spoupard wrote:
I've been out of town on business and not able to keep up lately. I enjoyed spending the last 2 hours picking up where I left the thread. There are some wonderful photos.
I've been intrigued with Fuji cameras for a couple of years, but have been able to resist the urge to do more than look. However, after seeing Leighton's and George's photos taken with their Fuji's, I knew I had to figure out a way to give one a try without selling all of my Nikon gear. Last week, I came across a very good deal on a used, but in new condition, X-E1. My adapter just came in today so I went to our local Confederate cemetery this evening to see how the camera would do.
These were all made with the X-E1 and Nikon Nikkor-O 35mm f/2 (52.5mm equivalent). This is the widest non-G lens that I currently have, but I have a 24mm AI-S on the way to approximate my favorite focal length of 35mm.
The photos are nothing special, but I've got to say I'm truly impressed with this camera, even if it is "old" technology. These jpegs are straight from the camera with absolutely no adjustments at all. I think it's time to start saving my pennies for an X-T2!
Scott, I don't think you'd be disappointed with the X-T2. The newer sensor and processing engine is worth the upgrade. One more benefit is how easy it is to focus these wonderful old lenses on it.
leighton w wrote:
Scott, I don't think you'd be disappointed with the X-T2. The newer sensor and processing engine is worth the upgrade. One more benefit is how easy it is to focus these wonderful old lenses on it.
Yeah, I've read nothing but praise for the X-T2. I won't be getting it anytime soon, but I'm going to start working on it.
I want to ease into the Fuji world without ditching my Nikon cameras. When the Sony A7II first came out, I had to have one. I sold all of my Nikon gear and got the Sony. I regretted it within the week. I immediately started planning a way to dump the Sony and get back to Nikon. I don't want to make that mistake again.
It's been years since I bought a MF Nikon (I'm sorry please don't revoke my membership!) but I've been looking at the 20mm f/4 because of size. I wish there were more pancakes; I was even intrigued by the 35mm f/2.5 series E
Scott tremendous captures in the Confederate cemetery, the sign tells it all,
Steward nice find at eBay good luck with it.
Raphael good picture of what must be a propane cylinder going up in flames!
Peter love the owl. What a magnificent creature!
Jay, I'll say t again you are very lucky and I hope all is well.
Here today is a trip to the City of Moab, Utah and its nearby national park, the Arches. This is a very crowded place and the entrance urges you to tune in to an AM radio station that says "if you are waiting on the highway ... please leave and come back later."
The Arches is touted as the jewel in Utah's National Park crown, so here it is!
EZfan wrote:
Cutis, I love the Magnolia's scent too.
By the way, Just got a brand new Nikkor 28/2.8 AIS off the bay for cheap
Looks like a beauty. You doubtless know the latest versions of this lens have an "improved" coating. Photosynthesis notes "SIC from 825xxx." The pristine lens I bought near the beginning of my adventure has a serial number beginning with 737xxx so I don't make the cut. I'm always curious about what if any advantage comes from the later coatings. I know I'm not alone in appreciating this lens so I'm guessing if there is a gain with the SIC it will be marginal.
I appreciate the fact your kit building continues Steward. I seem to be stuck at 47 lenses, 24 of which are pre-AI. Paying cash for the car I bought the end of last years put a dent in my enthusiasm...
George The fire was started by lightning, conditions were very dry and hot.
Reagan Come to think of it, the whole neighborhood smells like barbeque.
Leighton Thanks!
Colin You got a deal!
Curtis I too am glad my gambit payed off, and I take it as an extreme compliment that I was able to make a photo that is both "stunning and unsettling". This is certainly something I aspire to. Hopefully I can pull this off again under less threatening circumstances! 3,469 homes is far bigger than my mini-event that totaled 6 houses!
Oosty Hope you recover quickly! My incident was nothing like yours. I was not thinking of filing a claim until I got the estimate for repair of 2 cracked windows!
I have feral cats living in my backyard. I discovered them November 7th, and have been feeding them everyday since. The one I call "momma cat" has begun calling me through the screen door in the mornings, and has become more trusting. She seems to be on her third liter of kittens. One kitten at a time - all daughters - who visit from time to time. The mother is tiny - maybe 4-5 pounds max. They all look like clones. A rusty black, with a tiny white patch on the chest. Anyway, she showed up last week with the smallest kitten I have ever seen. Its eyes are still milky blue, and it follows her like a shadow. She brings it right to me, but has already trained it to scamper away and hide from threats - which it perceives I am. I cobbled together a poor mans 180mm nikkor out of the 135mm f2.0 ai + the 1.4x TC-A (189mm) I do own the Nikkor 180mm AF, and just can't justify adding a MF version - particularly when it is so sharp.
Zichar wrote:
It's been years since I bought a MF Nikon (I'm sorry please don't revoke my membership!) but I've been looking at the 20mm f/4 because of size. I wish there were more pancakes; I was even intrigued by the 35mm f/2.5 series E
HCE HCE wrote:
Curtis I too am glad my gambit payed off, and I take it as an extreme compliment that I was able to make a photo that is both "stunning and unsettling". This is certainly something I aspire to. Hopefully I can pull this off again under less threatening circumstances! 3,469 homes is far bigger than my mini-event that totaled 6 houses!
-Jay-
I saw photos of folks fleeing the fire in Oakland. Knowing that you were heading UP that hill to your home no doubt contributed to my reaction. I know you were simply taking care of business that evening, but given 6 homes were destroyed during that fire, we all know anything can happen in such situations. I've commented on that with regard to Peter's experience.
I was a grief counselor at a local non-profit some years ago. One of the folks with whom I worked was there because her brother was killed by a bullet. It was on the Fourth of July and he was seated with friends on stairs behind a building in Point Reyes Station, a place I visited last weekend. No one heard a gunshot or saw anyone with a gun but the bullet struck him in the head and he died. Was it someone miles away who celebrated the occasion by shooting into the air? They never found out... but her brother was dead, his ashes in a vase sitting on the top of her mother's piano.
Glad you and Peter both came out of these random events without major loss. Life is much more fragile than we recognize as we go about our business day to day. Gratitude is always in order, in my opinion.
gbohannon wrote:
Lens is more rare yes, but not high in sentimental value.
So I guess you're not prepared to make such a trade George. No marriage here...
In reality our sentimental attachments are unique to our life experience. I was not disturbed when the shotgun my father had hunted with as a bachelor before marrying my mother was given away following his death. But then he and I had never gone hunting together so I had no attachment to it. I was happy to receive two of his pocket watches however. Absolutely, sentiment can mean a great deal in the decisions we make in life. I'm sure Rafael will understand.
My partner... FORMER wife... continues to be supportive, though I was not afflicted with this particular disease when we were still married. She actually has great fun with it all... laughing every time I've said I'm finished buying... Of course, new horizons kept opening and new lenses were "needed" so I simply began laughing WITH her.
Of course, when I look at the spreadsheet I created listing purchases by date, I see my last purchase, a 5cm f/2 was made October 10, 2016 which means 2017 was the first full year since I began this adventure when I did not purchase a SINGLE LENS... clearly, my buying has been tailing off...
Since I have 23 AI and 24 pre-AI it is easy for me to mark when I shifted gears since I began buying only the newest lenses. When the pre-AI bug hit that became my obsession. I know there are even older lenses to consider, as you and Samy keep demonstrating. But I don't think film is in my future so I likely won't go there. I understand heading to Fuji or Sony opens a few doors but neither is on the horizon at the moment. I believe I will rest content. No lens purchased in twenty months feels okay with me... for the moment.
Chris Dees wrote:
I've decided to let go my Nippon Kogaku lenses. I'll keep the cm-lenses, I have way too may lenses.
So if somebody is interested just PM or email me.
I hope you won't regret this move Chris. I know how much effort you put into finding those lenses which was doubly challenging since you have such high standards for appearance and performance.
That said... maybe you can work out a deal with Rafael, who seems willing to let go of a very rare lens, the 80-200 f/2.8 AI-s. He is a fan of older lenses as well. Inquiring minds...
