mirror lock up

Hi there,

This is my first post but I do enjoying this forum for a long time.

My main interest at this time is macro photography. For now I'm using

a f4 but I'm considering getting a D70. However, I noted that a few

necessary features are missing:

1. I'm using slow films ? max. 100 iso, the d70 iso range starts

at 200.

2. No mirror lock up.

 

Does anyone here missing these features for macro photography with

the d-70?

Many thanks in advance for any answer,

 

Eyal.

Eyal, the main concern about using the D70 for macro work is that the D70's viewfinder image is small and dim, thus it may be difficult to manual focus critically. If I were you, I would find a D70 and check that out yourself. Having said that, I recently shot some macro with my D100 and I had no problems with its viewfinder. The D100's viewfinder is a bit better than the D70's viewfinder but is also not as good as those in the F series bodies.

 

Otherwise, I doubt that you'll notice any difference without MLU and minimum ISO 200 should not be a problem. You simply use a faster shutter speed that may actually help as far as avoiding vibration goes.

EYAL,

 

CONFUSE ME NOT, how are you " ... using slow films ? max. 100 iso, the d70 iso range starts at 200." There is no film there inside the d70, is there?

 

And since this is so, how does the ISO 200 min setting on the d70 affect macro work? You simply gain at least one stop. Gladly, I would assume ...

 

The other caveats re. the d70 (viewfinder...) still apply, though.

Thank you very much, Frank and Shun.

Frank ? my main concern about the "iso" rating is, of course, the grain / noise level; this is the only reason why I'm using slow films. Anyway, I now understand that DSLR have much 'cleaner' photos comparing to film, at the same 'ISO' rating.

I'll take Shun advice and wait for a reasonably priced DSLR with a big and clear viewfinder. Thanks again for the helpful advice. It's amazing for me that my old f4 is still a great choice to use even now days.

Ante up and buy a professional Nikon DLSR, a D2Hs or D2X or

maybe a used Nikon D2H. These have a feature called Mirror-up

that is very effective and much easier to use than traditional

mirror lockup. Its unfortunate but DSLR(s) are very

expensive. Even the entry level DSLR(s) are expensive compared to

entry level film cameras.<br>

<br>

ISO 200? Yes this can be a problem. A 2x or 4x ND filter is the

only solution. If the ISO concern is about noise it need not be.

Sometimes its useful the have a slow film to cause a

cluttered background go black in sunlight with flash. Longer

lenses help with the ability to select natural backgrounds that

do not intrude.<br>

<br>

Mirror lockup still has it uses but its not as important as

it was with the Nikon F and Nikon F2. The Nikon F5 and F100 dont

need it for most common close-up work. I know, Im

recommending an expensive option again but the Nikon F6 has the

mirror-up feature. I wish Nikon had put that feature on the F100

and F5.<br>

<br>

If using the D70/D70s at very high magnification one can make a

plastic lined sand back to weight the body. This will deaden most

vibration. It will most likely be used on a vertical setup like a

microscope. The camera can be tethered to a computer and CRT or

LCD. No need to use the eyepiece and there should be no need for

mirror lockup.<br>

<br>

Regards,<br>

<br>

Dave Hartman.

F5 has mlu but not F100

MLU is one of my few complaints about the F5. It has it but the control is more difficult to use than the ones found on the F2, F3 and F4. The chance of moving the camera with a delicate macro setup is greater. The greater problem with the F100 is the lack of a eyepiece shutter.

The single most important macro accessory for me has become the PN-11. And remember it will not allow you to meter on the D-70. Yes you can get AF-extension tubes from Kenko - but I find the tripod collar on the PN-11 indispensable.

 

-a