Against my better judgement, I decided to pack my MF gear on a day out with Raylan (childcare center was closed, it's Teacher's Day!).
Brought him to the National Gallery where they had a kid's programme going on
I've gotten really used to whipping out my phone instead of the dedicated camera
Hope this is training for my next trip out
mjgphotoz wrote:
Yes, Curtis, I lurked a very long time. I was with Canon most of my life until 2015 when I moved to Nikon, and that was when I actually started posting here. I started checking out Nikon MF in earnest at that point. As you may recall, I actually realized I had "one of those" when I saw your images of the 105/2.8. I wanted to know about the old lens I had in a box in the back of the studio. I had purchased it used and taped it wide open with gaffer tape to reverse mount on a Canon lens for close up use. You so very kindly responded with information and places to get information and I was hooked! The rest as they say is history!! The Df I purchased used is my "play toy" for "me" time.
Thanks for the reminder Mary. For many years I was posted dozens of times EVERY day and all the exchanges eventually blended into a wonderful stew... and I forgot the ingredients...
Yes, it was the 105 f/2.5 AI-s that got me started on this adventure. That lens has found companions along the way. I never bought the AI or the K but I did buy a pre-AI P.C. and finally the Sonnar P. Now because I'm shooting with a silver DF it is typically the P that is in my bag. In fact, it is there at this very moment. As I mentioned early in this journey, the fact I kept seeing the 105 f/2.5 in so many of the "signature lines" that were then included at the bottom of everyone's post that made me curious. Then I learned the "Afghan girl" on the cover of National Geographic had been taken by Steve McCurry with the lens, which only added to my curiosity. I spent less than $200 for the first copy and it certainly did not disappoint. I eventually spent $178 on the P lens, but it cost that much only because I bought two of them. I bought the first simply to test whether the older optical design was worthy of using. That was during the period of time when I was beginning to explore pre-AI lenses, all of which had earlier optical designs. When I found I loved the P I realized I wanted a cleaner copy. That led me to buy a pristine copy but that turned out to be an unconverted lens. So I bought TWO P lenses, swapped the aperture ring then sold the now unconverted lens. The net of those transactions was $178. I did that with another lens as well, so you can see how intent I was on not cutting aperture rings AND in wanting the cleanest lenses possible. I'd do the same again, but honestly, I have all the lenses I want and certainly need.
Again, delighted you found us and that you've been hanging in with us.
Leighton... we're both here... though I'm forty five minutes behind you, so you're probably out doing chores...
75mm focal length appeals to you... I know I love the 55 f/1.2 S.C. AI as a walk around lens and would probably enjoy something a little longer. I'm not playing on buying the NOCT to gave 3mm. 85 seems a tad long. I guess there was some intelligence behind the manufacturer's who made the 24-70mm zooms AND the 70-200 zooms. I remember liking the Tamron at 28-75.
Always nice to see your market photos appear from time to time. Sue and I are faithfully going to Marin farmers' market TWICE each week. You should see the O'Henry peaches on the plate behind me. They are amazing.
We're both eating a vegan diet... no meat or dairy. I cheat a bit since some of the things I eat have eggs in them which is not considered part of a true vegan diet. Needless to say, eating whole plant food diet means trips to the market are much appreciated. The food is so fresh and the prices are much better than you'll find in the market. Of course, we pay a tad more since we only eat organic fruits and vegetables. Hats off to you for what you're doing in managing the Staunton markets. It is hard work, but important for everyone smart enough to buy from you and your friends.
Zichar wrote:
Against my better judgement, I decided to pack my MF gear on a day out with Raylan (childcare center was closed, it's Teacher's Day!).
Brought him to the National Gallery where they had a kid's programme going on
I've gotten really used to whipping out my phone instead of the dedicated camera
Hope this is training for my next trip out
X-T20 with the 24/2
In your inimitable style Chin. NIcely composed. Good for you taking a real camera on an outing. I understand the iPhone thing. Yesterday I took a six plus mile hike in the nearby watershed, expecting I'd extend the hike. I generally don't take camera gear since my hands are occupied with trekking poles. As you know from visiting here, the hills can be very demanding when on foot. I knew this trail would have me going up and down, occasionally over rocks.
But along the way I saw a fallen log that was slowly decaying, revealing the layers of yearly growth. I thought it would make a fine graphical image when I walked by it the first time. When I walked back on my return it dawned on me that I had an iPhone in my pocket. I snapped a couple of shots, then completely forgot about it... until reading your comment. I guess I'll have to figure out how to download the images to see if I have anything worth keeping. I feel very awkward shooting with a cell phone and always say no when asked by someone to take a photo with their phone. Sue whips hers out in a heartbeat and takes photos of things when we're shopping. That is never going to be me... but I understand the appeal. Take a photo, send it via email to friends and family. I'm sticking with the digital darkroom!
Went totally old school for me: D800 + 400/5.6 ED-AI.
I had the pleasure of taking out for a quick photo shoot my wife's best friend's 15 year old niece visiting from Minnesota. She's an excellent iPhone photographer (she showed me some of her images and they are really quite excellent).
I introduced her to the D800 and A7RIII AND a couple of lovely old film cameras from the 1950's - Retina II A and the Mercury II CX 35. She loved the old film cameras, but was at a complete loss as to how film worked.
Anyways, here are a couple of rare D800 shots from me - the old boy needs to find a new home sometime soon as Sony (and the new Z7) has kicked it to the curb.
CGrindahl wrote:
Leighton... we're both here... though I'm forty five minutes behind you, so you're probably out doing chores...
75mm focal length appeals to you... I know I love the 55 f/1.2 S.C. AI as a walk around lens and would probably enjoy something a little longer. I'm not playing on buying the NOCT to gave 3mm. 85 seems a tad long. I guess there was some intelligence behind the manufacturer's who made the 24-70mm zooms AND the 70-200 zooms. I remember liking the Tamron at 28-75.
Always nice to see your market photos appear from time to time. Sue and I are faithfully going to Marin farmers' market TWICE each week. You should see the O'Henry peaches on the plate behind me. They are amazing.
We're both eating a vegan diet... no meat or dairy. I cheat a bit since some of the things I eat have eggs in them which is not considered part of a true vegan diet. Needless to say, eating whole plant food diet means trips to the market are much appreciated. The food is so fresh and the prices are much better than you'll find in the market. Of course, we pay a tad more since we only eat organic fruits and vegetables. Hats off to you for what you're doing in managing the Staunton markets. It is hard work, but important for everyone smart enough to buy from you and your friends. ...Show more →
Thanks. Vegan huh? Too bad Monte's not around to give you some recipes. Bet I could convert you with our lamb.
Glad you're shopping at the market. You probably have a lot more to choose from than our market. Never heard of those peaches, but they sound good.
jhinkey wrote:
Went totally old school for me: D800 + 400/5.6 ED-AI.
I had the pleasure of taking out for a quick photo shoot my wife's best friend's 15 year old niece visiting from Minnesota. She's an excellent iPhone photographer (she showed me some of her images and they are really quite excellent).
I introduced her to the D800 and A7RIII AND a couple of lovely old film cameras from the 1950's - Retina II A and the Mercury II CX 35. She loved the old film cameras, but was at a complete loss as to how film worked.
Anyways, here are a couple of rare D800 shots from me - the old boy needs to find a new home sometime soon as Sony (and the new Z7) has kicked it to the curb.
leighton w wrote:
Thanks John. I love the light in these, especially the first one.
Are you going for the Z7? I've seen you on the Z threads.
Leighton - I always felt that you and the guy with the cute little dog (can't remember his name - he suddenly disappeared from FM) were the best at capturing the moment in your images.
Regarding the Z7 . . .
I'm on the fence. As you may have noticed I've shot my A7RIII almost exclusively since I got it, but the old D800 is still a better tripod camera. The Z7 really only interests me if:
- It's far better/easier to control externally than the A7RIII
- Image quality is above the A7RIII (my D800 still gives me slightly better images at the end of the day)
- The UI is Nikon-esque - the Sony is just terrible IMHO, but I put up with it
- Someone comes out with a simple electronics-only (no screw-drive) adapter so my AI-P lenses can be used successfully (45/2.8 AI-P, 90/3.5 SL-II CV, 135/2 ZF.2 Zeiss and maybe I'll get the 500/4 AI-P again).
- You can log the non-CPU lens focal length in the camera just like you can with Nikon DSLRs and IBIS and EXIF know what FL it is (Sony does not log the focal length in EXIF even though you have to input this to get IBIS to work correctly - very very stupid and easily changed, but won't be).
Not thrilled with the size of the Z6/7 bodies, but if it's mostly for tripod work that's OK.
My A7RIII setup for vacations and weight-conscious outings is excellent - the primes Nikon has come out with so far look fat and big, so likely won't buy any Nikon Z-mount lenses anytime soon.
It would also help a lot if Zeiss adapted their Loxia lineup to have a native Z-mount.
jhinkey wrote:
Leighton - I always felt that you and the guy with the cute little dog (can't remember his name - he suddenly disappeared from FM) were the best at capturing the moment in your images.
Regarding the Z7 . . .
I'm on the fence. As you may have noticed I've shot my A7RIII almost exclusively since I got it, but the old D800 is still a better tripod camera. The Z7 really only interests me if:
- It's far better/easier to control externally than the A7RIII
- Image quality is above the A7RIII (my D800 still gives me slightly better images at the end of the day)
- The UI is Nikon-esque - the Sony is just terrible IMHO, but I put up with it
- Someone comes out with a simple electronics-only (no screw-drive) adapter so my AI-P lenses can be used successfully (45/2.8 AI-P, 90/3.5 SL-II CV, 135/2 ZF.2 Zeiss and maybe I'll get the 500/4 AI-P again).
- You can log the non-CPU lens focal length in the camera just like you can with Nikon DSLRs and IBIS and EXIF know what FL it is (Sony does not log the focal length in EXIF even though you have to input this to get IBIS to work correctly - very very stupid and easily changed, but won't be).
Not thrilled with the size of the Z6/7 bodies, but if it's mostly for tripod work that's OK.
My A7RIII setup for vacations and weight-conscious outings is excellent - the primes Nikon has come out with so far look fat and big, so likely won't buy any Nikon Z-mount lenses anytime soon.
It would also help a lot if Zeiss adapted their Loxia lineup to have a native Z-mount.
On the subject of past contributors that suddenly disappeared - what ever happened to:
- The older guy with the little dog that took great candid images
- The guy from Portland that suddenly disappeared
- The excellent, but eccentric guy from Alberta/Calgary that suddenly sold all his Nikon stuff
Who else was a frequent contributor that just up and left the thread one day?
gbohannon wrote:
John - according to the FTZ brochure, the adapter will support AI-P lenses.
Thanks. I just don't want to have to carry the extra stuff (or pay for) that's needed for screw-drive lenses.
Hopefully Nikon will come out with a non-screw drive version (or some third party) - that may be a while.
jhinkey wrote:
Thanks. I just don't want to have to carry the extra stuff (or pay for) that's needed for screw-drive lenses.
Hopefully Nikon will come out with a non-screw drive version (or some third party) - that may be a while.
As far as I know there is not a screw drive in the FTZ. The chart I posted above lists AF G and D lenses as manual focus only. Only AF-S, AF-P and AF-I will have autofocus capability with the FTZ
Here is a link to the Z lens brochure. FTZ info on pgs 34 - 37
gbohannon wrote:
As far as I know there is not a screw drive in the FTZ. The chart I posted above lists AF G and D lenses as manual focus only. Only AF-S, AF-P and AF-I will have autofocus capability with the FTZ
Here is a link to the Z lens brochure. FTZ info on pgs 34 - 37
Just looked at the details - it appears there is no aperture coupling either - so the camera can't stop the aperture down or know what aperture is being used for non-CPU lenses - that sucks.
jhinkey wrote:
Just looked at the details - it appears there is no aperture coupling either - so the camera can't stop the aperture down or know what aperture is being used for non-CPU lenses - that sucks.
Yep, just like using them on Fuji and I suspect Sony too. But honestly for me it never posed a problem on the Fuji. Since it is EVF stopped down usage gives you the true WYSIWYG.
jhinkey wrote:
On the subject of past contributors that suddenly disappeared - what ever happened to:
- The older guy with the little dog that took great candid images
- The guy from Portland that suddenly disappeared
- The excellent, but eccentric guy from Alberta/Calgary that suddenly sold all his Nikon stuff
Who else was a frequent contributor that just up and left the thread one day?
Monty and Brad were 2 of them I believe Brad liked taking images of furniture in the street
Brad also took street photos of his son
Nikon AIS was the other he went off the deep end with a long rambling rant and had his account locked
and Ray also up and went away
leighton w wrote:
Thanks. Vegan huh? Too bad Monte's not around to give you some recipes. Bet I could convert you with our lamb.
Glad you're shopping at the market. You probably have a lot more to choose from than our market. Never heard of those peaches, but they sound good.
I'm eating an O'Henry peach as I write this... pure lusciousness. I love them. Since we're coming to the end of the season I'll probably buy more. You may not recall that my dad was a produce buyer for a small chain of stores in Minneapolis... from the forties through the sixties when he died. In those days he'd head to the market downtown at 3:30 in the morning, to pick the produce that would then be delivered to stores. He also was on the telephone checking with farmers and getting weather updates. I remember when he'd arrive home late in the evening with a box of freestone peaches for my mother to can. The O'Henry is a freestone peach... out of this world good.
I'd forgotten that Monty was a vegan. I do recall visiting Sue's brother's farm in upstate New York before I took the plunge. I ate bacon from his pigs, which was surely the best I've ever tasted. The steak from his butchered cow was pretty spectacular as well. I can imagine you lamb chops would be divine... So long as I'm three thousand miles I won't be tempted...
Thanks for the information Reagan. Brad was also the first person who brought a 55 f/1.2 lens to the thread. He did some quirky work with it. He started taking AF photos professionally, I believe at a swim club. He may have worked for Nike, if I recall correctly.
We all know that Monty came into a bit of money and decided to invest it in AF lenses which led him in a different direction. I miss both of those guys. They were engaged with the thread, each in their own way. Brad had two kids, a older girl and younger boy, both of whom we saw on the thread. We also saw his wife.
And yes, Nikon AIS went off the deep end, selling his Nikon gear to buy Canon digital gear. I'm quite certain he was often inebriated when he posted late at night, doing his photo dumps of dozens of images at the time, and repeated old stories. Gregory was his name. He lived in Calgary. I don't miss him at all, though his stories were interesting the first time around.
No doubt we've had folks coming and going for year with a relatively few sticking. I guess it is much like life where change seems to be the only thing we can count on... Like the cameras in your kit...
There are three Dfs on the Buy and Sell board at the moment, one for around $1,100 with 4000 shutter actuations. I was even tempted to buy a second, then came to my senses.
The Df I purchased used is my "play toy" for "me" time.
