Nikoin PB-6 Bellows Unit

The above unit is a standard Nikon PB-6 bellows unit which I have had for many years and it was excellent to use with the older manual focus Nikon lenses and also with the D-series auto focus lens for extreme close up images. It is not so easy to use with the current G-series lenses. My daughter has a couple of D-series lenses which I can use with it. These bellows have become a collectors item in recent years. The Bellows unit is superbly made and is a fine piece of machinery.

I have often thought that the rail from this Bellows unit would form the basis of an excellent, high quality focusing rail. I had been searching on Ebay for the last month and eventually found someone that was selling one of the tripod base units for this bellows for a few dollars. So I purchased it and now have an excellent multi purpose high quality combination of:

• Bellows Unit,
• Focusing Rail,
• and an excellent Nodal Rail.

All this for a few dollars outlay.

Nikon PB-6 Bellows Modified

Above is the modified rail, which works very well and has a total movement range of around 370mm, with movement in both the the upper graduated rail and also the lower tripod attachment movement.

The adjustment is quite fine, as one full turn of the adjustment knob will move the rail around 27mm, so the rail can be adjusted accurately to less than 1mm.

I can look forward to some focus stacking images and some more accurately stitched panoramas in the near future.

Thanks to all the visitors  to my All Digital Photography Blog (6,000 visitors per month now), have a great year in 2012.

Nikon D4 Camera

This is the ultimate camera for low light and fast shooting, but it will cost you an arm and a leg.. It is a camera with a  CMOS image sensor, 36.0 × 23.9 mm and the EXPEED 3 image processing engine.

The camera has an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, and an incredible range of sensitivities from ISO 50 to ISO 204800. The data readout speed allowes performance up to 11 fps performance in FX format.

This camera will give the highest quality images at 16MPixels. The camera offers four image area options, FX format (36.0 x 23.9 mm), 5:4 crop (29.9 x 23.9 mm), 1.2x crop (29.9 x 19.9 mm) and DX format (23.4 x 15.5 mm).

The camera also offers three image area options for Full HD video. The cameras  EXPEED 3 processor has been optimized for video as well as stills, rendering movie with reduced moiré, false colors and “jaggies”.

The frame rate can also be boosted from 10 fps  to up to 11 fps in DX format. The camera’s buffer memory allows shooting up to approximately 100 frames in RAW and up to 200 frames in JPEG. The camera is ready to shoot in approx. 0.12 seconds and uses the new XQD memory cards.

The camera uses both wired and wireless LAN file transfer speeds for faster of data. An advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX AF sensor module is used for faster and shaper subject detection with all 51 AF points with any AF NIKKOR lenses, even in low light.

This camera will be ideal for extremely fast action in low light situations. The D4 aligns its 15 cross type sensors in the central viewfinder area to detect contrast in both vertical and horizontal lines for better AF performance. Each cross-type sensor is responsive with f/5.6 and provides its full performance with all AF-NIKKOR lenses. Moreover, the five central focus points and three points to the left and right of them in the middle line are compatible with f/8. Highly accurate focusing is realized even with the effective aperture value of f/8 by combining a 2.0x teleconverter with super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses, that are frequently used for sports shooting.

Broadcast quality video is available with three image area options The D4 can record 1080p Full HD video at 30/25 or 24p in H.264/MPEG-4, AVC format with broadcast quality. Maximum recording time for a single clip is 29 min. 59 seconds.

The camera is built for extreme reliability with the D4′s shutter being tested for 400,000 cycles on fully assembled cameras at demanding continuous burst rates and over extended time periods. The camera is extremely well sealed from moisture.

Specification

• Type, Single lens reflex digital camera
• Lens mount, Nikon F mount
• Effective pixels, 16.2 million
• Image sensor, 36.0 x 23.9 mm, CMOS sensor
• Total pixels 16.6 million
• Dust reduction System, Image sensor cleaning, Image Dust Off with optional Capture NX 2
• Storage Image size (pixels)
•  FX (36 x 24) image area:
• 4,928 x 3,280 (L),
• 3,696 x 2,456 (M),
• 2,464 x 1,640 (S)
• 1.2x (30 x 20) image area:
• 4,096 x 2,720 (L),
• 3,072 x 2,040 (M),
• 2,048 x 1,360 (S)
•  DX (24 x 16) image area:
•  3,200 x 2,128 (L),
• 2,400 x 1,592 (M),
• 1,600 x 1,064 (S)
• 5 : 4 (30 x 24) image area:
•  4,096 x 3,280 (L),
• 3,072 x 2,456 (M),
• 2,048 x 1,640 (S)
•  FX-format photographs taken in movie live view (16:9):
• 4,928 x 2,768 (L),
• 3,696 x 2,072 (M),
• 2,464 x 1,384 (S)
•  DX-format photographs taken in movie live view (16:9):
•  3,200 x 1,792 (L),
• 2,400 x 1,344 (M),
• 1,600 x 896 (S)
• FX-format photographs taken in movie live view (3:2):
• 4,928 x 3,280 (L),
• 3,696 x 2,456 (M),
• 2,464 x 1,640 (S)
• DX-format photographs taken in movie live view (3:2):
• 3,200 x 2,128 (L),
• 2,400 x 1,592 (M),
• 1,600 x 1,064 (S)
• File format NEF (RAW):
• 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed
• TIFF (RGB)
• JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1 : 4), normal (approx. 1 : 8), or basic (approx. 1 : 16) compression
• Picture Control System, selected from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape, Picture Control can be modified
• Media XQD and Type I CompactFlash memory cards (UDMA compliant), Dual card slots, either card can be used for primary or backup storage or for separate storage of NEF (RAW) and JPEG images, pictures can be copied between cards.
• Viewfinder, Eye level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder Frame coverage FX (36 x 24): Approx. 100% horizontal and 100% vertical, 1.2x (30 x 20): 97% horizontal and 97% vertical, DX (24 x 16): 97% horizontal and 97% vertical, 5:4 (30 x 24): 97% horizontal and 100% vertical
• Viewfinder Magnification, 0.7 x (50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, Diopter adjustment -3 – +1 m-1
• Focusing screen, Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VIII screen with AF area brackets and framing grid
• Reflex mirror Quick return
• Depth-of-field preview
• Compatible with AF NIKKOR lenses, including type G and D lenses, DX lenses (using DX 24 x 16 1.5x image area), AI-P NIKKOR lenses, and non-CPU AI lenses (exposure modes A and M only).
• The electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a maximum aperture of  f/5.6 or faster (the electronic rangefinder supports the 11 focus points with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/8 or faster).
• Shutter Type Electronically controlled vertical travel focal plane shutter Speed 1/8000 – 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV, bulb, X250
• Flash sync speed X=1/250 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/250 s or slower
• Release Mode, Single frame, Continuous low speed, Continuous high speed, Quiet shutter-release, Self-timer, Mirror up
• Approximate frame advance rate Up to 10 fps (CL) or 10-11 fps (CH)
• Self-timer 2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s; 1-9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 s
• Exposure Metering, TTL exposure metering using RGB sensor with approximately 91K pixels
• Metering method Matrix: 3D color matrix metering III (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering III (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 12 mm circle in center of frame. Diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15, or 20 mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame (non-CPU lenses use 12-mm circle or average of entire frame) Spot: Meters 4 mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F) Matrix or center-weighted metering: -1 – +20 EV Spot metering: 2-20 EV Exposure meter coupling Combined CPU and AI
• Exposure mode, Programmed auto with flexible program (P); shutter-priority auto (S); aperture-priority auto (A); manual (M)
• Exposure compensation, -5 – +5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV
• Exposure bracketing 2-9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1 EV
• Flash bracketing, 2-9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1 EV
• White balance bracketing, 2-9 frames in steps of 1, 2, or 3
• ADL (Active D-Lighting) bracketing, 2 frames using selected value for one frame or 3-5 frames using preset values for all frames
• Exposure lock, Luminosity locked at detected value with the center of the sub-selector
• ISO sensitivity, ISO 100 – 12800 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV. Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 50 equivalent) below ISO 100 or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 2, 3, or 4 EV (ISO 204800 equivalent) above ISO 12800; auto ISO sensitivity control available
• Active D-Lighting, cCan be selected from Auto, Extra high +2/+1, High, Normal, Low, or Off
• Autofocus, Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, and 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors with f/8 supported by 11 sensors), Detection range -2 – +19 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F)
• Lens servo Autofocus (AF): Single-servo autofocus (AF-S); continuous-servo autofocus (AF-C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used Focus point Can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points AF-area mode Single-point AF, 9-, 21-, or 51- point dynamic-area AF, 3D-tracking, auto-area,
• AF Focus lock, Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo autofocus) or by pressing the center of the sub-selector
• Flash Flash control TTL: i-TTL flash control using RGB sensor with approximately 91K (91,000) pixels is available with SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, or SB-400; i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR is used with matrix and center-weighting metering, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR with spot metering
• Flash mode, Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, Auto FP High-Speed Sync supported
• Flash compensation -3 – +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV Flash-ready indicator Lights when optional flash unit is fully charged; flashes after flash is fired at full output
• Accessory shoe ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock
• Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS), Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, or SB-700 as a master flash, and SB-600 or SB-R200 as remotes, or SU-800 as commander;
• Auto FP High-Speed Sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except SB-400;
• White balance, White balance Auto (2 types), incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual (up to 4 values can be stored), choose color temperature (2500 K-10000 K), all with fine-tuning.
• Live View Modes, Live view photography (quiet or silent), movie live view
• Lens servo Autofocus (AF): Single-servo autofocus (AF-S); full-time servo autofocus (AF-F) Manual focus (M) AF-area mode Face-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF Autofocus Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face-priority AF or subject-tracking AF is selected)
• Movie Metering, TTL exposure metering using main image sensor
•  Frame size (pixels) and frame rate
• 1,920 x 1,080; 30 p (progressive), 25 p, 24 p
• 1,920 x 1,080 crop; 30 p, 25 p, 24 p
• 1,280 x 720; 60 p, 50 p, 30 p, 25 p
• 640 x 424; 30p, 25p
• Actual frame rates for 60 p, 50 p, 30 p, 25 p, and 24 p are 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps respectively; all options support both high and normal image quality
• File format MOV, Video compression H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding Audio recording format Linear PCM Audio recording device Built-in monaural or external stereo microphone;
• ISO sensitivity Automatically adjusted in the range ISO 200-12800 or ISO 200-Hi 4
• Other options Index marking, time-lapse photography
• Monitor 8-cm/3.2-in., approx. 921k-dot (VGA) TFT LCD with 170° viewing angle, approximately 100% frame coverage, and automatic monitor brightness control using ambient brightness sensor
• Playback Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, photo and/or movie slide shows, histogram display, highlights, photo information, GPS data display, auto image rotation, voice memo input and playback, and IPTC information embedding and display
• Interface, USB Hi-Speed USB HDMI output Type C mini-pin HDMI connector; can be used simultaneously with camera monitor Audio input Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter; plug-in power supported) Audio output Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter) Ten-pin remote terminal Can be used to connect optional remote control, GP-1 GPS unit, or GPS device compliant with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional MC-35 GPS adapter cord and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector) Ethernet RJ-45 connector Peripheral connector For WT-5
• Supported languages, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian
• Power source, One rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL18 battery,
• AC adapter EH-6b AC adapter; requires EP-6 power connector (available separately)
• Tripod socket Tripod socket 1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
• Dimensions (W x H x D) 160 x 156.5 x 90.5 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in.)
• Weight 1340 grams, 2 lb. 15.3 oz. with battery and XQD memory card but without body cap and accessory shoe cover; 1180 grams 2 lb. 9.6 oz. (camera body only)
• Operating environment Temperature, 0-40°C (+32-104°F), Humidity Less than 85% (no condensation).

Supplied accessories

• BF-1B, body cap,
• BS-2, accessory shoe cover,
• EN-EL18, rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover,
• MH-26, battery charger with power cable and two contact protectors,
• UC-E15, USB cable,
• USB cable clip,
• UF-2, mic stereo input jack for ME-1 stereo microphone,
• AN-DC7, strap,
• ViewNX 2, installer CD.

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G Lens

This AF-S Nikkor 85mm, f/1.8G is a fast f/1.8, medium focal length telephoto, fixed focal length lens. The lens is compatible with Nikon’s FX and DX format cameras.

This lens is very ligjht weight and easy to carry. The lens uses a newly developed optical system which has been developed especially for digital cameras. The lens uses a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) to give very quiet auto focus operation.

Two focus modes are available, M/A for quick switching from AF to MF and M manual focus.

A lens such as this I regard as a very suitable lens for general photography as I really like the high quality of the latest designed prime lenses.

This low aperture lens, f/1.8 is excellent for low light photography and it would be my choice for portrait photography. Some photographers like a slightly longer lens, 105mm or 135mm but I prefer the 85mm as it is very flexible by moving slightly closer to the subject or further away. The 85mm lens is also cheaper to purchase than other similar performing lenses.

An often neglected feature of the low aperture lenses such as this 85mm f/1.8 lens, is the ability to use selective focus to isolate the subject from the background, this ability to blur out the background can mean the difference between an average looking image and  a stunning prize winning shot.

This lens combined with a relatively cheap 50mm f/1.8G standard lens or even a wider lens will give a excellent combination to form an extremely light kit of lenses for traveol photography which will give the photographer excellent abilities in both low light applications and to achieve superb selective focus.

Looking at the MTF graphs for this lens indicate that it is an extremely high performing lens with excellent image quality.

Some of the other Nikon FX prime lenses to choose from are as follows:

• 85mm f/1.4G AF-S Lens - Super low aperture, portrait lens
• 105mm f/2.8G IF ED VR AF-S Micro Lens - medium focal length, Micro lens
• 200mm 2.0G ED AF-S VR II Lens -  Super low aperture, large, heavy, telephoto for sports and nature
• 200mm f/4D IF ED AF Micro Lens - Long telephoto, Micro, lens

Specifications

• Focal length, 85 mm
• Maximum aperture, f/1.8
• Minimum aperture, f/16
• Lens construction, 9 elements in 9 groups
• Angle of view, FX format 28° 30′, DX format 18 °50
• Focusing, internal focusing (IF) System with autofocus with Silent Wave Motor and separate focus ring for manual focus
• Minimum focus distance, 0.8 metres, 2.62 ft
• Maximum reproduction ratio, 0.124 times
• Number of diaphragm blades, 7
• Filter size, 67 mm
• Dimensions, 80 mm diameter x 73 mm
• Weight, 350 grams, 12.4 ounces.

SB-910 Electronic Flash

The SB-910 flash is a replacement for the previous SB-900. Similar to previous flashes it is fully compatible with the superb Nikon Creative Lighting System.

Three illumination patterns are provided, standard, even and center weighted. This flash will automatically detect Nikon’s FX and DX formats and automatically selects suitable light distribution angles. A power zoom function covers wide angle 17mm to 200 mm lenses in FX format, or 12mm to 200 mm in DX format.

A new and easy to use MENU button will enable quick access to all of the custom settings, while an improved LCD panel graphical user interface (GUI) enhances operability. The flash is durable and heat resistant, easy to use, and uses hard color filters, fluorescent, incandescent filters are included.

The flash will automatically detects color filter types and transmit the  filter information to the camera for optimum white balance settings

The flash minimum recycling time is approximately 2.3 seconds with Ni-MH batteries.

The flash will automatically detect increases in the flash head temperature to prevent overheating and to control the recycling times accordingly.

Firmware updates will be available via Nikon digital SLR cameras. The flAS IKS ALSO Compatible with The high performance battery pack, SD-9 and power bracket unit SK-6/6A. Optional Water Guard,  WG-AS1 for D3 series is available, WG-AS2 guard for for D300 series, and WG-AS3 for the D700.

If you are using a Nikon Digital SLR then this is the ultimate flash for hight performance.

Specifications

• Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor,
• Guide number, at 35 mm zoom head position, in FX format, standard illumination pattern, 34 metres, 111.5, feet, ISO 100,
• Effective flash output distance range, in i-TTL, auto aperture flash or non-TTL auto flash mode, 0.6 metres to 20 metres, 2 ft to 66 ft,
• Three illumination patterns: standard, even, center-weighted,
• The light distribution angle is automatically adjusted to the camera’s image area in both FX and DX formats,
• Available flash modes,  i-TTL, Auto aperture flash, Non TTL auto flash. Distance-priority manual flash, Manual flash, Repeating flash,
• Other available functions Test firing, monitor pre flashes, AF-assist illumination for multi-point AF and modeling illumination,
• Nikon Creative Lighting System,
• A number of flash operations are available with compatible cameras,  i-TTL mode, Advanced Wireless Lighting, FV lock, flash color information communication, auto FP high-speed sync and AF-assist illumination for multi-point AF Multiple flash-unit photography operation Advanced Wireless Lighting SU-4 type wireless multiple flash-unit photography,
• Camera’s sync modes,  slow sync, red-eye reduction slow sync, front-curtain sync, rear-curtain sync, rear-curtain slow sync,
• Photography functions,  auto FP high-speed sync, FV lock, red-eye reduction,
• Bounce capability, flash head tilts down to 7° or up to 90° with click-stops at -7°, 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°,
• Flash head rotates horizontally 180° to the left and right with click-stops at 0°, 30°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180°,
• Power ON/OFF Rotate the power switch/wireless mode switch for multiple flash units to turn the SB-910 on or off Standby function can also be set
• Power source, four AA size batteries, 1.5 V LR6 alkaline batteries, 1.5 V FR6 lithium batteries, 1.2 V HR6 rechargeable Ni-MH batteries,
• Flash-ready indicator,
• SB-910 is fully recycled, lights up,
• Insufficient flash output for correct exposure, in i-TTL, auto aperture flash, non-TTL auto flash or distance-priority manual flash mode, blinks,
• Flash ready indicator, in remote mode),
• SB-910 is fully recycled, blinks,
• Insufficient flash output for correct exposure, in i-TTL, auto aperture flash or non-TTL auto flash mode, or AUTO mode in SU-4 type wireless multiple flash-unit photography, blinks,
• Flash duration,
• 1/880 sec. at full output,
• 1/1100 sec. at 1/2 output,
• 1/2550 sec. at 1/4 output,
• 1/5000 sec. at 1/8 output,
• 1/10000 sec. at 1/16 output,
• 1/20000 sec. at 1/32 output,
• 1/35700 sec. at 1/64 output,
• 1/38500 sec. at 1/128 output,
• Mounting foot lock lever, provides secure attachment of the SB-910 to camera’s accessory shoe using locking plate and locking pin to prevent unintentional detachment,
• Flash compensation, -3.0 EV to +3.0 EV in increments of 1/3 EV steps in i-TTL, auto aperture flash, non-TTL auto flash or distance-priority manual flash mode,
• Custom settings, 19 items,
• ISO sensitivity manual setting,
• Redisplay of underexposure amount from insufficient flash output in i-TTL mode,
• Reset to the default settings,
• Key lock,
• Thermal cut-out,
• Firmware update,
• Dimensions (W x H x D), 78.5 x 145 x 113 mm, 3.1 x 5.7 x 4.4 inches,
• Weight 510 g,  18 oz with four 1.5 V LR6, AA size alkaline batteries, 420 g, 14.8 oz, speedlight only.

Accessories supplied

• Speedlight Stand, AS-21,
• Nikon Diffusion Dome, SW-13H,
• Fluorescent Filter, SZ-2FL,
• Incandescent Filter, SZ-2TN,
• Soft Case, SS-910.

Nikon 1 F-Mount Adaptor

This Nikon 1 F-Mount adapter will enable you to use your F-mount lenses with the Nikon 1 Seres mirrorless cameras.

If you are already an FX or DX c amera shooter and have an array of F-mount lenses then this adapter will put all your existing Nikkor lenses at
your disposal if you move to the Nikon 1 cameras.

Any Nikkor lens you use will attach easily and securely to the adapter and if you are using AF-S or AF-I Nikkors then the lenses will still autofocus on the Nikon 1 series cameras.

The FX and DX lenses will offer an effective focal length increase of 2.7 times when used on a Nikon 1 camera. Therefore the following effective focal length will occur.

• A 50mm lens will be equivalent to  135mm on the Nikon 1 camera,
• An 85mm lens will be equivalent to  230mm on the Nikon 1 camera,
• A 100mm lens will be equivalent to  270mm on the Nikon 1 camera,
• A 200mm lens will be equivalent to  540mm on the Nikon 1 camera,
• A 500mm lens will be equivalent to  1350mm on the Nikon 1 camera.

It remains to be proven how fast these lenses will focus and I am looking forward to trying this camera in the near future.

Nikon 1 Flash

The Nikon 1 SB-N5 Speedlight Flashis an extremely compact flash designed for use with the Nikon 1, V1 camera. The flash can be rotated vertically or horizontally for bouncing off ceilings or walls to give more even lighting.

The flash is powered from the camera and needs no batteries and also provides a capture illuminator LED light on the front of the flash unit to ensure steady light when using the Motion Snapshot or Smart Photo Selector in dark situations.