On Tue, 7 Jan 2003 11:06:00 +0100, "Kris" <kris.vandevijver@viveo-cognitive-systems.com> wrote:

>Currently I have a Nikon F-301/N2000 body (released in '85) with a

>Nikkor 24-85mm/f2.8 D lens.

One of the nicest inexpensive motor-drive bodies Nikon

ever made... It also runs "forever" on a set of batteries

(unlike the newer ones), and never misloads film with

the auto load (unlike newer ones...). It also has the quiet

manual rewind (unlike most of the newer bodies), is compact,

with a sharp finder, and feels good in the hand...

>Usually I use 'Aperture Priority' when shooting pictures and I manually

>correct when I think it's necessary, using the 'automatic light metering

>blocking button' (don't know the exact name in English) or the 'exposure

>compensation' button. I also just bought a Nikon SB-50DX. It's going to be

>my first time working with flash fotography.

>

>But now my questions.

>

>Lately, I'm wondering whether I would benefit from a new body.

>Why ?

>- AF

Not unless you cannot see the viewing screen of the N2000

sharply...

>- certain functions like 'automatic bracketing' seem interesting

Not really necessary; just a film-waster unless you don't

"get" exposure principles...

>- also, the 'flash output level compensation' on the SB-50dx does not work

>with my body

THIS is a useful feature, for controlling fill-ratio with

TTL flash - though the same thing can be accomplished

using flash auto-mode and setting the ASA high on the flash

by the amount of underexposure you want from the flash...

Look for a used 8008, which has this feature and it is also

one of Nikon's best bodies...

>- maybe most importantly, I think the metering systems on the newer bodies

>are better (matrix/spot metering vs plain center-weighted on my body).

Nope! Spot metering is the "quick way to poor exposure",

unless you take the time to properly meter and place tones,

a bit silly for fast-shooting 35-mm style, though...

"Matrix" is the quick way to having no idea what to base

compensations on... Best for most purposes for easily

obtaining good exposures: the metering system you already

have...

>- more different shutter speeds are possible as well as more possible

>aperture settings

????????

The aperture ring can be set ANYWHERE on the N2000 - it

is infinitely variable; you are unlikely to use higher

shutter speeds than the N2000 provides; slower speeds can

be timed by you on "B"; the 1/250th flash synch of some

newer bodies is useful, though (like on the 8008...).

>- probably other things as well... (like what?)

I prefer a matte-centered VF screen and somewhat better

edge VF sharpness (8008...) - and lately "floaters"

have made MF difficult, so good AF is now (DARN!!!)

useful to me (F100...).

>What's your opinion?

I just found a mint N2000 body - I will not make the

mistake of parting with one again...! ;-)

>Is all (or most) of this correct ?

No - see above...;-)

>And what about the new body? Should I consider it or just stay with the old

>F301-N2000 ? Or go for a F70 or F80 or another body?

Avoid the 70/90 if you value sharp VFs... Add a good

used 8008 (not "s", for better center-weighted metering),

to take advantage of its flash capabilities...

>All input is welcome!!