Jun 2, 2019 | 7 Image Stories, Action, IMHO, Kodachrome, Minolta 135mm f2.8, Minolta 50mm f1.7, Minolta SRT-102, Minolta SRT-102 to Yosemite NP, Nikon Coolscan V, Places, Yosemite
Minolta SRT-102 to Yosemite NP | a 7 Image Story My first trip to Yosemite NP was also my first trip with my new Minolta SRT-102 SLR camera. Although my previous cameras were 35mm film cameras, they were all rangefinders or viewfinders. Obviously, the camera was more capable than the photographer. Still, a few images turned out reasonably nice. After scanning the slides, they needed very little restoration. The Kodachrome slides held up quite well. Since the camera and lenses were new to me, I was experimenting with both the 135mm f2.8 and the 50mm f1.7.
Yosemite in the spring is all about rock and waterfalls. Yosemite is really “big country.” On a clear day, you could see forever, if it were not for all the mountains. Hiking Yosemite, particularly the high country, is not for the faint of heart. When hiking the high country, sunsets come quickly in the mountains. One moment it’s sunny; the next moment it’s dark. Best hike there with someone who knows the terrain!
On this first trip to Yosemite, image composition was much more instinct than knowledge. How do you get an up close and personal picture of a tall waterfall? For me, it was trying to capture the texture as well as the length of the falls. Nice thing about waterfalls; they create mist. Mist against dark rocks make an infinite number of interesting images. You can never have too many waterfall images.
For more information on the Minolta SRT-102 camera, please see Minolta SRT-102 SLR.
Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Minolta SRT-102 to Yosemite NP.
Click any image below for a slide show!
Mar 31, 2019 | 1 VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6, 1 VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, 7 Image Stories, Action, AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, IMHO, IMHO, Nikon 1 V1, Nikon 1 V3, Nikon 1 V3 for Travelers
Nikon 1 V3 for Travelers | a 7 Image Story The Nikon 1 V3, and the V1 before it, travel very well. The camera body and lenses are relatively small and light. They fit easily into half of a briefcase allowing plenty of room for a computer and paper work. See my travel kit list below. The small kit means no extra bags are required. The first rule of the road warrior is two hands; no more than two bags.
The V3 captures a wide variety of image types quite well. It’s now my preferred carry camera for capturing images while traveling on business. It handles much like a DSLR in continuous mode. Although a bit noisy at higher ISOs, the image quality is quite good, particularly for posting; even when capturing images through an aircraft window. The 2.7 crop factor helps improve images where getting closer is not an option. Thus, the V3 allows me to capture business and travel images as well as landscape, wildlife, and aviation images during time off work.
In a nutshell, what makes the Nikon 1 V3 suitable as a travel camera:
- The Nikon 1 V3 is relatively small and light to carry.
- With it’s 2.7 crop factor, it adds inexpensive reach to telephoto lenses.
- It’s easy to carry with a telephoto lens attached, like the AFS 70-300mm & FT-1, using the sun sniper shoulder strap.
- Image quality seems quite good unless a really large print is required.
- The tilting LCD reduces the time spent focusing those awkward angles.
- A short video makes a nice addition to some posts.
- Of course, most Nikon AFS lenses work nicely, using the FT-1 adapter.
The V3 presents a few more challenges over my DSLRs! The Nikon 1 V3 requires a bit more camera discipline than a my DSLRs. The controls sometimes move during normal handling so the photographer must often check to ensure the settings are correct. Panning in low light can be demanding and a high ISO generates a good bit of noise. The small camera frame, attached to a long, heavy telephoto lens, does not seem balanced; making handling a bit tricky. The Nikon AFS 70-300mm works nicely, whereas, the AFS 70-200mm; not so much. Also, care must be taken not to break the camera mount with a heavy telephoto lens. Always carry it by the lens or the FT-1, not the camera. Higher ISO images sometimes require a pass through noise reduction in post processing. Changing the battery and/or the MicroSD card in the field takes some time and care. Build quality is more consumer than professional. If dropped, it can break.
What’s next? Nikon appears to have discontinued the Nikon 1 V series; too bad. A V4 camera could have addressed several V3 issues to become a really great camera. It’s not yet clear what my next travel camera will be; maybe another V3.
Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Nikon 1 V3 for Travelers.
Click any image below for a slide show!
My Nikon 1 V3 travel kit easily fits into one side of my briefcase. The camera equipment includes a Nikon 1 V3 Body, Nikon FT-1 Adapter, 1 VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom, 1 VR 30-110mm f3.8-5.6, and sometimes, a AFS 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR. The supporting equipment includes a Nikon Speedlight SB-N5 Flash, Sun Sniper Shoulder Strap, extra Nikon EN-EL15 Batteries, extra SD Cards, and lens cleaning supplies. Find more Nikon 1 V1 and V3 experiences posted under IMHO.
Jan 20, 2019 | 1 VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, 7 Image Stories, Action, AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, IMHO, IMHO, Nikon 1 V3, Nikon 1 V3 for Walkabout Wildlife
Nikon 1 V3 for Walkabout Wildlife | a 7 Image Story What the V3 does well, it does very well. Now, the V3 is my preferred carry camera for capturing daily walkabout images including local wildlife. It shoots much like a DSLR in continuous mode. Although a bit noisy at higher ISOs, the image quality is quite good, particularly for posting. The 2.7 crop factor helps improve images where getting closer is not an option, like distant wildlife. Would I only take it to Yellowstone NP and leave my DSLRs at home? Well yes, if a light travel pack is required. Still, I’d rather take both my DSLRs and the V3.
My journey with the Nikon 1 series cameras and lenses started with the V1, skipped the V2, and embraced the V3. The V3 fixed several annoying V1 traits. Also, handling, auto-focus, and metering improved dramatically. The Nikon 1 V3 became a reasonably nice camera for capturing wildlife images. I’ve captured a wide variety of wildlife images on my local walkabouts including birds, small critters, larger mammals, and insects. Thus far, my data base contains over 75K+ V1 and V3 images with over 1330 posted on this blog.
In a nutshell, what specifically do I like about the Nikon 1 V3 for wildlife images?
- The Nikon 1 V3 is relatively small and light to carry. Carrying heavy gear all day hiking gets old, fast.
- With it’s 2.7 crop factor, it adds inexpensive reach to my telephoto lens allowing me more flexibility in framing critters.
- It’s easy to carry with a telephoto lens attached, like the AFS 70-300mm & FT-1, using the sun sniper shoulder strap.
- Image quality seems quite good unless a really large print is required.
- With a little practice, it can be panned handheld to capture moving critters.
- The tilting LCD reduces the time spent hugging the ground to get that low angle shot.
- While I seldom use video, a short video makes a nice addition to wildlife posts.
- Of course, most Nikon AFS lenses work nicely, using the FT-1 adapter.
The V3 presents a few more challenges over my DSLRs!
The Nikon 1 V3 requires a bit more camera discipline than a my DSLRs. The controls sometimes move during normal handling so the photographer must often check to ensure the settings are correct.- Panning in low light can be demanding and a high ISO generates a good bit of noise.
- The small camera frame, attached to a long, heavy telephoto lens, does not seem balanced; making handling a bit tricky. The Nikon AFS 70-300mm works nicely, whereas, the AFS 70-200mm; not so much. Also, care must be taken not to break the camera mount with a heavy telephoto lens. Always carry it by the lens or the FT-1, not the camera.
- Higher ISO images sometimes require a pass through noise reduction in post processing.
- Changing the battery and/or the MicroSD card in the field takes some time and care.
- Build quality is more consumer than professional. If dropped, it can break.
What’s next? Nikon has discontinued the Nikon 1 V series; too bad. A V4 camera could have addressed several V3 issues to become a really great camera. Nikon has introduced two full frame mirrorless cameras, the Z6 & Z7. To me, the Z6/Z7 cameras are more a replacement for my DSLRs than the V3. Perhaps, after I have an opportunity to try the Z6 or Z7, I’ll feel differently. It’s not yet clear what my next carry camera will be; maybe another V3.
Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Nikon 1 V3 for Walkabout Wildlife.
Click any image below for a slide show!
My Nikon 1 V3 walkabout kit fits into a very small Lowepro camera backpack. The camera equipment includes a Nikon 1 V3 Body, Nikon FT-1 Adapter, 1 VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom, 1 VR 30-110mm f3.8-5.6, AFS 50mm f1.4G, and a AFS 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR. The supporting equipment includes a Nikon Speedlight SB-N5 Flash, LitePanels MicroPro Hybrid, Sennheiser MKE 400 Directional Mic, Sun Sniper Shoulder Strap, Extra Nikon EN-EL15 Battery, Nikon MH-25 Charger, Extra SD Cards, Lens Cleaning Supplies, and a Headlamp with red & white light. A small MeFOTO tripod has its own bag. Find more Nikon 1 V1 and V3 experiences posted under IMHO. On local walkabouts, I usually only carry the camera with a lens and one other lens in my pocket.
Jan 13, 2019 | 1 VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, 7 Image Stories, Action, Illinois, Nikon 1 V3, Winter Walkabout
Winter Walkabout | a 7 Image Story Although winter walkabouts generally turn up fewer critters, natural beauty abounds. Stark contrasts help snow images stand out. As it began to snow harder, I decided to follow the stream to see how water and snow images might mix. The trail more or less follows the stream through the woods with its own winding path. The stream continued winding through the woods as the snow storm increased in intensity. The stream widens and narrows as it flows through the forest then opens into meadows. The natural curvature of the stream contrasted to the white snow and black tree trunks make cold yet peaceful images. Every turn in the stream revealed a new beautiful vista. Finally, as the walkabout comes to an end, two trees provide contrast for the hike’s last image. Each image will be posted individually this week under category Winter Walkabout.
Click any image below for a slide show!
Dec 9, 2018 | 1 VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, 7 Image Stories, Action, Nikon 1 V3, Tree Cut
Tree Cut | a 7 Image Story Occasionally my walkabouts uncover some interesting activities. This past week, a tree along my walkabout route was being cut down after damage during a winter ice storm.
With snow on the tree branches falling into his face, one of the crew began climbing the tree using a rope. He also wore climbing spurs on his boots to help climb the tree. Notice the chainsaw hanging from his utility belt. He must keep his saw sharp. It cuts through all the branches quickly. After this guy climbs into the tree, he starts to cut off large branches with his chain saw. He has obviously done this work before. Notice how his utility belt is attached to a safety line which doubles as a hands free tool. He starts low, then goes higher, and finally works his way lower as the branches get much bigger and thicker.
Finally, the trunk of the tree comes down leaving a short stump. As soon as the branches come down, they are ground into chips with this awesome mean machine by the ground crew. Finally, the crew finishes cutting the large tree trunk into smaller pieces. The tree trunk could not be processed by the grinder. They were thrown into a truck in pieces. By the time their done, there’s nothing left but the stump sawed off very close to the ground.
Each image will be posted individually this week under category Tree Cut.
Click any image below for a slide show!
Dec 2, 2018 | 7 Image Stories, Action, Ektachrome, Europe, IMHO, Nikon Coolscan V, Petri Color 35 - 44mm f2.8, Petri Color 35 to Europe, Places
Petri Color 35 to Europe | a 7 Image Story Although my trip included many places in Europe, it started and ended in London. Oddly, I really did not get much time for photographs except when in London. In preparation for my trip, I needed a new, smaller 35mm camera that would easily fit into my carry-on. Somehow, I found the Petri Color 35. The Petri Color 35 camera is a compact mechanical, scale-focused, leaf-shuttered 35mm film, viewfinder camera with a 44mm f2.8 lens. The camera has a built-in coupled CdS meter with a match-needle indicator and a manual estimating aperture control; both visible in the viewfinder. For this December trip, I used the Ektachrome instead of Kodachrome slide film because it is faster.
The flight to London was on a BOAC Vickers VC-10 airliner. British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) later merged into British Airways. The Vickers VC10 is a mid-sized, narrow body, long-range British jet airliner designed and built by Vickers-Armstrongs Aircraft Ltd. It’s able to operate on long-distance routes from the shorter runways. The VC-10 still holds the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing by a non-supersonic jet airliner; call sign: Speedbird.
The changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace displays colorful British pageantry at its finest. During the Changing the Guard ceremony, known as ‘Guard Mounting’, a new British regiment relieves the one on duty. The Queen’s Guard consists of the St James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace detachments. The New Guard during the course of the ceremony becomes The Queen’s Guard. Their march to Buckingham Palace from Wellington Barracks includes musical accompaniment from their band.
10 Downing Street, also known as Number 10, is the official residence and office of the First Lord of the Treasury, a post held by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It’s also the headquarters of the government of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, London, the 300+ year old Number 10 has approximately 100 rooms. The private residence occupies the third floor. Besides offices, the other floors contain conference, reception, sitting, and dining rooms. Number 10 has an interior courtyard and a terrace overlooking a half-acre garden. Located next to St. James Park, it is near Buckingham Palace, the London residence of the British Monarch, and the Palace of Westminster, the meeting place for both houses of parliament.
The White Cliffs of Dover are located on the Kent coastline facing the Strait of Dover at the point where Great Britain is closest to continental Europe. On a clear day they are visible from the French coast. The cliff’s face reaches a height of 350 feet and stretches eight miles encompassing the town of Dover. It owes its white appearance to a composition of chalk streaked by black flint.
For more information on the Petri Color 35 camera, see Petri Color 35 Camera.
Each image will be posted individually this week under category Petri Color 35 to Europe.
Click any image below for a slide show!
Oct 14, 2018 | 1 VR 10-30mm f/3.4-5.6 PD-Zoom, 1 VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, 2018 MI Fall Color Tour, 7 Image Stories, Action, Michigan, Nature, Nikon 1 V3, Places
2018 MI Fall Color Tour | a 7 Image Story Northern Michigan trees tend to show more reds than southern Midwest. This year the reds seemed to be somewhat muted; not as many and not as brilliant. Still, peak color is always beautiful. The highways northwest of Crystal Mountain offer a beautiful mosaic view. Although a road trip is always nice, it’s nicer with color. There’s color around every turn. In fact, so much color dulls the sensations after a while. It’s just too much color all at one time. A lone tree, well almost a lone tree, with a tree background makes an easy roadside simple click.
Point Betsie rarely disappoints for a nice image. Point Betsie Lighthouse, located on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan, sees some pretty dramatic weather. It really does not matter what time of the year, there’s plenty of good clouds, wind, and waves any time of the year. A little closer look at the Point Betsie Lighthouse reveals nice restoration work done over the last couple of years. The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse have restored the lighthouse and now operate it. As our color tour day draws to a close, a tall ship returns to harbor.
Each image will be posted individually this week under category 2018 MI Fall Color Tour.
Click any image below for a slide show!
Sep 30, 2018 | 7 Image Stories, Action, AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR II, Hyalite Canyon Hike, Nikon D3x, Places
Hyalite Canyon Hike | a 7 Image Story Late September can be quite cool around Bozeman, Montana. Obviously, this day was very warm as we started our hike up Hyalite Canyon. Of course, the weather cooled as we climbed higher along the trail. Although there are several waterfalls along the trail, this one seems to be the tallest. Obviously, this image was captured by a hiking friend.
The trail starts wide at the lower altitudes; yet narrows a bit as the climb gets steeper. The hike gets tougher when the trail gets steeper and the trail needs switchbacks. Notice the tree roots and rocks in the trail. Good hiking boots help. Even in the deep woods, patches of color delight hikers as they struggle uphill. It’s amazing how much fall color appears on the forest floor. Every so often, a ray of light pokes through the forest canopy to reveal a burst of color right along the trail. A mountain stream winds down the canyon crisscrossing the trail from time to time. The sound of the water rippling down the mountain continually remind.
Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Hyalite Canyon Hike.
Click any image below for a slide show!
