iKokomo

In college I enjoyed scripting, filming, and editing 3 short films with my Canon XHA1. I do the occasional wedding video with my Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera (1080p). However, I really enjoy scripting/shooting movies, However, since I do not have my college friends around, it is much harder to film movies. I was just wondering how I can find actors (they don’t have to be amazing or even very good). I just love crafting stories and filming like some people enjoy writing short stories.

I have always enjoyed doing portrait photography, however, it always takes me about 10 minutes to (for lack of a better term) “find my groove.” The first 10 minutes of photos are not the best, but once I get past the “nervous” part, I really enjoy the photo session and the photos become much better. My question is, how do I make myself, as well as my subject/model comfortable in the beginning so that I can have a better photo session?

I have a really neat manual focus Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Ai-S on a Nikon DF. I have no problem focusing this (using Nikon's green arrow/dot focusing points) manually at f/3.5 or larger (which looks incredible). However, when I try to open this up at f/1.2 - 2.0 I miss 90% of the shots because they are out of focus even if the green dot focus point says it is in focus. Other than swapping out the focusing screen to a split focusing system, is there a way to more reliable way to focus this neat lens at f/1.2-2.0? What are some tips and tricks to using this lens?

I recently got a Nikon DF and I learned that it is the only DSLR that can use unmodified Nikon Pre-AI lenses. I am mainly a portrait photographer. I do have some manual AI lenses like the 50mm f/1.2, a 28mm, and a 105mm. I was wondering what the best (reasonably priced, cheaper) Nikon Pre-AI (or even non-AI) lenses that I should look for? I am mainly a portrait photographer. I would prefer to stick with Nikon branded lenses.

I like to use older disposable cameras as a form of a guestbook when friends visit. I sent in two cameras to mpix for developing. The first turned out great with good colors, however, the second has a purple shift/hue on the scanned film. (photo attached) I was wondering how I can fix the photos in post-processing? I do not really care about the photo looking perfect (it is the charm of film photography) but I do want to be able to see the people in the photo a little better.

I will be selling my Nikon APS-C cameras except for my D90 and I would like to upgrade to an older, but still great Nikon Full-Frame camera. I have been looking at the Nikon D3, D700 or D800 because they seem to be in my price range. I have been leaning toward the D3 because of its weather sealing, professional viewfinder and quality and full manual control however, D800 seems to have a better sensor. Video is not necessary as I have a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. I have plenty of good Nikon lenses such as a 70-200mm f/2.8, Nikon 50mm f/1.2 and more. My favorite style of photography is portrait. PS. I would love a Nikon DF, but those are still too expensive for me :)

Thanks a lot! So, should I ask her to find some poses she likes and send them to me so I can learn her style?

Hello! A friend of mine asked me to do shoot some maternity photos of her. While I am doing these for free and for fun, I would like to do a good job as well. :) I have shot a couple of weddings so I know how to use my DSLR and the basics of photography, but I have not done a maternity shoot before. I want to expand my skill-set while helping out a friend. I was wondering if you guys have any tips to give or videos or blog articles to read and watch? Hope you all have a great Holiday season!

I know this is more of a video question, but maybe someone here knows about using this vintage lens? I found a Rainbow TV Zoom Lens H6X8 8-48mm 1:1.0 1/2” C Mount Lens at a thrift-store that I would like to use with my 1st generation, 1080p Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera with a Super 16 sensor. Whenever I use it there is a massive vignette and it is impossible to focus without closing the aperture all the way down. I know I need some sort of adapter, but I was wondering which adapter I needed?

Thank you! Do you have the latest firmware? I can't seem to find it anymore. Thanks!

I recently got a couple of hard drives to extend the life of my Canon XHA1. I just got a Focus Firestore FS-100 Hard Drive. Whenever I try to record in standard definition (DV) the hard drive records perfectly, however whenever I try to record in HDV mode I cannot get the hard drive to work. How can I make this hard drive record in HD? Thanks :)

I just got a Focus Enhancements FS-5 video camera DTE hard drive and I was wondering if anyone had the latest firmware for this device? Focus Enhancements has been bought out by another company and the new one does not have the latest firmware anymore. Thanks! :)

I just got a very nice condition Nikon L35AF for $1 at an estate sale with the original case. I put the two batteries in the camera (with no film)and turned it on and the light meter seemed to work. Here is the problem. When I clicked the shutter button down, the shutter clicked but the button stays down. It is not stuck up, like most problems are, but the button is stuck down and will not come back up. Has anyone else had this problem before? Thank for your help in advance.

I heard from somewhere else that the Caffenol process might work great for this? I have heard of that developing process. Is this a viable option for what I am trying to do? If Yes, Any tips and tricks to Caffenol that might be different from using commercial chemicals? Thanks!

I have never developed film before and I have read that it is best to start off with black and white developing because it is easier than color. I just bought a large lot of vintage film cameras (over 50 cameras) to clean and sell and there are a lot of half-used rolls of film in them that I will finish using and I want to learn how to develop them. In the lot, there were developing tanks, thermometers and the like. My question is they are all color C-41 film. Can I use my D-76 B&W Chemicals that I just got to cross-prosses and develop these? If yes, are there any specific instructions or issues that I need to be aware of that may be different from developing black and white film? Also, for people that have done this for years, any tips and tricks you would like to pass along? This would be my first roll of film ever self-developed and I am excited!! :) Thanks for your help!