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leo_djiwatampu

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Posts posted by leo_djiwatampu

    Fuji S5... dilemma...

    in Nikon

    Posted

    hi Michael...

     

    i will be using the camera for portraits and wedding. Well isn't that what most Fuji owners use for? for natural skin color rendering.

     

    yes i do notice that on b&h. i check almost everyday on jan and feb. the annoucement says: will approximately arive in Feb. Then I checked on mar 1st or 2nd. b&h says: out of stock. wow! this reminds me of D200 when it was first launched.

     

    Leo

    Fuji S5... dilemma...

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>Well, like some of you, I was excited about S5's launch. That is until I

    read this review:</p>

     

    <p><a href="http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Fujifilm-FinePix-S5-Pro-

    First-Impressions-Review/Overall-

    Impressions.htm">http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Fujifilm-FinePix-S5-

    Pro-First-Impressions-Review/Overall-Impressions.htm</a></p>

     

    <p>S5 is still slow...

    <br>d*rn it...!!</p>

     

    <p>But Fuji's official site claimed that it can go up to 3 frames/sec

    (depending on your setting, such as the Dynamic Range):<br>

    <a

    href="http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/proPhotoProductS5DataSpec.j

    sp">http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/proPhotoProductS5DataSpec.jsp

    </a></p>

     

    <p>In addition, the menu is not intuitive, too deep, and may frustrate

    users.</p>

     

    <p>Not to mention the whopping RAW file size. 512MB CF card can only hold 17

    files! So I assume only 34 files on 1GB card.</p>

     

    <p>However, considering that S5 delivers less noise at high ISO and image

    quality that may be better dan 5D (not to mention cheaper than 5D, well...

    there's the dilemma...)</p>

     

    <p>Buy it?.. Not buy it?.. Buy it?... Not buy it?...</p>

     

    <p>Well, I guess I'll just have to yet read other reviews before I really

    decide whether I want to buy it or not. I might end up just buying D200, or

    even 5D (sorry guys...)</p>

     

    <p>Anyone here own it yet? I especially need to know if it's faster than S3

    or not.</p>

     

    <p>Leo</p>

    What lens for portrait on DSLR

    in Nikon

    Posted

    Pete, I also agree with Guy. I assume it's only the chip that Fuji changed. Everything else should have at least the same feature as the D200. The reason I picked Fuji is that I heard/read that it is great for skin color reproduction and thus less post production process. If you spend few more $$$ initially but save time on post production throughout your camera lifetime, well... I think that will be a very good investment. However, some of you guys made me think about reconsidering the D200, especially that it's cheaper. Hmm...*dilemma*.

     

    As for the lens, when I meant perspective is... well... Let's take an example in 35mm. As you know, the 200mm made the background closer to subject (compared to 50mm). Just like looking into a binocular where it compresses the foreground and background together. Therefore, you will get a narrower DOF. This is a different perspective than 50mm where the subject and the background seems "normally" spaced as our eyes normally sees them. So my question is, using 50mm on DSLR will it act as a tele where it somewhat bring the background closer to the foreground, or will the image have a "normal" spacing but in a cropped version due to the smaller sensor size?

     

    I want a lens that has shallow DOF that makes portraits looks great (with a blurrier background compared to normal/wide lens given the same aperture). The second lens (wide/normal) lens is also "unfortunately" needed because of the short distance (camera to subject) situation. So either I get a two lens set (can be a combination of zoom and prime, or both prime) or perhaps just get one zoom that covers all. However, I think the main priority is the portrait lens, or a zoom with a good portrait capability.

     

    Leo

    What lens for portrait on DSLR

    in Nikon

    Posted

    I agree. Waiting a couple of months for a price drop, I can handle. But if I have to wait 6 months or more for price drop, then that's too long. Not worth the wait. Getting tons of photos in a few months and gaining all the experience is priceless. For the price difference, well... there's mastercard. Right? :)

    What lens for portrait on DSLR

    in Nikon

    Posted

    I don't have a DSLR yet, but I am waiting for the Fuji S5. I also don't have

    any Nikon equipment at all. So this will be my first plunge into the Nikon

    gears ownership/experience.

     

    I plan to do a candid (PJ style) portrait session. The model can be either

    inside or outside doing her daily routines. I am thinking about getting the

    60/2.8D AF Micro, which I guess should be equal to 90mm on film. However, if

    the model is in a narrow room, the 60mm lens might be too long. For that

    reason, should I get a 20mm, 24mm or 35mm? I wish the filter size were the

    same. The only same one with the 60mm is the 20/2.8D AF, but probably focal

    length is more of a priority than filter size.

     

    I read somewhere that the 85/1.4D AF has a rounded diaphragm, resulting to

    more pleasing bokeh. But I guess the 85mm would be too long for shooting

    indoor. I wonder if any of the lenses above has rounded diaphragm also?

     

    How about zooms? Are there any zoom that's sharp as the primes?

     

    I prefer fast lens since I will be shooting indoors and preferably not use

    flash. If I have to use flash, then I plan to get SB-800 with Gary Fong's

    diffuser.

     

    My friend told me that the image perspective from a lens stays the same either

    on 35mm or APS-C. For example, 200mm perspective on film will be the same as

    on APS-C but cropped (So it's like taking a cropped image from a 35mm). Is

    this true? To the best of my knowledge, his statement is wrong, but I didn't

    have any illustration to show the physics behind this.

     

    One more question. How long do you think the Fuji S5 price will stay the same

    until it starts to drop? How long did it take for the Fuji S3 or Nikon D200

    prices to drop?

     

    Thanks,

    Leo

    Get DX lenses or non-DX for DSLRs?

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>I appreciate all your inputs.</p>

     

    <p>Well first of all, I'm not wealthy. :) But probably I can owe my credit card for some investments which of course will yield a return.</p>

     

    <p>You are right, if the FF comes out, I probably can't afford it right away. I just felt that if I buy DX lens, it might be obsolete in the near future. However, if it won't be obsolete in 5-7 years like some of you predicted, then I guess I will get a pretty good use of it. When I say obsolete, it is when Nikon FF DSLRs price comes down to $2000 or below.</p>

     

    <p>As for image results from Canon vs. Nikon. Well, I'm a sucker for sharp and detailed images. So I guess, I'll stick with Nikon. If I want a soft/smooth edges, I can always do it in Photoshop. On the other hand, if the images were originally smooth, will it yield good result if sharpened later on Photoshop?</p>

     

    <p>I also like sharp lenses. However, if I have to spend a lot more for just slightly better quality, I'll just get the less expensive one. On the other hand, if I can get a much better quality lens for slightly more $$$, I'll get the more expensive one.</p>

     

    <p>Are the Sigmas as sharp as the Nikkors?</p>

     

    <p>Is this the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=277227&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation">12-24 DX</a> lenses some of you mentioned?</p>

     

    <p>Are these the lenses that Guy suggest:

    <br/><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=186250&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation">17-35/2.8 AF-S</a>

     

    <br/><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=66987&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation">Micro Nikkor 60/2.8</a>

    </p>

     

    <p>Is this the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=169589&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation">28-70/2.8</a> that Kevin meant?

     

     

    <p>So for future reference and also curiosity, what are the prime or zoom lenses you recommend for the focal length I mentioned above. Well, let me repeat it so you don't have to scroll up.

    <br/>Portrait lense (85-90mm, or maybe above 90mm?), normal lens (50mm, or slightly above), wide (either 24 and 35mm combo, or just 28mm), and fisheye or super wide (16-20mm).</p>

    Get DX lenses or non-DX for DSLRs?

    in Nikon

    Posted

    <p>After reading <a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-

    msg?msg_id=00EDeQ&tag=200512081112">this thread</a>, which discussed

    whether Nikon Full Frame DSLR will eventually be made, should I get

    DX lenses or the non DX lenses? (Due to vignetting issue if DX

    lenses are used on full frame)

    </p>

     

    <p>I don't have any DSLR camera at the moment and pretty much open

    to any brand. My aim is prosumer camera such as D200. I plan to

    use it for weddings. Can't afford a D2X (yet).</p>

     

    <p>Based on my experience with films, I need these lenses:

    <br/>Portrait lense (85-90mm), normal lens (50mm), wide (either 24

    and 35mm combo, or just 28mm), and eventually fisheye or super wide

    (16-20mm)</p>

     

    <p>I do like primes, but changing lenses can be a hassle and may

    lose good moments (unless in the future I can afford more camera and

    have different lens on different camera, and, yes, I do know I need

    a backup camera/equipment). So if there are good or even top of the

    line fast zooms, I'll consider them. I believe in spending good

    lenses (although expensive) is worth down the line and is a good

    investment.</p>

     

    <p>Could you please give me some suggestions?<p>

     

    <p>BTW, the reason I pick Nikon is that a camera store guy told me

    that Nikon has the best TTL flash metering. I get OK result from my

    current manual Minolta flash/camera set but not satisfied. Minolta

    DSLR have the built-in anti-shake tech, which is nice but not sure

    if I need it. Not sure if I need Nikon VR lenses also. Another

    camera store guy told me that Canon have better color rendition than

    Nikon. However, my problem is usually with getting a good exposure

    ratio of background and subject using flash. If I use my light

    meter, I may lose moments.</p>

     

    <p>Thanks,

    <br/>Leo</p>

    Where to do Magazine-style album?

    in Wedding & Event

    Posted

    I've been doing several wedding coverage for friends. I usually

    have them printed at a pro lab and bought an album and arrange the

    pictures by myself. Just recently, a potential client asked whether

    I could do a magazine-style album. So here are my Qs:

     

    1. Anyone knows a good lab, preferably in Maryland or DC area that

    provides this service? I wouldn't mind online sites if necessary.

     

    2. One thing I must mention is that I don't have a digital camera

    and hence I use film (Portra VC and Ilford Delta 400). I don't have

    a film scanner either. I'm not sure whether to have the film

    scanned at the developing lab or at the album lab.

     

    3. How much should I expect to pay to do these services. I'm

    guessing it will depend on how much photos will be on the album

    and/or frame scanned? Can you give me ballpark or price range?

     

    4. For wedding album softwares, is is possible to do simple

    manipulations like vignetting/blurring/etc or do I have to use PS?

    The problem is that I don't know much in using PS :(

    Of course I can learn the basics. The wedding is still 7 months

    away. Can anyone suggest a good book for learning the basics?

     

    Thank you,

     

    Leo

    MC and MD lenses: Which goes where

    in Sony/Minolta

    Posted

    <p>So I checked here (http://www.rokkorfiles.com/Lens%

    20History.html) first.

     

    <p>I'm trying to figure out and recap the history of the MC-MD

    models.

     

    <p><b>MC 1st gen:</b> All metal barrel, metal focusing ring,

    unpainted aperture ring, and simple lens coating.

     

    <p><b>MC 2nd gen:</b> All metal barrel, rubber grip (waffle)

    focusing ring, black aperture ring, advanced lens coating, and the

    use of "Rokkor-X" for North American market ("Rokkor" elsewhere,

    just like the previous generations).

     

    <p><b>MC 3rd gen:</b> Almost the same features as the 2nd gen.

    except for using better lens coating and the dropping the usage of 2-

    letter lens configuration code.

     

    <p><b>MD 1st gen:</b> Well Antony said that the MD introduced a tab

    at the rear of lens barrel. How come on the size comparison picture

    of the MC and MD, both lenses have tab?

    <br>However if I understand correctly, all features are the same as

    MC 3rd gen, but with a more advanced lens coating? Most (all?) of

    the lenses use 55mm filter size.

     

    <p><b>MD 2nd gen:</b> Similar to MD 1st gen but the filter size

    became 49mm and the aperture ring is made of plastic.

     

    <p><b>MD 3rd gen:</b> Well too many change, so I don't want to list

    them here. :) But the most obvious is the aperture lock tab and the

    discontinuation of "Rokkor" use.

     

    <p>Now here are my questions:

     

    <p>1. The 35mm MD Rokkor(-X) only comes in 49mm? I assume so because

    Antony used this lens and I couldn't find one in 55mm on eBay. I

    read somewhere that Antony likes using 55mm lenses for ease of

    filter use.

     

    <p>2. The Rokkor only (no "X"), uses white font type. While

    the "Rokkor-X" uses yellow and white. Does the yellow and white

    color indicate generation difference or maybe filter size?

    Different manufacturer?

     

    <p>3. Some of the MD Rokkor lenses indicates 55mm or 49mm, but some

    doesn't. If it doesn't have the filter size marking, can I assume

    that it's 55mm? So how come some have it and some don't? Different

    generation? Different manufacturer?

     

    <p>4. One of the previous posting, Antony claimed that the MC Rokkor

    50mm f1.4 is sharper than the MD Rokkor. Again, I haven't seen

    any "MC Rokkor-X" only of this lens. What I have found is the MC

    Rokkor-X PG, thus 2nd generation, right? Is there a 3rd gen of this

    lens?

     

    <p>5. A couple of seller on eBay claimed that 50mm MD (or was it

    MC?) Macro Rokkor-X f3.5 is the sharpest lens ever made by Minolta.

    Is this true?

     

    <p>Thanks,

    <br>Leo

    Veronique Vial's equipment

    in Portraits & Fashion

    Posted

    Couldn't it be the other way? That those photos on your links are just a bad or unretouched scans from the books?

     

    <p>I would never thought she was using a Hassy. If you look at the picture on this homepage <a href="http://astro.temple.edu/~marnie/vial/homenew.html">http://astro.temple.edu/~marnie/vial/homenew.html</a>, it seems like a 35mm camera. This photo is also on the back of the Women Before 10 also. Of course, it doesn't mean that she's using the same camera during those photo sessions.

     

    <p>Leo

    Veronique Vial's equipment

    in Portraits & Fashion

    Posted

    Anyone seen the book "Women Before 10 a.m." by Veronique Vial? I'm

    really curious what camera(s), film and probably lenses that she

    used for the photo sessions. All of them seemed to be using

    available light.

     

    BTW, I'm not sure whether this is the correct forum to ask this. If

    I don't get the answer, I'll try on another forum. Maybe you can

    suggest me.

     

    Leo

    New features at the Rokkor Files

    in Sony/Minolta

    Posted

    Antony,

     

    I can't thank you enough for your wonderful site and your responses in this forum whether they're my question or others (I benefit from others questions also :)). Maybe we can nominate him for an admin or backup admin for this forum? How about it guys?

     

    I also agree with Ed. You don't have to buy the lens or any other item you would like to test. Just give us your wish list and I'm sure each of us can contribute something.

     

    As for being unemployed, I know how it feels. I've been there too. But there's always a positive side on any unfortunate situation. My prayers for you.

     

    Leo

    Sto-fen for 360PX

    in Sony/Minolta

    Posted

    Clinton:

    <br>I wanted to do what you suggested, unfortunately, none of the camera shops here have a complete line of Sto-fen.

     

    <p>

    Antony:

    <br>I've seen the Uni model picture. Since this is a one-size-fits-all, will there be light leak from the sides? That is if the attachment is larger than the flash head.

    <br>I think it uses a velcro, right? How far back should I attach the velcro?

     

    <p>

    Thanks,

    <br>Leo

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