pyke 0 #1 July 23, 2003 I've got an older Nikon (N6006af) camera that I was considering keeping for a stills camera. Does anyone have any advice about this camera, or should I look to start considering another alternative when the time comes to mount one? Does it make a hill of beans difference which still camera you go with?? Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #2 July 23, 2003 When it comes to 35mm film cameras the -most- important thing is the lens. The body is mostly a holder for the film. That said, the body does do a couple of things that should be considered; weight, film advance, top shutter speed, x-sync. Weight is a pretty big issue for a camera flyer as well as film advance or shots per second. Generally speaking, unless you're doing something really special, the top shutter speed and x-sync will be adequate on most 35 mm film cameras -- for "normal" skydiving camera work at least. If you were going to be purchasing a completely new from the ground up system, you'd want to consider the upgrade path later in life so that the lenses would be able to be used with a digital SLR. However, if you already have a fairly functioning system, I see no burning need to re-invest.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pyke 0 #3 July 23, 2003 QuoteWhen it comes to 35mm film cameras the -most- important thing is the lens. Cool - Thanks Obi-quade-kenobi - I was hoping that would the be the case! So, in light of your response, what lens(es) work best for stills? I have a standard 50...and I think (!) I have an 80-220 (which I'm presuming (hoping!!) is too much) Or, should I look to get a straight 80 and use that?? I know I'm full of questions, but this is my virtual dz...so, what can you do?? Thanks, Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #4 July 23, 2003 Well, generally speaking for freefall you'll probably use stuff quite a bit wider than the 50 mm. Probably the best all around useful lens would be a 28 mm, but people use everything from 35 mm to 14 mm.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #5 July 23, 2003 For tandems, those lenses aren't great. The 50 might be OK if you're not getting too close. For where you need to be to shoot tandem video with a .5 or a .42, the 50mm is going to be too close. You know, since you're probably going to have to get a new lens, I'd suggest you take a look at the Canon Rebel line. They're way lighter than the Nikons ( I jump an N70 film camera, I'll ditch it for a rebel when I break it ) It kinda feels like Canon is going to dominate stills like Sony dominates skydive video. I was a very brand loyal Nikon guy, and still have an N90s film camera, but having a nice light rebel for tandem film stills would be a better compliment to my 10D. If you stick with it, you'll want to eventually go digital, and right now, the Canon's (10D, D60) are out front. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
newshooter12 0 #6 July 24, 2003 I've got a 6006 body in my camera bag as well, the thing that I see as the hold up is that there isn't a port of a wired shutter release. Only the screw in type. I'm pretty sure somebody could come up with something though matt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
