Nikon advice wanted

[Bigbjorn]

I have decided that the time has come to replace my two Praktica 35mm cameras. The 1962 IVB had a buggered light meter and parts have not been available for yonks, like decades, and the last Praktica model, the TTL1000, needs shutter repairs which would cost ten times its worth. Both have been great reliable cameras, good results, but age has caught up with the IVB and wear and tear with the 1000.

My cook has a point and shoot Kodak digital whose performance has impressed me no end. So I have belatedly decided to join the digital ranks.

I am considering a Nikon of some kind. There are so many models. I don't want anything like a professional camera, just a good everyday camera for an enthusiastic amateur. Would like wide angle to medium telephoto capacity with a minimum of lens changing. I have a 400mm. telephoto that can be adapted to Nikon fitting.

Any thoughts would be gratefully accepted. Budget is tops $1500.

[Chucaro]

Used D200 with little use will be my choice and the D80 second.
Wide lens will be the Tokina 12-24 f/4

[dmdigital]

Brian the D60, D3000, D5000 all fit in that price range and probably the D90 might (but without a lens). The problem you face with an older (non-autofocus) 400mm lens is that the lower end bodies may not work with the lens and all the bodies may not work if the lens protrudes back into the mirror chamber.

There is now some very nice zoom lenses in the 18-70/80/105mm range that are a cut above the kit lenses. Also remember that a DX camera has a "lens factor" of 1.5x so an 50mm lens is equivalent to using a 75mm lens on a 35mm format.

[Bigbjorn]

Brian the D60, D3000, D5000 all fit in that price range and probably the D90 might (but without a lens). The problem you face with an older (non-autofocus) 400mm lens is that the lower end bodies may not work with the lens and all the bodies may not work if the lens protrudes back into the mirror chamber.

There is now some very nice zoom lenses in the 18-70/80/105mm range that are a cut above the kit lenses. Also remember that a DX camera has a "lens factor" of 1.5x so an 50mm lens is equivalent to using a 75mm lens on a 35mm format.

Auto-focus? I wish. This gadget is not even auto aperture. Novaflex f5.6 to f22 400mm, Praktica/Pentax screw fitting. bloody good lens. I have had it 32 years.

[dmdigital]

Auto-focus? I wish. This gadget is not even auto aperture. Novaflex f5.6 to f22 400mm, Praktica/Pentax screw fitting. bloody good lens. I have had it 32 years.
That will really only have the potential to work on the high end bodies. Anything below a D90 and it would have a hope I would suspect.

[Bigbjorn]

That will really only have the potential to work on the high end bodies. Anything below a D90 and it would have a hope I would suspect.

Why? you are focussing through the reflex viewfinder using the focussing adjustment on the lens. Should not the camera then record what you and it see through the lens?

[dmdigital]

The low end bodies have to take aperture data from the lens. Can't avoid electronics anymore:(

[Bigbjorn]

I have been quoted between $1000 & $1100 by several outlets for a D3000 with two lenses, 18-55 & 55-200 or around $750 with just the 18-55. Price variation seems to be related to what is in the "package", like carry bag, tripod, extra battery, extra card etc.

I asked for a price with those lenses omitted and a 28-105 lens supplied and have not yet got a sensible reply. It appears they are all trying to sell the same "package deal" as supplied to them, with their individual ideas regarding extra sweeteners.

Might go with one of the twin lens deals if no sensible answer is received re the 28-105 option.

[bblaze]

try here, I have brought a couple of things and happy with service
DWI - Australia wide delivery - Digital Cameras, Digital SLR, Video and Camcorders online store (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/index.asp)
cheers
blaze

[dmdigital]

I've got a feeling that the D3000 is probably supplied to the retailer as a packaged kit with the two lenses.

[scrambler]

Brian, Had you considered a Pentax? I have an older Pentax K100D with 6MP which takes decent photos, came with a Sigma lens for about $600, and I believe you can get the current versions with up to 15MP for about the same money (I bought 2 years ago).

I use a fair few Practika/ Pentax lenses with the camera because a) I'm a Luddite and b) you get a lot more lens for your dollars with old prime lenses than with new zooms.

The Praktica screw to Pentax K adapters are cheap and have no lens elements to degrade the picture. ALL Pentax lenses, including screw mount, will work with the Pentax digital bodies, but with some limitations (and these will apply to Nikon adapters as well, or more so):
Screw mount lenses can be used with MANUAL aperture and STOP-DOWN metering only (but autoexposure will deal with whatever you offer the camera through the lens)

Manual-focus lenses (including all screw-mount lenses) need manual focussing BUT the focus confirmation (autofocus indicator) will light when focus is correct (according to the camera).

You do know that now the Iron Curtain is well and truly down you can get Practicas on evilbay/ internet for about $100 including postage, fully reconditioned from reputable sellers?

Bear in mind that you will get a reduced field of view (but equal depth of focus) from your lens on a Pentax digital or a prosumer Nikon body. Multiply the lens focal length by 1.5 for the 35mm equivialent:
400mm gives 600mm equivalent view
28mm gives 42mm equivalent view
50mm gives 75mm view.

I use a 28mm as my "standard" lens on a digital and wouldn't recommend a zoom with 28-105 unless you normally find yourself swapping 50mm/90mm/150mm on your Practica. If you EVER use wide angle, get a zoom down to 18mm (27 equivalent) minimum.

IMHO. :)

[Bigbjorn]

I've got a feeling that the D3000 is probably supplied to the retailer as a packaged kit with the two lenses.

Appears that way. Possibly a Christmas marketing push from Nikon Australia. Every Nikon dealer in Brisbane has them on special at around the same price allowing for added sweeteners like carry case, tripod, extra battery.

Yo can buy the D3000 with only the 18-55 lens for $750-$800, yet the list price of 55-200 lens, around $1100, is greater than the D3000 with two lenses package. You go figure it out. Someone is practicing some shonky marketing here, or the goods are drastically over-priced to start with.

[Bushie]

Someone is practicing some shonky marketing here, or the goods are drastically over-priced to start with.


Probably Nikon Australia :o:o



Martyn

[Bigbjorn]

Brian, Had you considered a Pentax? I have an older Pentax K100D with 6MP which takes decent photos, came with a Sigma lens for about $600, and I believe you can get the current versions with up to 15MP for about the same money (I bought 2 years ago).

I use a fair few Practika/ Pentax lenses with the camera because a) I'm a Luddite and b) you get a lot more lens for your dollars with old prime lenses than with new zooms.

The Praktica screw to Pentax K adapters are cheap and have no lens elements to degrade the picture. ALL Pentax lenses, including screw mount, will work with the Pentax digital bodies, but with some limitations (and these will apply to Nikon adapters as well, or more so):
Screw mount lenses can be used with MANUAL aperture and STOP-DOWN metering only (but autoexposure will deal with whatever you offer the camera through the lens)

Manual-focus lenses (including all screw-mount lenses) need manual focussing BUT the focus confirmation (autofocus indicator) will light when focus is correct (according to the camera).

You do know that now the Iron Curtain is well and truly down you can get Practicas on evilbay/ internet for about $100 including postage, fully reconditioned from reputable sellers?

Bear in mind that you will get a reduced field of view (but equal depth of focus) from your lens on a Pentax digital or a prosumer Nikon body. Multiply the lens focal length by 1.5 for the 35mm equivialent:
400mm gives 600mm equivalent view
28mm gives 42mm equivalent view
50mm gives 75mm view.

I use a 28mm as my "standard" lens on a digital and wouldn't recommend a zoom with 28-105 unless you normally find yourself swapping 50mm/90mm/150mm on your Practica. If you EVER use wide angle, get a zoom down to 18mm (27 equivalent) minimum.

IMHO. :)

Thanks, I am now having a look at Pentax "K". As well as the Novoflex 400, I have an old Sun pistol grip power zoom lens which I would like to keep using. If I can use my old screw mount lenses on the "K" then it will probably get the vote. You are correct when you say there is good value to be had buying accessory lenses from auctions, Weekend Shopper, or thief bay. I regularly see top brand film cameras with a number of lenses go through auctions for a paltry fraction of what they must have cost. Yet cheap point and shoot digital cameras sell for almost new price at the same auction. Whatever is new, fashionable, and in demand gets the consumer dollar.

[Bigbjorn]

I was seriously considering the Pentaz Kx but could not find a screw mount to bayonet adaptor anywhere. Pentax have not made them for yonks and after-market suppliers no longer show them in their catalogues. I wanted to be able to use a couple of screw mount lenses I have. General opinion around camera shops is that the adaptors are no longer made. I would have to have found a couple second-hand. The Nikon D3000 package with 18-55 and 55-200 lenses was the best deal in my opinion, so I now have a Nikon.

I was really surprised to find a sales assistant in a camera shop to whom I was describing one of the lenses I wished to keep using, who doubted me when I told him it was manual focus and manual aperture. He had never heard of such a thing anfd did not believe such existed. He appeared to be in his thirties and claimed many years experience. I had to tell him that I had been using such lenses longer than he had been on the planet.

[Bushie]

Try B&H Photography in the states

General Brand | Pentax-K Body to Universal Lens Adapter | ABPKS (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/97561-REG/General_Brand_ABPKS_Pentax_K_Body_to_Universal.htm l)

Pentax K mount to 42mm screw

I have a couple of them they work fine, (got them from somewhere in Melbourne about 18 months ago) try to avoid the ones that sit proud of the mount as you cant focus to infinity

or locally

https://www.crkennedy.com.au/pentax/index.php?q=node/166

Martyn

[dmdigital]

Welcome to the Nikon club Brian:cool:

It's like owning a Land Rover and being bagged about it by all the Toyota owners - just substitute Toyota with the word Canon.

[werdan]

Welcome to the Nikon club Brian:cool:

It's like owning a Land Rover and being bagged about it by all the Toyota owners - just substitute Toyota with the word Canon.

Actually owning a Minolta system is more like owning a Land Rover. Everyone else has Canons (Toyota) and Nikons (Nissans) or something new and wrong like a Panasonic Leica (BMW X5?). You don't feel the need to explain why you are still using Minolta. They just wouldn't get it. Meanwhile your camera company is bought and sold every other year.

[JLo]

Welcome to the Nikon club Brian:cool:

It's like owning a Land Rover and being bagged about it by all the Toyota owners - just substitute Toyota with the word Canon.

Until you sit down and start comparing the two and then there is the sudden realisation by the Canon owner that the Nikon is just so much better.


Actually owning a Minolta system is more like owning a Land Rover. Everyone else has Canons (Toyota) and Nikons (Nissans) or something new and wrong like a Panasonic Leica (BMW X5?). You don't feel the need to explain why you are still using Minolta. They just wouldn't get it. Meanwhile your camera company is bought and sold every other year.

...or something new and wrong like Sony who bought out Minolta photographics for their lenses :)

Cheers
JLo

[scrambler]

I see you got the Nikon, Brian, so this will be redundant:

pentax screw k, Cameras items at low prices on eBay.com.au (http://shop.ebay.com.au/i.html?LH_PrefLoc=2&_nkw=pentax%20screw%20k&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m283)

The type with a large "key" for removal are direct copies of the original Pentax design, and work perfectly.

The M42 Nikon adapters have a lens to correct to infinity, which adds 2 more glass-air interfaces and therefore degrades the image. Unless you get an optically superior model with coated lens, you could make your M42 lenses look a lot worse than they are. I doubt the ebay Nikon adapters would have either optically adequate lenses or lens coating.

Regardless of compatibility, I'm sure you will appreciate the Nikon. I can't believe Canon users would scoff - Nikon is the camera of Professionals and Canon the camera of wannabes. Perhaps sadly, Nikon got their reputation from being adaptable and tough - something no digital can really aspire to.

Nikkor lenses have been highly regarded from before Nikon cameras were created. The original Leica- and Contax-mount Nikkors are widely regarded as creating the reputation of the Japanese camera industry.