Locks focus and exposure and will allow you to recompose the shot. Gets tricky unless you can keep the camera on the same plane. Otherwise you lose focus. I'm not steady enough to use it.
I no longer believe a new and "better" camera will make me a better photographer. That was an expensive lesson to learn.
I spent years listening to Dire Straits singing "You get your money for nothing and your checks for free." [grin]
My great aunt bought one that looked identical to the picture other than the wheels. I went with her to pick it up. She traded her 1950 Pontiac Fastback.
I know what I'm doing tomorrow. Thanks for posting.
I probably qualify, but with a minor difference. I got into photography after I retired, and most of my acquisitions were the result of curiosity. I had the means to indulge myself, and I ended up with a lot of equipment I really didn't need. Discovering I could rent camera equipment on-line probably saved my marriage. LOL. I've sold off stuff as well, which has contributed to peace at home. But like the original poster, I find my favorites are not necessarily the "best' cameras and lenses I still own. Some of that is 'the right tool for the job.' My D700 takes fine pictures, but it lacks the freedom to crop I get with more megapixels. And to be honest, I hang one to some things because their build quality and precision give me pleasure. I seldom use certain lenses, for example, but I can't imagine ever selling them.
I've had more experience with Nikon's technical services than I ever wanted, and all been uniformly good. The Melville, NY center is the one I use, and I cannot fault them in any way. YMMV.
Most of my service needs have been warranty work, if that makes a difference, but I have had the same good experience when it was on my nickel.
I'm sorry you're having problems. Which service center are you using?
I had the Neewer battery grip for a D7000 briefly. Mine tended to loosen no matter how tight I tried to make it. It worked otherwise, but I let it go when I sold the camera.
I run a network that incorporates Linux Mint and three different versions of Windows. Like others, I need Windows machines to run dedicated software, but I find Linux to be fast, stable, and a competent desktop for most purposes. It's also less demanding in terms of hardware. What I don't get is the controversy. We're talking about operating systems here, not religion or politics. I use what works for my purposes, but I'm not swearing allegiance to anybody's brand.
Irfanview is a quick and handy viewer. Like others, I've used it for years. I especially like the fact that its EXIF viewer shows Total Pictures taken with the camera.
I also second the suggestion to get the plug-ins.
I did learn one thing my Nikon D600 experience; I learned to wet clean the sensor. That wasn't a skill I especially wanted, but it has proved useful.
bobgreen wrote:
Yesterday I went to a local retailer to check out 2 of Nikon's newer AF-P DX lenses , the 10-20 and 70-300 zooms with VR. Although the lenses are very sharp, light, and fast focusing, the plastic mount and feel of the lens was a bit of a turn off. While there, I spotted a used AF 80-200 mm 2.8 D.. I had read many good things about the lens optical and build quality . A GAS attack ensued so I bought it. I've now shot over a 100 pics with the lens on my d7100 and am quickly coming to the conclusion that I'll need a monopod or tripod to get sharp pictures. Anything hand held has been blurry even after I've increased ISO, shutter speed, etc. My hands are simply too shaky. I haven't decided what to do yet. I may call the shop and hope for a trade with one or two other lenses, with VR.
Thought I'd pass this expensive experience on.....
Yesterday I went to a local retailer to check out ... (
show quote)
That is a lens I owned for a while and sold. Loved the build quality and the image quality as well, but I didn't have many keepers using it hand-held.
The lens has a quirk, incidentally, that's mentioned in a footnote to the Compatible Lenses section. It gives a false in-focus reading under certain conditions.
Nice shots. I really like the set.
This is apparently a known problem area for this lens. A Google search brings up a number of reported instances and even videos.
That's a great cat portrait -- those eyes! Nice capture.