Introduction

[riffeym]

<p>Hello all!<br>

My name is Mike and I'm a new Nikon owner. After many years of Minolta film and Sony digital cameras, I decided to change up everything and go to Nikon. I started with film, as I'm sure many of your did, buying a new Minolta SRT-201 in 1977. From there I accumulated a SRT-102, SRT-202, XD-11, XG-7, X-570, X-700, Maxxum 7000 (2), Maxxum 9000, Maxxum 700si and a Maxxum 9xi plus Pentax and Mamiya Sekor cameras, including a large collection of Minolta and Yashica rangefinders<br>

<br />When I went to digital, I had so many Minolta A mount AF lenses from my Maxxums, I purchased a Sony A300 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor digital camera. After that I bought a used A200 for the wife to have her own camera and those two cameras have been in use ever since. Even with 10.2 megapixel CCD sensors, with the Minolta A mount lenses, they made some pretty nice pictures. Even though I really liked digital with the instant feedback, I never lost my love of film.<br>

<br />I still have my Minolta 9000 and 9xi and continue to use them. I develop my film at home using a hand tank and then scanning my negs. I have done many color negs using C-41 kits from Tetenal and Unicolor and B&W using Ilford and Kodak developers but, I started having concerns about the chemicals and their disposal. That led me to where I'm at now – using Caffenol developing solutions for both color and B&W. If I do need color film I send it off to a lab for processing.<br>

<br />But I digress, I'm here to introduce myself as a new Nikon digital shooter. This past Christmas, with the blessings of my lovely wife, I purchased a Nikon D7100 kit from one of our local warehouse stores. It was the Nikkor18-55 f3.5-5.6 DX VR and Nikkor 55-300 f4.5-5.6 G ED VR lens kit and also came with a Sandisk 32Gb card and the Wu-1a wireless dongle (which seems more like a gimmick)<br>

<br /><br /><br>

<img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1677/23719201693_086b1fdb06_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="464" /><br>

<br />The kit lenses are, well, kit lenses. Although I must say that the 18-55 really isn't too bad. But, the two best acquisitions so far have been a Nikon Series E 50mm f1.8 manual focus lens and the Nikon SB-22 Speedlight.<br>

<br /><br /><br>

<img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1650/24237786622_10ab6492f2_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="428" /></p>

<p><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1698/24237793822_6fb9bcc2f1_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="603" /><br>

<br />I was amazed that the Nikon engineers were able to put software into the camera that would allow me to use non-CPU lenses and still have full control over my aperture settings! I know this is all old hat to you guys but, I'm just flabbergasted that Nikon could make it so simple to use legacy lenses! And the SB-22, I'm amazed again that you can use this old 80's Speedlight on a modern DSLR to good effect, of course there's no TTL but heck, it still does the job!<br>

<br />The D7100 is proving to be an amazing camera and I hope to step up my game enough to fully utilize it's capabilities. I will not, however be giving up film anytime soon so I will start looking for a Nikon film camera either a F100 or a F4s. I'm pretty much out of money right now, so I'm on the look out for older Nikon lenses and accessories to build up my kit.<br>

<br />Thanks for letting me ramble on and I hope to be seeing you all here at the forum. I sure hope the guys at the Sony/Minolta forum will understand!<br>

<br /><br /><br>

Mike :D</p>

 

[rodeo_joe1]

<p>Hi Mike, and welcome to the Nikon community.</p>

<p>Seems like you have a perfectly adequate kit to start with, but beware; you might catch a disease called "NAS" - Nikon Acquisition Syndrome - from this forum. Don't breath in too deeply when chatting here!</p>

<p>Purely by-the-by. I'm amazed you managed to get a Caffeine developer to work. I tried using instant coffee as a developer with no success at all. Although I have a recipe for a Rodinal substitute which uses cheap Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) painkiller tablets. And a D-76 like Phenidone-Ascorbic acid developer. Both of which are fairly eco-friendly and cheap to make up from readily available chemicals (apart from the Phenidone of course). I'll post the recipes up if you want.</p>

[d_ponce]

<p>Welcome, Michael! You won't be disappointed. :-) (hmm...NAS?? so that's what my problem is -- I've had it since the mid 90's but I'd have to say these past 3 or 4 years, it's gotten really bad -- thank you for your diagnosis, Rodeo). <br>

Enjoy!!</p>

[Matthew Currie]

<p>If you do want to trigger the D7100 remotely and don't like the wireless dongle, you can also use the cheap ML-L3 wireless remote, though you must go to the menu to activate it. That is one of the very few things done better on the low end D3200. </p>

<p>I find the 55-300 DX lens nice for traveling, and decent enough for most purposes. It's a little soft at 300, but better when a little shorter, so if you are having issues with sharpness, you may find it a little better if you back it out to 250 or so and crop later. </p>

<p>When you get to film Nikons again, both the F100 and the F4 have their virtues. If you don't use pre-AI lenses, but do need AV and full function from G lenses, the F100 is grand, and it's a screaming bargain these days. My wife has two of them, great film cameras. Nice to handle, nice to use. If you are more inclined to experiment with old lenses, the F4, with its flip-up AI tab, will work at some level with just about anything at all. No AV, and only P and S modes with a G lens, but it will work with just about anything. </p>

<p>My experience with early AF before I got the F4 was with a Maxxum 7000. I was quite surprised at how good the F4 is by comparison. It's terribly primitive compared to a D7100, but it's a rocket ship compared to the original Maxxum. </p>

 

[riffeym]

<p>Thanks for welcome Rodeo and D Ponce! Through out my life I have been afflicted with GAS so I guess that NAS would just be a natural progression. Rodeo, this is the Caffenol recipe that I use -</p>

<ul>

<li>

<p>Instant coffee <strong>with</strong> caffein</p>

</li>

<li>

<p>washing soda</p>

</li>

<li>

<p>Vitamin C powder, or tablets (i use the powder)</p>

</li>

</ul>

<p>I mix Coffee and Soda separate, as it makes it easier to see if the Soda is completely dispersed.<br />150ml Water, 6 rounded Teaspoons Instant Coffee (15 grams)<br />200ml Water, 4 leveled Teaspoons Washing Soda (8 grams)<br />Mix all together, add 1 Teaspoon of Vitamin C (7 grams)<br>

Let solution stand for about 5 minutes to clear microbubbles.<br>

Development time is dependent on the film type and speed just like any other developer. I would like to check out your recipes for the peseduo Rodinal and D-76. They both sound interesting.<br>

<br>

Mike :D</p>

[riffeym]

<p>Hey Matthew! Thanks for the info. Like you stated, I noticed the softness full out. I still need to play with it some more to get used to where it does the best. I have noticed that the F100 seems to be a real good buy nowadays, and I think it would be more than adequate for my needs. However, the F4 is interesting as far as using the non-AI Nikkor lenses.</p>

<p>So many choices, so little time...!</p>

<p>Mike :D</p>

[Mary Doo]

<blockquote>

<p>I have noticed that the F100 seems to be a real good buy nowadays, and I think it would be more than adequate for my needs. However, the F4 is interesting as far as using the non-AI Nikkor lenses.<br>

</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Mike, your D7100 kit is very capable. Please make use of it to make some kick-butt images. :-) I hope you're not going back to film again. Didn't most of us come from there? Sure the F100 and other film bodies are at fire sale prices. I thanked my buyers for paying me to dump mine. </p>

[DavidTriplett]

Welcome to PNet. One of my favorite lenses on my D7100 is a Micro Nikkor 55mm AI from about 1977. How cool is that,

with full auto exposure.

[ShunCheung]

<p>I should point out that while <a href="/photodb/user?user_id=2009166">Michael Riffey</a> maybe new to Nikon, he has been a photo.net member for a decade. Welcome to the Nikon Forum.</p>

<p>My first SLR was a Minolta SRT-101. Once upon a time I also switched from Minolta to Nikon, but that took place a little earlier back in 1977, the very year Nikon introduced Auto Indexing (AI). Can't believe that was almost four decades ago. Sure makes me feel old. :-)</p>

[riffeym]

<p>Thank you all for your welcome!</p>

<p>Mary, I certainly hope I can rise to the level of the D7100 and make some "kick butt" images however, I still cannot completely give up film. I have always have and will probably will continue to use film right along side of digital.</p>

<p>David, I fully agree with you. When I first mounted my 50mm Series E lens on the D7100 and set it up, I said "How cool is that?" Thanks Nikon!</p>

<p>Shun, as you pointed out, I have been hanging out here at PN for a while mainly over at the Sony/Minolta forum (of course). I was just getting started in photography while you were already making your switch to Nikon. Yes, we are getting older and all I will say is I'm old enough to be retired... :)</p>

<p>Mike :D</p>

 

[Gup]

<p>Hello Michael. I do less writing and more reading here now. I was about to type a congratulations on how well and how quickly you learned to actually post a photo here at P.net. I was impressed and amazed. Then I went to your page to confirm you had just joined to find out you've been here 10 years already. So, now I can only ask, 'what took you so long?' :)<br>

My first SLR was also a Minolta. I bought an SRT-202 in September 1974 with the first paycheck I'd ever made. I was 18. I'd already been shooting since my first Diana was given to me 11 years before but I was thrilled with that body. I remember I opted for the Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 over the 1.8 and it cost me a bit more. The total was about $350, or so, as I recall. I also recall my parents hitting the roof! They were beyond angry. What a waste of hard earned money! Did I have no value of a dollar?! What was I thinking or had that even entered into my decision? I remember my paycheck was $450 for the month, before deductions. Well, skip ahead a few months to my first paying gig and then my second and then accolades started trickling down to my parents' ears. Then they were very proud of their eldest son and his apparent skill with his new toy. Ha ha. I never looked back. I used that camera and that lens and a Vivitar 283 exclusively for many years and many weddings. My next Minolta was the Maxxum 7000i and a stable of lenses. From there, the Nikon F5, and since - about 18 digital 'prototypes', Nikon DSLRs and Canon P&Ss. <br>

Fourteen years ago I gifted that Minolta SRT to my daughter when she graduated from grade 8. She has since graduated University, she makes movies now, but still shoots exclusively with that little film body. It has accompanied her around the world and continues to produce astounding results. Unlike her Dad, she is an artist. She cares not for any technical photo conversation and soon gets bored and fidgety if I 'go there' but has shown me consistently what that camera was and still is capable of. The beautiful leather two-piece case has long since deteriorated into dust but the machine still performs beautifully.</p>

<p> </p>

[rodeo_joe1]

<p>Here's the Phenidone-Ascorbate formula:</p>

<p>Ascorbic Acid ............... 10 gm<br>

Phenidone.................... 0.25 gm<br>

Sodium Hydroxide......... 19 gm<br>

Sodium metabisulphite... 40 gm<br>

Borax........................... 6 gm<br>

Boric Acid...................... 1 gm<br>

Water to make............... 1 litre<br>

<br />Use undiluted. Developing times and results are practically identical to D76/ID-11. The developer can be re-used like D76 for about 6 films/litre by extending the developing time for each film by 10%.<br>

A slightly simplified version can be prepared by using only 1gm of Borax and omitting the Boric Acid.</p>

<p>The Rodinal substitute is a bit more complicated to make up because the raw Paracetamol painkiller tablets have to be dissolved and converted to Para-aminophenol developer. This is done by taking about 100ml of water and bringing it to the boil in a small stainless-steel or enamel pan.<br>

When the water is boiling add the Paracetamol/Acetaminophen tablets and stir until they're completely dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool until the paracetamol starts to precipitate out of solution again. At this point slowly and carefully add the Sodium Hydroxide (caustic soda) while stirring.<br>

<strong>Take care! A hot caustic soda solution is very corrosive and do not use an aluminium pan - caustic soda will dissolve it.</strong><br>

<strong> </strong><br>

At this point you should have a fairly clear and slightly pink solution. Add 25ml of cold water and let the whole solution cool to luke-warm before adding the sodium metabisulphite. The metabisulphite will probably be stubborn to dissolve. If so add a little more water until you can get a clear solution.</p>

<p>The amounts used are:<br>

7 gms Paracetamol / Acetaminophen - that's 14 x 500mg tablets<br /> 10 gms Sodium Hydroxide<br /> 13.4 gms Sodium Metabisulphite<br /> All dissolved in as little water as possible ~ 150ml.<br /> Prepare the Paracetamol and NaOH by boiling as described above and only add the metabisulphite when cool.<br>

<br>

Happy shooting!<br /></p>

[riffeym]

<p>Hi Gup! Yes I've been around PN long enough to figure things out but, you can go ahead and congratulate me anyway! :) It's funny though, I've always considered Nikon to be out of my price range but with each passing year and leap in technology, it's ALL out of my price range. My wife, bless her heart, was kind of like what your parents were - Why do you need a new camera? What's wrong with the one's that you have? Why are they so expensive? When she finally decided that it was indeed time to upgrade the digital, I thought maybe it's time to make a change and I might not ever get the chance again. So, here I am, a happy Nikon owner! A great personal history BTW and you must be proud of your daughter. It's nice to see that old SRT is still out there chugging away...</p>

<p>Thanks Joe, I have copied your post and saved it in my "recipe file" to give it a try. That's another part of film that is so interesting is the chemistry. It's a lot of fun trying out different solutions!</p>

<p>Mike :D</p>

 

[clive_murray_white]

<p>I too enjoy my SB 22.</p>

[dan_brown4]

<p>Hello Michael, welcome to the forum.</p>

<p>- Dan</p>

[riffeym]

<p>Hi Clive and Dan! Thanks for the welcome Dan!</p>

<p>Clive, since I pretty much blew my money on the D7100 kit, I was looking for a cheaper way to get a flash for the camera and I wanted to stick with Nikon. I saw a SB-22 on Ebay going for next to nothing and I had read up on it and saw it was still usable on the new Nikon digitals (minus TTL of course).</p>

<p>Mike :D</p>

 

[clive_murray_white]

<p>Yes welcome too Michael, same story for me too with the SB -22 I often use it in conjunction with another oldie, an SB-27 all linked up off camera to some Yongnuo wireless gear. In truth I'm much more of a natural light kind of person augmented occasionally a bit more light here and there provided by the old SBs - I love their obvious analogue controls.</p>

[riffeym]

<p>Yep Clive, I prefer natural light also but sometimes you just can't get the right light. That's why even though I don't use them much I always like to have a flash around. I know the D7100 has a built in flash but I get better results with it off the camera. And I second your love of simple analog controls...</p>

<p>Mike :D</p>

[DavidTriplett]

<p>Mike, FYI: You might want to check out the thread I started on burst auto bracketing for the D7100. While you may not use it specifically for HDR, it is useful for any situation where bracketed exposures are appropriate, and is difficult to discern in the Nikon manual.</p>

[riffeym]

<p>Thanks David! Your explanation was far more understandable than the manual. i didn't try it in the other modes but it works just fine in Manual mode. Great!<br>

Mike :D</p>

<p> </p>

[jose_angel]

<p>Funny, I`m also another devotee from the 50E... I like more its size and weight (almost a pancake lens) but I suspect mine, even though in near mint condition, doesn`t perform as I`d like.<br>

Didn`t make an exhaustive test, but I tend to think the images came out somewhat soft unless stopped down. Anyway, I like to use it for fun or when I carry my camera just in case.</p>

 

[CvhKaar]

<p> best acquisitions so far have been a Nikon Series E 50mm f1.8 manual focus lens<br>

If you like the series E 50mm , then you also might want to do yourself a favour, and try to get hold of the nifty lightweigth series - E 100mm f2.8, which has the size of a conventional 50mm lens , so light that you will not notice it in your bag ( or pocket) but gives you a (crop factor 1.5) 150mm comparable result F/2.8 fast tele on your D7100.<br>

For me the series e 100mm f/2.8 is one of the best value for money bargains i got from fleebay...</p>

[riffeym]

<p>Hello Jose and van het Kaar!</p>

<p>Jose, I have not had much time to work with the 50E yet but so far, I find that I'm quite pleased with the images produced by the lens. I know that lens performance can be subjective at times and results can be dependent on what sort of image the photographer is trying to create.</p>

<p>van het Kaar, Yes, the Series E 100mm f2.8 is on my radar. In fact, that is the next acquisition that I have in mind! :)</p>

<p>Mike :D</p>

<p> </p>

[Javier Gutierre]

<p>Welcome Michael ! <br /> Glad your a Vet. This Nikon forum is often a WWE wrestling match and like the WWE it is very entertaining. We have our genuine heals and hero's. You have a wonderful kit. Don't forget to install the latest firmware as that makes that camera come to life.</p>

[rodeo_joe1]

<p>Mike, if you want a bit (read <em>lot</em>) more power and flexibility from a flash, try to get hold of an SB-25. You get manual control down to 1/64th power in 1/3 stop decrements, AA exposure control over a range of 7 apertures and full tilt/rotate for bouncing. Not to mention "zooming" from 24 to 85mm, a flip-down diffuser to widen the coverage further to 20mm and a catchlight reflector. It has the same power as an SB-910.<br>

I've not paid more than £25 UK (~$37 US) for any of mine, used. However I've bought them at camera fairs and not at inflated fleabay prices.</p>

<p>Another lens that I can recommend is the 75-150mm f/3.5 series E. It's seriously sharp on a D7200 and covers a nice range from portrait to short tele with a constant aperture. Focuses down to just under 1 metre as well. Just check that the zoom action isn't too sloppy with use.</p>