Topic: Nikon F6 or FM2n

[DaveO]

     I have posted this on three other forums and have not received one reply. I wish to take some pictures of my new grandson on a film camera. I have a Nikon SB22s speedlight. Would I be better off using the FM2n with the auto mode on the speedlight or with the ttl mode on the F6? I wish to use my Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 lens and Nikkor AIS 105mm f/2.8 lens. I know the F6 can be programmed to use these lenses. I bought the user manual for the F6 on the internet, so I can probably figure out how to do it.  Which camera would give me better results? Also trying to decide between Kodak Gold 200 or Ektar 100 film. Ektar would probably be better for these lenses. I am also taking my D80 and 85mm f/1.8 lens with me.

DaveO

[Pete_R]

I'd recommend the Ektar (as it's the only colour film I use these days).

I think I'd also recommend ditching the flash and using natural light.

As for which camera to use, whichever you're more familiar and comfortable with.

And did I say I'd ditch the flash? Just in case I didn't, I think you should ditch the flash.

[DaveO]

    That's the same reply about the flash that I finally received on another forum. He said to just put him near a window and use my FM2n. I am tempted to take both cameras. The F6 has such a superb meter. He recommended Porta 400, but I don't have any. They do have a really good camera store in Nashville though. It's called Dury's, I may drop by and get some to try, maybe even the 160 ISO too.  Where I live there are no camera stores, only drug stores who carry some film.

DaveO

[choppert]

Me know nothing of flash.

My only advice would be to take loads of film and loads of photos.  You don't want to miss some photos of your Grandson because you'd run out.

Film costs bugger all when compared to an album full of great photos of a growing little chap.

I hear on the grapevine, however, that flash-ditching is the new Thursday, which in turn, I believe, is the new Saturday.

Clear as crystal!

[Late Developer]

I've got an F5 and it is absolutely full of gizmos. The meter is arguably the best that Nikon has ever produced. I can programme it to have all sorts of custom menus and do all manner of tricks. Y'know what, I've loaned to a mate of mine and I now use my F2S and Nikkormat FTn instead when I want an SLR. For me , there's nothing better than a match-needle or a couple of little red LEDs to tell you it's just about correctly exposed. Then you can + or - to get the effect you want.

Putting the little fella next to a window and, perhaps, having a nice big piece of white card to use as a reflector - to push some light back into the shadow areas - will produce immeasurably better results than any flash - even if the flash is bounced off ceilings / walls. Flash is, for most people, just a bit too harsh for portraits and it kills mood.

Flash tends to be used in studios because it's extremely controllable and helps the photographer to get razor sharp images - which is not always what good portraiture is about, IMHO, unless you want it to look like something out of "Hello!"

The FM2n will also save you a lot of money (purchase and also batteries), be a lot more portable and save you having to read "war and peace" user manuals.

[Francois]

As you can tell, we're all about keeping things simple.

A complicated solution invariably creates a messy situation. The last thing you want is to have to figure out how things work as you go...

[astrobeck]

I agree with the others, and especially ditch the flash.
Ektar is all I use these days too, and keeping it simple will probalby result in the best shots of the grandson without making him all figitty and impatient while waiting on Grandpa to click the shutter.

Be sure to share some of the results.

Good luck!

[DS]

I'd just keep it super simple and use the camera and lens you feel most comfortable with. Bringing too much gear just stops me concentrating as I always feel like i should be using something else.

Personally I wouldn't use flash either- but that's just mostly cos I don't understand it, can't use it properly and I'm way too lazy to learn- not because I'm ideologically opposed to it (people do some great stuff with off camera flash balanced with ambient light that occasionally leaves me awestruck)- With a 1.4 lens and 400 film you won't really need it.

[Skorj]

No comment on the camera, but can certainly comment on the Ektar! In detail too:

Kodak Ektar Review.

A glorious film! Skj.

[Nigel]

I'm obviously missing something with the Ektar, I have to admit I'm an Ektar virgin! 

[Jeff Warden]

Complete agreement about the Ektar.  It's the good stuff.

I've yet to take a picture with a flash that I like, especially if there is a person in the image.  Good luck!

Jeff

[Mojave]

Ektar is my favorite color film, by far, but it has color cast issues with certain skin tones. I used it for my color shots of my new granddaughter and had to do some adjusting in PS to tone down the magenta and red color casts. And thats with the 120 format, which doesnt play with the color as much as the 35mm Ektar does. Now, I have noticed that these color casts usually only happen in bright sunlight. If you are taking window light portraits, you may not have that problem, even with the 35mm format. Portra is actually a better film for shooting people. At least, from what I have found, but Ektar is my favorite and I never buy Portra so I just adjust the color casts in PS.

[DaveO]

     I didn't mention when I started this topic that I have an led source light that gives off 40W. There are about 25 leds in it. Has anyone here used one of these to illuminate a subject. It is supposed to be 5600K in temperature. Would this be better than a flash or should I not use any outside lighting?

[Late Developer]

Dave, it's not just the colour temperature, it's the fact that flash and any sort of artificial light creates shadows that are just "different" to what you'd get from daylight. Even taking portraits in daylight can be a pain - especially in direct sunlight where the sitter ends up with slitty eyes, squinting because they can't open them due to the intensity of the light.

Many photographers and painters prefer studios with north facing windows - because the light doesn't come flooding in directly from the sun, it's more diffuse. Wedding photographers (and I speak as someone who did this commercially in the early 1980's) hate bright, sunny days as it was all but impossible to meter for the contrast between the bride's white dress and the groom's suit.

The best advice I can give is have a go with what tools you buy and have to hand and see whether you like it. As it's your grandchild, you'll get many opportunities to vary the kit / technique over the coming months and years and you'll find a kit / look that's right for you. But, whatever you do.....

DITCH THE FLASH