tom_shapiro

You may want to check out this site for his review on the Nikon 300 F4 AFS.

 

http://www.foto.no/nikon/

 

Tom

Terry,

 

The only rumor I have heard from a medium to large Nikon dealer is that Nikon will drop all AF non D lenses and most manual lenses soon and not replace the 300 f4.0. However, I hope you are right. Tom

I don't know if the BLM is still doing it, but for some years when I was living near McDermitt, Nevada, the BLM was fenceing sections of land so they could replant them in crested wheat. They would then leave the fence in place and continue to the next section. So when you look off to the distance to see the wild and senic west and there are these patches of crested wheat and barbed wire, you will see your tax dollars at work.

 

Tom Shapiro

The NY Times had an article the other day about the lack of color this year in New England because of the drought. Sounds like a repeat of last year's lack of color. Other sections of the country sound like a better bet to me.

I still have my old Nikon F, 1966 version, and was thinking about using it as an extra body for some senic shots. I called RRS to inquire about a plate for the camera and was told that it may be inaccurate at speeds less than 1/125 of a second, unless it is calibrated every 6 months or so.

 

<p>

 

Does anyone have supporting information about this? I was trying to find a use for this camera. It has taken many great pictures, and I sort of hate to see it sitting around unused.

I used briefly the Cannon 77mm closeup lens for my 80-200mm D f2.8 lens with tripod ring and did not like the limited range. I recently bought the 200mm D f4 macro and am now using it for landscape and macro work. I really like it very much, it is very sharp. But of course it is not a zoom. It is not a perfect world.

 

On the marco side I move back and forth until I find the best spot to set up my tripod. I have resigned my self to carrying one more lens when I want the zoom for landscape work.

Try Huntley Meadows Park in Northern VA. It is a county park, very nice. Lots of birds. C & O tow path has several trails and the bridge to Omstead Island is open giving views of the Great Falls.

Having bought both Kirk and Really Right Stuff plates. The Kirk plates are a waste of money. The paint seems to chip off the Kirk plates and they do not slide on as easily and don't have a built on removable stop. Once you try the RRS plates you will never use the others.

I have a 504 which I have found gives great stability in windy conditions. I agree with Jamie Curis that the extra weight is a non issue. I am 6' 7" and wanted the extra height that this model provides and have been very pleased with it.

I also agree about not needing a center post and in fact not having one allows you to set the tripod low on the ground should you need to. I also strongly suggest that you get the "Really Right Stuff" catalog and use their equipment for the B1. The fit and quality is excellent compared to Kirk and the ease of use and long term cost is less.

 

The few times I have needed to pan, I used the pan on the B1 with great results.

I have the Kinesis system (Belt and/or backpack combination) with a number of bags and medium camera case. I agree with the comments above and have found Richard to be very helpful and accurate as to how to put the system together. I prefer to carry the weight on my hips and the range of adjustment with the backpack is great particularly for travel over some distance.

 

I had a number of the same concerns that you have expresssed, and since I am tall 6'7", I was very concerned about the fit. It has been great in practice, however. My only nit after using it for some time is that it perhaps could be several inches wider. The belt can be used alone or with the backpack provided you get the belt for the back pack.

I lived near McDermitt, NV (on the Nevada-Oregon border) for two years and the whole area both west and north of McDermitt has many beautiful areas. In particular is the area around Disaster Peak and Denio.

 

I would, in any wanderings that you do, take several gallons of water and some extra food. If you ever have a breakdown, you might well need the supplies. Access is very possible by car in my experience. Oh yes, don't drive on the sage brush or grease wood bushes. The wood will splinter and go through your tires causing flats which can't be fixed.

 

All of northern Nevada is very beautiful, in my opinion. Most wild life that I saw was normally around springs and small ponds.

When I was working as a Geologist, I had traveled extensivly in the

Adelaide area and in northeastern Tasmania near Scottsdale (1973-4).

There was no shortage of stunning vistas. It was relativly easy to

find excellent locations. I suggest that you check with the Australian

Tourist Board. They were a great source of information for me. Take

lots of film.

 

<p>

 

I found the 1/2 hour time zone in Adelaide a little disconserting,

however.

I have been using alkalide batteries because they are so cheap. I get

mine at Price Club for about $6.50 for 40. This summer I have been

getting about 30-40 rolls per set. Last winter about 15-20 rolls per

set. It seems to depend on the amount of AF used. I had thought about

lithium but the local camera stores want $7.00 - $8.00 for 2

batteries. Did not seem worth it.

While the responses have been related to "tilt & shift", I have the

Nikon "shift" (28mm f3.5) and obtained it after having already bought

the Nikon. It is an excellent lens, extremely sharp and since I shoot

at about f8-f11 normally, I have never had any problems with depth of

field. I thought about getting another camera (Cannon), however, the

advantages of the F5 and the few times I might want the tilt option

decided me against the extra cost for another camera system. I have

not needed or wanted the tilt option yet.

 

<p>

 

Tom

Probably will not do you much good now, however, Baxter State Park

last Tuesday was fantastic and all the colors in eastern Maine were

deep full and very strong. Somewhere around sothern New Hampshire the

grass became brown again. I would guess that this week the area around

Bangor will be near peak and filled with influxers. (There was some

good beginning color in Western Massachussets last weekend.)

 

<p>

 

We have been told that here in Maryland and Virginia to expect a dull

fall due to lack of rain.

 

<p>

 

Perhaps next year will be better.

Yes, that might be useful. And perhaps we should also write to the editors via snail mail as well. If enough negative mail from both sources comes in from enough people, OP might take the comments seriously. Perhaps we could include other magazines as well as OP. The trick to this is to be clear and calm in our comments. Anger often gets dismissed.

I also have State Farm, my personal property policy is at the rate of $10.00 per year per $1,000.00 value for any damage or loss for what ever reason. I suggest that you check your policy since the coverage probably varies with each state.

 

<p>

 

My experience with State Farm for loss has been excellent. I suspect that the agent has a lot to do with State Farm's response.

 

<p>

 

Tom