steven_montante

The 35F2 afd stays on my D70 almost all of the time. It functions as a terrific "normal lens" and is very sharp. I use the 24/2.8 af-d frequently to get a wider perspective esp indoors and with lower light. I think that both are terrific and sharper than the kit lens. Ultimately, I'd like the 18mm for a wider perspective. I think the focusing in general is better with the primes, although I think the kit lens is very good and useful for travel.

"...or give it to a family member..."

 

I was in a similar situation after I got my D70. I gave my N80 to a relative. He is a college

student who really appreciated the camera. I know it is in good hands and will continue to

live on. My only remaining film camera is a Minolta Autocord TLR.

 

Steve

I think it is a great choice. I have built my Nikon system around the N80, as well. I started with an N70 but moved to an N80 via a rather circuitous route of equipment exchanges (not really worth mentioning). I was disappointed with the kit zoom that came with the N70 and have since used primarily primes. My lenses include the 24 afd, 35 afd, 50 1.8 af, 85 1.8 afd, and a newly acquired 180 edif non-D. I also have an FM2n and the sb28. I am thrilled with the kit. I have added lenses incrementally over the last 3-4 years. I really tried to figure out the limits/possibilities of each focal length and my style of shooting before adding more gear. The afd lenses work fine with the FM2n; for now, I have no plans of adding AIS lenses. Enjoy your camera.

I too have been in similar shoes recently, especially after playing with a D70 at my local camera shop. I was considering a "prosumer" digicam or a film scanner to bridge the gap until I could afford the D70. In the end, I decided to stick with film for the time being. As of now, my film costs are not outrageous. At my rate of film usage, it would be quite a while before the D70 paid for itself. Furthermore, my local lab offers great processing with prints from a Noritsu printer and will provide a photo CD with a set of prints for a reasonable price. They are adequate enough scans for 4x6 prints and for the internet. This is more than adequate until the D70 becomes a reality for me. Hope this helps.

Thank you all for your input. I went with the 180 edif non-d. It is an earlier version (smooth finish), but from what I have read optically it should be as good as the later versions. I ordered it from KEH rated at excellent plus. I hope their ratings are as true as people say. It was $338 USD with overnight shipping and a 72mm UV protector. I thought that the price was reasonable.

 

Steve

I am looking to add a longer telephoto lens to my kit. I currently have an N80 and

FM2n and Nikkor 24/2.8, 35/2.8, 50/1.8, and 85/1.8 primes. A used 180 edif (non-

D) and a new 70-300 ed 4.5/5.6 are similar in price. I plan on using the lens for

capturing my young son playing soccer, the occasional school programs, and travel. I

am partial to primes but like the reach/flexiblility of the zoom. I have been

previously disappointed with some of the non-fixed aperature zooms. Any

suggestions, given my planned uses of the lens? By the way a trip to AZ and the

Grand Canyon may be in the works in the winter. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Steve

I have gradually migrated back to film after using a CP990 almost exclusively for

about a year. I just like the responsiveness of my N80 and lenses and the tactile

experience of using my FM2n. That said, when it is financially feasible, I will

eventually go the DSLR route. To echo what Robert said above, I will probably get a

Minolta Scan Dual IV to scan the occasional slide or negative to share on the web or

enlarge. I have contemplated selling my 35mm equipment and going for a "prosumer"

digicam, but, in the end, I cannot part with the equipment I have come to know so

well.

 

Steve

I want to get a fully manual camera so I can enjoy everything manual from winding the film etc etc...

 

Ray,

I recently purchased a mint FM2n from the auction site for the same reason. It cost $270 USD. I thought it was a good deal. I usually use my N80 in A or M mode but I find that handling a mechanical camera is much more enjoyable. I keep color film in the N80 and BW in the FM2n.

 

Best Regards,

Steve

Thanks for the responses. The IR assist beam is working, and, sure enough, it was set

for red-eye reduction. Clearly I forgot how my own flash worked. (I better break out

the manual for a little review :-) ). Taking it out of Red-eye Reduction solves the

problem. Thanks again.

 

Steve

I was shooting at a family wedding this weekend with my N80 and SB28 with a 35AF-

D attached. I noticed that there was a noticable pause after I pressed the shutter

release and the shutter and flash fired. I found that I needed to hold the shutter

release down for approx 1-2 sec before anything happened. I don't remember it

being that slow; it always seemed a bit crisper (I haven't used the external flash in a

while). The room lighting was subdued and I was shooting NPH at 320. The flash was

set for 3D matrix. The shutter speed was 1/60 at F2.8-4.0 in A mode. The focus

mode was in S and was as brisk as usual. The camera works normally in daylight and

even at slower speeds in available light, without the SB28. I replaced the flash

batteries and that improved it somewhat, but it seems that the flash slows the camera

down in low light. Is this normal? Anyone else with a similar experience? Should I have

it checked? I am waiting to get the film back. In the past, the exposures have been

accurate. Sorry for the long winded post, but I tried to provide as much info as

possible. Thanks in advance.

 

Steve

Don't do it. I did exactly the same thing when I traded my FM2n for a CP990 2yrs ago

for business/professional needs. After about a year almost constant use, I gradually

migrated back to film and my N80 because of its versatility and my lovely prime

lenses. I soon found myself missing the FM2n and the experience of a manual camera

with B/W film and a prime lens. This evening, I bought a near mint FM2n on the

online auction site. I can assure you that I will never part with it again.

Thanks for all of the responses. I really would like to stick with a purely manual camera. My SLR is automated enough. I plan to use black and white film primarily for available light photography. I would like to start with a Leica body and build a system from there. I have considered the Bessa R2 but would rather a Leica. Thanks again.

 

Steve

Hello all,

I have been using a Nikon SLR for years, however I have been bitten by the

rangefinder bug. I was using a Canonet for a while (until it bit the dust). I am thinking

of getting a shooter leica m4p and minolta rokkor 40/f2 as a starter. Is this a good

combination? How does that lens work with the M4Ps framelines? I did a

photo.net search and checked cameraquest.com and couldn't really find a good

answer. Do you have a better solution? I am trying to keep costs at about $1000. Any

suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Steve