Nikon F3

Way back when (the 1980’s anyway) the Nikon F3 was a top of the line 35mm camera. After saving my money for a long time, I bought a new one in 1986. It’s a little dusty, but here it is, complete with the MD4 motor drive:

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This camera has traveled everywhere I’ve gone, never once missing a shot. Here’s a look at the other side:

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And speaking of the MD4 motor drive, the ergonomics of it were perfect for my hands as seen in the next photo:

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The motor drive, with 8 AA batteries, made for a sturdy hand-hold and great base. I’m not sure how many rolls of film I ran through this camera, thousands at the very least. Having just found a local lab that will process b/w film, I’ve decided to take it out for a spin, just to see how things look. Of course, it’s all digital now, but the simplicity of this camera (in today’s terms) can’t be beat. Remember, it’s the quality of the light, much more than the quality of the camera, that makes for great photos. Try it, you’ll see.

Published in: on March 13, 2017 at 4:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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On the blocks!

The previous post showed the barkentine Gazela in position in the graving dock. Today we take a look at her on the blocks. These photos are large on purpose. They’re excellent eye-candy for people who appreciate all things nautical. Let’s start with the long view:

Sailing vessel Gazela on the blocks at the former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Sailing vessel Gazela on the blocks at the former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Moving closer, here’s a dramatic view of the bow.

Bow of the Gazela in the graving dock at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Bow of the Gazela in the graving dock at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

And here’s a view of the stern:

Looking up at the stern of Gazela on the blocks at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Looking up at the stern of Gazela on the blocks at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

And finally here’s a view from above of both Gazela and the lightering barge.

Gazela and barge in graving dock at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Gazela and barge in graving dock at former Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Now the work begins, repairs and refits. Keeping any vessel afloat is lots of work. The reward is in the sail afterward. Stay posted for more updates. (For those interested, these photos were taken with a Nikon D810 and 17-35mm lens.)

Published in: on July 31, 2015 at 4:36 pm  Comments (1)  
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Over London, England (aerial video)

While sorting through some footage taken with my Nikon 1 AW, I found a clip taken from American Airlines Flight 56. This was on 2 June 2014, aboard a 777, which is an amazing aircraft by the way. At any rate, it seems I poked the Nikon at the window for a look down at the sprawling city of London, England. You’ll recognize a few famous sights. Here it is:

Due to the weather conditions, the image quality was not the best. I did several color corrections as well as a few other enhancements. Still, a nice view down on a famous city. Enjoy the journey.

Published in: on July 15, 2015 at 12:18 pm  Leave a Comment  
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La Rioja, Spain, panorama photos

While visiting the La Rioja region of Spain, I managed to test the panorama function on my little Nikon 1 AW camera. These photos were taken with the 6.7-13mm zoom lens, set on 6.7 side. Everything else, was done automatically by the camera. Here’s one taken from a rural road showing the vineyards:

Panorama of the vineyards in La Rioja, Spain.

Panorama of the vineyards in La Rioja, Spain.

Considering the camera did all the exposure work, it came out fairly well. Here’s another taken from a road that skirted the valley below:

Another panorama looking over a valley in La Rioja, Spain.

Another panorama looking over a valley in La Rioja, Spain.

It seems to be a total of about 180 degrees of view. I like this function and the way the camera performs. You can get a wider view and therefore a different perspective on the scene. And the Nikon 1 AW makes it rather easy. Take as many photos as you can!

Published in: on June 22, 2014 at 7:59 am  Comments (1)  
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