jason michael

I am glad you went the prime route...zooms have their place but primes are in a different

class, optically, physics wise, as well as pre-visualization...

the lenses you have are af or af-d (not af-s).

terminology=credibility.

I'll second (or third or fourth etc.) the opinion that KEH provides quality products

which are more often than not in better shape than indicated/rated. The lenses I get

from KEH are superior to the lenses I have received elsewhere (including Adorama).

Sajid,

I personally like the F80 for the fact that you can turn the AF Assist off. I've found

that it is very easy to use autofocus even in darker situations as long as you

understand how the system works. Place the bracket (preferably the middle one as it

has both horizontal and vertical detection) on an item with strong contrast and most

of the time you'll be okay, for the times you are not you can always turn the AF Assist

on or manual focus (I'm preferential to the manual focusing).

One option you have not mentioned which might fit your style is a Medium Format

Rangefinder such as the Mamiya 6 or Mamiya 7. Both systems are incredibly portable

and the used prices on the Mamiya 6 are particularly attractive. To get a ball park

range of what these systems go for used check out www.keh.com.

I do do my own darkroom work...I'm currently building a personalized darkroom but

that is another topic.

I am very thankful for the responses so far and I intend on handling a number of the

recommendations to see how I feel about them.

The biggest omission I made was that I am looking more for a close up system than a

macro system. I have two 35mm macro systems and am looking for a medium format

close up system.

Sincerely,

Jason Michael

I've personally found that my FM3a has a shockingly brighter focusing screen than my

FE does. This is something you might want to look into.

My budget would be / shall be for one body, one lens, and any necessary accessories

such as extensions tubes etc. It would be nice if it was part of a system which I could

grow over the years...then again a stand alone medium format close up / macro setup

has its appeal too.

Quite Simply, I am looking for a decent close up / macro Medium Format Body / Lens

for close ups and macro work. (or close to Macro, I do not need to go to 1:1). I would

prefer mid price/level solutions rather than entry level or high end solutions. So,

what do you use when you shoot close ups with medium format or what would you

recommend?

Sincerely,

Jason Michael

If you do go the route of "down the drain" I highly recommend that you do not put the

fix down the drain. Try to find a photolab, darkroom, university, college, hospital,

anything that will take the fix off your hands.

Step One: Try a new/different tank to rule out that variable.

Step Two (maybe): Try a stainless steel tank...they are the real deal.

Arnab,

I've always respected you as a photographer and a contributor to this forum and the

only thing I can say is go for it. Your contributions alone have almost influenced me

to buy a second FM3a body.

Cheers,

Jason

I'll vouch for the FM3a with a 3-5minute exposure when set on "A". I suspect it may

go longer...

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Digital UV and IR Photography, But Could Not

Afford to Ask

by Bjørn Rørslett

http://www.naturfotograf.com/UV_IR_rev00.html#top_page

I'd recommend KEH.com for Mamiya 6 lenses to be purchased separate from the

body.

Dear ********,

You would use the lens you are considering the same as the one you have, with the

the control on the body.

Anup,

Although all of the items you have mentioned are good introductions to the world of

macro I can't help but think that borrowing or renting a Nikkor AF 60mm Micro

f2.8

or perhaps buying one used (they retain their value well and if you decided Macro

wasn't your thing I'm sure you could sell it for close to what you bought it for) would

be the best introduction to Macro.

I recently showed in an exhibit in which I used this lens for all of the 12 pieces and I

was amazed at how many people thought I had been using medium format. The lens

produces some of the sharpest 35mm work I have done. The lens is also a charm to

use on an F80 and you retain all of your features including matrix metering.

I'm sure others will assist with your extension tube, close up items, and reversing

questions but I wouldon't leave out the possibility of at least trying a Nikkor Micro

(Macro) lens.

Sincerely,

Jason

Titanium F3

Mamiya 7 with three of the system's lenses

Nikon F80

Nikon F100

Nikon FM3A

Mamiya 6

Nikkor 85mm f1.4 AF and oh about 15 other Nikkors and two lenses for the

Mamiya...plus I love breaking out the Polaroid at parties. I have been hankering for 6

by 7 recently though.

All series E lenses work beautifully on the FM3A. I personally recommend the 100mm

f2.8 and the 75- 150 f3.5.

Sincerely,

Occasionally a poor light seal job will result in a "sticky back" in which case you need

to pull open the back rather than have it pop open. Don't apply too much pressure

though or damage will probably occur.