pasi_h_gg

D80 with either 35f2afd or 50f1.8afd will go a long way for me

Just to give you some side support on shooting in- camera jpegs :-) Though somewhat younger than your dad, i've come

through some of the same phases on my way from colour slides/negs to Dslr (mostly) raw via digital p/s. I found the p/ s

phase a total turnoff to photography, and this is not to put the class down in any way, just personal history. Shooting

jpegs with my then new D80 was pretty darn close to the experience of slide shooting with the joy of controlling exposure

and dof to desired outcome, with instant reward from the screen and easy printing/sharing. A wet dream in the bygone

years! This was a fun and important step to make the transition #enjoyable#, which I believe you're after as well. Your

dad may appreciate raw control but has the chance to take the steps at his discretion and leisure. I've nothing to add to the

excellent advice given regarding kit. However, i think he'll enjoy the primes a lot, as well as the one grip-twin wheel control

afforded by the Nikons (dont' know the Sony)

 

I'll have to print out this thread and pass on to my son later :-)

Tough call between 50f1.8 afd and the 18-55 ED non- vr kit lens I bought for 30e. Neither ever paid me a meal, though.

I'm finding the humble 35f2 a great asset in this regard. It does not offer real macro but is very handy for flowers and

stuff, as the OP requested. Can anyone comment on the 35f1.8 in this regard, it would be more functional with the D3000.

35f2

Another vote for 35f2 AF-D. Versatile walk-around lens with surprisingly handy close focusing feature. Will work later on FX or film if need be.

<p>Well now´s the time to get obsolete film cameras and have some fun! As an amateur in the 80´s never dreamed of having two F3´s loaded with b/w and velvia on standby. Still an amateur with my obsolete D80 though... :-D</p>

<p>Well now´s the time to get obsolete film cameras and have some fun! As an amateur in the 80´s never dreamed of having two F3´s loaded with b/w and velvia on standby. Still an amateur with my obsolete D80 though... :-D</p>

<p>Well there seems to be consensus on quite a few places to visit ! Thanks to everyone for suggestions. I was also wondering whether to try hotel delivery but decided not to risk. The prices are available for comparison, and the possibility to check the stuff in my own hands takes priority.<br>

A bit of a sentimental journey as well, spent a full year there some 10 years ago, never got around to visit since. So an excuse for a bit of driving around in the bay area is really quite welcome :) Can´t wait to take the N-Judah to Ocean beach ...</p>

<p>I´ll be spending a few days in SF in October. Due to currency rates it could be a nice time to fill a gap or two in my bag. Any suggestions where to look, new and used (not collectibles) ?</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Holy cow ! Anyone using Capture NX2 with Vista with success? I ´m just about to buy and I´m running on pc/Vista too.</p>

<p>Lowepro apex 120 aw holds my D80, a 35 or 50 attached, an 85, a couple of 52/62 filters, spare battery and cards but the sb might prove a tight fit unless the 85 is left home. Very amateur no-brows-raised look, like a home videocam bag. It opens towards you though, so stuff ís not exposed nor falls out. Bought that to exactly same need you describe. Best to go to a shop and stuff some of their demo stuff into a bag that looks nice to you.</p>

<p>Strongly agree with Daniel above & Ryan Long. Free yourself from gear. If it´s mostly hiking with photos on occasion rather than the other way round, you'll have more photos with less. There´s good chance you´ll be tired, wet, hurried by someone or desperately in need of a meal when the photo opportunity presents. From your stuff I´d take the A1, lots of slide film, a fast 35 and maybe another lens of your choice. If you take the DSLR make sure you have a watertight bag for it .</p>

<p>My 0.02: FG/FG-20. Small, light (mostly metal anyway), cheap and above all has a needle stick meter display which in my hands provides superior ease in applying over-under-exposure. Have fun !</p>