[Leica] OT - New Nikon Lens

[drodgers at casefarms.com (David Rodgers)]

Frank

Though I'd prefer to have an M9 over a D700, the D700 isn't outlandishly
heavy. It depends some on which lenses I use. I have several lens sets I
use. None are very exciting. I try and keep it simple. 

First, my lightweight kit consists of 45P, 28/2 and 100/2.8E Nikon MF
lenses. I'm thinking of adding a 20/3.5 CV to this set. 

The 100/2.8 performs pretty well for its size, weight and vintage. I
don't think Nikon made many 100mm lenses, but that focal length is in
the custom lens FL choices in the D700 (whereas 90 isn't). It's very
important, I've discovered, to use and set the custom lens function with
non-chip lenses - whether Leica or Nikon. It appears to affect exposure
and overall image quality. I don't know what processing goes on in a
D700, but setting the focal length and max aperture seems to matter.
I've programmed a button to make it quick and easy to change the custom
lens function when I change lenses. 

Secondly my Leica kit made up of 28/2.8, 50/2, and 90/2.8 R lenses
(converted to F-mount). I use 85mm for the 90 lens in the custom lens
function. 

I normally don't carry a camera bag with either of the first two sets.
Just camera, with extra lenses in pockets or fanny pack. 

My big outfit, which I keep in a Lowe bag, consists of (all AF)
17-35/2.8, 50/1.4, 60/2.8 Macro, 80-200/2.8, 300/4, 2-SB800 flashes, and
various odds and ends. That mainly stays in the closet with tripods and
other lighting equipment. 

I don't like to switch between MF and AF or Leica and non-Leica, simply
because it feels different and it gets confusing to switch between them
in the same outing. 

For whatever reason I seem to take the best photographs with the Leica
lens set. The Leica lenses are heavy compared to the (light) Nikon set.
The extra weight is noticeable when I'm walking long distances -- like
playing 18 holes of golf or at events like the Tea Party thing in DC
last September. If I'm near a vehicle most of the time, or I'm on a
short walk, weight isn't a problem. Even on long walks I've concluded
that it's worth the extra weight to use the Leica lenses. It's sort of
an inner battle that plays out over and over. Weight and general ease of
use, versus performance. FWIW, if I didn't see a difference when using
Leica lenses, I wouldn't keep using them. But I do see a difference,
over and over. 

Again, I'd prefer an M9, but I'm using what I have for now.

Dave R
  

-----Original Message-----
From: lug-bounces+drodgers=casefarms.com at leica-users.org
[mailto:lug-bounces+drodgers=casefarms.com at leica-users.org] On Behalf Of
Frank Dernie
Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2010 4:28 AM
To: Leica Users Group
Subject: Re: [Leica] OT - New Nikon Lens

That is why I like the M9 so much. Super quality but small and light. I
have a Nikon D3x, which is fantastic, but it and its lenses are so big
and heavy I am reluctant to carry it far.
The D3x with 80mm f1.4 is my most used non-Leica, nevertheless!
Frank