msbarnes
Well-known
I'm looking for an AF camera to use for portraits: Available light and strobes.
I know that these are two opposite cameras but I like characteristics from both.
Contax
+Legendary optics
+Lack of Mirror
Nikon
+Viewfinder
+Autofocus
I'm mostly interested in a 35mm and 45mm/50mm, then some short/moderate telephoto (85mm/90mm/105mm) so lens selection is not a crutch for me.
For those of you who have had both (or a similar AF SLR camera), which do you prefer for this application? My thinking is that they are both suitable nd it's really choosing priorities between RF vs SLR advantages and if you can deal with the G2 viewfinder.
I know that these are two opposite cameras but I like characteristics from both.
Contax
+Legendary optics
+Lack of Mirror
Nikon
+Viewfinder
+Autofocus
I'm mostly interested in a 35mm and 45mm/50mm, then some short/moderate telephoto (85mm/90mm/105mm) so lens selection is not a crutch for me.
For those of you who have had both (or a similar AF SLR camera), which do you prefer for this application? My thinking is that they are both suitable nd it's really choosing priorities between RF vs SLR advantages and if you can deal with the G2 viewfinder.
Sylvester
Well-known
I would choose the G2 because I've always wanted one, but check if it can synchronize with your strobes before...
Moriturii
Well-known
Buy both, sell the one that you don't like and get your money back. It's not a brand new digital camera that instantly falls in value, just check the price the camera goes for, buy it for the same price and decide which one you like the most.
larmarv916
Well-known
I would suggest that the G2 will give you a more natural feeling of volume and also there is a very iconic image quality consistent quality of detail and transition from sharp out to defocus is a much finer almost dream like mist. The little focus wheel on the G2 allows for ultra fine shifting from one focus point to another. I have owned some very great nikon equipment and the F100 was never a choice for me or anyone that was serious about Nikon film cameras. Good luck
Both are great cameras, but only you can make the decision...use both. (I do disagree, the F100 is probably the best value in an AF Nikon film camera...by far...and many people love it.)
N.delaRua
Well-known
F100 is a great, great camera. Built like a tank, not too big with out the battery grip, and reliable. Great meter, you can accurately and easily use manual focus lenses. Beautiful finder for an AF camera.
Don't sell Nikons optics short, they have some stellar lenses in their lineup. I think the F100 is a much much cheaper system. They have exotics like 85 mm f/1.4 to complete zooms.
F100s can be had for nothing nowadays...
Don't sell Nikons optics short, they have some stellar lenses in their lineup. I think the F100 is a much much cheaper system. They have exotics like 85 mm f/1.4 to complete zooms.
F100s can be had for nothing nowadays...
mfogiel
Veteran
The main problem with portraits is correct and easy focusing and composing, which I think rules out the Contax. I am currently using an F100+135/2 DC for street portraits, but when I have checked, for example, my Nikkor 50/1.4 for focus accuracy wide open, it is completely off. Another point worth noting, is that for portraiture not having a camera with a lightmeter is actually more indicated, this way you are forced to use a handheld meter for incident light measurement, which helps a lot in contre jour. My personal advice would be a LEICAFLEX SL , with a Summilux 50 and Summicron 90. If you think Summilux is too expensive, then Summicron 50 or Macro Elmarit 60 would round it out. Leicaflex is a camera with a fantastic VF, and the one I have focuses well with most of Leica R lenses.
F100+135/2 @f4.0
20125029 by mfogiel, on Flickr
F100+135/2 @f4.0
20125029 by mfogiel, on Flickr
sepiareverb
genius and moron
Completely agree. And I was going to recommend the 105/2 DC, one of the best Nikkors ever computed for portraits. G2 is smaller but noisier, and the F100 with the 105/2 may be a bit heavier but is faster and will handle just as well if not better so would be easier for portraits IMO.
Eric T
Well-known
The F100 would be far more versatile. It may largely depend on what you like to photograph.
FrankS
Registered User
If you are considering Nikon, there are other models that deliver better bang for the buck. I'd go with F, F2, F3, F4, or 801s as better value than the F100. Just my opinion. See my signature.
GaryLH
Veteran
As much as I love my g2, for portrait work that requires accurate framing, I tend to use an SLR.
Gary
GaryLH
Veteran
Yes, F100s are huge values for the money. The 105 DC is a great match, much heavier than a G2 with 90 of course, but excellent handling.
If you are wanting autofocus, you could go cheaper (N90) but you won't get anything better...
If you are wanting autofocus, you could go cheaper (N90) but you won't get anything better...
FrankS
Registered User
801s's are available for less than 50 easily, and for a bit over 100, you can get an F, F2, or F3. I've owned an F100 and was not so impressed by it.
Gerry M
Gerry
An F2 or F3 for a "bit over 100" should be a super buy. Maybe your market is even softer than what I've seen. I have F2A and F100, and am impressed with both. More so than I was with my F3. Probably just me.
Gerry
Haigh
Gary Haigh
I am an M4 user but I also use an F100. The latter focusses and fires very quickly which is useful in portraiture.
ianstamatic
Well-known
I have contax g1 nikon and contax slr.
If i could keep one it would be the contax because the glass is just in another league.
I find focusing absolutely no problem. The camera is light weight non intrusive and simple and to use.
If i want to photograph close up beauty i will use mamiya rz pro or contax slr with 100mm macro or nikon f3 85 1.4. With strobes im normally shooting around f8 give or take a stop or two
Contax g1
If i could keep one it would be the contax because the glass is just in another league.
I find focusing absolutely no problem. The camera is light weight non intrusive and simple and to use.
If i want to photograph close up beauty i will use mamiya rz pro or contax slr with 100mm macro or nikon f3 85 1.4. With strobes im normally shooting around f8 give or take a stop or two
Contax g1
kanzlr
Hexaneur
The G2 is a fabulous travel camera, but I would never use it in the studio as long as I have SLRs available.
The G2 will work. But using the SLR viewfinder will be easier in the Studio.
No parallax, big view, easy focussing.
The G2 can of course use radio triggers in the hotshoe. And it has AF
The G2 will work. But using the SLR viewfinder will be easier in the Studio.
No parallax, big view, easy focussing.
The G2 can of course use radio triggers in the hotshoe. And it has AF
jazzwave
Well-known
I prefer F100 (SLR) for portrait or model shot. Flexibitity to choose more option lens: Nikon AF 50, 85, 105, 24-70 zoom or 70-200 for outdoor shot. If you still want to use Zeiss lens you can use Zeiss ZF mount for Nikon.
And you can use many strobist equipment in market that will working propherly on F100 , even the cheap china made.
I frequent use the G for street photo, because size matter (with a good 45/2 lens ) and F5 for model shot.
And you can use many strobist equipment in market that will working propherly on F100 , even the cheap china made.
I frequent use the G for street photo, because size matter (with a good 45/2 lens ) and F5 for model shot.
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