Thread: Camera purchase advice requested

Happy snaps? A DSLR-like Fuji Finepix with 10:1 zoom. In some applications, my FinePix S500 takes better shots than my Pentax DSLRs.

Here's an example:





I wonder if the FX-D lenses will fit any recent DSLR bodies. Does yours have the Carl Zeiss lenses?

Canon vs Nikon, no argument there. As per my first post, I'm buying a Nikon, no if's, no but's. Canon are good. A friend has a good Canon camera. I'm buying a Nikon.
I want it now. I'm on holiday and would like to take photographs of a Centurion I passed.
Bear in mind this will be for a bit better than happy snaps. I'll still be using the Bronica.

Yes, the FX-D's have Carl Zeiss lenses.
The Fuji camera I have wouldn't take photo's like those.

Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

...... There is one thing I am trying to work out how to use on it, the time exposure using a shutter release cable. The shutter doesn't close when I release the cable.

Thats because you've got to get intimate with the lens-barrel...

Here's a link that explains it all. -

http://www.cameramanuals.org/prof_pd...ica_etrc-1.pdf

Yours is an electronic shutter, fixed to work at 1/500 sec if the battery is dead or not there, and the T or "Time" is still a toggle-function of sorts. - Like on my Graflex... press to fire, press again to close.
Yes, I've got one of those...

Cheers,

James.

I am long time user of Nikon cameras, film and digital.
My last 2 bodies are D200 and now the awesome D300s.
I would suggest to you the following kit.

Low light and portraits: Nikon 50mm f 1/4
Landscaping: Tokina 14-24 f/4
General purpose: the fantastic value for money Nikon 70-300VR
All the fotos in my page are taken with these lens.
Add to that a good quality tripod like the Manfrotto CF models and you are set.
Stay away from kit lens, the are not good.
Another great body is the Nikon D700 which is full frame.

i love my tokina 11-16 f/2.8, is great for landscape and for taking pics of vehicles, esp interiors and engine bays ...

and a tamron 90mm for the macro pics of bugs and vehicle bits..

the 18-105 kit lens may not be a professional lens but it is quite a capable lens sitting on a nikon d90 or better, esp for an amateur user. it is also a good general purpose lens.

Nikon D90 Kit AF-S 18-105mm VR Lens Digital SLR Cameras

Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX 11-16mm f2.8 Lenses

Tamron SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 Lenses

samples of pics

Tokina 11-16

Nikon D90

Tamron 90mm lens

Nikon D90 with 18-105 kit lens

Well guys, this is what went down.
I went to JB Colonades. They didn't have any of the D5100 two lens kits but told us JB Marion had four in stock, so we went there. JB Marion did suggest I buy the D7000 with a 18-105mm lens but I did want 300mm plus.

After stating "I would like to purchase A Nikon D5100", the JB Marion sales rep said:
JB "We haven't had those in stock for months, there are none available."
me "You have them available on line."
JB "Well, buy one from us on line."
me "Why would I buy from you guys on line when I can get one half price from another company on line?"
JB "You can come into a store and buy one from us then."
me "You have none in stock."

I remember buying audio stuff from JB himself when the only store was in Centre Way, East Keilor long before they were franchised. If they didn't have what you wanted, they made sure you left with something better for a good price.

Continuing my JB experience, JB let me walk out the door and into the Teds Camera store next door. Not a good marketing decision. Teds had the D7000 for $100 less than JB (makes JB's "Lowest Prices" motto nothing but spin). Also, in all my previous dealings with Teds, they have not been the cheapest, and I wouldn't think that has changed.

I'm going to mention the Teds sales rep here because she was such a pleasure to deal with and she deserves a pay rise.
I asked Laura "I'd like a Nikon D5100 with two lenses."
Laura: "We don't have a D5100 but we can do the D7000 as a two lens deal."
me: "How much?"
Laura: "$1999.90"
me: (thinks: "that's only $200 more than the single lens D7000 from JB") "I'll have one of those then please."
Laura then explained a few things about DSLR ownership (which went in one ear and out the other) and made sure I had a few filters and other accessories. It's good to see a sales person who not only wanted to make sure the customer was happy but also make sure the customer didn't leave without buying something.

So, I now have a Nikon D7000 with a 18-105mm f1/3.5-5.6 lens and a 55-300mm f1/4.5-5.6 lens and I am as pleased as Punch.

Thank you all for all you advice.

Originally Posted by superquag

Thats because you've got to get intimate with the lens-barrel...

Here's a link that explains it all. -

http://www.cameramanuals.org/prof_pd...ica_etrc-1.pdf

Yours is an electronic shutter, fixed to work at 1/500 sec if the battery is dead or not there, and the T or "Time" is still a toggle-function of sorts. - Like on my Graflex... press to fire, press again to close.
Yes, I've got one of those...

Cheers,

James.

I have a manual. Can't find the "press to fire and press to close" bit in it. I'll give it a go. I love doing timed exposures at night.
Thanks for the tip James.

Don't forget.....

It didn't happen without pictures!
(Good luck getting a photo of your camera! )