[roy_libran]

Folks - need some advice on Teleconverters for my bridge. Apologies, if this is the wrong thread to ask this question, but I could not locate another suitable thread.

I am using a Lumix FZ-38 [f=4.8-86.4mm (27-486mm in 35mm equiv.)], and have been quite satisfied with it's performance so far. But now, I'm itching for a bit more. I'm still very much the casual photographer and do not want to invest a huge amount into a DSLR body and then the Non-kit lenses. I might do it someday, but I would not go in for an entry level one then.

So, right now, I'm looking for advice on the various Teleconverter options that are available for my bridge, and I want suggestions on which one to go for and where to buy it from. Hoping that this thread can help.

I'll even want to get a Macro lens at some stage, but that would be after the Teleconverter is sorted out.

So, some of the options I have been able to identify, from my research so far.

All lenses available from Raynox:
http://raynox.co.jp/english/digital/fz18/index.htm
This page has full range of Macro, Fisheye, WA and Tele Convertor lenses, with test shots.

All Test shots are with Lumix FZ-18, which is a predecessor to my camera (2 generations old). Mine is FZ-38
Tele Converter Lenses under observation - DCR-2025PRO/2020PRO, DCR-1540PRO


Test Shots-
Original at max Tele:

• http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/iipcache/144323.jpg
• http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/iipcache/144324.jpg

DCR-2025PRO/2020PRO:

• http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/iipcache/144325.jpg
• http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/iipcache/144326.jpg

DCR-1540PRO:

• http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/iipcache/144327.jpg

Lenses available from Panasonic:

http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/2718906/module/general/product/accessories/page.html?showAll=true&trackInfo=true

Teleconverter: DMW-LT55E


Lenses available from NIKON:
Teleconverter: TC-E15ED X1.5

Test shots of FZ-18 with this converter-

• http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/iipcache/144328.jpg
• http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/iipcache/144329.jpg
• http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/iipcache/144330.jpg
• http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/iipcache/144331.jpg

Prices:
http://www.homeshop18.com/nikon-tc-e15ed-tele-converter-lens-imported/camera-camcorders/digital-slr/product:15888723/cid:3191/
http://www.indiafocus.com/nikon-tc-e15ed-telephoto-converter.html
(…and Cheap)


Lenses available from OLYMPUS:
http://www.olympus.co.uk/consumer/198_tcon-17.htm
This is a very popular lens, and I have seen pretty good results, but this is 1.7x as compared to 2.2x from Raynox above, and the price range is similar.


And finally, I'd need to buy myself Adapters to fit these converters.
Available Lens Adapters:

• http://www.amazon.com/Janco-replaces-PANASONIC-adapter-%C3%9855-8mm-%C3%9855mm/dp/B00330XUVU/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1263220866&s r=8-14
• http://pemaraal.com/index.php?page=fz18ac# (This one looks to be the best, since I do not need to remove the Adapter to Switch off the camera)
• http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/551378-REG/Panasonic_DMW_LA3_DMW_LA3_Lens_Adapter_for.html (Stock one from Panasonic - DMW-LA3E)

And, while I'm getting a patient first read, at what has turned out to be a long post, would you please suggest if I should prefer a Ball-Head Tripod or a Pan-Head Tripod?
I'm inclined towards the cheaper Pan-Head ones, given that the capabilities of my equipment and it's operator are fairly limited.

Thank you.

[W.A.G.7]

I have a question regarding an old film SLR that I have. I intend to sell it off, what's the best price that I can expect for the below camera? People are offering anywhere between 500/- to 2000/- INR for the Camera, so I am confused I was expecting 3000/- INR at-least; but going by the market today, it seems too high price for a film SLR.

P.S: I am yet to post this in the classifieds section, I will do that soon.

The kit consists of these parts:

1. Canon T70 body: Fully electronic 35mm film SLR with automatic film advance and rewind.
2. 50mm F1.8 prime lens: Original Canon 50mm F1.8 prime lens manufactured in Japan. (52mm filters)
3. 70-210mm zoom lens with macro: Original Canon 70-210mm zoom lens with macro capability. Manual focus only and manufactured in Japan.
4. Canon Speedlite 277T: Original Canon speedlite 277T flash manufactured in Japan. Comes with a flash diffuser. Fully compatible with the camera.

The only catch here is that the zoom lens has fungus like growths and would require professional cleaning. Pictures of the all the kit are attached for your reference. Does anyone know any photographer or a person dealing with Film SLR's? Or anyone who might be interested in this?

The instruction manual


The Flash with the flash diffuser


The Camera with the 70-210 macro zoom & 50mm prime lens




Close up of the zoom lens showing the fungus like growths


Technical specifications of the camera from the manual

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by W.A.G.7

I have a question regarding an old film SLR that I have. I intend to sell it off, what's the best price that I can expect for the below camera? People are offering anywhere between 500/- to 2000/- INR for the Camera, so I am confused I was expecting 3000/- INR at-least; but going by the market today, it seems too high price for a film SLR.

You won't get much for the camera - a film SLR model that is close to 30 years old. The T70 was introduced in 1983 or '84. I guess your unit was purchased in the mid to late '80s?

It would be better if you sold off the lenses and camera separately as there are chances you may wind up getting more for the kit

However, don't bet on the zoom getting sold due to the fungus. Fungus eats into the coating and after extended periods the damage is permanent. Also, Pro cleaning (esp. by Canon authorised centres) can be pretty expensive and you may not be able justify the cost.

Try your luck on the JJ Mehta and BLR Photography club forums as well.

Regards,

PS - IFAIK, the lenses are not compatible with the EOS range of cameras.

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by R2D2

You won't get much for the camera - a film SLR model that is close to 30 years old. The T70 was introduced in 1983 or '84. I guess your unit was purchased in the mid to late '80s?

It would be better if you sold off the lenses and camera separately as there are chances you may wind up getting more for the kit

However, don't bet on the zoom getting sold due to the fungus. Fungus eats into the coating and after extended periods the damage is permanent. Also, Pro cleaning (esp. by Canon authorised centres) can be pretty expensive and you may not be able justify the cost.

Try your luck on the JJ Mehta and BLR Photography club forums as well.

Regards,

PS - IFAIK, the lenses are not compatible with the EOS range of cameras.

Old film cameras have very low resale value, unless they are iconic brand like Hasselblad or Leica.

Fungus on lense, will surely reduce its resale vale.

Add to that the fact that Canon Lenses are not upward compatible, reduces the chances of sale further. In contrast Nikon manual focus lenses are still usable on some DSLR, hence fetch a better value.

Even the Flash may be incompatible with DSLR, as they use high voltage, which can fry the electronics of modern DSLR.

So be resigned to the fact that 500+ (any amount) is what you will get.

[W.A.G.7]

Originally Posted by R2D2

You won't get much for the camera - a film SLR model that is close to 30 years old. The T70 was introduced in 1983 or '84. I guess your unit was purchased in the mid to late '80s?

PS - IFAIK, the lenses are not compatible with the EOS range of cameras.

Thanks. The camera was purchased by my father way back in 1985. But after 2001 or so, when we got our first digital camera it hasn't been used much.

Originally Posted by Aroy

Fungus on lens, will surely reduce its resale vale.

Add to that the fact that Canon Lenses are not upward compatible, reduces the chances of sale further.

Yes, and I think this lens is not compatible with the current generation of DSLR's. Also it is manual focus only which will reduce the price further.

Originally Posted by Aroy

Even the Flash may be incompatible with DSLR, as they use high voltage, which can fry the electronics of modern DSLR.

The flash may be compatible; it uses 4 AA size cells and works independently also. Although I haven't tried it on a Canon DSLR (I have a Nikon D5000)

Originally Posted by Aroy

So be resigned to the fact that 500+ (any amount) is what you will get.

Yes, that's the case. You get a pittance, so I guess if anyone offers me upwards of 1000/- INR, I should sell it off ASAP.

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by W.A.G.7

The flash may be compatible; it uses 4 AA size cells and works independently also. Although I haven't tried it on a Canon DSLR (I have a Nikon D5000)

It is not the power source to the flash, but the voltage generated to charge the capacitors. This high voltage can leak to the flash shoe contacts and from there to the camera electronics. When the flash contacts were mechanical (internally) it did not matter, but with electronic triggering this high voltage spike will fry the camera.

Old Flash New DSLR - Steve's Digicams Forums
Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by Aroy

It is not the power source to the flash, but the voltage generated to charge the capacitors. This high voltage can leak to the flash shoe contacts and from there to the camera electronics. When the flash contacts were mechanical (internally) it did not matter, but with electronic triggering this high voltage spike will fry the camera.

Old Flash New DSLR - Steve's Digicams Forums
Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages

Actually it's more a problem with the trigger voltage and flash exposure metering and control.

I faced this with my D700 and an older model but comparatively recent Nikon flash (the SB80-DX, introduced 2002) that I used with my F100 film SLR. The SB80 would over expose every single time. It needed to be switched over to non-TTL auto to work. The SB80 is compatible with early Nikon DSLRs primarily the D1 and D1x. The 'D' in SB80-DX stood for the D TTL protocol that was used in the early 2000s. But Nikon changed over to the 'i-TTL' system in 2003/04 which made all flashes with D-TTL obsolete.

So, I decided to go in for a new flash the SB900 to use with the D700 while the SB80 is used with the older film SLR..if I ever use it.

Bottom line - older generation flash models dating back 10+ years will certainly not work with new generation DSLRs and using one could present a risk of damaging the camera circuitry or incorrectly exposed photographs.

Regards,

[W.A.G.7]

R2D2 & Aroy; thanks for all the suggestions you have given. I didn't know the older flash could damage newer DSLR's

If I get anything upwards of 1000/- for the camera I will sell it off immediately Looks like there is no other way out.

[architect]

Originally Posted by W.A.G.7

If I get anything upwards of 1000/- for the camera I will sell it off immediately Looks like there is no other way out.

Your best bet is a photography student. Most professional / technical photography courses still require you to start with film SLRs and photography students (like some of my friends doing the photography course from Triveni in Delhi) still buy the FM10 in large nos., new or second-hand, from Chandni Chowk.

[shajufx]

Originally Posted by Torqueguru

.....@Shajufx Make it 5. I just sold my D3s today and pre ordering the D4.....

Congrats buddy, how much did you manage to get for D3s & what was the shutter count ? I think you sold it at the right time, I am expecting a lot of them coming up for sale !!

Originally Posted by HellwratH

Rumors are that D800 will be released on February 7th....

I was excited about it few months back, but that 'upgrade' itch is dead and buried due to finding no meaning in doing it. I would love to own a D800 provided I am able to make some bucks out of it, until then its just a luxury which I can not think about.

Lot of people asked me how are my commercial plans on photography shaping up, I may sum it up in one line: My sole purpose is just making what is thrown into this money pit, not desperate to give up the 'hobby' mentality. I believe the joy of shooting freely gets dead once we are after money, targets, dead lines, competitions etc. This is not my personal opinion, but shared by friends who already got into the PRO line. Some are successful, some are thrown back to their regular career. I fall out of both

[SPEEDY_RACER]

HI All,

i have recently purchased Canon 550D and got the default lens 18-55 mm IS, but would like to purchase one more lenses that is 70-300 or 55-200 can you suggest me some good lenses, i would keep this lenses for an year then look for a High end model lenses(i am an amateur photographer) so would require your feedbacks on this.

[teknophobia]

the canon ef-s 55-250 would fit your requirements. I believe it costs around 11k

[Torqueguru]

@Shaju
I sold it for $4400. Yes, keeping it any longer, especially since I am working on a lot of cinematography work now, didnt make sense as the price is only gonna fall further. Should be in by mid February.

[wildsdi5530]

Which 50 mm lens should I buy for my Nikon D3100? I currently have only the kit lens. The camera is used to take photoes of children and family. Also of social events that I attend like weddings, birthday parties, etc.
Or should I go for a 35 mm?
I am a newbie to DSLR and am looking to dent my wallet the least.

[gd1418]

You've a lot of choice

50mm f/1.2 (manual focus)
50mm f/1.4g AF-S
50mm f/1.8g AF-S
50mm f/1.8d AF

Just check the compatibility of the D lens with the 3100. The autofocus might not work.

You seem to have a deep pocket mate. How about lending me some so that I can atlas get the 200~400mm f/4?

Originally Posted by wildsdi5530

Which 50 mm lens should I buy for my Nikon D3100? I currently have only the kit lens. The camera is used to take photoes of children and family. Also of social events that I attend like weddings, birthday parties, etc.
Or should I go for a 35 mm?
I am a newbie to DSLR and am looking to dent my wallet the least.