Playing with Old Nikon DSLRs: I've been having a fine time since last December learning, using, and posting photos from a couple of old Nikons. First the D2x, and then the D3, both...

Quixdraw Loc: x

I've been having a fine time since last December learning, using, and posting photos from a couple of old Nikons. First the D2x, and then the D3, both pretty amazing cameras. In jest, someone suggested that my new cameras must be feeling left out, or something to that effect. I found that amusing and quipped back. Then I thought about what "New" was. I have bought a bunch of Nikons since 2014, all but one used. I got a Df new in the Spring of '14 not long after it was released. Followed that with a D750, then a D7200 for reach and finally a D810 for Bugs, all used. The newest Nikon I have, based on release date, is the D7200 released in 2015. I looked at the D7500, the D500, the D850, the D780 when each came out, and though they offered additional features, none were important to me. The Z line? Last thing I want is a different mount and adapters. I'm thinking I'll keep playing with the old cameras, maybe a D4 somewhere down the road, and if the prices come down on the D5...

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

The DSLR is far from dead. I love mine and don't plan to replace them. I did add a Z50 for the light weight and ease of use. It gets a lot of use but my heart still belongs to the DSLRs. I am not really happy with an electronic viewfinder.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

quixdraw wrote:

I've been having a fine time since last December l... (show quote)

You've given me an idea. I think dusting off the old D300s and taking a few shots is in order!

Quixdraw Loc: x

Cwilson341 wrote:

The DSLR is far from dead. I love mine and don't plan to replace them. I did add a Z50 for the light weight and ease of use. It gets a lot of use but my heart still belongs to the DSLRs. I am not really happy with an electronic viewfinder.

Even an EVF is better than composing and focusing with the camera monitor. There is a place for small and light, a friend gave me a Little Leica D Lux, and I still have a Ricoh GXR. When I'm serious, it is a DSLR!

Quixdraw Loc: x

Bridges wrote:

You've given me an idea. I think dusting off the old D300s and taking a few shots is in order!

Never owned one, but a camera with a great Rep & following.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

The Nikon D2X was my first pro DSLR, and I used it in the studio for many years before having it converted to IR, which I still use.

Quixdraw Loc: x

JohnSwanda wrote:

The Nikon D2X was my first pro DSLR, and I used it in the studio for many years before having it converted to IR, which I still use.

It is a little "quaint" by today's standards, but still a very capable camera that does many things well. I have one camera set up for IR. Haven't used it for a long time. Thanks for the reminder, have to give it a run.

BebuLamar

I wonder how well the AWB works on the D2 series vs others. They are the only cameras with the AWB sensor on the prism so it can more or less measure the light falling on the subject rather than the light reflected from the subject.

Quixdraw Loc: x

BebuLamar wrote:

I wonder how well the AWB works on the D2 series vs others. They are the only cameras with the AWB sensor on the prism so it can more or less measure the light falling on the subject rather than the light reflected from the subject.

Haven't got an answer for you. The camera has done everything well. I don't think it is quite as good as the D3, but I'm not much of a test / compare enthusiast. Possibly someone will be able to provide input.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Bridges wrote:

You've given me an idea. I think dusting off the old D300s and taking a few shots is in order!

I have never retired my D300s. It is still a great camera. Sometimes a 12mp image is exactly what is called for...

Quixdraw Loc: x

larryepage wrote:

I have never retired my D300s. It is still a great camera. Sometimes a 12mp image is exactly what is called for...

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Working not playing with my well seasoned Nikon D3x... Although I have a D810 it's almost never used now.
Besides the D3x handles my epic AF 80-200mm f/2.8 and f2.8D One Touch Nikkors far better than the D810 for Studio gigs.

That said for location fashion editorials the D810 and the AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G IF ED VR II always gets the nod... There just tools quixdraw... find you have to match the tool to the job... This works for me...

Below is a Beauty Editorial shot with the 12 year old Nikon D3x and a 15 year old AF-S 200-400mm f/4G IF ED VR at ISO 100. The D3x is equal to the D810 in it's basement ISO and I can manage controls externally on it's user interface... No need to look at the back or top of the camera, I honestly prefer that scenario....

Love those old nikkors... built like a swiss watch...
Thanks for sharing quixdraw
Please share more of your imagery taken with those timeless DSLRs
.

Nikon D3x rocking a 15 year old AF-S 200-400mm f/4G IF ED VR at ISO 100

(Download)

Quixdraw Loc: x

Thomas902 wrote:

Working not playing with my well seasoned Nikon D3... (show quote)

Thanks very much, you always post fine photos. Can't tell you what exactly it is, but there is just something about the D3. I'll be shooting it till one of us breaks!

bobforman Loc: Anacortes, Washington State

I never sell or give away old cameras. I use my D200 occasionally on hikes in spite of having a D3x, 7200 and 850. It's just a fine old camera that continues to take great photos.

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Carnpo Loc: North Carolina

I love my Df. Go to camera for portraits prom photos etc. Only use 50mm and 85mm primes. Sort of like the old days with my Nikkormat. Also have a D200, 500, and a D4. Purchased the 500 new. I got a good deal on the D4. Was taking photos at my local HS Softball game. Opposing team had a photographer there. He was using a pro Cannon. He told me he wished he had a D4. They just do not care how high the ISO is set. As you may know when the Df came out the D4 was top dog and the Df has the same sensor as the D4. No mirror less for me. I am 73 years old and retired.