Cheapskate Nikon 1 series accessories

<p>If you're wondering about the inexpensive Flipbac G4 grip adapter for the Nikon V1 and the Fotodiox "dumb" lens adapter for Nikon F mount lenses to the Nikon 1 mount, the answer is thumbs up to both. These are excellent values for us cheapskates and terrific alternatives to the pricier Nikon grip and lens adapters.</p>

<p><a href="/photo/16952434&size=lg"><img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/16952434-md.jpg" alt="Nikon V1 with Flipbac G4 grip & Fotodiox Nikon F to Nikon 1 lens adapter" width="680" height="510" border="0" /></a></p>

<p>At $10 shipped from Adorama, the Flipbac G4 grip adapter is a bargain. It fits neatly over the V1's existing finger ridge and matches the rear rubbery thumb panel in looks and feel. There's enough of a hollow to place it as you prefer around the existing finger ridge - I preferred it lower than the Flipbac illustrations suggest. The 3M stickum is secure, detachable and replaceable. It's not as pretty as the sculpted aluminum Franiec grip, but it's not ugly either. I mostly use a homebrewed neck/wrist strap made from paracord. With the wrist strap and one-hand hold, the Flipback grip offers a huge improvement in ergonomics.</p>

<p>The Fotodiox Nikon F to Nikon 1 lens adapter is another bargain, at around $20 shipped from Amazon, if you have Amazon Prime, which includes free 2-day shipping. It's solid, well made, fits properly and has a decent tripod mount for medium sized teles. If you're comfortable guesstimating exposure to get in the ballpark you'll have no trouble with this "dumb" adapter. I can usually nail the exposure on the second shot after getting close with the first. It uses the V1's manual exposure mode only, and disables auto ISO so you'll need to choose the ISO as well. <em>(And if you're not comfortable guesstimating exposure yet, check out Fred Parker's Ultimate Exposure Computer charts. It's "Sunny 16" taken to the nth degree. It'll really add to your confidence when shooting in tricky lighting and you're not sure the meter is telling you the truth.)</em></p>

<p>This adapter is ideal for occasional use with your favorite small, fast Nikkors. My 50/2 AI and 85/2 AIS Nikkors hadn't seen much use in years but will with this adapter on the V1. Both lenses are about the same size and weight - very compact - and it's terrific having an affordable, fast equivalent to a 135mm f/2 and 230mm f/2 (in ye olden 24x36mm Holy Paradigm).</p>

<p>Manual focusing is remarkably easy with the V1's excellent electronic viewfinder, despite the plain screen and lack of any focusing aids - not quite on par with my D2H or F3HP, but not bad either. Even though my hands aren't very steady I can handhold these lenses reasonably well, and any lightweight or tabletop tripod can handle the V1 with the Fotodiox adapter and the 50/2 or 85/2 manual focus Nikkors.</p>

<p><a href="/photo/16952433&size=lg"><img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/16952433-md.jpg" alt="Nikon V1 with Flipbac G4 grip & Fotodiox Nikon F to Nikon 1 lens adapter" width="680" height="510" border="0" /></a></p>

<p>I have a J1 which lacks the electronic viewfinder so requires the LCD for focusing. Not too much of a problem although the smaller the lens/camera combo the more useful the viewfinder. A 300 f4.5 remains my only MF lens thus not one to use without a tripod. I think a 50 mm would make a nice addition (wife sits nearby so I better not disclose any plans for more stuff )</p>

<p>Lex, the adapter I bought cost half yours but didn't include the tripod mount. Don't mind; gave me an inexpensive means to evaluate other lens for the J/V series. Might event consider the Nikon adapter if a bargain deal comes along and only after I finish the remodeling the bathroom (you know who still nearby)</p>

<p>Thanks for the info on the grips. <br>

Joe</p>

<p>I haven't tried manual focusing with the 50/2 AI or 85/2 AIS Nikkors using only the rear LCD yet. I may try that from a tripod - I'd need reading glasses too. The V1's EVF makes it much easier.</p>

<p>For the J series, I'm guessing any of the Flipbac grips would work. The G4 was designed to clear the finger ridges on the V1 and a few other models. Check out the Franiec grip too - if you don't mind spending $40 it's very good looking. If I wasn't such a cheapskate I'd have gotten the Franiec - but I'm pinching pennies to get the V1 flash or a fast prime.</p>

<p>Thanks for the info Lex. I'm guessing that adapter wouldn't be compatible with my 300mm f/4 AFS D lens due to the electrical contacts?</p>

<p>I also see on Amazon that Fotodiox makes a Nikon G-type, and DX-Type Lens to Nikon 1-Series Camera adapter (no contacts), but I don't see how you could adjust the aperture. Any ideas how it would work?</p>

<p>My Fotodiox lens adapter is completely "dumb" - no CPU contacts, no mechanical controls at all. If the lens has an aperture ring that controls the aperture, it will work. If I'm recalling correctly the 300/4 AFS has an aperture ring and should function in manual mode with the Fotodiox adapter and Nikon 1.</p>

<p>Keep in mind there's no effective metering, but the LCD/EVF do give you a bit of a hint. However I've been guesstimating exposures with meterless cameras for so long I can usually get in the ballpark with one exposure, check the histogram, and nail it on the second. But if you have a handheld meter it's even easier.</p>

<p>No idea about the Fotodiox lens adapter for G type lenses, never even noticed that one. The only thing that would tempt me to spend more money for an adapter would be for full compatibility with a VR Nikkor. But the 30-110mm VR for the Nikon 1 is already very affordable and the only other VR Nikkor that might tempt me - the 24-120/4 VR - is way too expensive.</p>

<p>I got the Flipbac grip and like it on my V1. Nice and cheap.<br>

Lex, after seeing your Wed Pic post which mentioned the Fotodiox adapter, I ordered one from Amazon. I should have it tomorrow, and will see how it works with my AI/AIS lens.<br>

So far, the only one control that I really really miss on V1 is a dedicate ISO dial, or any faster and easier way to change it.</p>

<p>Yeh, having to dive into the menu can be a minor pain in the neck, but I regard the V1 as a P&S on steroids. What it's good at, it's *verrry* good at. The AF is so quick, even in ridiculously dim lighting.</p>

<p>I was surprised at how good the EVF is for manual focusing with my AI and AIS Nikkors, because the manual focusing option with the kit zoom is a miserable experience. But with good manual focus lenses it's a whole nuther game. However the focus throw on my 24mm f/2.5 Tamron Adaptall is too short - makes the manual focus too twitchy. But the focus throw on the 50/2 AI and 85/2 AIS are just right.</p>

<p>Once I worked out how to move the AF point and get it in manual exposure mode (with auto-ISO), I found the handling of my V1 marginally less bad than I expected. I'm treating it as a specialist 400fps+ camera, on the basis that it's at least as bulky as my GF2 with power zoom. I do have a (dumb) F adaptor for the GF2; I suspect the extra crop is enough to dissuade me from bothering for the V1, but in case I change my mind, thanks for the info, Lex! (I'm a lot more tempted by a cheap adaptor than the Nikon one, though it'll be a bit of a shame not to have my G lenses work - I'll check out the premium for something G-compatible, though historically it's been more than you'd hope, for other formats.)</p>

<p>Lex..... I don't have any old Nikon lenses and don't enjoy MF the way I used to. One thing I can say is that I really love using the V1 with my AFS 50 f/1.4G and my AFS 85 f/1.4G. Some how I think the set up balance really well even though it is a small camera. </p>

<p>Rene, your photo of the duck with the 300/4 AFS on the V1 was excellent too. The CX sensor gets a lot of mileage from short to medium telephotos, which appeals to me. Less weight to carry.</p>