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Nikon
Kit: +
Flashgun, Olympus Kit: |
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An upgrade of the original FM2 in 1982 with refinement in its top sync speed from 1/200 sec to 1/250 sec. After the debut of the revised shutter design in the electronic Nikon FE2. It still holds an distinction as being one of the fastest mechanical SLR available. Further, the much advertised vertically traveled honeycomb pattern shutter curtain has been replaced with the textureless aluminum blade-type curtain in 1989/90. Thus, there are a total of three versions of FM2. It was indeed a long serving model within the Nikon SLR camera series that has sprung across the 80' to the late '90. |
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfmseries/fm2n/fm2manual/index.htm
FM2n - Reference Map: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfmseries/fm2n/fm2manual/map.htm
FM2n Nikon Magazine: http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/society/cousins/cousins13-e.htm
| Also 1982, the upgrade of the earlier FE in 1978. It has all the basic essential elements to easily label it as a classic camera: compact, simple to use, features riched, flexible - most of all, extremely well made and a reliable companion. It comes with both black and chrome versions. It was the world's fastest sync speed in a commercial production SLR during its launch. A set of three newer types of focusing screens. More significantly is its ability to handle TTL OTF flash exposure control with dedicated Nikon strobes, including multi-flash setups. It also provides with a fail safe M250 as mechanical back up in case of battery failure. In addition to that, It shared virtually all the system accessories designed for the mid-compact Nikon like motor drives, focusing screens, Databack etc. Despite after one and half decade since its debut, it is still an extremely attractive system SLR camera. I am a fan! |
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http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fe2/index.htm
FE2 Reference map: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fe2/map.htm
FE2 Nikon Magazine: http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/society/cousins/cousins14-e.htm
http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fefmshared/md12/index.htm
MC-12: Remote cord for MD-12 http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fefmshared/md11/md112access2.htm
Depending on the application, I have a range of Nikkor lenses:
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Out of these, I use the 20mm most! It is great for fast focus - great depth of field. It is as useful, half way up a mountain, or in the street with riot or 'public order' situation. 20mm f2.8 lens: http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/speciallenses/20mm.htm |
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More stuff on the Nikon system: http://www.techphoto.org/photo/photo/equipment/nikon
[no use for the 'digital types', but for 'proper photographers', a good reference
:-) ]
For those interested in a Nikon 'history', here is a description of some of the previous models http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/htmls/models/htmls/slrmain8090.htm
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As with all the Metz flashguns the first number refers to the guide number basically the power of the flashgun. The flashgun is a standard hammerhead unit with the battery pack fitting into the handle, a rechargeable Nicad battery pack is available or you can use 6 AA batteries. The flash unit can be attached to the camera using the tripod socket and the bracket that comes with the flashgun. The bracket attaches to the bottom of the flashgun by a bayonet type clip and a locking screw this enables the flash to be removed from the bracket quickly. The Metz mecablitz 45 CL 4 is a powerful flashgun designed for both professional and amateur photographers. The Mecablitz 45 CL 4 and 45 CL 3 models are fully integrated in the SCA 300 adapter system and - in conjunction with an SCA 3000 C connecting cable - in the SCA 3000 system, thus supporting all leading cameras. The Metz AF adapters of the SCA 300 system and the SCA 3000 C connecting cable of the SCA 3000 system enable the user to take full advantage of practically all functions of his AF camera and flashgun within a range of 0.45 - 9 m and in complete darkness. |
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These are the specification of most of the 35mm film I use. Almost exclusively Fuji for colour and Ilford for Black and White. There are thousands of sensible materials, available for use. But, after some experimentation, it is best to settle down, and get to know a small selection, at some depth.
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In addition to my main Nikon kit, I enjoy using the Olympus OM2. It is a remarkably small and unobtrusive SLR camera.
The electronic Olympus OM-2 was first seen in a prototype form at the 1974 Photokina, that was two years after the debut of the original OM-1 which was a mechanical SLR. The OM2 was only began to ship and market in late 1975. The addition of automatic exposure functions of the OM-2 extends the OM system quest for functionality to a new level. Despite the fact that it is an automatic-exposure version, it has the same body dimensions virtually similar to the mechanical OM-1 and is only slightly heavier (dimensions of the camera are exactly the same as those of the OM-1- 136 x 83 x 50 mm without lens). The few external differences are mostly confined to the film speed setting dial and the meter system on-off switch, which has four positions on the OM-2. But within the camera was a different beast all together when compared with the mechanical counterpart, in fact, both the bodies have, for the first time positioned Olympus Optical Co. firmly on the driver seat as a forerunner in innovative camera technologies and enjoyed a hugely successful product cycle commercially.
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The auto exposure refines a new level of control to camera handling, where it enables a photographer to be more confident and responsive, and most often with much more accuracy to handle the many photographic situations. The TTL OTF flash metering, in particular, opens up a lot of photographic possibilities which previously involves tedious exposure calculation. The original method used in the OM2 introduced way back to 25 years ago has, today evolved into a mainstream flash exposure control method used virtually by all camera manufacturers. |
OM2 Reference Map:
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/olympusom1n2/om2/htmls/map.htm http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/olympusom1n2/om2/images/mapom2.pdf
| Composed of 6 air-spaced elements, the 28mm f/2.8 provides high contrast and high resolving power. This is the only 28mm Zuiko lens that can stopped down to f/22 instread of f/16. Combined with the uncharacteristic nature of the compact SLR design, this lens when combined with tany OM body is particularly convenient for traveling and all round photographic applications. |  |
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The reduced weight was achieved via redesigned of the lens with a new optical construction of 6 elements in 4 groups over the older version's 6 elements in 5 groups. Thus, unlike many other manufacturers that went through cost reduction methods of using polycaronated materials, the Zuiko 50mm f/1.8 lens still retains its high built quality which is apparent once you get hold of one in your hand. Further, the reduction of weight also improves handling and portability. |
| The maximum aperture enables its extraordinarily compactness which is only 73mm and weighing a 290g (10oz). It is a popular and modestly priced among the few telephoto lenses Zuiko lens series. Using the minimum necessary elements - five elements arranged in four groups. This lens is also one of the smallest and lightest of the Zuiko telephoto group and it takes 49mm filter accessories. A practical design and utmost portability plus a very reasonable price make this lens the perfect substitution and good companion if your budget runs low. |  |
Alan Lodge / Tash: ... tash@gn.apc.org