AF Nikkor 50mm F/1.4D Lens Used Equipment

Dale Photographic New & Used Equipment Specialists

Its never been a better time to take pictures. Choice in camera equipment seems unlimited but after several natural disasters this year hampering production and with demand still high it seems the inevitable is now a reality, “short supply. So who do you trust for a reliable service when buying on the internet or over the phone? A quick look on the web reveals some very odd prices but as the old saying goes, if it looks too good to be true then it probably is.”

A few years ago i came across Dale Photographic, by accident actually after trying to find a lens that many said they had but could not supply. They are a family run business that was formed in 1984, recognized by Nikon, Canon, Leica & Zeiss as a main dealer supplying both professional and amateur photographers from a real shop to visit and a virtual shop on the internet, selling worldwide. They offer a most comprehensive service for all your needs. In 1998 a website was launched selling only the best products available along with a second hand equipment section also proving very popular.

I always keep an eye on the used equipment page at Dale Photographic, they have some real bargains and then sure enough just as I was buying another product I noticed this one, a Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm F/1.4D, used but perfect condition, it was, i grabbed it quick, it came the next day as usual, perfect. Popped it on an old Nikon D40 body I still cherish and set off through this autumn taking some landscape pictures. These lenses were produced as far back as 1986 and have lost none of that great Nikon quality we continue to see  in new offerings. Of course the Nikon D40 has no motor built in like other bodies so you don’t get your auto focus, instead its manual focus all the way, did I miss it ? well, actually no I didn’t really. Part of taking a picture is actually what you see through the view finder ! With manual focus it’s a delight seeing how something comes into view. A connection lost with auto focus.

Nikon AF 50mm F/1.4D will auto focus on Nikon bodies D50 and above

So, if you have some equipment you have looked after and fancy a trade in, why not give Dale Photographic a call, I’m sure they will be only to pleased to give you a valuation.

One persons past is another persons future

www.dalephotographic.co.uk

Keep taking pictures

Andy Sharpe

Severn Bore Low Light Composition In Full Colour 19.02.11

Low light as I’ve said I love, well, why resist it. It is what it is, so make the most of it. Yes it can be a challenge with camera settings but equally it can produce some very interesting results with close tones when colour has been drained from the picture with the lack of light, particularly in a landscape view like today.

Power lines we love to hate but once again they aren’t going away so make them work for you in the composition. Make sure they are up right though which seems to be a challenge for some. Don’t forget, those big round ceramic balls the cables hang from, they are always vertical, well, subject to weather conditions with side winds, or cable tension but dictated by gravity and weight of the cables so should be easy to line up with the edge of your picture through the view finder.

In post editing vertical and horizontal can be corrected if missed whilst taking your shot in a hurry. Most cameras have a grid function so It’s a good idea to have in use if your unsure.

Lens distortion can also put things out of vertical or horizontal but i will reserve that talk for another time

On Planet Earth water is perfectly level wherever you are. Spirit / water  levels were used in the construction of the great Pyramids of course. When water is active it has a mind of its own but can follow predictable paths as the Severn Bore continues to demonstrate, so watch out for those big splashes.

Reflections are just great for drama in a picture, they give form and depth so keep an eye on those as much as the main subject you are focusing on. It can be tricky as it requires almost 2 sets of eyes in your head but by keeping it in mind you will gradually learn to see more.

A hand held camera allows freedom of movement when a subject is not static, so do some dummy run shots just before you are going to take your proper shots, just to get used to positions you want to focus on but also to see what camera settings you need to consider. It’s a good idea  to check where you stand as well if moving positions to save falling over in mid shot when panning or changing position. As a rule I only use a tripod on static subjects that are in awkward positions or as a steady some times. I will talk about this later.