Camera help needed - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MS Fowler · #31 10-28-2012, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil_F_NM

You can't drive nails with any digital.
As for Canon, you can drive nails with the F1 or the F1n. You can do the same with most any pro level film camera. Especially the Nikon F or F2. u

I was a combat photographer with the Navy Seabees from 2003-2005. I took an issued Nikon D2h with me and two Leica M bodies. I learned that I had to have a backup as well as cameras that can take more abuse than most people would ever put gear through. None of the cameras had any significant problems that I or indirect enemy fire, didn't cause.

I've shot with Pentax, Canon, Nikon, Leica, Fujica and Contax (not in that order) over the years and while I love the Leicas, their offerings are just too pricey. All those marques have professional lines that are absolutely first rate that can take a ton of abuse. Film cameras, that is. These days, the only cameras I'd trust for heavy professional use are the Canon and Nikon pro series. The single digit ones.

Now I have a couple vintage 1950's rangefinders, a suite of lenses and a Nikon D2x digital I use for modern work.

The OP doesn't need all that but probably needs a camera that can take some heavy use and some bumps. For use in a shop, I'd definitely recommend a G series Canon.

Phil Forrest

Thanks for sharing your experience. I agree that no digital has yet matched the sheer durability of some of the legendary film cameras. I also agree that that level is not required by the OP, or almost anyone. I went to college with a guy who had a Nikon F1 that had survived a fall from a Huey in 'Nam. Tough.

whunter · #32 10-28-2012, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cullennewsom

whunter,

Do you want this camera to fit in your pocket?

Comment about battery life. If you use Lithium AA's they will last much longer in the camera than Alkaline.

Second comment about battery life. If you prefer rechargeables, get the "pre-charged" or "non-self-discharging" type of NiMH batteries. Once charged, they can retain most of their charge for a year or more, and thus aren't as annoying as previous rechargeable battery technology.

Why don't you just stop being cheap and get yourself a CVF-50 for your Hasselblad V?

I am considering all options.

.

jplinville · #33 10-28-2012, 09:24 AM

I have my grandfather's old Kodak Signet 40 with F/3.5 Extanon lens that he bought in 1957 for $65. My dad carried it through Vietnam. It lasted through many vacations, and is on it's third (going on 4th) generation of taking Christmas family pictures. (Hey, it's a tradition with us...LOL) The only thing missing is the flash...

They sure don't make them like they used to...

Phil_F_NM · #34 10-28-2012, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS Fowler

Thanks for sharing your experience. I agree that no digital has yet matched the sheer durability of some of the legendary film cameras. I also agree that that level is not required by the OP, or almost anyone. I went to college with a guy who had a Nikon F1 that had survived a fall from a Huey in 'Nam. Tough.

Back when I was in photo school at Ft. Meade, one of my instructors told us all to carry an unmetered film backup into the field. He had a story and a camera to prove it.

November 2001 he was with Army Combat Camera and was parachuted into Afghanistan to reconnoiter a landing strip. The C-130 that dropped the team made another pass around and pushed the improperly secured pallet of gear out the back of the aircraft doing a few hundred miles per hour. In theory, the drogue chute would have stopped the gear and all would have been well but the sled was imbalanced and not all the gear was secured. Pelican cases of Nikon F4s, F5s, D1s, laptops, comm gear and one lonely Nikon F2 exploded all over the desert. Everything with electronics in it was dead but the little Nikon F2 augured itself into the desert floor a few inches and when it was found, was dusted off, checked for damage, wound and worked perfectly.

I had my own gear experience out in Fallujah, Iraq in the fall of 2004. I was with NMCB-4 attached to 1 MARDIV and while out one day a 122mm rocket came in close and I dropped straight to the ground right on my Leica M4. I overwound and stripped the brass keyed winding shaft when the weight of my body hit the camera. After my ears stopped ringing I saw that my beloved camera was broken and there is no camera repair in Iraq. So I got out my swiss Army knife, a set of jewelers screwdrivers and borrowed a pair of sharp channel locks from a machinist friend. Took the camera apart and found the problem. Showed it to my machinist friend who got a piece of brass stock and turned me a new press-fit keyed shaft. We used a press to pop it back in the camera chassis and the thing still works beautifully to this day. Only problem back then was the fine spring of the winder lever was hopelessly stretched and the green Navy doesn't usually carry spring steel stock for fine applications like a camera winder lever. So I lived with it. Still have the camera and I'll never get rid of her.

Phil Forrest

MS Fowler · #35 10-28-2012, 10:35 PM

Phil,
I love "work arounds". Its nice to have a machine shop at your disposal, too.

Phil_F_NM · #36 10-29-2012, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS Fowler

Phil,
I love "work arounds". Its nice to have a machine shop at your disposal, too.

One of these days I'll have my own metal lathe. It's one of those fantasies I have all the time when working on (insert mechanical thing here.)

I've done pretty well with a vise, files and a Dermel tool over the last few years. I just sold my fourth homemade camera back in May.

Phil Forrest

MS Fowler · #37 10-29-2012, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil_F_NM

One of these days I'll have my own metal lathe. It's one of those fantasies I have all the time when working on (insert mechanical thing here.)

I've done pretty well with a vise, files and a Dermel tool over the last few years. I just sold my fourth homemade camera back in May.

Phil Forrest

"Time" and "money" are inversely related. When work slows down and I have time available, there is not sufficient money to pay for the projects. When the money is flowing in, there is never the time available for projects.

On your home-made cameras, what type of shutter did you use? build from scratch or adapt from other use?