Nikon Lens: Greetings all I do not have a lot of funds for better lens but, I was able to purchase a Nikkor AF-5 50MM 1:1.8G LENS from a local camera store in New Port Richie, Florida.

Ellen101 Loc: Manhattan NY ..now Spring Hill, Fl

Greetings all
I do not have a lot of funds for better lens but, I was able to purchase a Nikkor AF-5 50MM 1:1.8G LENS from a local camera store in New Port Richie, Florida.

I asked for a lens that I can use for better portraits. I am not used to it yet. HELP!

Also I am hearing a lot of things about the Silver developing or printing of those portraits I see in museums exhibits. Can someone enlighten me about this? Please.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Ellen101 wrote:

Greetings all
I do not have a lot of funds for better lens but, I was able to purchase a Nikkor AF-5 50MM 1:1.8G LENS from a local camera store in New Port Richie, Florida.

I asked for a lens that I can use for better portraits. I am not used to it yet. HELP!

Also I am hearing a lot of things about the Silver developing or printing of those portraits I see in museums exhibits. Can someone enlighten me about this? Please.

I can't help you with your question about Silver developing because I have never used it. But the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens is a wonderful lens and I use it often.
If you bought the lens at Pasco Camera Exchange on Main St. in NPR, they are very knowledgeable and helpful. I go there myself.
Do you have any specific questions about the lens?

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Ellen, the 50mm 1.8 is a great "Normal" lens and very useful. Typically, a "portrait" lens is of a slightly longer focal length because it is more flattering for faces. That said, use your new lens often and see if it works for you.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

cameraf4 wrote:

Ellen, the 50mm 1.8 is a great "Normal" lens and very useful. Typically, a "portrait" lens is of a slightly longer focal length because it is more flattering for faces. That said, use your new lens often and see if it works for you.

If she is using a DX camera the 50mm would give her an equivalent angle of view of 75mm which is good for portraits.

rodpark2 Loc: Dallas, Tx

The 50-1.8 makes an ideal portrait lens for an APSC camera, but is normally considered a little short for full frame. At least back off a little when using a FF camera. I think you're probably referring to silver prints which was most B&W prints for over 100 years. A layer of light sensitive silver on paper was the most common printing method in history and is still the basis for most B&W film and paper today.

Ellen101 Loc: Manhattan NY ..now Spring Hill, Fl

Yes Yes that is the camera store I go to also. Small world! They ARE very knowledgeable, I agree.
I love doing portraits of people who do not know I am shooting them. It can get touchy when they realize I am doing it. After a man grabbed the camera out of my hand (furious) I now ASK PERMISSION.
I live in Spring Hill so there is not much in the way of street photography. I am spoiled coming from Manhattan where people are outside.

So, can you give me some tips of that LENS? It would be appreciated.

There is a good photo club here and they do really great shots. They meet Monday evenings at a small building at the Oak Hill Hospital grounds. They call themselves the Spring Hill Camera or Photo club
I go when I can.
Ellen

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Mac wrote:

If she is using a DX camera the 50mm would give her an equivalent angle of view of 75mm which is good for portraits.

While that is true, I still find it difficult to imagine someone with a DX camera going out to buy a FX lens. My bad.

Ellen101 Loc: Manhattan NY ..now Spring Hill, Fl

OH OK thanks for that explanation. I just was wondering how those framed photos in art show look so darn good. I take very interesting portraits but I guess I have more to lean about presentation.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Ellen101 wrote:

Yes Yes that is the camera store I go to also. Sma... (show quote)

I just sent you a PM.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Ellen101 wrote:

Greetings all
I do not have a lot of funds for better lens but, I was able to purchase a Nikkor AF-5 50MM 1:1.8G LENS from a local camera store in New Port Richie, Florida.

I asked for a lens that I can use for better portraits. I am not used to it yet. HELP!

Also I am hearing a lot of things about the Silver developing or printing of those portraits I see in museums exhibits. Can someone enlighten me about this? Please.

Archival Prints are Silver Halide prints. They are a a chemical process on special archival paper. Prints also can be toned. I gave that technique up about 11 years ago when I shut my darkroom down.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

Ellen101 wrote:

Greetings all
I do not have a lot of funds for better lens but, I was able to purchase a Nikkor AF-5 50MM 1:1.8G LENS from a local camera store in New Port Richie, Florida.

I asked for a lens that I can use for better portraits. I am not used to it yet. HELP!

Also I am hearing a lot of things about the Silver developing or printing of those portraits I see in museums exhibits. Can someone enlighten me about this? Please.

The silver is silver halide contained in B&W film

As to the lens, the NIKKOR nifty fifty has always been one of NIKON's best lenses, and certainly for the money.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Ellen101 wrote:

Yes Yes that is the camera store I go to also. Sma... (show quote)

You would be better advised to use a longer lens for sneaky pictures.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

cameraf4 wrote:

While that is true, I still find it difficult to imagine someone with a DX camera going out to buy a FX lens. My bad.

One reason would be that Nikon doesn't make a 50mm DX lens.
50mm lenses are relatively inexpensive, sharp and fast.

For Ellen:
A 50 is only "normal" on a 35mm or full-frame camera.
For an APS-C body (DX in Nikon-speak) the 35mm would be "normal" and they do make a DX version of that.

https://www.thephoblographer.com/2018/07/31/5-pretty-great-50mm-lenses-for-aps-c-portrait-photographers-and-some-tips/

Ellen101 Loc: Manhattan NY ..now Spring Hill, Fl

Mac wrote:

If she is using a DX camera the 50mm would give her an equivalent angle of view of 75mm which is good for portraits.

I have a Nikon D 5100 it is good enough for now. We have financial issues to pay off first. Then you can recommend a better camera body.

any suggestions with the lens and my Nikon D5100?

Ellen

Leitz Loc: Solms

Ellen101 wrote:

I love doing portraits of people who do not know I am shooting them.

Paparazzi is NOT portraiture!