Wouldn't it be great if Nikon had a program that would let you order a custom DSLR from them? If you could do this, and the price wouldn't be ridiculously expensive, what would you order?
Here's my pick:
I would request a rangefinder-type DSLR with Nikon F mount (kind of like that Leica M8 but with a mount that would accept regular Nikon AF and MF lenses, like the D200 mount). I would request that they make it only 8 megapixels and that I could shoot RAW in either 4, 6, or 8 MP settings. I would like for all their technology on this camera be focused on a noisless sensor, but one that would not render soft images. I would only need center weight metering (same parameters as the F3), and only about 6 focusing sensors. Also, I would like for it to weather-proofed and made of titanium. Last things, I would like the option of "silent shutter" meaning that I could click an image without hardly any mirror slap noise (it would need liveview for that), and a positionable rear LCD (like the one on my Lumix FZ-50). Oh, and no pop up flash.
well none of what you are asking for could really be done on a "rangefinder type DSLR" so Nikon would laugh first and then take your money if you really thought a rangefinder with a mirror, 6 AF sensors could be made and I have no idea how you would have live view on a rangefinder......isn't that what your viewfinder is for on a rangefinder
well none of what you are asking for could really be done on a "rangefinder type DSLR" so Nikon would laugh first and then take your money if you really thought a rangefinder with a mirror, 6 AF sensors could be made and I have no idea how you would have live view on a rangefinder......isn't that what your viewfinder is for on a rangefinder
Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. All Nikon would have to do is change the lensmount, nameplate, and sensor!
There are a few AF rangefinders out there but not many since it's a pretty odd technology.
Contax and a few others tried it but it was also a whole other lens system.
Also pretty much any point and shoot camera is rangefinder since you are not looking/focusing thru the lens but I don't think that is what we are talking about.
True, the Panasonic is not a "true" rangefinder, but it comes very close. They worked around the optical problem by making it with the "porro" type viewfinder system. It creates the annoying liveview image instead of an optical image (main reason why I haven't bought one yet plus the noise issue).
Now remember, on my original request I worded it "rangefinder-type", not "rangefinder" per se. Also, as long as the lens meters properly I wouldn't really be too concerned with autofocus. We could even leave out the 6 AF sensors if I had to sacrafice something!
A few of us were talking, err dreaming , about a digital FM a few weeks back. You know, a mechanical shutter that has to be cocked with the advance lever, no LCD screen, manual focus, etc. In other words a camera that looks and operates like a film FM_ but digital. You probably missed it.
grmedhat1 wrote:
A few of us were talking, err dreaming , about a digital FM a few weeks back. You know, a mechanical shutter that has to be cocked with the advance lever, no LCD screen, manual focus, etc. In other words a camera that looks and operates like a film FM_ but digital. You probably missed it.
Ooo, that sounds nice! Yes, I did miss out on that one! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one here with strange thoughts! Did anyone suggest a digital version of an original F body? If not, put me down for that one! Heck, while I'm at it why not put me down for a digital rangefinder SP as well!
AUnderwood wrote:
FM is a full manual Nikon film body that I hope you can still buy these days new....
A new one would be rare considering they were first introduced in 1977. They were released over the years in different flavors ending with the hybrid FM3a which was available up until a few years ago.
You can't buy the original FM, but you can buy the FM10. The FM10 and the F6 are the only Nikon SLRs still in production. The FM10 is probably still available only because it's actually manufactured for Nikon by Cosina. It's very reasonably priced -- it sells in the U.S. for $250 with an AI-S 35-70mm lens and for $385 with the 35-70 and a 70-210 AI-S lens. Nikon markets it as a camera for students learning photography.
If Nikon were to make custom cameras available, you wouldn't want to pay the price. When they came out with special limited anniversary editions of the rangefinders, they sold for $6000 and Nikon lost money on every one.
It's nice to be nostalgic and think you want a Nikon F or FM as a digital without an LCD, but I think in practice, they'd sell a few to collectors as a novelty and no one else would buy it. What's the point of digital if you can't see what you've taken? Why would you even want a mechanical shutter? On a film camera, the advantage of the mechanical shutter is that it runs without a battery, but on a digital camera, you'd still need a battery to power the sensor, etc.
Now having said that, what might be kind of cool is a Nikon F or maybe an F3HP replica that worked for film and digital, but they'd have to figure some way to get the sensor out of the way when shooting film and they'd have to get the circuitry and LCD to the point where it was paper thin. Or maybe not. The truth is that while I loved those cameras, the ergonomics of modern cameras are far better (if more complicated.)
Hopefully, Nikon will do something special for the Nikon F on its 50th anniversary in 2009.
Oh we are just dreaming here Martin. For me I love the operational feel of a well built mechanical camera with a silky smooth MF lens attached to it. Nor do I need a chimp screen. Never had one shooting film. The difference would be instead of opening the back to load film you'd load a CF card. When the card is full you open the back and process the images in your digital darkroom.
Will they make one? Probably not, for as you mentioned it would no doubt be expensive. Are we being nostalgic? Sure, why not? That's what this thread is about. Nobody said we had to be realistic.
grmedhat1 wrote:
Oh we are just dreaming here Martin. For me I love the operational feel of a well built mechanical camera with a silky smooth MF lens attached to it. Nor do I need a chimp screen. Never had one shooting film. The difference would be instead of opening the back to load film you'd load a CF card. When the card is full you open the back and process the images in your digital darkroom.
Will they make one? Probably not, for as you mentioned it would no doubt be expensive. Are we being nostalgic? Sure, why not? That's what this thread is about. Nobody said we had to be realistic. ...Show more →
Ok, but you still haven't told us what your custom camera would look like!
zoetmb wrote:
You can't buy the original FM, but you can buy the FM10. The FM10 and the F6 are the only Nikon SLRs still in production. The FM10 is probably still available only because it's actually manufactured for Nikon by Cosina. It's very reasonably priced -- it sells in the U.S. for $250 with an AI-S 35-70mm lens and for $385 with the 35-70 and a 70-210 AI-S lens. Nikon markets it as a camera for students learning photography.
If Nikon were to make custom cameras available, you wouldn't want to pay the price. When they came out with special limited anniversary editions of the rangefinders, they sold for $6000 and Nikon lost money on every one.
It's nice to be nostalgic and think you want a Nikon F or FM as a digital without an LCD, but I think in practice, they'd sell a few to collectors as a novelty and no one else would buy it. What's the point of digital if you can't see what you've taken? Why would you even want a mechanical shutter? On a film camera, the advantage of the mechanical shutter is that it runs without a battery, but on a digital camera, you'd still need a battery to power the sensor, etc.
Now having said that, what might be kind of cool is a Nikon F or maybe an F3HP replica that worked for film and digital, but they'd have to figure some way to get the sensor out of the way when shooting film and they'd have to get the circuitry and LCD to the point where it was paper thin. Or maybe not. The truth is that while I loved those cameras, the ergonomics of modern cameras are far better (if more complicated.)
Hopefully, Nikon will do something special for the Nikon F on its 50th anniversary in 2009....Show more →
Leica has a detachable back for their R9 film SLR, why can't some independent manufacturer like Leaf or someone do the same for Nikon?
Also, I have my fingers crossed that Nikon will release an anniversery edition F in 2009! I just hope they release it to the U.S. and world market as well instead of limiting it only to Japan as they did with a bunch of other special edition film cameras they made! I have a couple of near mint F bodies now, but I would buy the anniversary edition in a heartbeat if it were available.
snegron wrote:
Ok, but you still haven't told us what your custom camera would look like!
Well for me an FX format FM2n would be OK with it's 1/4000 shutter. Basically a film body but as I mentioned before, instead of opening the back to load film you'd load a CF card. The EL-FM2 battery sits where the film spool would be. The CF card sits where the take up spool would be. (Notice I keep saying CF card? I really hate those tiny SDs.). Rewind button releases the memory card.
The ISO dial still functions the same, film advance lever cocks the shutter and advances the frame counter, same mechanical self timer, same viewfinder, same CW metering. Daylight, tungsten, or B&W (only 3 choices like film) would be set via software from the computer and transfered to the camera when you install the memory card. I suppose film type/brand emulation could be set the same way. Otherwise you have to use colour correction filters on the lens. Oh yeah...it only accepts MF AI-S lenses.
It wouldn't need a USB port and an ordinary Auto speedlight is all that's needed. A power 'winder' would be cool. No need for a chimp screen. Never needed one with film.
What have I left out? The rewind lever! Hmmm....turn it to lock the battery in place?
What's in the box? A couple batteries, a charger and a half dozen 36 exposure memory cards.
i would order a D3. make it cheap by using multicam 2000. ditch the live view, 5-8 fps is fine too. ditch the hi iso modes up to 3200 or 6400 is good enough. hm they may ditch the fx part too.
heck i'd order a D2x with a D3-type sensor @ 6-8mp (DX)... hm yeah. it will be dirt cheap boy they'll have a winner then.
