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More rambling from an old man.

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Miss tilly

Miss tilly

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I have been enjoying the big changes in photo technology recently, phone v camera!

My iPhone X takes very nice pictures, conveniently and consistently. Do I enjoy the experience, well, mixed would be a fair assessment, the convenience and ‘stick it in your pocket’ aspect is great, however something is missing, the framing, the settings, the shutter sound and the sheer enjoyment that brings is missing. This of course comes back to my thread title, I am of a generation that these things matter, to the younger generation they do not exist, sad but true.

Recently I decided to sell all of my photo gear (too much) with the exception of my J5. This camera takes superb pictures but does not fulfil totally the enjoyment element. This got me thinking about the cameras I enjoyed using the most. I have therefore decided to get another V1. It is the camera I have enjoyed most over the years and the V1 always figured. I still have some lenses so it is not a big financial investment. The Nikon 1 cameras seem to have a fatal fascination for me so I am looking forward to just enjoying the experience.
 
In my opinion, there is a distinction between picture taking tool vs photography tool. Today's smartphones are a wonderful picture taking tool, but they are not a photography tool. V1 has limitation when it comes to picture taking comparing to today's smartphone camera, but it's a beautifully designed photography tool.

Much like back in the film days, at one point I have a Konica Z-up power zoom point and shoot and also a Pentax Spotmatic with busted light meter. The Konica was a good picture taker, but I would always prefer the photography experience of using my Pentax Spotmatic. (and still do these days).....so yeah it must be an old man thing :-)
 
I'm another rambling old man. I use my iPhone (an 11 now) for utility photos - things my wife sends me out to buy that have to be the exact product, identification plates on appliances when I need to buy a part, strange things I see while shopping or waiting in line somewhere, etc. And rarely an actual photo when I don't have a camera, like these animal tracks

7c836caa918342ecbce086042dc4dc70.jpg

For my "real" photography I much prefer a "real" camera. But I never considered myself a gear head over all the years ranging from Nikkormat FTN to D7200.

Then I stumbled into the Nikon 1 system. I don't know what it is about these cameras and lenses that I keep buying even when don't need any more of them. I've got V1, V2, V3 and J5 bodies - each model unique with likes and dislikes. I enjoy using all of them and find their various features useful in different situations.

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You can see a lot just by looking.
WSSA #449
 
Yet another old guy here. I have way more photo equipment than I need and and really struggle sometimes not to add more. I have a 6 year old iPhone and the battery is starting to fail so I will probably upgrade soon. I use my phone to document my work (yeah, still working full time) and for all the other social snaps that we all do. It’s always with me and accessible but I don’t enjoy taking photos with it. I was a first year adopter of the N1 system with a V1and still have it as well as 3 more. I have more recently gotten a J5 and a V2 but I just don’t use them much, preferring the V1s. I also still have my prior DSLR gear and ventured into the Z system with a Z50 and kit lenses and while the IQ, especially at high ISO, is definitely superior to my 12 year V1, I still prefer the experience of using the V1.

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Regards, Paul
Lili's Dad
WSSA Member #450
 
Last edited:
Miss tilly said:
I have been enjoying the big changes in photo technology recently, phone v camera!

My iPhone X takes very nice pictures, conveniently and consistently. Do I enjoy the experience, well, mixed would be a fair assessment, the convenience and ‘stick it in your pocket’ aspect is great, however something is missing, the framing, the settings, the shutter sound and the sheer enjoyment that brings is missing. This of course comes back to my thread title, I am of a generation that these things matter, to the younger generation they do not exist, sad but true.

Recently I decided to sell all of my photo gear (too much) with the exception of my J5. This camera takes superb pictures but does not fulfil totally the enjoyment element. This got me thinking about the cameras I enjoyed using the most. I have therefore decided to get another V1. It is the camera I have enjoyed most over the years and the V1 always figured. I still have some lenses so it is not a big financial investment. The Nikon 1 cameras seem to have a fatal fascination for me so I am looking forward to just enjoying the experience.
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Like you (and I suspect others who lurk on the dpreview website forums) I don't really get any joy from taking photos with my cellphone. I have no doubt computer technology and AI have improved photos being produced by today's cellphones, but when I create what I consider a great photo with one of my cameras I know that at least had some input with how that photo looks, and did not rely on technology.

I happened upon the Nikon 1 cameras somewhat by accident, winning an auction at shopgoodwill.com for a J1 and a 10mm-30mm lens. Having owned a number of DSLR and now mirrorless cameras over the years (I still have my D500), I was amazed at the petite size of the J1 and lens. My interest in the system was piqued and I went out and bought a V2, along with a few more Nikon 1 lenses. I enjoy using these cameras (I have since sold the J1) and they are great when you want to travel light but still get good results.

I enjoy taking photos of birds, and the 2.7 crop factor with F mount lenses is frankly a lot of fun. My cell phone will soon need replacing (It's about 5 years old at this point),and the next phone I buy will undoubtedly have a better camera than my current cellphone but I will likely continue to carry around some other camera,
 
not been using the old Nikon's much but more my aged Fuji X100, looking forward to some autumn/winter bird shooting with the J3 and V1

piccy of Derek with the Fuji



6449f114a0a441bbbe9313a54a9e6c33.jpg



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the computer says no
 
You seem to be adding to a long list of people returning to the V1. I hope you continue to enjoy it.

I haven’t used mine much recently because I tend to take most photos when away in our Camper. Have a very small bag stuffed with a V3, the 70-300 and sone other N1 lenses ( the repaired or mor resilient ones )

With the majority here on phones: but I do use it for snaps eg friends and family, tourist stuff in when there are lots of people about, out and about, talking the dog for a walk.etc. Very annoying to use and always wish for the long focal lengths of a camera as well but at least it’s 28mm which is about my favourite focal length. Not interested in anything more complicated larger or expensive than my iPhone SE 2020
 
Richard Dutton said:
....... it for snaps eg friends and family, tourist stuff in when there are lots of people about, out and about, talking the dog for a walk.etc. Very annoying to use and always wish for the long focal lengths of a camera as well but at least it’s 28mm which is about my favourite focal length. Not interested in anything more complicated larger or expensive than my iPhone SE 2020
Click to expand...
I use J5 or Pana ZS60 when I'm taking my dog out; having too many mis-moments from phone not waking up quick enough. For daily dog walking, I typically carry J5 with 10mm or 10-30mm PD. If I think there is chance encountering little critters like roadrunner or woodpeckers or if I need to use EVF (like it's way too bright outside), I would grab ZS60 instead.
 
I have a V1, a J5, 18.5, 10-30 VR, 10-30 PD, 10-
100 VR, 6.7-13.
So far, I've kept everything except the FT1 adapter.
I bought a Pixel 7, which takes impressive photos, even at night.
But I'm like you: I don't enjoy taking photos with a phone, especially as it has a tendency to "embellish" photos, so I don't see the reality of what I've seen.
I like the V1 and its viewfinder, but the J5's sensor is so much better that it's the one I've preferred to take on trips so far.
That said, even after all this time, I still can't get used to the lack of a viewfinder. As a result, before every trip, I'm torn between two options: take the V1, for the viewfinder, but with poorer image quality, or the J5, whose quality is exceptional, but without the viewfinder.
I always end up choosing the J5.
That said, for me, who practically only takes photos on trips, the smartphone is so much more practical that I'm going to end up carrying only it.
Times are changing...
 
PTMcH said:
In my opinion, there is a distinction between picture taking tool vs photography tool. Today's smartphones are a wonderful picture taking tool, but they are not a photography tool. V1 has limitation when it comes to picture taking comparing to today's smartphone camera, but it's a beautifully designed photography tool.

Much like back in the film days, at one point I have a Konica Z-up power zoom point and shoot and also a Pentax Spotmatic with busted light meter. The Konica was a good picture taker, but I would always prefer the photography experience of using my Pentax Spotmatic. (and still do these days).....so yeah it must be an old man thing :-)
Click to expand...
You can't imagine how wrong you are in your simplified conclusion. There is no such thing as "photography tool". Everything you can take pictures with is a "photography tool", assuming you mean a camera as "photography tool". The rest depends on your tool and yourself, as well as what you are taking photograph of. Of course, a simple camera have a lot of limitations, but none the less, it is still a "photography tool".

I also don't agree with any "old man thing". We are all individuals, some people are old when they are 40 some not even when they are 70 or more. Age wise I am "old"(-ish) since I am 67+, but health wise definitely not. Luckily everything is fine in the head office department as well. :-)

I am just about to retire, my last day of employment will be the 31st December, and since I never had a phone (always had company phone) and today you can't live without a smart phone, I had to buy one. I checked which one would I like and ended up with a Samsung S23 Ultra with 512GB memory. One of the reason I selected this phone is the camera and all the photography and video related functions. I received the phone this Sunday, so I am no expert yet, but I can immediately see that the phone beats almost any small dedicated camera hands down. It has excellent optical zoom, optical image stabilisation, real AF, follow target AF, multipoint AF, excellent macro and even takes raw if you want to. Anyway, my point is that this can just as well replace many "real" cameras, and is definitely a "photography tool" for the right job. There is no "one size fit all" photography tool anyway, and of course, it has it's limitations, but that is also true for every other camera, even my Z7, regardless of the lens I have on it.
 
olyflyer said:
PTMcH said:
In my opinion, there is a distinction between picture taking tool vs photography tool. Today's smartphones are a wonderful picture taking tool, but they are not a photography tool. V1 has limitation when it comes to picture taking comparing to today's smartphone camera, but it's a beautifully designed photography tool.

Much like back in the film days, at one point I have a Konica Z-up power zoom point and shoot and also a Pentax Spotmatic with busted light meter. The Konica was a good picture taker, but I would always prefer the photography experience of using my Pentax Spotmatic. (and still do these days).....so yeah it must be an old man thing :-)
Click to expand...
You can't imagine how wrong you are in your simplified conclusion. There is no such thing as "photography tool". Everything you can take pictures with is a "photography tool", assuming you mean a camera as "photography tool". The rest depends on your tool and yourself, as well as what you are taking photograph of. Of course, a simple camera have a lot of limitations, but none the less, it is still a "photography tool".

I also don't agree with any "old man thing". We are all individuals, some people are old when they are 40 some not even when they are 70 or more. Age wise I am "old"(-ish) since I am 67+, but health wise definitely not. Luckily everything is fine in the head office department as well. :-)

I am just about to retire, my last day of employment will be the 31st December, and since I never had a phone (always had company phone) and today you can't live without a smart phone, I had to buy one. I checked which one would I like and ended up with a Samsung S23 Ultra with 512GB memory. One of the reason I selected this phone is the camera and all the photography and video related functions. I received the phone this Sunday, so I am no expert yet, but I can immediately see that the phone beats almost any small dedicated camera hands down. It has excellent optical zoom, optical image stabilisation, real AF, follow target AF, multipoint AF, excellent macro and even takes raw if you want to. Anyway, my point is that this can just as well replace many "real" cameras, and is definitely a "photography tool" for the right job. There is no "one size fit all" photography tool anyway, and of course, it has it's limitations, but that is also true for every other camera, even my Z7, regardless of the lens I have on it.
Click to expand...
It's just my opinion...each to their own.
 
Yes André, times are changing. I use my phone a lot, like you, but the experience does not please me and, as you alluded to, the pictures are heavily compressed and, whilst colourful and sharp they do not please me either.
I am coming round to thinking that the effort of carrying a small camera for travel and outings is worth it because it gives me pleasure on all fronts. The best of both worlds seems to be a nice solution.
 
I have a fairly new iphone but hardly use it for photos.

I still enjoy my J5 and V1 which i bought a year or so ago for about $100.

I'd much rather use my Nikons or until recently a Ricoh GR that was a perfect pocket camera.

Theres no denying that the iphone takes a good photo - in fact I entered a small photo competition recently held by a hiking club I'm in, and several people using iphones won prizes.

I enjoy the process of using different lenses and doing a little bit of raw processing, as opposed to snapping away with the iphone.
 
PTMcH said:
olyflyer said:
PTMcH said:
In my opinion, there is a distinction between picture taking tool vs photography tool. Today's smartphones are a wonderful picture taking tool, but they are not a photography tool. V1 has limitation when it comes to picture taking comparing to today's smartphone camera, but it's a beautifully designed photography tool.

Much like back in the film days, at one point I have a Konica Z-up power zoom point and shoot and also a Pentax Spotmatic with busted light meter. The Konica was a good picture taker, but I would always prefer the photography experience of using my Pentax Spotmatic. (and still do these days).....so yeah it must be an old man thing :-)
Click to expand...
You can't imagine how wrong you are in your simplified conclusion. There is no such thing as "photography tool". Everything you can take pictures with is a "photography tool", assuming you mean a camera as "photography tool". The rest depends on your tool and yourself, as well as what you are taking photograph of. Of course, a simple camera have a lot of limitations, but none the less, it is still a "photography tool".

I also don't agree with any "old man thing". We are all individuals, some people are old when they are 40 some not even when they are 70 or more. Age wise I am "old"(-ish) since I am 67+, but health wise definitely not. Luckily everything is fine in the head office department as well. :-)

I am just about to retire, my last day of employment will be the 31st December, and since I never had a phone (always had company phone) and today you can't live without a smart phone, I had to buy one. I checked which one would I like and ended up with a Samsung S23 Ultra with 512GB memory. One of the reason I selected this phone is the camera and all the photography and video related functions. I received the phone this Sunday, so I am no expert yet, but I can immediately see that the phone beats almost any small dedicated camera hands down. It has excellent optical zoom, optical image stabilisation, real AF, follow target AF, multipoint AF, excellent macro and even takes raw if you want to. Anyway, my point is that this can just as well replace many "real" cameras, and is definitely a "photography tool" for the right job. There is no "one size fit all" photography tool anyway, and of course, it has it's limitations, but that is also true for every other camera, even my Z7, regardless of the lens I have on it.
Click to expand...
It's just my opinion...each to their own.
Click to expand...
Whatever we call them some of our image-collecting devices are complex to use, and some are complex designs- If I switch from N1 (and F Mount) I will go to M43, without a doubt. My mobile is a hand-me-down Apple, and I don't think I'll ever buy an up-to-date phone (money disregarding). A friend, who used to use N1 (and Canon, then E-M1 X) nowadays is back to Canon (R7) and Fuji (GFX 100s). He uses that gear to shoot things I just can't, but I do see the combination as excellent (Canon for the birds, and Fuji for landscapes and nightscapes). But a lot is still Apple for him and for many other of us 'ol' punters'

-

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tordseriksson (at) gmail.....
Owner of a handful of Nikon cameras. And a few lenses.
WSSA #456
 
Last edited:
Wu Jiaqiu said:
not been using the old Nikon's much but more my aged Fuji X100, looking forward to some autumn/winter bird shooting with the J3 and V1

piccy of Derek with the Fuji

6449f114a0a441bbbe9313a54a9e6c33.jpg
Click to expand...
Give Derek a hug!

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tordseriksson (at) gmail.....
Owner of a handful of Nikon cameras. And a few lenses.
WSSA #456
 
Hi Tord, Hope you are enjoying Thailand. I am still going through a bit of a dilemma regarding cameras, I certainly won’t be going back to having far too many. I thought twice about another V1 but the lens issue makes it seem pointless.

Your comments about mft are interesting, my wife has an e-pl7 and used to really enjoy it but now she uses her iPhone all the time. I have taken the Pen out a couple of times with her 14-42 lens and have to say I am impressed, no vf but a very good tilt screen. I like the ergonomics better than the J5.

The upshot is that I am still tinkering with taking pictures using different formats.
 
Miss tilly said:
Hi Tord, Hope you are enjoying Thailand. I am still going through a bit of a dilemma regarding cameras, I certainly won’t be going back to having far too many. I thought twice about another V1 but the lens issue makes it seem pointless.

Your comments about mft are interesting, my wife has an e-pl7 and used to really enjoy it but now she uses her iPhone all the time. I have taken the Pen out a couple of times with her 14-42 lens and have to say I am impressed, no vf but a very good tilt screen. I like the ergonomics better than the J5.

The upshot is that I am still tinkering with taking pictures using different formats.
Click to expand...
You should get an E-M10 IV, a lovely camera (nice EVF and compact), or the older Panasonic GX8 (pretty big, but has a magnificent viewfinder. Surprisingly light).

Today was really hot here, with lightning in the air south of here. No rain here where we live a couple of miles from the coast, though.

Got the car back from the workshop today, died after injector failure, just like that, overnight!

The workshop was out in the boondocks, with cars and car parts everywhere on the grounds (former farmland I guess), and dirtiest workshop I've seen in about half a century, and people having their lunch among the cars with wild dogs everywhere. But this place has a very good reputation, and the Mazda 3 is as new, engine-wise.

Sadly, I had no camera, or phone, with me.
 
Interesting story about the car repairs, sounds like quite an experience. You will be annoyed you did not have a camera. I had a car that gave me no end of injector problems, it only had 8000 miles on the clock, enough said!
 
Miss tilly said:
Interesting story about the car repairs, sounds like quite an experience. You will be annoyed you did not have a camera. I had a car that gave me no end of injector problems, it only had 8000 miles on the clock, enough said!
Click to expand...
Mazda 3, soon 14 years old!

Just the brakes that need service now.

On my car at home, I give it to Toyota for service once a year, and as yet it hasn't had a single issue! Roughly the same age as the Mazda, and both made in Japan!
 
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