The NIKON Thread (Talk About Nikon Stuff here)

[M0T0XGUY]

Originally Posted by milkpowder

Wow! Just wow! I have the el-cheapo Panasonic version of the DLux-3 and I didn't even think photos of such quality were even possible. If he had said those pictures were taken with a Leica M8 or Nikon D3, I would've still believed him.

Further proving that good pictures come from good photographers; not necessarily good cameras.

[M0T0XGUY]

Hey guys - how much do you think a mint condition Nikon 80-200 F/2.8 is worth nowadays on the used market? I have an opportunity to grab the latest 2 ring version for around $800, but am wondering whether or not I should just purchase the lens new for such a low price differential. Obviously, I realize that the push-pull D version is significantly cheaper, but overall I enjoy handling the newer model to a much greater degree. Basically, I'm wondering whether I should jump on this "deal," or wait for a more reasonably priced model to show up on E-bay.

[Arainach]

Definitely not at 800; the warranty's more than worth the price difference. I usually see them go for about 700 on eBay, which is still less difference from new than what I'd personally want, but it's incredibly rare to ever see a 2-ring go lower.

[Edwood]

Really wish Nikon would do a modern remake of their legendary 28mm f/1.4

Prices on eBay are just stupid. I would really be happy if they made a 35mm f/1.4 with some serious glass. You would think with the D3, that there would be more interest.

-Ed

[stuartr]

I think we will see it at Photokina...at least, I assume they will bring out some new primes made for the FX/film format.

[Edwood]

Originally Posted by stuartr

I think we will see it at Photokina...at least, I assume they will bring out some new primes made for the FX/film format.

I really hope so. My dad is thinking of getting a D3. I'm sure the availability of new FX format primes will help in his decision.

-Ed

[nineohtoo]

Originally Posted by M0T0XGUY

Further proving that good pictures come from good photographers; not necessarily good cameras.

I really can't agree anymore. I see so much money squandered on equipment, only to see dull and uninspired photos. I know art is subjective, but it's surprising to see some of the pictures that really stand out to me aren't made on pro cameras, etc. Some are on consumer DSLRs, or even basic point and shoots. I think people are more fascinated with having the latest and greatest then actually going out and taking pictures.

Primes are very versatile if it is a good lens of a moderate focal length...the rest you can do with your feet and on the strength of your composition.

I wholeheartedly agree. Unless you're getting paid, I think you can really save yourself money, and enjoy shooting more by using primes.

I personally enjoy shooting with my old film cameras more, but its more costly and time consuming, whereas with my D50, I can just pull out my eeepc and start seeing results and tweaking.

Here's to Nikon updating their primes. Give me an affordable DX wide to normal length 1.4 lens to compete with the Siggy 30mm(my most used lens).

[Edwood]

No more DX lenses for me. I want to keep them around for when I eventually upgrade to full frame.

-Ed

[Towert7]

Originally Posted by Edwood

No more DX lenses for me. I want to keep them around for when I eventually upgrade to full frame.

-Ed

It is true. DX is dead.

[milkpowder]

Originally Posted by M0T0XGUY

Further proving that good pictures come from good photographers; not necessarily good cameras.

Absolutely! It helps to be proficient at post-processing too I doubt the RAWs (or whatever Leica likes to call them) looked as colourful or 'contrasty' straight out of the camera.

What I am most surprised by is how noise-free the pictures are. This Leica and most of its Panasonic equivalents have extremely high noise levels at relatively low ISOs, making them super difficult to shoot with in low-light conditions. Is it possible to remove noise via post processing?

I got bored revising - 'Notes on ulcerative colitis'

Camera: Panasonic DMC-FX9, 6mm F/2.8 1/25 ISO100; Post processing: Picasa 2

and another version which I like a lot more:

Camera: Panasonic DMC-FX9, 6mm F/2.8 1/25 ISO100; Post processing: FastStone Image Viewer

The camera used is the Panasonic DMC-FX9, the older cousin of the Leica C-Lux 2 (lacks the wide-angle lens and is 6MP vs Leica's 7.2MP). Pictures look fine touched-up and resized, but the direct-off-camera JPEGs are pretty abysmal @ 100%.