jack_a

Alassandro, Evan, Ronald, and Doug,

 

Thanks for the advice.

 

I am a complete "newbie" to computers, digital photography, and post processing. I have never digitally enhanced any pictures.

 

Although, I am an advanced amatuer at film photography, and have taken many beautiful pictures with my Nikon and Mamiya equipment (travel, friends, family, etc.). If possible, I would like to share them with my family and friends via my new web page (still under construction, which is why I want to scan some negatives).

 

So should I have these negatives scanned professionally at Ritz Camera or purchase an inexpensive flat bed scanner (eg. one of the ones posted in my original thread or other, if better for my application; remember I do not need to make any prints from the newly created digital file because I have the negatives) in order to be able to place some "thumbnails" on my web page, which can be enlarged for family and friends to enjoy? I would like them to be as sharp, dense, and colorful as if I had the negatives professionally printed.

 

 

Thanks,

 

Jay

Good Evening All,

 

I need some advice on which is the best way to scan B & W and color 35mm and

120/220 medium format negatives and slides.

 

I would like to be able to place some "thumbnail" size pictures on my web page

which can be enlarged to fill the entire monitor screen, and be as SHARP as

possible. Since I already have the negatives, it is not necessary to be able

to print from the scans/digital files.

 

I am considering (but not limited to...) one of these three options:

 

1) Purchase a Canon CanoScan 8600F (approx. $180)

 

2) Wait a couple of weeks for the new Canon CanoScan 8800F (approx. $200)

 

3) Go to my neighborhood Ritz Camera Store and have them do the

scanning for seventyfive cents per negative.

 

I have some beautifull shots so I would like them to be as sharp and dense as

possible.

 

My real question is:

 

For the maximum image sharpness, etc. viewing on a computer screen from my

web page, is it necessary to have the B & W and color negatives (35mm & medium

format) and slides professionally scanned or would a "flat bed" scanner suffice?

 

Any advice and/or suggestions and "Pros and Cons" would be greatly appriciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Jay

Hi Everbody,

 

I am new to digital photography and am considering purchasing Adobe Photoshop

CS2 (full boxed program, not a download or upgrade) for my post production

work.

 

Can anyone tell me a good internet retailer from which to purchase? I have

never purchased anything over the internet before so I am a little

apprehensive, primarily because of the wide range of pricing ($320-$650). I

definitely want to purchase from a reputable online dealer so as not to get

ripped off.

 

Thanks

Tom,

 

Thanks for the suggestion; I have used metz 60 CT-4 strobe units for over twenty years and find they work much better for my application than camera/hot shoe mounted flash units. The majority of my photographic experience is with medium and 35mm format MANUAL equipment. I have never used automatic settings; apt. priority, shutter priority, or full automatic. As a matter of fact I have never used an auto focus or TTL camera. So by purchasing the Nikon D-200 I am taking a leap of faith in technology...My guess is that for 98% of the pictures I take, I will probably use the D-200 with the Metz 60 CT-4 in full manual mode and meter all of my photographs accordingly until I learn and master this technological marvel. I do agree that the "pop up" flash on the D-200 (using it in commander mode) is a great alternative to mounting a flash unit on the hot shoe and using a network of "slaves" to activate multiple lighting set ups. As far as the "shadowing" problem I mentioned with the pop up flash had to do with me just testing to see if it would fire. I really didn't expect to use it as a fill or main light.

 

Regards,

 

Jack

Hi Everyone,

 

Thanks for all the info; I got the D-200 up and running :-). I called Samy's in Los Angeles regarding the Hoodman Professional 150X-133X memory cards; and the digital camera (D-200) specialist there assured me that the Nikon rep told them the Hoodman memory cards were compatible with the D-200 and that they were actually superior to the Sandisk Extreme III memory cards. Since this is my first Digital camera I don't know one memory card from another; and what makes one card better than another. Can anyone explain to me the differences, and what makes one superior to another, and what I should be looking for? I used the D-200 today in Auto mode, Apt Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual with and without an external flash, great exposures, everything seems to be working fine. I even took a couple of picts using the built in flash; PROBLEM the hood on the 17mm-55mm 2.8 lens must be in the way, it caused a strange shadow in every exposure. I hope nothing is wrong with the pop up flash. Anyone else have this problem?

 

Later,

 

Jack

Good Day All,

 

After much great advise from the ladies and gentlemen on the photo.net forums

I just purchased a Nikon D-200, MB-D200 grip and battery holder, the 17-55mm f-

2.8 DX lens, B&W uv filter, HOODMAN 2GB 150X-133X memory cards, etc. THANKS

for all the help!

 

I do have a couple more questions that hopefully someone might be able to

answer:

 

1) Are the Hoodman memory cards I purchased as good as the Sandisk

Extreme III memory cards that were suggested? Samy's was out of 2GB Sandisk

Extreme III memory cards and said that the Hoodman were better but more

expensive; although they did charge me the same amount as for the Sandisks.

 

2) How do I REMOVE the battery-chamber cover on the D-200 so that I

can connect my MB-200 Grip?

 

3) How do I REMOVE the flash sinc terminal cover? Just pull it

off, or does it unscrew?

 

I feel like a complete idiot not being able to figure these little things out

for myself...Better to ask than to break a brand new camera.

 

Thanks again for everyones helpful suggestions and advice.

 

Best Regards,

 

Jack

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. The question I really need answered is:

 

1) What is branding? In the "Lamp Test" what am I looking for?

 

2) What is a "Dead Pixel" and again what am I looking for and how do I test for one?

 

Thanks againfor all the helpful information!

I have never owned a digital camera before and am considering

purchasing a Nikon D-200 with the 17-55 f2.8 lens. I have read

about possible "branding" and "dead pixel" problems.

 

1) What are these problems?

 

2) How do I check or test to see if these problems exist?

 

3) Are there other problems I should check and/or test for

immediately after purchasing/receiving my D-200?

 

Thanks for any advice and/or suggestions.

After reading many different reviews and opinions, I have decided to

purchase a Nikon D-200, Nikon 17-55 2.8 DX lens, Nikon MB-200 grip

and battery holder, a couple of batteries, and possibly a Nikon sb-

800 strobe (really not sure of the advantages of using TTL or

Nikon's iTTL vs. mounting the D-200 and a Metz 60 CT-4 on a

Stroboframe bracket, setting the Metz ISO and f-stop settings (in

auto mode) to match the D-200's ISO and f-stop settings, use auto

focus and shoot), and a good memory card (I hear the Sandisk Extreme

III and the Lexar Professional are the best, not sure). Is it best

to purchase these items from a "walk in" store or from an internet

store; the internet stores seem to have much better prices, and I

have learned about the difference between USA and direct import/grey

market products, USA sound better...If the internet stores are the

way to go, which site is best to purchase from? Thanks for any

advice and/or suggestions.

Frank,

 

Thanks for the tips! I have not yet purchased the D-200; my original questions were on switching from Nikon FM-2s to digital, Nikon D-200 vs Canon 30D, decided on Nikon D-200, then which lens or lenes were best for wedding photography, decided on the Nikon 17-55 f-2.8 DX, then which strobe is best; Nikon's sb-800 vs. Metz 76 MZ-5 vs. Metz 60 CT-4. I usually mount my Nikon FM-2 and Metz 60 on a stroboframe bracket, adjust the Metz ISO and f-stop settings(in auto mode) to the corresponding ISO and f-stop settings on the Nikon FM-2, focus and shoot. The results seem pretty good to me. I have never used TTL or Nikon's iTTL so don't know the advantages. Maybe you can share your opinion and give me some advice. Thanks

Michael, Jim and of course Nadine thank you very much for your

responses and advice regarding the use of the Metz 60 CT-4 strobe

with the Nikon D-200; you just saved me approx. $1600-$3200 in new

strobes and powerpacks (I wasn't sure whether to purchase one or two

of the new Metz 76 MZ-5s and power packs)!!! WOW...Now I can buy a

second D-200 for backup and/or more "glass". :-)

 

If any of you read this, just to reiterate, I can use the Metz 60 CT-

4 on the Nikon D-200 by mounting the camera and stobe on a

stroboframe bracket, connect sinc and power cords, set the Metz (in

auto mode) to the desired ISO and f-stop (match the settings on the

D-200) and take a picture the same as I would with my Nikon or

Mamiya film cameras? THANKS

Michael, Jim, and of course Nadine thank you very much for your response and great advise regarding the use of the Metz 60 CT-4 stobe with the Nikon D-200; you just saved me approx. $1600-$3200 in new strobes (I wasn't sure whethter to purchace one or two of the new Metz 76 MZ-5s and power packs)!!! WOW...Now I can buy a second D-200 and/or more "glass". :-)

I was wondering if it was possible to use the Metz 60 CT-4 in auto

mode (just set iso and desired f-stop) with the Nikon D-200? or, Is

it more advisable to use the Nikon sb-800 or the Metz 76 MZ-5 with

iTTL capabilities? Note: I have never used TTL or Nikon's iTTL and

don't know what it is, or what it does; the benefits over using a

flash in auto mode/thyristor. Nadine from San Francisco metion in a

thread that using the Metz 60 CT-4 with the Nikon D-200 was

possible; but didn't mention if was possible in auto mode.

Thanks...

Is it possible to use the Metz 60 CT-4 in auto mode (just set iso

and desired f-stop setting) with the Nikon D-200? vs. Using the

Nikon sb800 or the Metz 76 MZ-5 with iTTL capabilities? What is the

benefit of the D-200's iTTL? Note: I have never used TTL or iTTL and

really don't what it is, or what it does...the advantages over the

thyristor in auto mode.

After reading so many great things about the Nikon D-200 I am

seriously considering purchasing a couple of them to replace my

Nikon FM2 35mm film cameras for use at weddings (this will be my

very first experience with a digital camera). A couple of questions

come to mind: 1) Zoom vs. Fixed Focal Length lenses? I really

need 35mm film camera equivalent to a 35mm lens, 50mm lens, and a

portrait lens. So which is better, one zoom or three standard

lenses, and which one(s)? I am very willing to spend more money for

high quality "glass" especially since the D-200 is so reasonably

priced. Please keep in mind that I will want to use the auto focus

feature and that all of my pre-existing Nikon lenses are pre 1977

vintage, so I am willing to buy all new lenses specifically for the

D-200s. Also with the D-200 can you manually set the iso, f-stop,

and shutter speed and still use the auto focus feature?

 

My second question is about strobe units. I have never used a

camera with TTL; is it far superior? Whether photographing with my

Mamiya or Nikon equipment, I typically use a Metz 60 CT-4 (in auto

mode), set the appropriate f-stop and ISO setting, matching that of

the camera, focus and shoot. I mount the camera and Metz to a

Stroboframe bracket so that whether shooting landscape or portrait I

can position the flash above the lens (when shooting 35mm at a

wedding using the Metz 60 CT-4 and the Stroboframe bracket make the

Nikon look far more "professional" and different than the 35mm

cameras that guests are using). I also really like the color and

the power offered by the Metz 60 CT-4 under difficult lighting

situations and for lighting large groups of people. What is the

VERY BEST strobe or flash unit I can buy for the D-200 that offers

the appropriate TTL capability? I checked out the Metz web site and

they have the Metz 76 MZ-5 digital strobe; has anyone used one with

the D-200 (I read somewhere that Metz is comming out with a flash

unit specifically for the D-200)? Or, is the Nikon sb-800 the best

choice? I really like the durability of the Metz; in crowded

situations bumping or jarring the flash and/or camera will not

result in a flash unit breaking off the Stroboframe bracket. Or is

there a strobe better than either the Metz or the Nikon? Sorry for

the length and number of questions, but if I am going to dump $7500

or more in new equipment I definitely want to do it right the first

time. The lenses and flash units are more important to me because I

am relatively sure that I will be able to use them with

future "generations" or upgrades of the D-200. Thanks for any

suggestions and advice.

As a wedding photographer who uses Mamiya and Nikon manual film

cameras, I am considering entering the 21st century and trading my

Nikon FM-2 (35mm cameras) for digital cameras. I typically mount my

camera on a stroboframe bracket and use the Metz 60 CT-4 strobe;

here is my two part question: 1) Nikon D-200 or Canon 30D and why?

2) Has anyone used the Metz 76 MZ-5 (or 45 cl 4) with the Nikon D-

200 and/or the Canon 30D? Never using a digital camera, and knowing

nothing about digital photography, if I decide to go with the Nikon

D-200 is the Nikon sb-800 the best flash unit or will the Metz 76 MZ-

5 do a better job correctly lighting the entire church altar, large

family groups, bouqet/garter tosses, etc. under difficult lighting

situations (obviously the same question applies if I select to use

Canon equipment)? After experiencing such great results using the

Metz 60 CT-4 I hate to switch...Any suggestions or comments would be

greatly appriciated.

I am considering switching from the Nikon FM-2 to the D-200. I was

wondering if anyone knows whether or not you can use a Metz 76 MZ-5

digital strobe (or 45 cl 4) instead of Nikon's sb-800? I typically

mount my FM-2 on a stroboframe bracket and use the Metz 60 CT-4

strobe; just looking to enter the 21st century...Thanks for any

comments and/or suggestions (my application is wedding photography

and have never used, or know anything about digital photography).

I have been a professional wedding photographer for over twenty

years and use both "medium" and 35mm format manual film cameras

mounted on a stroboframe bracket with the Metz 60 CT-4 strobe. I am

considering switching from my Nikon FM-2s (35mm) to the Nikon D-200

digital camera. The Nikon sb-800 appears to be Nikons top of the

line digital flash unit; does it pack enough power to correctly

light the entire altar area of a church, large groups of people, and

bouquet/garter tosses, etc. under difficult lighting situations?

After using the 60 CT-4 for so many years I hate to use anything

else...Never using a digital camera before I have a two part

question: 1) Canon EOS 30D or Nikon D-200 and why? 2) Will the

Metz 76 MZ-5 digital strobe work as well as Nikon's and Canon's

respective digital strobe units with each repective digital camera?

I have spent numerous hours surfing the internet trying to decide

whether or not to step into the 21st century and replace my 35mm

film cameras with digital (Nikon D-200 vs. Canon EOS 30D) and if it

is possible to upgrade the available digital flash units from Nikon

and Canon to the Metz 76 MZ-5 or 45 cl 4. Has anyone used either of

these digital cameras with a Metz strobe? Thanks in advance for any

recomendations.