Camera Buffs

[ERV]

Hi, I was wondering what to do. Yesterday I had a Nikon F6 given to me, it also came with 4 lenses and a flash. Plus a lot of other stuff. It looks to be in new condition. But the thing is, it is a film camera and not digital. Back in the day I had a Nikon F2 Photomic. Took it through 50 states taking pictures, and even a few weddings for friends. But now I use a small Nikon coolpix. I just like the fact that I can use it with the computer. I looked on E-bay and it looks like just the body is going for $1600. Does any one know which Nikon D's is the best one for just family pics and camping. Or which camera you would buy or trade for. I would like to play with this one a little, but also would like a nice digital one in the end.

Thanks, Erv

[swissarmygirl]

I have a Nikon D40 and I am happy with it, though I will admit to not yet knowing much about photography. I have had people tell me that the D40 is nice because it can do all the "work" for you if that's what you want.

[ERV]

With the D40 can you put other lenses on it, and what type does it take. I would like to try and use the four that came with the F6. Erv

[swissarmygirl]

Not sure if you'd be able to use what you have there, but I found this list of compatible lenses.

[afreegreek]

I used to have an AE-1 with a few lenses and try as I might, I couldn't get half the picture to turn out nice.. there was always something lacking about them. now I have a fairly cheap ($150) digital pocket cam and get pics I'm happy with 99% of the time. my cell phone works amazingly well too. I gave the old AE-1 to a friend that can use it and he loves it. says it's a great camera.. just goes to show a film camera is only as good as it's operator.

[Shadow Catcher]

The Nikon lenses will fit and will work but may not automate. I have a Nikon D40x (higher megapixel) and yes it will do a lot but as with my Nikon F and F2 I always work manually anyway. The lenses might automate with one of the professional grade Nikon digitals.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm
It is what is six inches behind the viewfinder that takes the picture, all the camera does is transfer the image you see to a medium. I can no longer get my favorite film Kodachrome so I don't use the F or F2 much any more

[caseydog]

What lenses came with it?

If they are "AF" or "AFS" lenses, you should be okay. Especially "AFS" lenses -- they should be compatible with just about every feature on the new digital cameras. The "AF" lenses will work, but some of the features on the newest cameras may not work with older "AF" lenses.

Nikon digital SLRs come in two formats, FX which is full frame 35mm-sized sensor, and DX which is smaller. If you move to a DX format Nikon Digital you will only use part of the lenses viewing area, which means a 100mm lens will actually have the view of a 150mm lens. You will multiply any focal length by 1.5. It's not a big deal shooting that way, unless you have one FX and one DX camera using the same lenses-- that messes with the head a bit.

Nikons Professional cameras are FX format. All of their consumer and intermediate cameras are DX, except for the D700.

I would sell the F6. Digital is the way to go nowadays. I shoot a D3, but I do it for a living. It's way overkill for most people.

I would look at one of the models that offers video, too. The D90, D5000 and the D300S all have 720P HD video capabilities. The D300S is quite a bit more, but you can cover it by selling the F6, and it is a much more rugged camera that is better sealed against dust and moisture. It is an intermediate step between Nikon's consumer and pro cameras.

Post up your lenses, and I can probably tell you how compatible they are with the newest Nikons. Post exactly what is on the lens (ie: AFS Nikkor 28-70 1:2.8 D). The letters at the beginning and end are important.

CD

[ERV]

CD,
Thanks for the reply. Had a hard time getting on tonight.
The first one I got out of the bag is
Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8 D It has it's own case.

The one on the camera is
AF Nikkor 35mm 1.2 D

#3
AF Micro Nikkor 60mm 1:2.8 D

#4
AF Nikkor 85mm 1:1.8 D

#5
AF Nikkor 24mm 1:2.8 D

All of these have a hood and filters on them that say UV [O]

The camera has a battery pack on the bottom too, I did not get the battery or battery door that it came with. In the camera bag there was a Gossen light meter (Luna-pro digital F), A Nikon speedlight (sb-800) along with a lot of little things, remote cords for the flash, filters, ect.

It as been a long time since I played with a film camera. I have a lot of books that I use to read. Guess I had better start again, ha. Would like to go digital tho. Tell me what you think. Looks to me like the lenses were a bit of over kill. He was not a pro. Just liked cars, and took a lot of pics just for himself. If I get some time I will post some pics of all the items. First I have to get back out and move some snow. Starting not to like the white stuff about now, but love the checks it brings in.
Again thank you for your time and any thing you can suggest on which way to go.
Erv

[mikeschn]

CD,
Thanks for the reply. Had a hard time getting on tonight.

Yea, I think they had a power failure...

Mike...

[caseydog]

ERV, all of those lenses will work fine with a new digital Nikon SLR. However, there will be a few minor features on the newest cameras that will not work, but they are not big deal features.

Those are all pretty good lenses. I would keep the 80-200 for sure, but maybe sell of a few others to buy a short-range zoom. Those other lenses are fairly single purpose, and mostly what a professional or pretty serious amateur would own.

I'd look at selling the 24, 35, 60, and the 85, and getting a zoom along the lines of the AF Zoom- NIKKOR24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF, or even better, the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED. There is a big difference in prices, but I personally think it's worth it to go with the best lens you can afford.

That would give you two lenses that will cover everything from wide angle to telephoto.

Keep in mind, if you buy a DX sensor camera, your 24mm will have the effective view of a 36mm focal length, and your 200mm will seem like a 300mm.

The UV filters are just on there to protect the lens' front elements. A good idea, as long as they are a good brand. I use them, but they are made by Schneider Optics in Germany. Maybe Mike knows them and can get us a deal on them.

CD

[planovet]

ERV, all of those lenses will work fine with a new digital Nikon SLR. However, there will be a few minor features on the newest cameras that will not work, but they are not big deal features.

Those are all pretty good lenses. I would keep the 80-200 for sure, but maybe sell of a few others to buy a short-range zoom.

I'd look at selling the 24, 35, 60, and the 85, and getting a zoom along the lines of the AF Zoom- NIKKOR24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF, or even better, the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED. There is a big difference in prices, but I personally think it's worth it to go with the best lens you can afford.

That would give you two lenses that will cover everything from wide angle to telephoto.

Keep in mind, if you buy a DX sensor camera, your 24mm will have the effective view of a 36mm focal length, and your 200mm will seem like a 300mm.

CD

It's all greek to me

[asianflava]

Those other lenses are fairly single purpose, and mostly what a professional or pretty serious amateur would own.

Does anybody use fixed focal length lenses outside the studio? Just wondering.

[mikeschn]

I wish I knew half of what you were talking about.

I'm thrilled to get my first SLR, some 30+ years after I first took an interest in photography. But alas, it's a Canon, and it's digital. So I am of no help whatsoever!

Mike...

[davel]

The dog's the authority on the matter.

[Micro469]

I'm saving up for a new digital... got my site's on the Nikon D3000........



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