larry_durland

Thanks for the answers guys. I am looking forward to experimenting with this and learning

more.

Larry

I am curious about using the FP sync mode with my SB80 and F5. I have read thru the

manual a few times and searched various posts, but I still haven't stumbled across a direct

answer to this question.

Am I correct in assuming that you meter for ambient light in manual mode and then adjust

that value accordingly to achieve the correct flash-to-subject distance needed in FP mode?

I am assuming that the bursts of light in the FP mode are not sufficient enough to be the

key source of light and that the flash is acting as a high-speed fill flash in this mode. Is

this right?

The SB-80DX manual doesn't say this explicitly and this is what I've come to understand

from reading other posts. Please correct me if I am wrong or feel free to add more to help

me understand this better... thanks.

Larry

Shikoku, Japan

I would also have to say that the F2AS is a prime contender as the Nikon "Iron Man"

camera. However, my F3P sees the most usuage. That thing is just built like a tank -

no way around it. I have been using it more than my F5 lately. I just love that thing.

Just to confirm what everyone on the other side of the ocean has noticed, yes Velvia

100 (non-F) is available here in Japan and as far as I can tell Velvia 100F isn't. I guess

the grass is always greener.

That being said I should say that I am just starting to shoot slide film so I don't have

years of experience with slide film to compare it to. From what I have read (in English)

it sounds like 100 (non-F) is closer to Velvia 50 than the new 100F is. You can read

more at http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/velvia100f.htm

I have already had friends contact me about sending some back to the states, but I

am reluctant because I am not sure what kind of things it would go through while

being shipped. Is it a legit concern to be worried about temperatures in shipping? I

also have to consider that my full time job would be affected if I were to start a side

business of exporting this stuff even if I was doing it at cost just as a favor.

From what I have read in the past, you are unable to mail order internationally from

Japanese photo stores. No reason given, I guess that's just the way it is. I can

understand this for equipment, (bodies, etc) but I don't see why film would be an

issue. I guess it just wouldn't make too much sense to set up online stores if you

could only sell a small selection of goods.

On a completely other note, this is yet another case where I am convinced I could

make quite a bit of money opening my own "for export" store from here. I have found

a ton of Nikon stuff (mostly accessories, but some equipment too) that is simply not

sold anywhere else. However, I am a bit concerned with the legality of the whole thing

and the fact that demand could easily overwhelm my ability to supply without causing

local stores to be suspicious.

Larry

Kagawa-ken, Japan

I was just curious to find out what metering others tend to use when using AIS lenses

with an F5. I have not done too much photography with my MF lenses on my F5 but

would like to start using my 105/2.5 AIS for portrait work.

For those that use center-weighted most of the time, what is the size of the area that

you have defined to meter from? I have set Custom Function 14 to average, but was

wondering if anyone else has found a better setting. Do others find this to be the best

alternative to matrix metering and if not, what have you found works best?

Thanks,

Larry D.

Kagawa-ken, Japan

Raymond,

The first store that comes to mind is Yodobashi Camera. They have, in my opinion,

the largest selection of camera equipment for sale around. Their stores are only

located in the largest cities in Japan which wouldn't be a problem for you since you

will most likely be landing in the Kansai region or in Tokyo.

Their website lists the F100 for 130,000 JY (about $1100 USD). Here is the link to

their Nikon section (in Japanese) http://www.yodobashi.com/cm/13_5901222.html

To answer your questions:

1. They have anything and everything that you could want. It's a serious professional

store - you have to be careful not to overspend. Chances are you could just end up

walking around in a daze drooling at everything to play with.

2. Credit cards aren't that popular in Japan, but then again it is a really big store,

selling really expensive equipment so they probably do.

3. They might be able to ship any film or any of the gear that you buy, but they might

not be able to ship overseas. As far as I know you can't buy camera gear online from

them from overseas, but I am not sure about shipping abroad if you buy it here.

If you have any other questions about shopping here or travel in Japan feel free to

email me.

Like some of the other responses, I have the same three lenses listed in Option 3 (50

is 1.4 instead of 1.8). I got these three lenses at the same time after buying an F5 and

they have covered all of my needs thus far. Since getting the lenses I have used my

other lenses less and less (20/2.8AIS and 105/2.5AIS) since the three AF lenses cover

almost the same focal lengths. I only take the MF lenses out in special situations now.

The switching between lenses is not that bad and as mentioned above, you get used

to what lens to use in each case.

I didn't consider a zoom instead of these three primes before buying them and I am

yet to question whether or not I made the right choice, but then again it ultimately

comes down to the types of situations you find yourself in.

I have both the 105/2.5 AIS and the 85/1.8 AF D and both produce great portraits.

Having just bought the 85mm, I temporarily shelved my 105, but now it is back out in

my rotation of lenses.

I really like the 105 for not only the great portraits that it has produced, but I have

also used it as a shorter zoom lens for those times when you're close but not quite

close enough.

You really can't go wrong either way, but as was mentioned above, I would not rely on

the 105 MF lens for the wedding or any other important occasions until you can

practice with it for a while. - LD