despite their argumentation. Unfortunately I also have no relatives over there. And fortunately there is the Digest where one can be understood. Best wishes. George. begin:vcard n:Mitev;George x-mozilla-html:FALSE org:Bulgarian Embassy; adr:;; version:2.1 email;internet:[EMAIL PROTECTED] fn:George Mitev end:vcard
sb16 questions (and N70) ...
Hi All, I was visiting a local shop last night, and saw for sale a used SB16 (labelled exactly as such, ie, not SB16A or SB16B) for what appeared to be a good price. It's obviously got the F3 style foot; if I've done my research right, it looks like I can use either an AS-6 or an AS-9 adaptor and use this flash with my N70. Has anyone used either combo? Are there drawbacks to using one adaptor over the other (the AS6 is about 1/3rd the price of the AS9)? It looks like (at least with the AS6) that I'd lose TTL flash. In practical terms, what does this mean? What else would I lose? As background info: N70 body, 3 prime (1 'D') and 1 zoom lens (also 'D'), I shoot mainly scenic/touristy/landscape kinds of photos, for which the builtin flash works really pretty well (esp as fill); but for people shots, it really s*cks (redeye, the flash is too close to the axis of the lens). Thanks in advance ... JT (who doesn't speak for intel)
RE: SC off camera flash cord with AF assist light
carlo guerrero [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Subject: SC off-camera flash cord <<>> A possible solution is made by achiever flash. It is a handle mount flash unit with Auto Focus assist beam. Sold by Adorama Product # FA630H. Achiever makes this off the camera flash cord to use with its 630AF flash that is made for a variety of camera manufacturers such as Nikon and Canon. The handle mount holds batteries that power the AF assist light and is detachable from the base. Thus one could take the handle mount and attach it to the top of a flash bracket. Compatibility with Nikon flashes should be fine since it is compatible with the Achiever 630AF flash which is compatible with Nikon Cameras. However, you never know until you try. Check out web page: http://www.adoramacamera.com/autocart/search.cgi?VENDOR=FA&PAGE=72-85 Good luck Rolland Elliott _ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
Why we like our Film Leaders left out
To all those people who keep asking why we like to have our film leaders left out. As a full time student and newspaper photographer, I develop close to 90% of what I shoot. As for the rinky dink paper I work for, when I say develop, I mean completely by hand. (ROYAL PAIN IN THE BUTT, but that's another story). Having the film leader left out is one step I don't have to worry about. I don't know if I would have paid for it, but I wouldn't have gone with out my F5 long enough to send it to Nikon for reprogramming. I see Nikon a couple times a year at different events. They are always more than happy to reprogram it for me. A friend of mine shoots at the Indy 500 and they REQUIRE that the film leader be left out for quicker processing. Hope this answers the questions Drew
which camera is better
Listers, It's been said before but I'd like to say it again: cameras are tools. Choose the one that fits your needs and get on with your life. Having owned both Nikon and Canon, I can say that both offer great systems with very unique pro's and con's. Arguing which is better is just a waste of time - time that you could be out making pictures. But one thing before I shut my yap. Those of you who think that Nikon are sturdier than Canon are wrong. Both companies make their camera's out of almost identical materials and both seem to die for the same reasons - electrical/computer chip failure. I never had problems with the Canon gear I owned, but 2 (!) N90s's I've owned would quit at the worst times if I just looked at them wrong. Thankfully, my F5 and F4 work flawlessly. I would expect the N90 to die a deserving death once the F100 has been out 6 months. just my .02 Bob Croslin [EMAIL PROTECTED]
re: F100 in a hurry... [v04.n205/10]
> Of course, if you're focussing (pun) on "7" being bigger than "5" > (fps), then by all means they released the F100 too early. > Chris You forgot three other things when comparing Canon EOS 3 and Nikon F 100: Nikon > Canon (string compare) F > EOS (alphabet) 100 > 3 (about 33 times) Sorry. Could not resist. My response is stupid since the topic tends to go stupid. W/ -- Wieland Eckert AT&T Labs Research
Nikon Book
Hello Nikon Fellows, I'm about to buy some books and I want to buy a book that describes the Nikon products and provides examples and techniques using them. As I don't own the latest Nikon modern technology (just a FM2n and a couple of MF prime Nikkors) it's not important if the book covers the newest models. On the other hand, I'm not interested (at this time) in a book which gives an historical perspective about Nikon products. Considering this, could you please tell me your opinions about the best book about Nikon gear and most suitable for me. I will greatly appreciate any help. I think that perhaps it's better for you to reply to me directly ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), as we have at least one author of a book on the subject in this list, for whom this may be inconvenient. Thank you very much, Sergio Lopes.
Flash for N70 help...
I'm looking at buying speedlight, but I'm not sure which one would be best... The SB-28 would be ideal, but the cost is quite high. The SB-23 was my next choice, cost is good, but will it do more than the built in one? ($150.00 more?) Does is take advantage od my "D" lenses? In reading the brocedures, the SB-28 mentions the "D" specifically, while the SB-23 doesn't. Additionally, where does the SB-22s fit into the picture, the Nikon website has some info, but it seem a little vague. Is there anywhere I can go to get a detailed comparison of these three? Is there another option? Thanks. RStephen Winter [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.accessone.com/~ghwerig
Re: nikon-digest V4 #205
On 21/1/99 at 5:36 pm, doniel wrote: >It seems to me that superlative optical quality doesn't really have so >much importance if you have a lens that is not suited to your needs. What >will you be shooting? A 24mm of the highest optical quality wouldn''t be >of much use to you if you are going to be shooting head and shoulder >portraits, just as a 180mm lens wouldn't be the most useful if you are >shooting landscapes. I think, if you read the guy's post, he is looking for a *35mm* lens: he said: >>Hi, I'm looking for reccomendations on which 35mm Nikon lens to buy. My >>main objective is superlative optical quality. For what it's worth, I've got the 35mm f2 D Nikkor, and I like it a lot. Best Wishes, Paul http://www.paulbrad.demon.co.uk
Best place to buy Nikon? + Scanner ?
Hi: 1) I will soon start a new job that would involve a lot of international traveling. While I know that the US is much cheaper than South America (where I live) I wonder where is the best place in the world to purchase Nikon equipment. Any hints? (Japan?, Hong Kong?, etc.) If you happen to know, would you give me an example so we could all compare? 2) What are the minimum requirements for Scanner - Printer to get photografic quality, for enlargements of 8 x 11 prints? I would like to be able to get the look and feel of real prints at home. What would be the minimum budget to get that? I am thinking of scanner-printer tamdem for less than US$1.000 Any equipment suggestions? ThanX Alfredo Enrione Santiago, Chile
Help with N90s/SB26 problem
I have a problem when using the SB26 on the N90s. The camera cycles and makes a strange noise about every second, the readout alternately shows real aperture data and "FEE" each time the camera cycles and makes the noise. I put the camera in "Program" mode and locked the aperture at f.22 as instructed in the manual. I don't know why the cycling occurs. During this time the flash does not fire when the shutter button is pressed and the film advances to the next frame. Any assistance will be appreciated. The setup is 6 months old. George
F5 & RGB Meter
>Everytime I think that I have found a situation that will fool the F5's RGB >meter, I get the results back, only to be incredibly in awe of this system. I also had very good results except with overcast wheathers. Tendancy to underexpose if I rely on the metering system. Frederic Neema/ Sygma Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web Site: http://www.fredericneema.com
Re: Sick 8008 - HELP!
>I unloaded the batteries and let is sit over night. Batteries back in...didn't turn on, a good sign. Was able to operate the controls, all was well...after about five seconds it locked up again...nothing would bring it back again aside from unloading the batteries again for an extended period of time. Ideas? Suggestions on where to get it repaired...I am in Minnesota.< I've had very good luck with Custom Camera on Lake Street in Minneapolis. Rick
Tamron 200-400 for my N70
Hi all, This question is not quite Nikon specific. I was wondering if someone has any experience with Tamron AF 200-400mm f/5.6 LD (IF) lens. I am planning to buy it for my N70. Will it be compatible with the camera? I currently own Nikon 28-200mm lens and was looking to add a lens which would give me that added focal length. TIA, Prasad
Walter Fletcher: Sigma 2x teleconverter
Walter Fletcher, don't send your posts with subject lines that are all upper case. --- Start of forwarded message --- >From Walter Fletcher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject SIGMA 2X TELECONVERTER I was wondering if any one knows if the sigma 2x apo telecoverter will work with the nikon 70-210 lens. Also any one know what the aprox. street price for the F100 in the U.S. is? All the local camera stores were I live don't have any info yet. Walter Fletcher [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- End of forwarded message ---
Downloading Moose's sample Journal
I tried to download Moose Peterson's sample journal but I can't figure out where to click. The download page seems to be empty except for the titles. Since Moose is a BIG NAME Nikon photographer I thought this might be appropriate for this group. _ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
Nikon USA Catalog
Just spoke with a Nikon USA rep today who said the 1999 catalog will be available in 2-4 weeks. You can call their customer service at 1-800-NIKONUSA and they'll put you on their mailing list now for a 1998 catalog, or call in 2-4 weeks to get the 1999. Jim Laubach [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Lithium batteries...
> I assume you're referring to Lithium AA cells, in which case the > best price I've seen is at Unique Photo (www.uniquephoto.com). > Last time I checked, they were $2.10 each there. Sorry, should have been more specific - these are the DL123A-compatible lithium batteries, not AA. Again, it's http://www.surefire.com/. -- Paul H. Yoshimune [EMAIL PROTECTED]
CoolPix 910 is coming...
But like the last couple of announcements, we have to depend on someone to translate for us http://nikon.topica.ne.jp/ei_j/digicam/e910.htm http://nikon.topica.ne.jp/ei_j/digicam/e910_campaign.htm Can someone translate the specifications for us? Thanks, -Mike Baranowski
NIKON FM10 VS MINOLTA X700 AND PENTAX ZM-X
Hi I want to compare the performance of Nikon FM10 with Minolta X700 and Pentax ZM-X. Can I get the same quality of pictures in FM10 compared to the other two. ? Will anyone give their opinions on this. Thanks, RK Rao
new F5???
Dear Nikoners I have noticed some of the NY mail order houses advertising an F5 "Anniversary" camera...does anyone know what this is all about? Thanks..Brian Small
Digests 162-205
Dear Nikoneers, Would someone email me digests 162-205 pls? :) I had trouble getting them over the holidays. Thanks for any help in advance. Cheerio Shannon
