Jun 15, 2013 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Aviation, Daily Image 2013, Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger, Military Aircraft, Nikon 1 V1
When you hang out at the airport, sometimes you just get a lucky shot. This Avenger came to an air museum open house today next to my home base. As you can see, the Nikon 1 V1 with the FT-1 and updated firmware, make the Nikon 1 V1 a much improved aviation camera.
The Grumman TBF Avenger was a WWII torpedo bomber. Those designated TBM were manufactured by General Motors. They were developed for the United States Navy and Marine Corps and entered service in 1942. They first saw action during the Battle of Midway and went on to become an outstanding torpedo bomber in WWII.
While flying a TBM with VT-51, future President George H.W. Bush was shot down on 2 September 1944 over the Pacific island of Chichi Jima. Both of his crew mates were killed, but he released his payload and hit the target before bailing out. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Paul Newman also flew as a rear gunner in an Avenger. He hoped to be accepted for pilot training, but did not qualify due to being color blind.
Jun 14, 2013 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Daily Image 2013, Nikon 1 V1, Walkabout
Lightning Repair OK, so sometimes my walkabouts can be a bit boring. And, sometimes you see beauty where most others would not. A year after a lightning strike can make a big difference.
Jun 13, 2013 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Daily Image 2013, Nikon 1 V1, Walkabout
Late Walkabout Long days make for late walkabouts.
Jun 12, 2013 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Birds, Daily Image 2013, Nikon 1 V1, Swan, Walkabout, Wildlife
Swans Again Just had to take my walkabout around the Swan’s pond. What a difference a few days make. Yesterday, I upgraded the Nikon firmware for the FT-1 Adapter on the Nikon 1 V1. Thanks Thom Hogan for the reminder in Sans Mirror. The new firmware supports continuous autofocus mode for AF-S lenses. Wow, it really works; just like a mini DSLR. Thank you, Nikon. Although it was possible to shoot action photos with the old firmware which did not support continuous autofocus, it was more like using a manual focus lens. Today, my keeper rate went way up; almost as high as my DSLRs. Now, Nikon, how about giving us something that will allow us to use our Speedlights on a Nikon 1?
Jun 11, 2013 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Daily Image 2013, Nikon 1 V1, Walkabout
Late Walkabout Storms were surrounding my walkabout trail tonight; thunderstorms in all quadrants.
Jun 10, 2013 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Aviation, Black & White, Daily Image 2013, Military Aircraft, Nikon 1 V1, Stearman
The 1942 Stearman 75 turns heads every time. Keep an eye out for these fine aircraft at fly-ins this summer. Unfortunately, the annual national Stearman fly-in will not happen this summer in St. Francis, KS.
Jun 9, 2013 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Birds, Daily Image 2013, Nikon 1 V1, Swan, Walkabout, Wildlife
Mute Swans What a great treat! Today, on a new walkabout trail around a small pond, a Mute Swan family has taken up residence. Like any family, father (above) protected his kids, the Cygnets (just below). Actually, he was quite aggressive at defending his territory from people passing by on the trail.
The Cygnets were carefree kids having fun around the pond and looking for snacks.
Mom kept close to the Cygnets even when dad was busy defending the family.
Jun 8, 2013 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Daily Image 2013, Nikon 1 V1, People
Great Form Meet a 5 year old with form like a pro. This image was captured from the stands. The low light was pretty terrible, a mixture of skylight and florescent; notice the ISO 3200. So, of course, it had to be cleaned up a bit in post to take some of the noise out and fix the white balance. Still, all things considered, not a bad image for an action shot taken handheld at 810mm.
