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I thought I was a lousy photographer
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Jun 18, 2019 11:29:37   #
uaeluor1949 Loc: Polk City, Fl
 
I rarely wrote on the UHH as I thought I was a lousy photographer & wasn't proud of my work.

I purchased my first DSLR in March 2015 after not using film for 20 years. It's a Nikon D200 that had 187,700 clicks. I had been reading the UHH for some time along other sites. I had read that shutters last about 200,000 clicks. I didn't want the shutter to go bad on me and not knowing any better I took the D200 to Southern Photo Technical Services in Miami, Fl. & asked them to refurbish it. Over the years 95% my photos were out of focus & I got to keep almost 1% of my shots. after a couple of years of fretting my wife convinced me to get a better camera. I bought a D850. I couldn't believe my eyes, using the two lens I have I now come home with over 70% sharp photos with a keeper rate over 10%.

I do not believe that the D200 was refurbished. I don't know what to do about it. I know I can't get any money back & I can't sell the D200. Should I let Nikon know about this? Or is it just a waste of time & just forget about it.

This was taken this morning. Limpkin chick (cropped a lot).



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Jun 18, 2019 11:43:23   #
JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington
 
The downside of the rapid advance of technical features in todays DSLRs and other cameras is relatively quick obsolescence.

Even in perfect condition your D200 would not be worth very much money. Disappointing, Yes, but that's the reality.

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Jun 18, 2019 11:47:39   #
uaeluor1949 Loc: Polk City, Fl
 
It's old so it doesn't surprise me. It's almost 15 years old & has only 10.2 MP.

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Jun 18, 2019 12:02:09   #
Delderby Loc: Derby UK
 
uaeluor1949 wrote:
I rarely wrote on the UHH as I thought I was a lousy photographer & wasn't proud of my work.

I purchased my first DSLR in March 2015 after not using film for 20 years. It's a Nikon D200 that had 187,700 clicks. I had been reading the UHH for some time along other sites. I had read that shutters last about 200,000 clicks. I didn't want the shutter to go bad on me and not knowing any better I took the D200 to Southern Photo Technical Services in Miami, Fl. & asked them to refurbish it. Over the years 95% my photos were out of focus & I got to keep almost 1% of my shots. after a couple of years of fretting my wife convinced me to get a better camera. I bought a D850. I couldn't believe my eyes, using the two lens I have I now come home with over 70% sharp photos with a keeper rate over 10%.

I do not believe that the D200 was refurbished. I don't know what to do about it. I know I can't get any money back & I can't sell the D200. Should I let Nikon know about this? Or is it just a waste of time & just forget about it.

This was taken this morning. Limpkin chick (cropped a lot).
I rarely wrote on the UHH as I thought I was a lou... (show quote)


Lovely photo

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Jun 18, 2019 12:07:00   #
uaeluor1949 Loc: Polk City, Fl
 
Thank you Delderby.

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Jun 18, 2019 12:14:14   #
PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA
 
It is sad that technology advances so quickly that the new camera one purchases is outdated almost the moment it leaves the store. That being said, I am still shooting with two Pentax K-x cameras which are both giving me good photos. I am happy with their 12.6Mp results. I too started with film and the number of photos taken diminished over the years but then increased when I transitioned to digital with a Pentax ist with only 6Mp. Now as a retiree and getting the opportunity to do some more traveling, I think my photo taking will again increase.

Btw, I think your posted photo is quite good. Don't quit taking photos. Also, unless you are trying to sell your photos, don't be put off by anyone else's opinion of them, if they please you that is all that matters.

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Jun 18, 2019 12:23:28   #
foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC
 
The difference between the 200 and the 850 is infinitesimal. You finally bought one of the best and you're comparing it to a 20 year old dinosaur. Let's face it. You got ripped off when you bought that paper weight in the first place. And THEN you tried to resuscitate a corpse. Lesson learned. Have fun with that 850. You'll love it. Excellent choice.

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Jun 18, 2019 12:23:57   #
uaeluor1949 Loc: Polk City, Fl
 
Thank you PhotogHobbyist. I'd love to be able to sell my photos but I doubt it'll happen. I'll just fill up my wall.

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Jun 18, 2019 12:29:02   #
uaeluor1949 Loc: Polk City, Fl
 
You're right Foathog, my son has a D5000 and that was too much for me at once that's why I got a dinosaur. Yes I love the D850. I recommend a D850, it's well worth the cost. (even with older lenses).

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Jun 18, 2019 13:23:29   #
JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco
 
foathog wrote:
The difference between the 200 and the 850 is infinitesimal.


That would mean there's hardly any difference.

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Jun 18, 2019 13:25:52   #
E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada
 
You are talking about an "uncontrolled experiment"- let me explain.

You may have accidentally became a "lousy photographer" and not because you are a bad guy, not knowledgeable, or anything bad. If you were getting constantly poorly focused images you may have had a defective camera to begin with, you may have unknowingly experienced an eyesight issue, or may have not been using the autofocus functions on your camera properly. You may have misconstrued camera movement or subject movement blur as focus shortcomings? The only way you could have actually diagnosed the problem was to run controlled tests by manually focusing on a target and then comparing the results to an auto-focused image. Mounting the camera on a sturdy tripod and making certain that the shutter speed was appropriate for any action is another test. If you did not conduct any of these tests and just randomly or indiscriminately sent the camera out for refurbishing- this may have made matters worse and the actual issue was never addressed. If there was no improvement in performance after the repair, you should have taken it up with the repair service immediately.

Even if your old camera was in perfect working order, it is still an old camera and will have lost any significant trade-in or resale value. It is not a bad thing that technology progresses- consider it an advantage to be able to avail yourself of better up-to-date gear.

If you are still finding an alarming percentage of out of focus or blurred images with your new camera, make certain that the autofocus function is set for the appropriate mode for the type of work you are doing- check into the manual and the camera's menu for these settings. Brush up on your depth of field theory especially when working with longer focal lengths at wide apertures and shooting wildlife etc.

Your new camera, if used judiciously, should provide excellent sharpness. Some folks around this forum are so preoccupied with acutance that one might think they are exhibiting their images on the Jumbotron at the local arena or producing photo-murals and billboards. Many are never even making substantially large prints. Some folks are quick to categorize older gear as junk, paperweights and door stops, etc, while in fact, they were decent in their era and have just outlived their usefulness and have been replaced by better offerings from the engineers, manufacturers and the retailers.

Enjoy your new camera. If you have time, run a few controlled tests as I have outlined and make sure everything is OK while the warranty is still in force. If it all checks out, just watch your technique as to AF settings, DOP, and shutter speed. Make certain that the AF is set to hone in on your subject and lock the focus in before re-composing. If you are handholding your camera in difficult conditions, a good investment might be in a sturdy grip, L-bracket or monopod. These accessors help reinforce steadiness and in maintaining precise focus

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Jun 18, 2019 13:36:12   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Glad you got that ironed out!
Enjoy your new camera.

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Jun 18, 2019 13:58:02   #
uaeluor1949 Loc: Polk City, Fl
 
Thanks E.L. I'm quite content with my new camera & since the old camera is not worth anything I'm not selling it nor will I give it away. I won't bother doing experiments with the old one. I'll pay more attention to settings etc.

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Jun 18, 2019 14:04:36   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
uaeluor1949 wrote:
Thanks E.L. I'm quite content with my new camera & since the old camera is not worth anything I'm not selling it nor will I give it away. I won't bother doing experiments with the old one. I'll pay more attention to settings etc.

I have my Ftb, AE-1, and Yashica MAT-124 in the curio cabinet!
Ah, the memories.

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Jun 18, 2019 14:16:49   #
John Battle Loc: Tacoma, WA, USA
 
uaeluor1949 wrote:
Thanks E.L. I'm quite content with my new camera & since the old camera is not worth anything I'm not selling it nor will I give it away. I won't bother doing experiments with the old one. I'll pay more attention to settings etc.


I'm just wondering. Are there charities that accept older cameras for some purpose?

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