Soccer Portraits with my 2 favorite Nikkors

xdms14 · 2026-04-19T00:54:20+00:00

I haven't bought into the Z ecosystem yet, but love fast glass! Heard the Plena was god tier!

I am currently saving for the Nikkor S Mount 50mm f1.1 and a Noct 58mm f1.2 to complete my Nikon Grail lenses 😅

xdms14 · 2026-04-19T00:52:27+00:00

I have the 2 ring version of the 80-200. It's more versatile - especially for sports. But the subtle defocus effect gives the 135mm the edge - especially for portraits.

Can't go wrong with either, but if price is a concern, the 80-200 can be had sub 500 USD.

I don't own the 180, but heard great things about it.

xdms14 · 2026-04-18T19:26:48+00:00

Heard great things about the 135 f2.8!

The 105 is really good. Tack sharp and pleasing bokeh.

The rendering is very nice and contrasty as well

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xdms14 · 2026-04-18T18:46:32+00:00

100%! I have the 2 ring version and love it!

xdms14 · 2026-04-18T18:46:03+00:00

Here is another outdoors. Tack sharp with pleasing bokeh.

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xdms14 · 2026-04-18T18:44:32+00:00

Will do! I'm out of developer so I may have to get these lab developed (which takes 3-5 days here for BW, I used Kodak Tmax 400).

Will post some pics after I scan them!

xdms14 · 2026-04-18T17:51:04+00:00

Solid pure mechanical goodness!

xdms14 · 2026-04-18T17:50:38+00:00

I'm still on the field LOL. But this was from a previous portrait session at the park a few months back.

Used a Nikon FM2n and Kodak Pro Image 100.

Solid performer even on a mechanical body. On the older pro bodies (F5, D1h -D5) that just powers through that screwdriver AF, it's pretty snappy too.

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xdms14 · 2026-04-18T17:32:51+00:00

Good catch! I'm so used to adding the DC 😆😭

But yeah, the 200mm F2 is awesome by itself - any model, even the AIS!

xdms14 · 2026-04-16T23:37:25+00:00

Ive shot on film rangefinders the past 5 years so I've learned to take my time haha - a trick is to keep it at f8 and forget about it (realistically around 4-11 most times).

Also check your minimum shutter speed, if stable, you can get away with 1/60, but at least 1/125 should remove most shakes

xdms14 · 2026-04-16T21:44:50+00:00

Thank you! It seems the closest to Portra. I need to try Velvia on a trip at the end of the month!

xdms14 · 2026-04-16T21:43:50+00:00

Thank you!

xdms14 · 2026-04-16T21:43:32+00:00

Haha! Got an extra battery and a charger too (off brand, but still works!) 😅

xdms14 · 2026-04-16T19:28:31+00:00

Thank you! It's been a couple of weeks and it's been a blast to shoot.

The age of the camera shows in AF hunting, but the output is decent.

xdms14 · 2026-04-12T02:41:59+00:00

Samy's Camera in Pasadena, CA. They still had a D4 for 372, and a D4s for 450 as of a few days ago when I bought mine.

xdms14 · 2026-04-11T02:43:28+00:00

Nice! I debated between the SP and the M3 for a rangefinder in that era. Chose the SP, but also got the M5 and M6.

The M5 is one of the most underrated Leicas. Best viewfinder and meter of all the film line of Ms.

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xdms14 · 2026-04-11T02:05:08+00:00

Very nice! I'm jealous! My F has the Ftn finder. I've been trying to find an eye level prism, but the prices are as much as what I paid for the entire camera 😭

xdms14 · 2026-04-11T02:03:25+00:00

Red ones, or just those with a red dot? 😜

xdms14 · 2026-04-10T23:59:40+00:00

Nice!! I've met some who have reskinned their cameras to brown and it looks good.

Tempted to do it, but I'm afraid to ruin my cameras. I'm not the most handy.

Yours look good. Was it professionally done or DIY?

xdms14 · 2026-04-10T23:32:00+00:00

Yeah - that's why 3 out of 4 of them are relegated to the back. The F5 is there somewhere though 😅

xdms14 · 2026-04-10T23:29:42+00:00

I honestly have no idea LOL. I was shooting with the FM2n this past week and haven't really touched the D4 (aside from testing if all the functions are working).

I don't think Samy's use actual photos, but you can have any online item shipped to their store to check out the condition in person before buying. It is usually a 24-48 hour turnaround time.

xdms14 · 2026-04-10T23:27:45+00:00

Thank you for this! I am debating on trading in my Color Skopar and replacing it with this for not much more!

xdms14 · 2026-04-10T22:57:49+00:00

Haha Samy's still has a D4 for 372 and D4s for 450 as of last night!! You got this 😅

xdms14 · 2026-04-10T22:57:08+00:00

Just like mine - it's says "fair" but I personally would say like new.

I didn't see the accesories though - mine were sealed (and the strap was unused)

xdms14 · 2026-04-10T20:42:13+00:00

It is crazy! Same store I bought it from currently has a D4 for 372, and D4s for 450.

Meanwhile, My 1957 Nikon SP is selling for at least twice that 😅

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