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I thought I was a lousy photographer
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Jun 19, 2019 07:14:52   #
Linda S.
 
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
You are talking about an "uncontrolled experiment"-

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


I have difficulty handholding my 5DM4...my hands will shake a bit (70 years old). I thought a sturdy grip would just add more weight. I have no clue as to how a L-bracket would work. I do have a monopod and a tripod. Would love to reduce carrying those when traveling .

Given I am an amateur, any insights you would share would be most appreciated. Thank you in advance.

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Jun 19, 2019 07:22:22   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
SteveR wrote:
The best answer yet to those who say it isn't the equipment.


What is?????

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Jun 19, 2019 07:36:59   #
Flickwet Loc: NEOhio
 
John Battle wrote:
I'm just wondering. Are there charities that accept older cameras for some purpose?


Every charity I’m aware of that has a re-sell outlet would be thrilled to receive it

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Jun 19, 2019 07:58:42   #
Jimmy T Loc: Virginia
 
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
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
You are talking about an "uncontrolled experi... (show quote)


Ed:

A very nice and gentle response from a highly skilled and experienced member.
This is the kind of response that makes me proud to be a member of this organization.

Smile,
Jimmy T Sends
Bravo Zulu

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Jun 19, 2019 08:20:09   #
LCD
 
I once heard a story about an art student her sustained an injury in his dominate hand. The school's professors forced him to attend drawing classes using his non-dominant hand, producing less than his best work. When he finally was able to use that dominate hand again he found that his drawings were on par with his fellow art students. That time struggling with his non-dominant hand was not loss. Granted, you will never get those missed shots back again, but that faulty camera still made you a better photographer.

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Jun 19, 2019 08:27:18   #
Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York
 
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)


First off, never doubt yourself in your talent. You should strive to make each photograph better the the one previous.
I hope you know the basics of photography. I'll presume you need a refresher course. Pick up a book in the library. While there are significant differences between film and digital, they are not insurmountable. Posting your work even if it is not optimal, that's okay. Hopefully you can work with the light critique from fellow Hoggers here.
It is true that most "things" have planned obsolescence. Sure we can make car tires that are durable for 10 years, but tire manufacturers would die a horrible twitching death. The same is true of cars, computers, and yes even cameras. If a camera is taken care of very well, it will still work beyond its shutter click expectancy. So you can't sell it. Okay, you have an expensive paperweight. Not really. You have a beautiful mechanism (I shoot Canon) that can donate to a high school photography club. You can private message me about this. As for the 10.2 MP, do not be fooled. Do not be misled by the megapixel myth. The higher the MP is, doesn not mean a better camera. This is determined in part by the nut in the viewfinder. Don't let anyone tell you their camera is better. (I still think my film cameras are worthy) As for your newer camera, stop doubting your ability. Your capture was very good. A light critique, play with the light balance and the ISO. Your foregrounds are sharp but you may want to make them a little creamy. I pretty much know what grass looks like. Don't crop too much.
Now get out there and show us your work!
Happy Shooting!

Photographically yours,
Scruples

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Jun 19, 2019 09:09:37   #
Bubbee Loc: Aventura, Florida
 
Surprised to hear that about SPTS here in Miami!...i've been using them for many years and have no complaints.

Reply
 
 
Jun 19, 2019 09:09:38   #
Bubbee Loc: Aventura, Florida
 
Surprised to hear that about SPTS here in Miami!...i've been using them for many years and have no complaints.

Reply
Jun 19, 2019 09:16:04   #
Abo
 
foathog wrote:
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.


"infinitesimal"= minute, microscopic.

"Paper weight"! You can't be serious.... Here's a sample of what a Nikon D200 produces in the hands
of a Photographer:

Image by Tony Beavers. Nikon D200 LENS: Sigma 10-20 mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM FOCAL LENGTH: 10 mm ISO: 100 SHUTTER SPEED: 17 s APERTURE: 6.3
Image by Tony Beavers. Nikon D200 LENS: Sigma 10-2...
(Download)

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Jun 19, 2019 09:23:39   #
olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
 
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)



You have "Re-started" your photo journey, you are going to have a great time with the adventure. Now, go to Steve Perry's website https://backcountrygallery.com, and start viewing his photography & Nikon related videos, and make a small investment in Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure". It's a brave new world. Have fun!!!

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Jun 19, 2019 09:24:23   #
Abo
 
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)


Read books for students of Photography and art and your images will
go through the roof.

And your new Nikon is an 11 on the 10 scale... enjoy. ;-)

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Jun 19, 2019 09:37:59   #
WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio
 
Send me the 200 I will pay shipping.

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Jun 19, 2019 09:40:07   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
If you do not believe your D200 was refurbished by SPTS I tell you Nikon should be notified. I am sure they had to give you a receipt where a description of what was done to the camera is in writing. The shutter is one of the few things they had to replace the rest is lubrication and adjustments plus replacing the leather exterior. It is my understanding that SPTS is an authorized Nikon repair station.
If parts are or are not available that is another story but even so you have the right to be told.

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Jun 19, 2019 09:43:07   #
charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA
 
I believe that the D200 is a DX camera while the D850 is an FX camera...Since you went from DX to FX i was wondering if your lenses you had for the D200 are DX or FX lenses...If they are FX then you would improve your photos even more by getting FX glass...You would use the whole frame of the D850 with the FX glass...

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Jun 19, 2019 09:50:41   #
BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL
 
PhotogHobbyist wrote:
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.
It is sad that technology advances so quickly that... (show quote)


It doesn't surprise me that you're still shooting with a Pentax k-x. It was one of the highest rated and recommended cameras when it came out. Pentax forever!

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