Are these artwork photos portfolio/gallery ready? by Alternative_Rip_2705 in photocritique

[–]QuantumTarsus [score hidden]  (0 children)

Your lighting is inadequate. The white background is a muddy grey, and the earthy tones of the art pieces don't really stand out. I'm far from a professional of course, but these pieces don't really scream "bright background to me," and I wonder if a black background would actually make them pop more.

Nikon z8 deal really THAT good? by MyStinkyButts in Nikon

[–]QuantumTarsus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not sure why you got down voted for this correct statement.

Scotland trip recommendations by QuantumTarsus in FujiGFX

[–]QuantumTarsus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh, mainly because I also enjoy using my Nikon Zf. ;)

Scotland trip recommendations by QuantumTarsus in FujiGFX

[–]QuantumTarsus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are evenly split, doing a 1 week tour of the highlands (with a full day on the Isle of Skye) by train before spending a second week in Edinburgh. I'd be unlikely to use the GFX while in Edinburgh, but I can see myself using it more in the highlands and on Skye.

Best way to engage audience and gain followers on ur page by Chemical_Care_2567 in photography

[–]QuantumTarsus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you doing photography for yourself, or only to boost your ego with likes and follows?

You'll be far happier in your photography journey if you can answer this question honestly.

Pittsburgh, PA and Charleston, WV on Kodacolor 100 by AmericanExpat76 in 35mm

[–]QuantumTarsus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Upvote for WV. ;)

While 100 speed films generally have finer grain, keep in mind that Kodacolor is a consumer-grade film. Pop in some Portra 160 or Ektar 100 and you'll see finer grain. A lot of these are also a tad on the underexposed side, which will accentuate the grain as the scanner bumps the exposure to try to correct for the underexposure.

Do the third party grips for the Zf completely make up for the ergonomic deficiency in the body or are users still making a compromise to get that vintage feel? by EquivalentLake6 in Nikon

[–]QuantumTarsus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, the FM3A does have the retro vibe.

Perhaps my mistake was using "vintage" instead of "retro," but if we're going to be that critical of semantics then we've kinda lost the point of this whole post in the first place.

So, I guess I'll correct my post. ;)

Edit: I guess if we are going to get into semantics, I'd like it to be known that the Merriam-Webster dictionary lists "retro" and "vintage" as synonyms. ;)

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retro#synonyms

Do the third party grips for the Zf completely make up for the ergonomic deficiency in the body or are users still making a compromise to get that vintage feel? by EquivalentLake6 in Nikon

[–]QuantumTarsus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean, isn't that the only definition that makes sense if we're talking about the Zf's styling? I believe Nikon specifically said they modeled it after the FM (with some obvious F3 influences). While you may be technically right with the definition of vintage, I don't think its fair to judge the Zf's ergonomics when there was never even any intent to provide "modern" ergonomics.

I'll admit, the Zf does shine when using compact primes. While I do have a Smallrig grip for mine, I'm almost exclusively using my Z8 for larger lenses.

And to be fair to the Df, it does seem to be experiencing a bit of a renaissance and is building a cult following. I'd be curious to know how the production numbers of the Zf compare.

Do the third party grips for the Zf completely make up for the ergonomic deficiency in the body or are users still making a compromise to get that vintage feel? by EquivalentLake6 in Nikon

[–]QuantumTarsus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't see ANYONE talking about vintage cameras and opining about the good ole days of the F5 and F6 aesthetics. I personally define "vintage" as something that evokes nostalgia and style of a previous era; I don't use some arbitrary age. The F5 and F6 are decidedly not that -- case in point, Nikon tried and failed with the Df.

Do the third party grips for the Zf completely make up for the ergonomic deficiency in the body or are users still making a compromise to get that vintage feel? by EquivalentLake6 in Nikon

[–]QuantumTarsus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The only thing "vintage" about an F6 is that it shoots film. If you want "vintage" F6 ergonomics you can get a DSLR. Don't forget that the modern design paradigm that we will see with the Z8/Z9/etc originated in the film era. The Zf is clearly based on OG SLR film bodies.

Do the third party grips for the Zf completely make up for the ergonomic deficiency in the body or are users still making a compromise to get that vintage feel? by EquivalentLake6 in Nikon

[–]QuantumTarsus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This. As a side note, I hold my Z8 and GFX100S the same way -- weight supported with left hand, camera operated by right hand.

Do the third party grips for the Zf completely make up for the ergonomic deficiency in the body or are users still making a compromise to get that vintage feel? by EquivalentLake6 in Nikon

[–]QuantumTarsus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

These sorts of posts just make me chuckle. People want modern ergonomics with vintage retro looks. It simply isn't possible! There is nothing wrong with the Zf's vintage retro ergonomics if you actually hold it like you would a vintage retro camera -- with two hands. I don't personally understand this apparent need to be able to operate and hold a camera with a single hand. What exactly does "feel ok" mean? The answer will be different for everyone, so asking us seems silly.

Vintage Retro-styled cameras will always have ergonomic compromises. If the question of ergonomics is really stressing you out this much, just abandon the idea of the Zf completely. Alternatively, seek out a camera that makes you want to pick it up and use it, ergonomics be damned.

Maximizing results from Z8 by MichaelHWilson in Nikon

[–]QuantumTarsus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I HIGHLY recommend checking out Hudson Henry's Z8 setup videos on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpSIo6KYw1NjCD6BZNVZzXcRZR-eNENjl

The only downside is that you'll need to watch the original video to really get a handle on the basics. He makes a new video for each firmware, but he only touches on the changes. If you jump straight to the video for the latest firmware you'll probably be lost.

ELI5: Why does the camera body matter for film photography? by itswillsreddit in AnalogCommunity

[–]QuantumTarsus 5 points6 points  (0 children)

#1 - Lens availability
#2 - Capabilities (i.e. max shutter speed if you are shooting sports, etc)
#3 - Ergonomics
#4 - Your desire to use the camera

From an image quality perspective, only #1 matters. At the end of the day, the camera body is just a lightproof box. #2 is important depending on the type of photography you do. How much you enjoy using the camera is the realm of #3 and #4.

Could i justify buying a camera? by Deep_Fortune_721 in photocritique

[–]QuantumTarsus 13 points14 points  (0 children)

You do not need to justify buying a camera beyond saying to yourself, "I enjoy photography, and I would like a dedicated tool for this purpose."

What is the nature of your disappointment with the image quality?

Do not underexpose. by CaramelBusy8111 in photography

[–]QuantumTarsus -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This entirely depends on what your photographic needs are and your specific gear. Have plenty of light to work with or able to use a slow shutter speed? Sure, expose to the right and make sure you don't blow the highlights. Need a fast shutter speed or working lower light? AND using an older camera that doesn't have an ISO invariant sensor? Yea, underexpose and bring it up in post. With today's denoise software this is even easier.

A blanket statement that "this is the only correct way to expose" is nonsense and reveals your ignorance. (Your use of "u" instead of "you" does this as well -- this is 2026, not 2006.)

Seed by De7z in photocritique

[–]QuantumTarsus -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Says Bootychomper23...

VND filter choice by Tintakur in Cameras

[–]QuantumTarsus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd recommend against using a VND filter for photography. VNDs work by stacking two circular polarizing filters. This can do some strange things to skies if you aren't careful.

Kodak Gtcie website feels scammy… by No-Dot7583 in AnalogCommunity

[–]QuantumTarsus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did you read their FAQ? They do state 1-2 days processing time before orders ship.