bourboncowboy

Thanks for the links Vivek and Lilly...they were quite helpful. As to your question, Lilly, the 35mm IS close to the 50mm, but I'm trying to create a collection of primes for my F3 (I've got most of the zooms I want - for my N90s) and this one is in excellent shape and available. I've found others that were not in such good condition, so I would like to act quickly. Thanks for your advice.

I'm considering purchasing a Nikon 35mm F/2 AI lens. I don't know

much about this lens, so I thought I'd ask the experts. I'm looking

to create a collection of nice prime lenses to couple with my F3

(which is an unbelieveable tank of a camera) and I'm thinking of

starting with this one (as I already have a 50 1.8). I can purchase

this lens for about $150. Is this too much? Thanks in advance for

any thoughts or suggestions you might offer.

I agree with the above posts. Either stick with what you have, or spring for the 18-70 (D70) kit lens. It feels cheap, but it's a really remarkable lens. I'ts not the sharpest lens made, but it's does turn out good shots. Whatever you do, skip the D50 kit lens. I bought one, and hated it.

I agree with Bill. I've got the 50mm 1.8, the 80-200 2.8, and a 35-70 2.8 and they all work quite well on my N90s as well as my D70. However, I always pack my SB-26 and SB-600 for film and digital applications respectively. I also chose to purchase the 18-70 DX kit lens, and it's a true curiosity. It looks and feels like a cheap piece of junk, but it takes great shots. It's not the sharpest or fastest lens, but it's been more than adequate for most any shot I've needed to take. I'm sure I'll eventually add to my lens collection, as I've got a full-blown case of NAS, but as for now, these lenses seem to get the job done for me. I can't speak of the D200, as that's my target for next year, but apparently, it's a nice unit.

I agree...I'd try TTL. I've got the exact setup and it works well for me. The F3 isn't the most ideal camera for shooting with a flash.

My "new" baby<div></div>

I have the standard K screen in my F3. I asked a similar question previously on this forum, and received similar answers. Apparently, the E screen is very popular, although I really can't complain about my K. I'm going out on a limb and assuming that screen choice is mostly based upon personal preference.

I recently purchased a F3 and paired it with a MD-4. On my first shoot, I hardly noticed the extra weight. I attribute that fact to the excitement of a first shoot with a new camera. However, the camera seems to have gained weight since, and after a couple hours with this albatross hanging around my neck, I really long for a lighter camera. With that being said, I wouldn't trade it for any current film camera. It just feels right in my hands.

I shoot a lot of bands - usually in small venues - and I've decided that the best way to improve my shots is to take a LOT of them. I always carry a small memo pad and pen in my pocket to scribble down any changes in metering, ISO, WB, etc., that I make along with the shot numbers that correspond to the changes. When I get a good shot, I look at my notes and I can see what changes worked. Most of the bands I shoot want simple, clear shots that they can use to promote themselves to other clubs. This is one of the last shots I took of a band called "The American Tragedy".

I typically try to not expose my ignorance in public - or on a

public forum - but I've got a question that will reveal just how

little I know about Nikon MF camera lenses. I've recently purchased

a Nikon F3, MD-4, and 50mm 1.8 AiS lens. I'm considering lenses of

different focal lengths to accompany this lens. However, since I

know so little about these lenses, I thought I'd ask the following

question (please try not to laugh while answering):

What's the difference between Ai and AiS lenses? What about AiS E

lenses?

 

After you quit giggling, any information or links to such

information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your

help.

 

Mark

I'd suggest looking on eBay. I deal with a particular seller that always has good quality Nikons and lenses at fair prices and accurately described. I've bought several items from her - I just bought a MD-4 for my F3 about an hour ago. Just go to the eBay site and look up the seller "betteroffblu" (I asked and she gave me permission to list her site name.) and check out the cameras she's got listed. She's also got a number of lenses and flashes listed as well. And when she says the item is MINT, you can believe her.

I'd like a brighter screen...gridlines would be nice but not absolutely necessary. My apologies for omitting this information.

I recently posted a message stating that I have purchased a Nikon

F3. I'm considering changing the focusing screen. I was wondering

if anyone had any suggestions as to which screen I should try

first. I'm new to the MF cameras, so I don't have experience with

this type of thing. If there's a book or a site out there that

might clarify this question, I'd be very appreciative to know how or

where I might find it. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

Mark

I have the same setup and have been using it for a while. The best thing I can tell you to do is to keep shooting and reading the book. I've got passages highlighted and underlined for emergency purposes. I also have a little notepad with scribbling in it to remind me about certain settings and other things I've tried that actually worked. Bottom line is, the more you use it and get comfortable with it, the better you'll be every time you pick it up. Good luck.

I use a SB-26 on my N90s and it works wonderfully. However, I would suggest a Lumiquest Softbox diffuser as it's a pretty powerful flash. You can get both of these in great shape on eBay for a very reasonable price.

Be sure to check out prices in other places such as eBay. I got my 50 1.8 for $60 and it was practically new.

Welcome to the forum, Monica. You'll soon learn as I have, that the advice dispensed here is quite valuable. Most of the people who have responded to my questions have forgotten more about photography than I'll ever know.

 

Now as to your question. I found myself in a similar situation. I had 2 "film" lenses (50mm 1.8, and 80-200mm 2.8 that I used on my N90s. They work wonderfully with my D70. The only thing that I've noticed is the 1.5 crop factor which was mentioned in the previous posts. Basically, it "extends" your lenses - which can often be helpful. However, you'll probably need to invest in a wide angle lens such as a 50mm 1.8 (which is cheap...usually under $100 - but an excellent lens) or spend about $250 on a digital wide angle zoom such as a 18-70 DX lens (not the crappy 18-55 DX kit lens) for a lot of your portraits. But until you become familiar with the D70, the lenses you listed should handle most of your needs.

I'm not sure if this will fit your needs, but I use a LumiQuest Softbox on my Nikon SB-26. Furthermore, I put a pair (or two) of my girlfriend's panty hose over the flash before I attach the softbox. I suggest using rubber bands or those things women use to tie up their hair. The Softbox softens the flash quite a bit and reduces red-eye problems on film, while the pantyhose adds a bit of color and prevents the photos from looking like autopsy photos. The only problem I have is my girlfriend's constant griping about me raiding her panty drawer...but it's better than getting caught in the lingere section by my friends and having to answer the inevitable embarassing questions. Good luck.

I recently received quite a bit of very helpful advice on a similar topic (as per the link posted). I chose the F3 for a number of different reasons. I can't offer camera selection advice, as I'm new to the MF Nikons, but when you make your decision, I can point you towards a seller on eBay who offers tremendous cameras, lenses, flashes, etc. for really reasonable prices. For the amount that you're talking about spending, you could get a camera, flash, motor drive (if you so chose), and lens. I would prefer not to publicly disclose the name of the seller without her permission, so send me an email, and I'll send you the information.

Thank you, Richard. I took a look at the finders of all the cameras, and decided that the F3 really did have one of the best. Thanks for the advice.

here's the camera top.

I didn't post the camera back

Here's the camera back.

I recently posted a queation asking about suggestions for choosing a

Nikon manual-focus body. I recieved numerous suggestions and links

pertaining to my inquiry.

 

Before I reveal my choice, I would like to thank all those who posted

suggestions. I considered each and every one of them - and

researched them all - in order to make a somewhat informed decision.

I spent over 12 hours of research, looking into every possible

variant that might influence my decision. Several people posted

links, and I read every word of them. Thank you all for your input,

as I am a novice when it comes to MF Nikons.

 

With that said, I chose to purchase a Nikon F3. There were/are

various reasons I chose this particular camera.

 

First, I considered what many of you mentioned in response to my

previous post: flash sync speed. Normally, this would be of

particular concern to me. However, I don't plan to rely on a flash

with this camera. If I plan to be in a situation that requires a

flash, I'll use my N90s with my SB-26.

 

Next, I considered the inconvenient flash positioning. As I

previously stated, flash photography is of no real concern to me with

this camera, so this was a moot point with my decision.

 

I also considered price within my decision. I seriously considered

the F3HP, but I couldn't find this particular model in (what I

considered to be) excellent shape for less than $400. The camera I

purchased cost $335...delivery included. I simply couldn't justify

the extra expenditure for the F3HP.

 

Finally, I considered the available cameras. I searched several

different sites for the best deal. I found numerous manual-focus

Nikons on each. However, the shape of these cameras varied from very

good to functional. Since this is my first foray into the MF world,

I wanted a camera in excellent shape. I tend to handle my equipment

with kid gloves, and I wanted a reason to continue this. So, after

hours of searching, I stumbled upon a used F3 on eBay - which I

purchased. I will post photos of this camera.

 

Again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who

took the time to share their advice and suggestions to an unknown

person who genuinely needed it/them. I'm sure I'll soon be asking

similar questions about motor drives, lenses, flashes, and shutter

releases. If the response to these future questions are as honest

and helpful as those offered toward my previous question, I'm sure

I've found the correct "family" of photographic enthusiasts...and I

can justify to myself the reason I became a photo.net subscriber.

 

Thanks again...Mark

I really can't answer your first question. I lean towards Nikons. However, a monopod is a wonderful investment. I also shoot HS sports - both indoors and out - and I always try to take advantage of a monopod.

With that in mind, I'd suggest a Bogen/Manfrotto monopod. The quality is there, but the excessive cost of a Gitzo is not. These monopods can really carry the load...although they weigh a bit more than the carbon fiber pods. So, unless you're trying to impress the ladies with the cost of your monopod, or are someone planing a climb of Mt. Kilamanjaro and needs to shed a few extra ounces of luggage, the Bogen/Manfrotto line will be sufficient. Also, don't be afraid of attaching a ballhead to the monopod. You might get some strange looks, but you'll also get some great pics. Best of luck...Mark