theo_vermeulen

<p>I gave up on prints and did a photo book instead so I can print whatever ratio I like all with border and title.<br>

I just took a moment to ask myself if what I was about to post is going to be useful to the person who asked the question. I think when someone stumbles upon this exchange four years from now via a Google search, they are going to say 'that was worth my time to read'.</p>

It wasn't not even 11 years later.

For those in the US, I just saw a Nikon FB-14 for sale on *bay for $40. A real bargain.

I have both the Pentax K-3 (their flagship APS-C camera) and a FF Nikon D700. The Pentax blows the D700 out of the water on every count. Better image quality, more intuitive handling and better built quality. And this is coming from a guy who has been shooting Nikon since 1989.

For those keen to get hold of these vintage Nikon compartment cases (and they are definitely worth having just for their aesthetic value alone, even if they are not the most practical bags) they can be found regularly on Japanese auction sites like Yahoo Auctions for more reasonable prices than *bay.

 

If you add the Google Translate extension to your browser it will automatically translate the pages for you. I bought my last two Nikon FB-14 bags direct from Japan and they were both in excellent condition despite their age. Prices have dropped somewhat in the last few years even on *bay so they are worth looking for as a nice compliment to your vintage cameras.

My favorite Nikon compartment case has always been the FB-14. It is made from a beautiful soft leather. Compared to modern bags it is not really the most practical bag to use as its relatively small, quite heavy and inflexible but it such a nice quality feel to it that it is a joy to carry around. I have been lucky enough to find two as they seem to be quite rare. I know they were still available new in the late 80s but seem to have been discontinued shortly thereafter.

 

<p>The N8008 was the first camera I bought way back in 1989 and I still love. Best Nikon ever!</p>

<p>The TC-16A was a special TC made to auto-focus manual lenses on the Nikon F501. It had a transistional purpose and it was never really intended for wider use. Because of this it has various limitations and restrictions associated with its use. In any case, its optical performance is certainly not up there with the rest of the Nikon TC range. Given that you have a manual focus lens they would be a better choice.<br>

Another option would be to get a the Tamron SP AF 1.4 TC. I have this and it is great with my Nikon 180. It should work well with your Tokina lens and it is definitely compatible with the D700.</p>

<p>PS The Nikon D50 is really one of the most underated cameras.</p>

<p>"I do think I'll keep my eyes open for a D80 body"<br>

Unless your D50 is unusable I would NOT go down this path.<br>

I did this and was really disappointed. There is something very special about the tonal quality of the images from the D50 which I was never able to replicate on the D80. In addition, the D80 used to over expose a lot and required a lot of PP to get good images.<br>

I ended up giving away my D80 and buying another D50 which I still have and use on a regular basis.<br>

The D50 is STILL one of my favorite cameras when it comes to image quality and I still use mine a lot although I have bought more advanced bodies since then (Pentax K7 and Fuji S5).</p>

 

<p>Man Shing Photo Supplies in Mongkok if you need every Nikon lens made. Reasonable prices and geniune stock. (106 Tung Choi St., Mong Kok). Take the subway to Mongkok). This is where I go since 1989.<br>

There are also two chain electronics stores all over the place called Fortress and Broadway. They have fized prices and generally carry a good range of the more common items.<br>

There is a good article on camera shops in HK here:<br>

<a href="http://www.tvxb.com/billd/HK/HK%20shopping-cameras.html">http://www.tvxb.com/billd/HK/HK%20shopping-cameras.html</a></p>

<p>Thanks for the tips on dealing with the fungus. Actually, on closer lookk it seems that they are hairline scratches so it may be OK.<br>

Is there anything that can be done about the noisy AF gears? It is a kind of squeeking sound. Can graphie powder be used to reduce the noise? What sort of lubricant is generally used on camera lens AF gears?</p>

 

<p>There does seem to be a bit of fungus on the inner elements which is not surprising as I bought it in Mozambique; a hot and humid country.<br>

A related question: Des fungus 'spread' from one lens to another? That is, if you store a lens that has fungus with other lenses that don't, is there a risk that it will spread to the other lenses?</p>

<p>A related question: Des fungus 'spread' from one lens to another? That is, if you store a lens that has fungus with other lenses that don't, is there a risk that it will spread to the other lenses?</p>

<p>The 16-85 is a GREAT travel lens. Reasonably compact and a great focal range but, most importantly, the tonal quality is so nice.<br>

I'm in Mozambique at the moment and really REGRET NOT bringing with me. Brought the 18-55 lens instead. There is no comparison. Both too short at the tele end and not wide enough.</p>

<p>Thanks Michael, for the advice. Just wondering because of the front-focussing issue this lens often gets bad reviews but I was amazed that such a badly battered and old lens (the body is covered in scratches, the gears grind etc) and dropped lens gives such great images. It really shows the quality of Nikon.<br>

I have used a lot of other Nikon lenses and cameras, including the legendary Nikon 180 lens. and this one is great. Just wondering if others had a similiar experience.</p>

<p>PS I'm using it on a Nikon D50.</p><div></div>

<p>This was the first auto-focus 70-210 lens made by Nikon back in 1986-87 before they introduced the variable aperture, push-pull barrel one (which I also have).<br>

<br />I just bought one that looks like its been through a hurricane with lots of marks on the lens body (not glass), the AF gears make lots of noise when focussing (sounds like they are dry and need oil) but the photo quality is great.<br>

<br />Many users have complained that this lens has front focussing issues but mine focussed perfectly depsite the grinding noise from the gears. The image of the Police bikes was taken from about 60 metres and completely in focus. The color tone is nice too.<br>

<br />Overall I am very impressed with lens, esp as I dropped it on the road and it still shots perfectly!<br>

<br />QUESTION: 1. Can I put some oil on the focussing gears and if so, what type?<br>

QUESTION 2: Any opinions on this lens?<br>

Thanks<br>

Theo</p>

<p>Forgot to post the pic! :)</p><div></div>

<p>Nice shot, I like the muted colors. Got anymore to post?<br /><br />I'm thinking about the K7 too but the benchmark for tonal quality for me has always been the Fujifilm S3 Pro. Slow camera to use but wonderful color tonal quality.... although as you can see from my pic Pentax seems to come pretty close.<br /><br /><strong>I have a K200D now, but wondering if the upgrade might be worth it. Anyone made the transistion from the K200D to the K7 care to comment?</strong><br /><strong>Theo</strong></p>

<p>PS great pic by the way! lots of colour and life!</p>

<p>You are confusing distortion with perspective. 24 mm is like that! So you have a choice. Less people in the pic or the wide angle perspective of 24 mm.</p>

<p>Have a look at this article by Thom giving some good advice on preparing for the BIG TRIP.<br>

<a href="http://www.bythom.com/bigtrip.htm">http://www.bythom.com/bigtrip.htm</a><br>

To cut to the chase:<br>

"Before I start get to the nitty gritty and throw out lots of details, let me repeat one thing I've written several times before: just before you leave on The Big Trip is not the time to go out and buy new equipment. And the day you pack for the trip is not the time to unbox that new equipment" Thom.<br>

<strong>Good advice! :)</strong></p>

<p>Well, a third party 'MB-D200' is NOT a MB-D200!<br>

It is a cheap copy of a genuine Nikon MB-D200. If you want Nikon relaibility that you have to be prepared to pay for a genuine Nikon product.</p>

<p>Wow! I think you are really over-reacting here. Firstly, one bad experience in 30 years seems like a pretty good track record to me. Even the best companies slip up OCCASIONALLY.<br>

Ordering an item sight unseen just before departing on a major and important trip probably is not a good approach to take. It is always possible that there was something wrong with any camera shipped regardless of how careful B&H is. That is life and it happens occasionally and you have to factor that into your purchasing decisions. When you need the gear straight away it is probably best to buy through a normal retail store so that you can see and test the camera before buying it. At the smae time you can check out all the other items (box, manual etc).<br>

I thought B&H's response was very professional and reasonable. I have ordered from them numerous times and never had major issues. And any they have immediately rectified. You have to accept that mistakes happen occasionally. It was unfortunate that they happened under the circumstances you describe but they did offer to replace the product and told you clearly what their policy is in this regard. Also,AMEX will not tie up your card for a month! And if they did, that is an issue with AMEX.<br>

I don't think that their limit of 200 shots is unreasonable. Otherwise you will get all sorts of people with no integrity 'borrowing' cameras for big shots and then returning them. THis eventually makes it worst for all of us.<br>

They offered to ship you a new camera overnight. What could be more reasonable than that?<br>

B&H continue to have my support as a reputable, honest and reliable supplier.</p>

 

<p>I'd be intrested in their response. Keep us posted.<br>

Just received my lens from the states. Seems perfect in every way but your experience makes me wonder if I be babying this lens.<br>

Anyone have a similar experience with their Nikon 16-85 lens?</p>