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Archive 2012 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?

  
 
NikkorAIS
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


As some of you know I swiched my DSLR system from Nikon D3/D3s plus almost all of my Nikkor glass AIS glass from 8mm to 800 mm.
That move alone was a shock to many.
The fact is, I am sure those close to me where surprised in the least.


There are many reason I did what I did when I did it.

RIght now I am shooting with the Canon 5d2 and Lowley 7D anh the 85 1.2 L 11, 200 1.8 EF L, and the Canon 400 2.8 EFL 11(non IS) and I have a couple of Nikkor's 28 and a 18 mm to get me by on the wide end.

But I am looking to get a 8-15 fish-eye and also getting a 14-mm and a fast prime wide angle. when funds allow.

I am also seriouly considering getting the 50 1.0 EF that I had at one point, but traded for my Nikkor 28 1.4 AF-D
.



Not that I am not interested in the new Nikon bodies that are coming the D800/D4. because I am . And it's not that I dont miss my Nikkor 8mm 2.8 AI-S and my Nikkor 800 5.6 IF-ED AIS and my Nikkor 300 2.0 IF-ED(traded for a M9) and my 14-24 28 1.4 AF-D and my Noct ..OO .



Basically some if not the best Nikkor glass ever made.

Much of it went to friends of mine and I am glad they have it. And look forward to seeing amazing images from them with "there" new gear.

And I am pretty sure if at some point I asked them if I could buy it back . Most if not all would offer it back without question. For the right price

I can get back my 300 2.0 IF-ED right.. Dave is saying right now . You will get the 300 2.0 IF-Ed from cold dead fringers Ha ha...OO


And i have used the Canon 5d2 system before and had a 50 1.0 EF which was killer sharp copy.
In truth I have never owned a lemon lens in any system.

So this thread is not about what is better. Because in truth it dosnt really matter to me what kind of camera I got's. I can get pictures with just about anything. And I have taken a couple of pictures in my day. And even I will admit. Some dont completly suck.

It's about going from one system to another. The presonal and artistic grow that happens . And the friends you may make along the way.



Now in saying that, there is nothing on this planet that looks like the images you get from the 300 2.0 IF-ED AIS. Or the drawing of the 50 1.0 Noctilux on the Leica M3. Or the shadow detail you get with the Nikkor 28 1.4 AF-D . There really insnt.



And I am not saying gear dosnt matter. Because it does. But so do your shoes if there wet and it's cold and you shivering while trying to take pictures. So does the buffer if it wont let you take that once in a life time image because the Leica M9 buffer is ...thinking.

Everything matter's. I often talked about the image chain. From from the lens to filters to processing to the camera support, the way you squeeze the shuuter , the focus the aperture the ISO the film, the camera ..OO And I still say the most important link , the single most important factor is still the photographer and his or hers ability to previsualize the final image. Period.

Get that right and the camera and man are truly one.
And your going to take some decent images in your day.

If the tools your using get in your way to that end. Dump them. Think nothing of it. If you think that the new camera/lens will help to that end. Go for it . Be inspired . And in turn, do one's best to inspire other's .

The fact is, if a camera or lens is used by someone who work you respects that matter's
The fact the new camera has more MP or a really cool feature you feel you need than it matter's.

And if you feel that by using your old camera/lens your missing out. Than by all means switch systems. And do it with a smile.





Over the years, I have been lucky enough( preparation meets oppurtunity) to use so many amazing systems. I have shoot everything from cell phones to 8X10 large format in film. And each and everyone of them has things about that are special and unique to them alone.

I also had occasion to be one of the first peple to ever use the first Nikon/Kodak Digital camera while working with friend.

It was the one that had a computer attached to it. I mean a big PC that weighted .. 80 pounds. And it would only let you take one picture and than you could print it. However if you took another without picture without printing it the images was gone.

How far we have come in such a short time.


And over the years I have often thought that some camera's get it right with most things for most people most of the time . But no camera is perfect for everyone..all the time.

But there are speciail things about every system that should be noted, well at least I want to share.
One example is the view finder with the Pentax LX. Or the sound of F3T and MD-2 firing at 6FPS with loaded with Nicads and Tri-x knowing your getting it. . ..OO .

Or just handling loading and using a Leica M3 with 35 1.4 Summilux would be light while staring at the abyss. And the feeling/handling that camera keeps me from stringing up on more than a couple of times .


The feel of the advance lever of Leica MP

The low light perfprmance of the Nikon D3s



Or the twinkle in your sons eye's taken with the 85 1.2 L ..price less



and I can say as one who has used and owned more exotic camera gear than I wouldnt trade all the camera gear in the world to miss that one moment.

Does it matter it was taken with a Canon?




I could go on and one...OO

I must say I feeling better now.


For me it's about the experince of using the gear, and the images I get, and being able to share. And more and more the friends I have made along the way.
hard to put a price on that. And even if you could, why would you.

And without getting to personal. One of the reason's I rebuilt my Nikon System as a push-back to my ex who never supported my artistic photographic interest. And thought it was best to sell my gear as I want making enough money with the images. "why do always shoot abstracts, street people and gargage" .

Like she used to say. No one is going buy pictures of things they can't reconize and no one want to see photo's of bums and garbage.

How wrong she was...OO



And after getting the Nikon System of my wildest dreams. I set my sites on the Leica M system I always wanted one but could never afford it.

And how fun was that .. Wow, it still makes me smile. And I still the images taken with that system and at least 200 rools of still taken with M system yet to souped.

These days, I still carry shoot with the twin Rollie becasue I feel that there is still nothing that can touch it for street shooting with a normal lens. With the camera around my neck and my held tilted down. I feel like I am in a monet of prayer. The shutter is near silent. Quiter than the Leica M3 and the IQ is still to die for.
If you think 36 MP is good. Blow a 6X6 in B+W four feet by four feet taken with a Rollie and be prepared to be in ...awe.

The combination of the viewfinder and the lens and shutter is unique and unmatched for me at this place and time.

Anyways,

When I started on the Nikon cafe. I was going through darkest part of my whole life up to tat point. Seperation and being away from my kids. And reading the back post on the Nikon cafe, often times I would laugh so hard I would almost fall off my chair. I stil so greatfull that there where other like minded photographer's who where willing to share there knowlege and experince and images.

The other side was I would hear comments when the mention of the Nikkor AI-S glass would come up . Ya nice lens but it's not AF ? Say that again? I couldnt hear you from way over there.

You cant' shoot sports/actions without AF or a 8 frames a second ?




Pentax 800 f4 on pentax 6X7







And I also wanted to share what the Nikkor AIS glass could do in the hands of capable user. On film bodies and on the bodies like the D2H and the Nikon D3


And having made so many friends on the FM forum on the Manual focus section. I must say that i posting on that thread. Even though I always keep checking what other's are doing. I now feel like an outsider looking in. Even though I still have my Nikon f2 a and A Nikon FM2 and a couple of Nikkor's left kicking around.

I really miss contributing to the Nikon manual foucs section.

And I miss adding to the images on my Nikkor 28 1.4 AF-D , 300 2.0 IF-ED AI-S, Nikkor 800 5.6 IF-ED AIS, ..OO threads



Anyways, the reason I am writing this now is I hear many talking of switching. From Canon to Nikon with the release of the Nikon D 800 vs the Canon 5D2 .. ..whatever,


I would say that is the wrong reason. And you will suffer if that is the only reason to swtich.

Keep keep the big picture in mind remember the most important Like in the image chain. ..You



If it feels right,than go for it. Than if it dosnt work for ya, switch back. It's all good.

Being satisfied is not how man got where is in his desire to improve where he is at.

No matter what gear you have. Who dosnt want to be a better photographer, a better father, a better artist, a better lover, a better friend, a better human being?

At the heart of it. man is tool user.


Am a better photographer with and better camera?

Am I better sword man with a better sword.?

One could make a case both way's.

One thing I do beilive is that the sword is an extension of mind and body and so it is with the camera. And both sword and Camera must be usntied to the mind and body to get the most out of either.

So if you want swtich systems but your scared . Be afraid not.

No matter what happens,
It will broden your photographic horizons.
You might make some new friends trading your gear around.
Seeing things form the other side is often a good thing.
Go without fear.
You can always switch back.
Sure you will lose money in the process.
What lessons in life are not without risk and cost?

For me being to expand my consiciences with the Nikkor's 8 mm to 1600 mm was the life changeing expericene.

And I am not switch back to the Nikon System because ... I never left. It's part of me and always will be.

Anyways, I wanted to make a post , not write a book.

But last thing I want to say is remember the next picture . Is going to be your best.


Got to get to class, and than go take some pictures.

Like my Sensei's wife used to tell him before class

Dont cut you arm off and have fun.

























Nikkor 300 2.0 IF-ED AI-S



85 1.2 L on 5d2







Canon 50 1.0 EF on Canon 50 1.O EF












50 1.0 Noctilux on Leica M3 3200 ISO



80-200 2.8 ED AI-S on D2H





Nikkor 300 2.0 IF-ED AI-S photo by Cat.




Nikon F2A with MD-2 and 50 2.0 AIS




Nikkor 28 1.4 with Leica M system and Nikkor Glass in other bag.




Canon 400 2.8 EF 11 on 5d2 photo by Fedirco



Nikkor 135mm 2.0 AI-S on F2a..








Gregory

rogaltacdesign.smug.com







Feb 14, 2012 at 12:54 PM
razorblack99
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


ZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZ!


Feb 14, 2012 at 01:48 PM
Dan Grisez
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


Epic! Very well written. Can we sticky this?


Feb 14, 2012 at 01:54 PM
Creative Edge
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


great post........!!!!!!!!!!!!

but then, I have always enjoyed Gregory's posts ....



Feb 14, 2012 at 02:01 PM
VinnieJ
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


epic camera porn thread!


Feb 14, 2012 at 02:21 PM
thedigitalbean
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


Wow that is an epic!


Feb 14, 2012 at 02:25 PM
Trakl
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


Suddenly my case of NAS appears far less serious than I'd feared.


Feb 14, 2012 at 03:50 PM
Imagemaster
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


Anyways, I wanted to make a post , not write a book.

You could have fooled me.



Feb 14, 2012 at 04:58 PM
Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


For some reason I can't get Carly Simon out of my head....


Feb 14, 2012 at 05:07 PM
domdog31
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


Greg - did you post this on the cafe? Anyhow, phew, what a read. Thanks for sharing and most of us are in an entirely different camp here. The weekend warriors or the semi-pro's who cant be bothered with Manual Focus.... anyhow ever consider writing a book? =)


Feb 14, 2012 at 06:02 PM
afm901
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


Opinion deleted since we are not allowed to express an opinion that does not heap praise on the OP.

Edited on Feb 23, 2012 at 09:02 PM · View previous versions



Feb 14, 2012 at 06:14 PM
bachisking
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


. EPIC FAIL

we all know that you have deep regrets moving to the other side once Nikon announced their awesome
FF lineup, thus you wrote that long rant about its not the camera/equipment. Sounds like a page out of K rockwell to me. If you are so happy with your 5d2, why don't you post it in the Canon forum where all the canon fan boys can cheerfully agree with you?
oh yeah anybody can use a camera to take pictures of random garbage and convince himself that is art btw. I happen to agree with your ex.



Feb 14, 2012 at 06:29 PM
ozpall
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


afm901 wrote:
No doubt........ ZZZzZZzzZZZZzZZZZZZZZ

Scott



lol



Feb 14, 2012 at 06:46 PM
Zebrabot
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


longest most meaningless ramble ever.


Feb 14, 2012 at 07:29 PM
DLP
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


My 5th grade teacher told me, that "Genius is the ability to go from A to D without having to go through B and C".

Val Kilmer
The Saint



Feb 14, 2012 at 07:37 PM
rjk55425
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


Sorry but you lost me. Way... at the top.


Feb 14, 2012 at 07:45 PM
nugeny
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


What did you want to say, American way, in a hurry?


Feb 14, 2012 at 07:53 PM
Avi B
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


Hey Gregory, keep on shooting and having fun. I understand why you switched, because AT THE TIME, you needed the video for your work. As long as you're shooting and having fun, it doesn't really matter. Having said that, I expect to see you back on the Nikon side. When funds permit

Really did enjoy your 28/1.4 and 300/2 posts. Those were really cool shots.



Feb 14, 2012 at 07:54 PM
Oosty
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


Greg - there are some really good points you make that are clearly too complicated for those who want instant gratification to appreciate. Ignore the flamers - if they got tired there's no need for them to keep reading.

While I'm not crazy about the pics of the garbage no one should have the right to criticise you for taking them.

Keep on going.

Peter



Feb 15, 2012 at 02:31 AM
NikkorAIS
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Why I am not switching back to Nikon.. or did I ever leave?


Thanks you guys. And that means everyone. I appreciate you all taking the time to read the longest post ever . And I respect everyone right, to say what they want. It's a free country. And after all this is the internet.




First some images with the Nikon system. To give a little context this thread.


These are sample of my early work in B+W .



Nikkor 500 4.0 IF-ED P on Nikon F4s Tri -X




Nikkor 24 2.0 On Nikon F2as on Tri-X








Nikkor 300 2.8 IF-ED on Nikon FM2 Tri-X







Nikkor 135 2.0 on Nikon F2as




Nikkor 24 2.8 on Nikon F2as





Nikkor 50 2.0 on F2as








Nikkor 300 2.8 IF-ED AI-S On F2as on Tri-X







Nikkor 85 2.o on F2as Tri-X












Nikkor 16 2.8 on Nikon F2as Tri-X






Nikkor 50 2.0 On F2as


















Nikkor 300 2.8 IF-Ed AI-S .






self portrait taken yesterday of me using the Rollie twin on frozen "Nose Creek" . Taken on Nikkor 18 mm AI-S

Gregory






Feb 15, 2012 at 09:38 AM
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