pauldmurphy

<p>Elliot, I love the camera. I have looked at medium format cameras after using a friends but the expense grows with leaps and bounds once you enter that realm. The D800 looks to help me do some of the things I would like to try/work on. <br>

I appreciate that humans make errors. That is the way of the world. I think Lorne's experience and my initial experience for that matter illustrate a poor approach to dealing with it though.<br>

So, how can I be so critical? Well, I'm the guy on the other end of the phone most of the time. My stock and trade is that of a Master Yamaha, Mercury and Mercuiser Technician that works on Grady-White Boats. Trust me, I've dealt with issues similar to this and those way beyond it. I would love to sell you and Andrew a boat because I don't see rolling with " this isn't correct or this is just wrong... " with the majority of people we sell to. <br>

For most, they just want an answer, one way or another. I'm given little quarter in that area. Why should I expect different?</p>

<p>Andrew, sorry I missed that in the threads and keep us informed.</p>

 

Dan, LOL!

<p>Shun & Lorne,<br>

Thanks for the feedback and if I posted the initial response from Nikon it was similar to Lornes. I posted this up to, maybe not so simply illustrate first, Nikon's own literature illustrates how the system is listed as working, which no one else's posts or reviews noted and second, at least I'm suppose to get to the level of talking to a technician about it. <br>

Now, maybe I'm naive and this will go no where but maybe it's a positive step in an issue that apparently has some concerned. Enough so that there are many threads here and other places and even a youtube video.<br>

And as far as keeping the D800 Shun, I'm planning on keeping it. It fits into and is a wonderful addition to my photographic tool kit. But in my day to day work, I'm held account for what I put out and when it is not correct I'm expected to fix it, one way or another.</p>

<p>I recently received my Nikon D800 and just for to pomp and circumstance I was quick to check it for the left focus issue, which was fine. Considering I bought a reconditioned unit I'd hoped it would be. The one issue I ran into that surprised me was the focus trap issue where when the cameras a1 and a2 settings were set to focus priority and the a4 setting was set to AF-On Only, fully pressing the shutter release button allowed the shutter to release without the camera being in focus and or indicating focus via the "Meat Ball" in the lower left of the view finder.<br /> I searched the web and this site, found the AF Rant ( http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00bE7v ) And Thom Hogans note about the change ( Next up we have a doozy: you can take out of focus pictures when you've got the camera set to take only in-focus pictures! A setting of "Focus" doesn't actually mean what it used to. In fact, not only does it not mean what it used to, but it also removes a very useful capability that virtually all higher end Nikon models have had for 30 years: trap focus via the AF-On button. This change is so egregious that I made my complaint directly to Nikon: at least give us the option to restore the old functionality via a Custom Setting.) And a few other notes including a video on Youtube. <br /> <br /> Well, I contacted Nikon and after a bit of wrangling received this message.... ( Response Terrell S. via Email 01/28/2013 04:28 PM<br>

Dear Mr. Murphy Thank you for contacting Nikon. Sorry for the long delay in answering. Due to a server problem we had a large number of email responses that were not routed properly. We have solved the problem and are working to reduce the backlog. We hope to be back to normal 24 hour turn around soon. I have asked a technician to take a look at this incident and you will get a response with 48 hours. Sincerely, Terrell Nikon Customer Service ) For those of you that are stout of heart here is the last communication I sent Nikon: ( Hey Terrell, I have to say one thing, you're PDQ (Pretty Damn Quick). Okay, I see what you are saying about the a4 setting. Yes, if it is set to Shutter/AF-ON, the camera does focus using the selected focus mode ( Single / Continuous ) on the select focus point (s). Your statement here: "When custom setting A-4 is set to AF_ON Only,the shutter will release though your priority selection is set to focus and the camera is not in focus." goes totally contrary the what the user manual states and on camera help states. It is also totally different than the way the D700 and D7000 work when set: a1 Focus, a2 Focus and a4 AF Only are selected. Again which state, " Photos can only be taken when the in focus (O) indicator is displayed. So, this is where I see the problem lay. First, this is a change or as many are discussing it, a Bug. I'm not the only one talking about this, I'm just a little late to the discussion because I've only just received my D800. Examples: http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00bE7v This is an segment of Thom Hogans review of the D800 where he expressly points this out as a change: "Next up we have a doozy: you can take out of focus pictures when you've got the camera set to take only in-focus pictures! A setting of "Focus" doesn't actually mean what it used to. In fact, not only does it not mean what it used to, but it also removes a very useful capability that virtually all higher end Nikon models have had for 30 years: trap focus via the AF-On button. This change is so egregious that I made my complaint directly to Nikon: at least give us the option to restore the old functionality via a Custom Setting." (Thom Hogan) Full link to Review here: http://www.bythom.com/nikond800review.htm And another Thread: http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00aZ5a And there's even a very good youtube video that demonstrates the issue as compared to a D300. http://youtu.be/lRDEu038S4c The D300s manual has the information about Release and focus on pages 263 and 264. The one thing in every one of these conversations and reviews has missed is that Nikon has not changes the wording in the Users Manual or the Help Menu on the camera but the function has changed. Again, I can go back to my D200 (I still own) which also has that setting and works as I describe it and the youtube video describe it. Page 148 in the D200 Users manual. For some this may not be a big deal. Me, I've used this setting all the time as do many of my photographer friends. All the way back to my D200. This ability to limit random out of focus shots seems fundamental to me and many others. AS an example I lay the D800 on the passenger seat next to me when I was out shooting with it. The camera rolled over onto the Shutter Release Button. The Camera was set in Continuous Low Release Mode. With the lens facing the seat back it proceeded to take a series of non focused shots. I'm also having a hard time believing that someone at Nikon hasn't brought this up. So, I guess what I'm saying Terrell is I hope you understand the issue now and see that there is an issue here. While the literature and help manuals remain the same, something has changed and not in a good way. From the first message I stated I hope there is an update coming for this issue or Nikon will correct the way the manual and help messages are worded. I'd prefer correcting the issue. What I am looking for here is a bit of information as to whether this will be addressed. Because I need to make a decision whether to return this camera or keep it, hoping Nikon will correct this issue down the road. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with someone in the tech department.</p>

I just got my D800 and was disappointed to

find this issue with the camera. I use the

focus on button often on my D700's and

D7000. I contacted Nikon and contrary to

what it says when you send them a message

no one got back to me at all never mind the

next day. Until I hear from Nikon that this is a

change, they correct pages 281&282 as well

as change what the in camera help menu (?

button) states I will continue to consider this

a bug.

<p>I have to add another comment for APS. I've sent bodies and lenses there and they've always been timely. I've gotten an estimate via email on the evening they've received the item. Their time for returns has been spot on for the four times I've used them.<br>

I had a friend send a lens in. APS recommended a whole battery of repairs to return it to factory condition. He declined all the repairs, just wanted what he sent it in for completed which APS did for a very fair price and to this date the lens is working great.<br>

And finally, I've always been able to talk to a person when I call.</p>

<p>Oop's...</p><div></div>

<p>From a recent shoot.</p>

<p>Fall in Virginia brings beautiful sky's and still water. Along the Rappahannock River near White Stone, VA.</p><div></div>

<p>Diversity Pinup shoot with a Steampunk theme this past weekend.<br>

Model: Sionell Shipe, MUA: Ellie Retrophilia at Pump House Park Richmond, Virginia.</p><div></div>

<p>Had My gear surrounded by 20 or so Pugs..... This is Sophie, the one eye wonder pug.</p><div></div>

<p>There is a focus screen located beneath the Pentaprism that is retained by a wire looking clip. It could be loose if the diopter is okay.<br>

With the lens off the camera, hold the camera upside-down, you'll see a metal retainer just behind the lens mount. You can pop the retainer and remove the focus screen. I've removed mine to clean behind it.</p>

<p>P</p>

<p>Kevin, I breezed over many of the posts when I saw they were slipping off topic so this may have been covered. <br>

I've messed a bit with the picture control setting in all my cameras that support it, that includes D90, D7000 & D700. <br>

I find that I can manage some of what you're encountering ie; the contrast and such. I haven't messed with brightness to recover shadows so I can't offer anything there. I think it's well worth the time to mess with it a bit and see if you can make the picture control work for you. Start form an existing picture control and with D Lighting off in the camera, you can adjust contrast, brightness as well as sharpness. <br>

I have the maximum number of picture controls installed in my camera that the system allows. On the memory card installed in the camera, I have a folder with others I can add when I want that kind of affect. It's simply deleting one and adding another. <br>

Here's a PN post that talks about picture controls and how to get them on the camera. It deals primarily with obtaining particular film affects but really helps with the basics of setting up and managing PC's.<br>

<a href="00SyOI?start=0">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00SyOI?start=0</a><br>

As someone mentioned earlier, messing with the curves adjustment can bring out some of what you want. If you copy the PC's mentioned in the thred and move them to your computer, you can open the PC's in View NX picture control utility and see what the curve looks like.<br>

Also, if you shoot a few of your sports images in raw, then open them in View NX, you'll be able to open them in the PC utility, make your own curves adjustments and save those adjustments as your own PC which you'll be able to load up to your camera (s).<br>

If this is all a blurrrr or I missed something, shoot me an email via PN and I'll share anything I know.</p>

<p>P</p>

<p>2011 Richmond, Virginia Zombie Walk held last Sunday in Cary Town.... Look, it's Janis!</p><div></div>

<p>This is not necessarily about Capture NX2 but it is a good source for some Picture Controls. <br>

<a href="../nikon-camera-forum/00SyOI?start=20">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00SyOI?start=20</a></p>

<p>They are very interesting to work with.</p>

<p>If you've got time, hit Beaver Tail Light. The point is beautiful, the views good if it's clear out. There are still old bunkers hidden in the bushes from WWII when the point was a weather station/ defensive position for the approaches to Narragansett Bay. </p>

<p>I've got one of these. It does do a fair job for what it is. I've also found that if I'm using CLS and don't want the main control flash to reflect in what I'm shooting, I put a business card in it (a standard card fits perfectly) I get the control but no reflection.</p>

<p>P</p>

<p>Happy Wednesday to all.<br>

Got my first opportunity to participate in a model shoot. I've got a ways to go... The event was rather frenetic, something to get use to I guess with models and all running around. This is one of the models, Trey, during a more quiet moment. </p><div></div>

<p>+1 for what Dan S. and Michael C. wrote. <br>

I wouldn't venture to tell anyone how to live their life. My experience with that has shown me that it usually has the opposite effect of what you want. It happened when my mother and father took my sister and me to Europe and through North Africa in a VW van when I was eight and my Grandparents did want her to. It happened when I chose to join the service and my father didn't want me to, but I did.<br>

I don't believe what you're thinking of doing is any different than what some people that join the service are doing. I know I joined the service to get into the action, and my friends joined to be part of the fight. The big difference is they-we had training, logistics and support. Still, that didn't mean they all came home. <br>

So Nathan, the best I can offer is, follow your dreams, listen to everyone's advice and filter it as you see fit. Learn from others mistakes, try not to repeat them and when the little hairs on the back of your neck stand up, listen to them.<br>

Here's a woman I met fairly recently that did a bit of what you're thinking of and a bit more of what Dan was talking about. Her name is Emily Taylor. <br>

I don't know her whole story but she left home here in Virginia and went to live with a family in Ethiopia. She worked as a freelance photographer and eventually got hooked up with the Gates Foundation which allowed her to travel the region more and take photos. I don't believe she was seeking out the "hot spots", but she probably had a better idea of what she would be up against if she decided to do so.<br>

Emily was also smart in the fact that she had a base (back to the military training/organization thing again) in Ethiopia with the family. When I talked to her recently, she was basically working so she could go back.<br>

Check out here page here: <a href="http://emilytaylorphoto.com/?load=flash">http://emilytaylorphoto.com/?load=flash</a><br>

She's got contact info there but, if it doesn't work, shoot me an email and I'll get her current contact info. <br>

P</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hello all, I've missed the past couple weeks here( working too much) but took some time off last weekend and attended the South African Food and Wine Festival at Grayhaven Vineyard in Gum Springs, Virginia. We had a wonderful time with great food, wine and entertainment which included traditional songs, amazing tap dancing by a man that studied under Gregory Hines and some dancing by this guy and his friends.</p><div></div>

<p>Shun, you're correct and she had just that attitude. That's why she got up on the tree and was making fun of the whole thing. I think the saddest part was not that the vehicle was destroyed but just before she arrived and I got there to take the photo, there were people taking things out of the car.... Now that's sad.<br>

Oh, and the woman was great about me taking photos, she took my card and said... " just in case I need photos for the insurance..."<br>

I'm from Rhode Island originally and it's the people in Vermont that I'm thinking of. My friends in New Hampshire are okay... Sigh! Thank goodness. <br>

P</p>

<p>Happy Wednesday to all. It's especially happy for me because I've got power, a hot shower and all who I know along the east coast are well after the passage of Irene. I have many shots of the damage caused by the Feminine Flyer here in Richmond, Virginia but, this one seems to epitomize the feeling of what Irene left behind.<br>

I talked to the woman on the tree... This was her Jeep. Considering the outcome, she was doing okay.</p><div></div>

<p>I say, I'm going to mess with it a bit tonight... This time without a sandwich falling into my keyboard.<br>

I tried the Color Efex Pro from Nik Software, but found I could mimic many of the effects I would use for what I know I do, if I just thought about it. And like I believe you pointed out, many of the plug-ins need there own set of tweaking any how. Though, I will have to given them a second thought.<br>

I guess, I need to see more reasons to use them to actually buy them. Until then, I'll find the inspiration in threads like this. Keeps the gears from stickin'.....<br>

Thanks,</p>

<p>Paul </p>

 

<p>Sorry about the last photo... TOOO Big...</p>

<p>Here's the photo alone.</p><div></div>