dan_beaudry

Hi Dana,

 

I think we share the same learning curve. My 1st DSLR was a D50. After one year of wringing the most out of it (I process / print my own photos) I upgraded to the D80. I kept my D50 as a back up. Earlier this year, I upgraded to the D300, which is now my main "go to" camera for birding (w/ 70-200mm f2.8 VR lens). Sold the D50 and kept my D80 for close up and wide-angle work, landscapes, scenery (Sigma 18-50mm f2.8). This way I don't have to keep switching between different lens on one camera.

 

Bottom line, the D80 is a fine all around camera and you may want to think (IMHO) about learning how to use it as much as possible. But if you feel you absolutely need to upgrade immediately, the D300 is really a good choice. But I would not trade in the D80. You need a good backup.

 

Hope this helps - let us know what you decide. Dan

Hi Travis,

 

All photos in my galleries were shot with Nikon 70-200mm VR and TC-17E. First on my D50, then on my D80 and now it's

on my D300. Fot the types of photos that I take, all hand held, it is indispensable to me.

 

http://www.pbase.com/dansnaturephotos

 

This is a fine medium range zoom (510mm in 35 mm equivalence) combo with excellent capability. I can carry it all day,

craddled in my elbow, when not actively pursuing subjects. My only recommendation is to buy a new neck strap, one with

thick neoprene padding and enough length to allow the camera body to reach your belt line. This way, you can hold the

camera in a more relaxed manner - without the stress that holding it with elbows bent outwards would cause if the straps

are too short. Hope this helps. Good luck with your choice. Dan Beaudry

David, I've had my D50 for two years and have put over 10,000 shutter trips on it. It still works great. And I have come to enjoy it's features - that and the fact that it is compatible with all NikonAF lens, since it has it's own auto focus motor built in (the D40X does not). Last month I bought a D80 - after I had reviewed the specs for the D200 and D300. (Nothing wrong with them, just too much bang that I'll hardly ever use). Now my D50 is used with my short lens Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 and my D80 uses the Nikon 70-200VR lens (which is awesome by the way). Having two cameras saves on the need to keep replacing lenses. Thus, my D50 is my wide angle buddy and the D80 gets me the birding closeups. Hope this helps. Cheers, Dan

Good ones, guys. Here goes:

 

1. Digital photography has made me fearless(and poorer).

2. Nature is the creator of all I see.

3. Some days, I understand it all perfectly.

4. Some days, I don't know what the heck I'm doing.

5. I should retire now (not in 2 years) so I can take more pictures.

6. Small is Big V 1.0: this is when I take a photo of a bluejay at 30 feet and blow it up to 8x10 and get to view and admire all of it's intricate and beautiful plumage.

7. Small is Big V 2.0: I can't wait to share some photos with my friends / audience.

8.Sometimes, even a poorly taken photo is better than none.

9. I wish I could take pictures of everything, everywhere, all the time.

10.God has willed it that I too should be able to create fine works.

I've taken more photos of the camera and the accessories that came with it and have posted them at this link:

 

http://www.pbase.com/dansnaturephotos/leica_iii

 

The shutter works well and I can see the curtain zip by when I press the shutter button. The slow speed dial seems to work - it does affect the speed of the curtain. The Summaron lens is clear, no fogging. The Hektor lens has very light fogging,not immeidately evident unless you look closely.

 

Note small crack on top plate of camera between last two digits of the SN. This is the only obvious imperfection I have seen.

Hi all,

 

John, David, Dan & Chris: thanks for the constructive feedback. The Leica Summaron Lens SN# is 1158547.I have determined that my Leitz Summaron 3.5cm f3.5 wide angle lens dates from 1954.

 

I have posted more photos of the camera at this link:

 

http://www.pbase.com/dansnaturephotos/leica_iii

 

I will take more photos of the camera, as suggested, without the lens, as well as some of the Summaron lens, and post them to my link, early next week (the cottage beckons). I'll take a closer look at the lens to see how "clean" it is. But I won't try to clean it up, for fear of doing more harm thean good. Anything else I should consider? Regards, Dan

Hi all,

 

My wife came across this camera at an estate sale. From the serial number,

128801, I found, from a Leica website, that this is a Leica III made in 1934.It

is black all over, including the top,except for the knobs, which appear to be

chrome, or brass - I don't really know.

 

I'm not a camera collector and I afford McKeown's Price Guide just to look up

the value range of one camera.

 

Having said this, I would really appreciate if someone could give me a rough

idea of what the collectible value might be for this leica III? I have attached

a small jpeg photo of the thing - I do have over views as well.

 

Oh, and it came with a leather Leica camera case that is in very good condition.

 

Best regards,

 

Dan Beaudry