John Di Leo

I would like to write the title of a photograph as well as sign and date it on the photo itself. I am using a Canon Pro 10 and usually resin coated paper, usually glossy or semi gloss (Kirkland and Canon so far). I have tested a ultra fine sharpie (0.3mm) and it seems to work fine, no smearing, no bleed through. The only hit I found on Photo.net was from 2012 and one response says "never" use a sharpie, yet searching online says sharpies are fine. I've seen Picma Micro recommended, but if a sharpie is fine, why not just use it. Thoughts and advice appreciated. I've read the pros and cons of signing a matte, but I am not asking about that. These prints will not be matted by me. Thanks

What's ML tech? Unfortunately "interesting time(s)" never end. Isn't there a Chinese curse about interesting times?

Well, I think that Z9 reference was sarcasm of the grass is greener variety. I'll have to wait through the z8 and then the z8ii, then the z9, and probably would want the z9ii; but if I needed to use the 55/3.5 with the FTZ to use the ES-2, I would do that.

right! I am comfortable waiting, and that seems like the best thing to do based on the discussion here. Have to admit surprise at the love for the d810 vs the 850 and z 7 shown here...happy surprise, indeed. Right now what I'd REALLY like is an ES-2 copier. I have an ES-1, but it does not handle single negatives well. I've been on the list ay B&H for months. What was semi-retirement became FULL retirement today. IN an auspicious start to that, a local gallery owner contacted me to ask if I had any pictures of Live Oaks, as she is doing and exhibit of same. "Why, yes I do," was my answer and printed out a couple on my Canon Pro-10 in 13x19. They will be shown in her exhibit (shot with my 810 in St Francisville, La.).

Ha. yeah, so I had looked that up before my birthday. I thought Diamond Jubilee meant 75 for everything, but not so. For something that had a later starting date (than birth), a DJ is 60, eg for a King's or Queen's reign, or an anniversary. But it is also applied to the 75th birthday, so it is used both for 60 and for 75 depending on what is being measured. And, Hrrrmph!, I hope I would have enough sands in the hourglass left to learn a new system if I go that way. I'm still working and I ride that motorcycle in the avatar. Ha!

Thanks, Shun. It seems like there is a common thread in all of the advice: 1) the d810 is still a very fine camera even in 2021 terms, and it would not be a wrong decision to stick with it for the time being 2) mirrorless is the future 3) the 850 vs the Z is a coin flip--though Dieter's comments hit home. and raise a basic question... Should I just stick with the 810 and be happy? Only a decision I can make, and a good "problem" to have. But, for a long time I have been reading that the 850 is the "best" camera ever to walk on the planet, and today the bandwagon is driven by mirrorless; pundits saying the Z series, esp the Z7ii has finally gotten "it" right, or words to that effect. The primary drivers in this is I remember how much an advance the 810 was over the 700 (that I loved), could the 850 represent a similar advance? I was totally wowed by the improved dynamic range of the 810 over the 700, and suddenly there was no crop that degraded IQ. And the "wife acceptance factor" is totally there. great discussion, and hopefully helpful to others in my position

B&H is my store, but not local. I have been visiting Gerry Rooney at the Nikon kiosk there every December while attending a mtg, but with covid, that is off. We have a couple of decent stores here, but nothing like NYC. Yes, visiting B&H would be ideal. OTOH I certainly can wait until December, assuming some semblance of normal resumes

absolutely true, I see myself clearly in that mindset. I agree 100%. AFAIK the only lens in my future is the 200-500 nikkor, and that is not on the near horizon, but before the 2024 solar eclipse. I am very satisfied with the glass I have, and I have a perhaps unreasonable aversion to needing an adapter to make them work. That would be a plus for the 850. Physically the Z is lighter than the 810/850 and with the adapter lengthening the physical lens assembly, could the natural balance of the 810/850 be thrown off if they are on a Z? I am sure it is something to get used to.

Understand, thanks. If I upgrade I would not keep the d810, it would be sold or traded.

I appreciate all the insights offered and after digesting them I am thinking that ergos may be the most important factor. I need to go play with both cameras with my 24-70 on them. IN days of covid that is harder than it should be. I looked at the specs (somewhere) and it looks like the sensor specs of the 850 and the z7ii are the same? Is that right? I need to add also for clarity this will be my only camera. I consider my little sony the camera I choose if I want to pocket a camera, and then next in line is my Samsung Note 9 smartphone IQ of the 810 vs the 850 vs the Z7ii?

Man, you have that right! That's why when I saw that, it was close to a deal breaker.

Hi, Jochen, If I am using Live View I am focusing manually. AF speed in LV is a non-issue for me, if I am reading you correctly.

Thanks I moved from the D700 to the 810. Yours is an interesting comment about ergos that I appreciate. I've learned that I have Nikon hands, not Canon nor Sony. My fingers know where the buttons and switches are on the Nikon. I would be concerned that the ergos of any new camera may be more troublesome, even if for a short time, than I'd like. I suspect that would not be an issue with the 850 after a 700 and an 810. Also, I like the heft of the 810, and something lighter may throw off balancing it. Re a second adapter, that would be something else to carry. If I am doing a shoot I carry my stuff in a 1450 pelican case and usually that includes the 55. Carrying another thing would be a hassle since for either of the trade ups a flash would accompany. If I am just shooting for fun or insta, I usually choose one lens and make that work. I like to go minimal. I appreciate the advice.

a mysterious answer... :-) Don't understand? My other camera is a Sony RX100/2. Elaborate?

I am very satisfied with the glass I have. IN additon to the old lenses mentioned I have the 24-70/2.8 ( my GoTo for most shooting), the 16-35/4 that I love, the 70-200 vr2, the 85/1.8, the 35/1.8 G. I could upgrade my 50/2, but I really like the painterly look to the images I get from it...and I don't use the 50 prime that much.

Wow! thanks...great insight. much appreciated. What I didn't put in was that I bought the d810 used and "certified by Nikon." On delivery the battery charger didn't work, so I couldn't even play much with the camera, and all of the previous owner's info was still in the camera. That told me that Nikon certification meant nothing, at least in this case. I contacted them, sent if back to them and this time the camera came back fine and has performed flawlessly since. The only "issue" (and that is way too strong a word) is that the mount is a bit tight, or tighter than my d700 was, or my F3T or my Photomic Tn). But again, no functional issues. Still that expereince taught me to buy new next time. Of course, my experience could be a one of, and others' mileage will vary, still it left a bad taste. I do find myself running out of dynamic range a little, but that could be me, or expecting too much after being wowed by it for years; familiarity can breed undue criticism. Dieter, thanks for your thoughtful response. John

Just found the manual for the FTZ adapter...incompatible with my 55 micro nikkor. Does the FTZ slow down the attached lens, ie, does a f/2.8 lens become a f/4?

As my diamond jubilee birthday is tomorrow, and my wife said she didn't know what to get me, would a new camera be something I'd want?...ok, that's the premise of this. I have been using my d810 for a few years now and generally happy with it. However, I do recognize that technology has advanced, and feel mirrorless is the future. Still, trying to decide IF I want to upgrade, and then to what is confusing with many pluses and minuses to consider. I have too much Nikon glass to consider jumping ship to another marque-not that I'd want to. I will likely buy new. The pluses for the 810 are the pop up flash, it's paid for, and I have 2 batteries and chargers for it. I use that flash quite a bit for fill, and i've never run out of battery. That said, I am still very happy with the 810, but I recognize that its tech is getting old. Pluses for the 850 and Z7ii are the tilt screen, I miss that on the 810 a lot. More dynamic range is always better Negative for the 850 and Z is the necessity of a flash. Negative for the Z is battery life, necessity for a F mount adapter. PLus for the 850 is an optical VF; negative for the z is an EVF with possible lag---I do not shoot sports, but I do shoot street and Mardi Gras and there is often some fairly quick action to catch. And the Z is many more $$$ than an 850, but may be more "future proof" and in the long run may be a more prudent purchase? As far as the size/weight factor, I don't think that will be much of a deciding factor. I know I am all over the board here, but I think some of you have made that same decision. Thoughts? Am I missing something to consider? Are there any older F mount lenses that do not work on the Z...I still use my 55/3.5 macro a lot, and my 20/2.8 a fair amiount, and on occasion a 50/2 Nikkor H. Thanks for any insight.

Thanks, good info...appreciated

Thanks, Charles. So, you'd recommend square. It that only to avoid turning the book 90 degrees for viewing? Are square books with square pages commercially available, or is it a DIY project? Do you think 11x14 or 13x19 would be better as 8.5x11s could be inserted in either portrait or landscape?

What does the forum think is the most useful and practical portfolio book size? The use will be for showing my work to gallery people for possible display. The actual images would likely be a different size, so the book would be for "getting in the door" with those who decide what shows. I am thinking US Letter size, but would 11x14 or 13x19 be better? Any advice appreciated. TIA

If you are going to switch, and you can use the 1.8 G, it is much better than the 35/2. I've owned both and gave the f2 to my daughter, replacing it with the 1.8 and no regrets. The IQ of the 1.8 is that much better, I think. I would bet that IQ on your AiS is no slouch.

I have put a big flat rubber band on the focus ring so I can id it easily by touch.

FWIW, A couple of years ago I was in B&H and got to play with the Tamron, the Sigma and the Nikon in that zoom range. I liked the Nikon best; it felt better in my hands and the quality "felt" better. Admittedly fuzzy and subjective, I know. I could only take test shots in the store (on my d810). I was looking for something that could be used for solar eclipse shooting. I remember thinking that if and when, they were all good, but I preferred the Nikon, even with 500 vs 600. Point is that if the OP has access to a shop where he can try on all three, making a decision after handling would be a lot easier.

I tried just the naked negatives on the platen and a scan will happen, but no thumbnails and no ability to scan individual frames without using the marque tool. I have asked tech support at epson if that holder works on the v800. Getting canned responses so far, not answering the question. It may not because of the different lighting/lensing on the v800--as you point out above