Unofficial RFF Blog

Lately, I've been keeping my manual focus Nikkor Ai-S lenses on the Nikon D1H. I find the challenge, skill, and luck in capturing the moment with a manual focusing lens very rewarding. I just wish I can do it more often.

When I was shooting with rangefinder cameras, the only thing I worried about was setting the proper exposure. I trusted my manual focusing abilities 99%, except for those fast action shots. Sure they weren't all razor sharp, but they were acceptable and usable to me.

Manual focusing on the D1H is very different. I find the D1H electronic rangefinder awkward to use for quick candid shots. You have to look at the arrow indicators to focus while keeping an eye on your subject as you're composing the shot. I generally do all three at the same time on the rangefinder cameras I cut my teeth on. I'm not saying the D1H electronic rangefinder is bad. I think it works great if you have more than one second to take the shot.

My main problems are second guessing myself when I'm not using the electronic rangefinder, or missing the shot when I am using it. I think I should stop worrying about getting a razor sharp picture and just shoot. Maybe I should use the "f/8 and be there" technique. Hmmm........f/8 and be there.

First off......this isn't about why you should or shouldn't clean your own CCD. I know there are people who are pro and against it. If you plan on cleaning your own CCD/CMOS, memorize all the steps before you attempt it. The method I use is "The Copper Hill Method". It's the best set of instructions on how to do it.

I got all the supplies needed to properly/safely clean my CCD from Photoco. Since the cleaner (Eclipse or E2) can't be shipped by air, this is the place to get it if you live in Canada. Believe it or not, I couldn't find anyone who sells it in Toronto. Anyway, they have all the supplies you'll need to get the job done, even the 10x10 cm Pec Pads photo wipes.

The only thing different I would do is to use the E2 cleaner instead of the regular Eclipse. I've been told the E2 can be used safely on non Indium Tin Oxide coated sensors as well. It'll give you more flexibility should you ever change your camera or help a buddy out with their dusty Indium Tin Oxide coated sensor. Oh yeah! One bottle lasts a long, long time.

Remember to make a proper working environment, have all your supplies ready, and to take your time. The first time you do it will be incredibly nerve racking. After you successfully cleaned it once, it's a piece of cake after.

Today I decided to goto Toogood Pond. It was cold, but I dressed appropriately and I adapted to the weather quickly. A nice hot cup of tea also helped.

I'm currently running Xubuntu 7.10. As long as I'm using Linux, all my photo's will be edited with either GIMP or DigiKam.

These shots was taken with a Nikon D1H. The lens used was a Tokina AT-X 28-70mm f/2.8.

Photo byline: Blue paws - Nijmegen
Equipment: Nikon F100 - Fuji Pro 400H

Photo byline: Cool... Calm... Collected...
Equipment: Nikon F100, Fuji Pro 400H

Photo byline: The kiddie table - Rockanje
Equipment: Nikon F100, Fuji 400H Pro

Photo byline: Sint Barbara Ravenstein / Sint Sebastiaan Oss
Equipment: Lomo-CA, Fuji Superia 200