SanDisk Extreme PRO 16gb CF and issue with Nikon D700 on format

* While on the subject of "issues" ... here's is a small one I ran into just this week:

First, I want to note that I have been running Extreme PRO 16gb SanDisk CF since Nov. 2009 on my two(2) D700's without issue ... and they are FAST! reealy Fast!
IF, you have a need for speed ... THIS is it!

I have "still" about 8 old SanDisk CF going back to ExtremeII to 8gb IV ... but, they are now all backup to my 16gb Extreme PRO CF's. ZERO problems! all working, still. (but, in retirement lol)

Back on 6/28/10 there was a price drop on the SanDisk Extreme PRO 16gb CF at B&H so I bought another one.

Right out of the BOX something was strange ... in my D700 it would not format.
So, I loaded it on my SanDisk reader to a Win7 PC and formatted it (no problem).
Then, Formatted it on my D700 (no problem)
Shot a few test ... did a few small shoots , No problems

note: before any Paid shoot I always Format all my CF's in the D700 it will be used on.

Well, on this past weekend Wedding shoot ... after about 3-6 test shots I could not write to my Newest SanDisk Extreme PRO 16gb CF anymore. AND, I could not "just" Format it on my D700. So, it was basically dead!

Being that I have a lot of Backup CFs I just flipped to another one ... I was just reeealy, realy lucky that the "Black Pearl" from Pirates of the Carribian movie was off the coast and I took a few test shots of it. (when the CF failed). (just lost a few cool shots , guns blazing) ... because, it seems I cannot read from the CF now too ... and can only re-format on a PC. (which I don't care about, because I have lost confidence in this particular CF at this point)

The scary part was this card formated before the shoot ... and I was able to shoot to it ... for a while.
* BUT, it gave me "Signs" something was wrong. and Different from the other Extreme PRO CF cards.

Just was off a chat with SanDisk ... compatability with Extreme PRO 16gb and Nikon D700 with FW ver. 1.02 confirmed ... as well as this CF being BAD ... and this is an important point:

a New Extreme PRO CF "should" be able to FORMAT right out of the BOX on a D700. *

Which my other CF's was able to do ...

SO , "when" you cannot format on a D700, a Extreme PRO CF ... that is NOT a good sign! Be Afraid, very Afraid.
On a paid shoot this could be a killer! far more costly than the CF cost.

and don't think you are safe just because it formats via CF reader on PC and then on a D700. imho, if one of your CF's starts acting differently than the rest you need to watch it and have it identified.

7/17/2010 update: First I want to say I am impressed with Sandisk Support. Full stop.


The other day I went on the Sandisk site to Tech support. Did a Chat (this seems like it is 24/7)
http://kb.sandisk.com/app/utils/chat/session/L3NpZC9RNHpsSWI1aw%3D%3D/sno/0
... chatted on-line with Mark Sadsad (from PI) ... who was very nice and calm (because at that point I was not, lol ... have some specific long shoots at the end of the month I wanted this card for).
Well, long story short he told me to "try" to Return to B&H first (and if not , they would do it) ...
Tried at B&H via email , but they would not because I had "marked the back of it with my information and date bought" (always do this after , I think the CF works ... never had a CF issue before). And I thru alway ALL the packaging and other stuff. :)

Meanwhile Sandisk Support (Mark) emailed me a copy of the full text of the chat ... with his contact information.
So, it was easy to just "reply to the email" ... and tell him I could not do the return with B&H.

Within hours , he both emailed me AND called me! wow

Mark made the transaction of returning the CF for a new one ... very, very easy.
He emailed me instructions AND a UPS label to stick on my package. FREE shipping UPS. All I need to do is have them pick up or drop off at a UPS store.
It was kinda nice to only have to deal with one person at SanDisk, that already knew my story (from the start, on there web chat) ... so, I did not have to repeat the same story over and over again ... now how many times do you have to do that when going thru multi levels of tech support?
This was a welcome change.

Since Extreme II CF's and my first digital DSLRs I have been using SanDisk .. "this" will make me a Lifetime Customer.
imho, this is how companies can take a "problem or issue" with there product, and turn it into a opportunity to create something positive from it. and generate free advertising thru customer loyalty and word of mouth.


I am Using two(2) Extreme PRO 16gb CF's ... and SanDisk USB reader ... and will soon buy a SanDisk Express Card Reader. (the Express Card Reader they have been selling out at B&H, and there seems to be a small issue with a short guide track.
LINK to a reveiw (by Rob Galbraith) on the Speed and the New Extreme PRO Express Card Readers.

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-10043-10255

Just in case you are wondering what is that CF case that I am using ... It's the
Gepe Card Safe Extreme Watertight Case -
for Four Compact Flash (CF), Smart Media (SM), Memory Stick (MS), Multi Media (MMC) or Secure Digital Cards (Neon Green)
The Gepe Card Safe Extreme (Neon Green) is a watertight case made to store memory cards such as Compact Flash, Smart Media, Memory Stick, MMC or SD cards. Inside, the memory cards are protected against humidity and dust, as well as electrostatic charge. Four compartments offer space for several different memory cards, and grip each of them tightly.


The Card Safe Extreme uses insert material to protect the memory cards from being erased or damaged due to electrostatic effects. The card holder also has special viewing windows so you are able to see which space is taken by which card, even if the box is closed. This makes the organization of your cards easier. In addition, it is weatherproofed and it floats in water, and the design of the lock makes using the Card Safe a snap, even when wearing gloves.

The Card Safe Extreme has been tested and certified as European IPX-7, which means it is protected against immersion in water (immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter).

• Polycarbonate, anti-static inner material is used to manufacture this media case.
• Four multi-card compartments
• Shock resistant
• Dustproof
• Watertight rated as IPX-7, which means it is protected against immersion in water (immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter).
• Floats in water *** How cool is that!
• Clear viewing windows 1 close Please Note:Helpful hint: Put the unused memory cards face up and the used cards face down
• Eyelet connector for an accessory strap

$19.00

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/332251-REG/Gepe_3862E.html#features

Hope this helps someone,

Ross Hamamura http://www.rdhphoto.net/

Basic Elements of Photography Workshop

Just thought I would mention this workshop being put on by friends Tracy Wright Corvo and Michael Torrres on August 7, 2010

Tracy has had a string of sold out workshops lately ... I have been helping her with the Portrait and Lighting one , doing the strobist section of it (off camera flash) ... she is an experianced photography teacher, and I love her style. :)


This is a Begining / Basic Photography Workshop

Saturday, August 7th 10-am to 4pm

To Register: email Tracy at twc@tracywrightcorvo.com



Flyer has Details

Nikon 24-70 f2.8 lens "leak" issue ... No not all

Nikon 24-70 f2.8 lens "leak" issue ... No not all

There is a Light "leak" issue going around on "Some" 24-70 f2.8 lens.
Happens at 50-55mm, iso4000 at 10 sec ... but, on lens with the issue it can also happen at iso400, 1/125 too.
The "leak" is thru the Distance Window!

The test is to CAP your lens ... shoot at 50-55mm , iso4000 at 10sec ... and look at the shot and see if there is light at the top left of the image (should be all black)

* Of course I tested mine ... bought at B&H ... US version with 5 year warrentee.
NO ISSUE on mine. whew .... (love B&H , sales volume helps them sell thru stock)
But, I "feel" there pain ... and is an issue that "needs" to be known and fixed ... and NOT with TAPE. :)


But, this is something good to know if you own one ... good to know if you plan to buy one.

Here is a Video of the issue and the TEST:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhEZssWmAsM&feature=player_embedded




fyi: moved this to it's own blog :)
* While on the subject of "issues" ... here's is a small one I ran into just this week:

First, I want to note that I have been running Extreme PRO 16gb SanDisk CF since Nov. 2009 on my two(2) D700's without issue ... and they are FAST! reealy Fast!
IF, you have a need for speed ... THIS is it!

I have "still" about 8 old SanDisk CF going back to ExtremeII to 8gb IV ... but, they are now all backup to my 16gb Extreme PRO CF's. ZERO problems! all working, still. (but, in retirement lol)

Back on 6/28/10 there was a price drop on the SanDisk Extreme PRO 16gb CF at B&H so I bought another one.

Right out of the BOX something was strange ... in my D700 it would not format.
So, I loaded it on my SanDisk reader to a Win7 PC and formatted it (no problem).
Then, Formatted it on my D700 (no problem)
Shot a few test ... did a few small shoots , No problems

note: before any Paid shoot I always Format all my CF's in the D700 it will be used on.

Well, on this past weekend Wedding shoot ... after about 3-6 test shots I could not write to my Newest SanDisk Extreme PRO 16gb CF anymore. AND, I could not "just" Format it on my D700. So, it was basically dead!

Being that I have a lot of Backup CFs I just flipped to another one ... I was just reeealy, realy lucky that the "Black Pearl" from Pirates of the Carribian movie was off the coast and I took a few test shots of it. (when the CF failed). (just lost a few cool shots , guns blazing) ... because, it seems I cannot read from the CF now too ... and can only re-format on a PC. (which I don't care about, because I have lost confidence in this particular CF at this point)

The scary part was this card formated before the shoot ... and I was able to shoot to it ... for a while.
* BUT, it gave me "Signs" something was wrong. and Different from the other Extreme PRO CF cards.

Just was off a chat with SanDisk ... compatability with Extreme PRO 16gb and D700 confirmed ... as well as this CF being BAD ... and this is an important point:

a New Extreme PRO CF "should" be able to FORMAT right out of the BOX on a D700. *

Which my other CF's was able to do ...

SO , "when" you cannot format on a D700, a Extreme PRO CF ... that is NOT a good sign! Be Afraid, very Afraid.
On a paid shoot this could be a killer! far more costly than the CF cost.

and don't think you are safe just because it formats via CF reader on PC and then on a D700.

7/17/2010 update: First I want to say I am impressed with Sandisk Support. Full stop.
The other day I went on the Sandisk site to Tech support. Did a Chat (this seems like it is 24/7)
http://kb.sandisk.com/app/utils/chat/session/L3NpZC9RNHpsSWI1aw%3D%3D/sno/0

... chatted on-line with Mark Sadsad (from PI) ... who was very nice and calm (because at that point I was not, lol ... have some specific long shoots at the end of the month I wanted this card for).
Well, long story short he told me to "try" to Return to B&H first (and if not , they would do it) ... Tried at B&H via email , but they would not because I had "marked the back of it with my information and date bought" (always do after , I think the CF is a works ... never had a CF issue before). And I thru alway ALL the packaging and other stuff. :)

Meanwhile Sandisk Support (Mark) emailed me a copy of the chat ... with his contact information.
So, it was easy to just "reply to the email" ... and tell him I could not do the return with B&H.

Within hours , he both emailed me AND called me! wow

Mark made the transaction of returning the CF for a new one ... very, very easy.
He emailed me instructions AND a UPS label to stick on my package. FREE shipping UPS. All I need to do is have them pick up or drop off at a UPS store.

Since Extreme II CF's and my first digital DSLRs I have been using SanDisk .. this will make me a Lifetime Customer.

Using Extreme PRO 16gb CF's and Extreme PRO Express Card Reader and SanDisk USB reader.

Ross Hamamura http://www.rdhphoto.net/

Nikon Screw Type Sync Cords to 3.5mm Mono (Mini phone) for RadioPoppers, PocketWizard, CyberSync

You would think these cords would be easy to find at a cheap price, with the growing number of Strobist out there … But, Noooooo
This is “why” I am blogging about this … to help the next guy looking for these.
To make a long story short …. I found them at http://www.flashzebra.com/

I bought both for $ 42.50 + $ 3.50 ship = $ 46.00 total … which is the Best price I could find. And it arrived within a week. (not bad)

So, if you want to bother reading the rest of the story … here it is
There was two types I was looking for:
1) Nikon ScrewLock PC to 3.5mm Mono … FlashZebra $ 15.00 … did not like the regular one’s that came free with my RadioPoppers JrX studio Radio Receivers … when I used them on my D700 PC to RP JrX trigger … the PC connection would always Fall Off at some point in the shoot. So, these Nikon ScrewLock type sync cords really works wonders.
http://www.flashzebra.com/products/0030/index.shtml

2) Nikon ScrewLock 10-pin to 3.5mm Mono … Pre-Trigger w/switch … what this allows you to do is use your RP JrX studio Trigger / REC and Fire your D700/D3 at a distance , or just use as a remote.
I need to mention … on the 10-pin to 3.5mm Mono Pre-Trigger … Not sure if I have all the settings right yet … (will update when I do)
But, this is what I know from the limited use so far.
I works! Weather I fire from the RP JrX studio Receiver attached to it … OR use the RP JrX Transmitter to fire it from far away … it works.
But, It does NOT allow consecutive shooting … say 8 fps with grip on the D700 … it’s a limitation of the RP Trigger … because if you hold down the Trigger button, the RP trigger is programmed to shut off.
There is something strange happening as well … I can fire three in a row quickly … but, it seems to stop and pause for some reason. If I am slow and steady , it’s not a issue. This might be a config issue I need to work out. (fyi: I have it set to CH, but it seems all the same on any setting)
So, this is probably not the best set up for sports … and this is probably "just" an easy way to use RP triggers you already have, as a Remote trigger for your camera. And with the RP JrX , you are talking really , really far away.
A few other things … you have to Pre-Focus … I like to set it up in Manual Focus .. and AF using the AF-ON button.
The other thing is when the switch is on the “Dot” … you can Review your shots and look at the LCD. But, you have to flip the switch to actually SHOOT.
Hope this helps others … and I will update this page if I Learn more. 

Ross Hamamura / www.RDHphoto.net

D700 Camera Settings

Thought I would post this on a seperate blog ... because it is popular, and to make it easy to find.

1) "My" Nikon D700 camera settings (which I have posted before, fyi)
This is "evolving" but here you go:

* First: and most importantly I put ALL my favorite D700 camera "Menu" items on the ... "My menu" , menu (did I say that correct?) ...
this stops me from having to dig deep into the confusing list of menu items (so, now I have no clue where they are in the real menus lol)
* I LIST them in my must used order ... currently

* Second: and very important for me ... I tweak/customize some of the wheels and buttons to work better for "me". I will START with that, because it is the most used tweak on a shoot.

1) f9 reverse rotation = ON: so the comp wheels work in the right direction, * Change main/sub = ON ... both these changes helps me in my most used mode "A" Aperture priority ... allows me to change the Aperture with the BACK wheel ( I like changing the Aperture while my finger is on the shutter ) , and EV comp with a press of the EV button and BACK wheel. OR I can EV comp with the Front wheel (with no EV button press ... needs a b4 change)
* Menus and playback = ON
2) f2 Multi selector center Button : one of my most used feature ... * Shooting Mode = Reset to bring back my AF point to the Center quickly , * Playback Mode = Zoom so on a "automatic" Review on the LCD after each shot , I can quickly / easily Zoom in to 100 % aprox on the shot , this also keeps it in Review mode , and not shut off. (of course you need to Turn ON "Image Review" in the Playback Menu as well)
* another Big Trick in this menu is to set Playback mode>Zoom on/off>MEDIOUM MAGNIFICATION (which is about 100%) ... you can also in playback with this center button zoom trick , roll thru your shots at this zoom , cool when you want to compare two seq. shots.
3) f4 Photo info/playback ... Info at Up/Down , and Playback Left/Right ... in Photo Playback this allows me to quickly scroll thru my Fav Info OR go back and forth on my images.
4) Relates to above : in the Playback Menu ... "Display mode" ... I have Focus point, Highlights checked ... "my" most used playback modes. note: I can still scroll thru and see a histogram, but because the Histogram is generated from the imbeded JPG (in the RAW file) , and that I ONLY shoot RAW ... the Histogram is only slightly useable ... Highlight Blinkys more useful imho in the RAW digital age, where you can push to the Right.
5) Have the Focus mode selector switch to S (single shot) , and the top left dial to CL (set at 5fps) ... caution: whenever you take the D700/D3 out of your bag , check this Focus mode selector - You will thank me latter. This switch moves sometimes.
6) Metering Selector to "3D color Matrix II" ... fancy for Matrix ... and adjust all my comps with that in mind. The D700 Matrix Metering is very consistent and predictable ... and that is the most you can ask for. I will put myself down as Loving it, so I use it all (most ) of the time. Well, whenever I can. :)
7) AF area mode selector : Dynamic Area AF ... Very Fast AF/Accurate, and great in Low Light. I am super happy with the AF on the D700 and the new f2.8 lens.
8) d4 CL mode shooting speed 5fps (CL is my default setting) (CH is 8fps) ... If, you are the Focus and recompose type ... this will create problems for you, because after each shot in CL the D700 does re-focus , so your AF point needs to be above your subject.
9) e1 Flash sync speed 1/320s (Auto FP) ... so anything above 1/250 is auto HSS Flash
10) f1 switch : both , so on a right move of the light switch BOTH the back LCD and the top lights up , so I can do a quick check on the settings via a large 3" LCD
11) f11 No memory card = Lock ... no memory card , no shooting ... note: default is unlock (not a good thing)
12) f12 Reverse indicators to - 0 + ... logical for me
13) a1 AF-C priority selection : Release + Focus
14) b4 Easy exposure compensation = ON ... this let's me comp the EV in A using the front wheel (this in combo with my other settings)
15) in the Set Up Menu , LCD Brightness set to -2 ... this will give you a more True Brightness of your shot on the LCD ... listed this last , but is very important imho ... you might have to play with this for your own Monitor and PP (Post Processing) style.

Now, on to my Favorite "MY MENU" choices: (IF, you leave it on My Menu ... the Menu button quickly goes back to it. "My Menu" on the D700 has eliminated my need to ever go into the regular menus :)

1) e3 Flash ctrl for built-in Flash ... Which actually has the controls for Flash Commander Mode CLS , Love it, Use it. I am a strobist CLS kind of guy :)
2) ISO sensitivity settings ... auto ISO is a great feature , but you just have to be careful with it. I probably change this the most ... with my default at ... base iso200 top end iso6400 (being that on a D700 the "Unity Gain ISO" is iso6400 the hint is the dial setting, even though "in camera" it can go higher ... anything else can be pushed processed from a RAW file in Post, with the same results) ...
* and the shutter at what I can handhold "specific" for the Shoot/Lens. This is best when the conditions are changing fast. Shadow and Bright as you turn.
I also must note: "whenever" Lighting conditions are tricky ... say, almost anytime after the Sun actually sets ... I Turn Auto ISO OFF , and set the iso manually (most of the time, anywhy)
3) e2 Flash shutter speed ... my default is 1/30 but that changes.
4) a8 AF point selection ... when speed in selection is important I use 11 point
5) a3 Dynamic AF area ... 9 pr 21 depending on things around target
6) a5 AF activation .. I need this then I want to lock a AF in MF ... then I turn AF-ON only. Something I do often.
7) a9 Built-in AF assist illuminator ... so I can quickly turn off and ON
8) c3 Self-Timer delay ... let's me set the sec ... can use this instead of a remote shutter
9) Active D-Lighting ... allows me to turn Off an ON ... because it does affect how you expose in A mode , and therefore underexposes the RAW file (and can create a slightly more noisy file). (I shoot RAW) ... but, even in RAW D-Lighting ON shows you better (via the imbedded JPG) what can be done with the RAW file, and fyi LR v2.6 at default DNG LR import is very close to the D-Lighting JPG but less noisy imho.
10) Focus tracking with lock-on ... this is for AF-C shooting if you need to change
11) Long exp. NR
12) Multiple exposure
* I also have Shooting Menu and Custom setting BANK listed ... but, have not really used this much yet.

*** So, there it is ... IF, you have any improvements, to MY Nikon settings ... or something I left out , that would be important to use ... let me know. email: rdhinc@hawaii.rr.com
and I will update this blog.

Hope this helps,
Ross Hamamura / www.RDHphoto.net

Second Portrait Workshop by Tracy Wright Corvo JULY 25 SUNDAY

Because of the success of the first Protrait Workshop put on by Tracy Wright Corvo ... there will be another workshop on July 25 Sunday.

Again sponsored by Hawaii Photo Rental http://www.hawaiicamera.com/ Hawaii Photo Rental LINK ... did you notice that ALL Workshop participants will get a 15% discount on lighting gear for one month?

Will be at the same location, studio f22.

7/7/2010 update: ONLY 1 more spot left open! ... wow, this workshop will be sold out again.

To REGISTER: Email Tracy at twc@tracywrightcorvo.com

The goal is to make this workshop "even" better. And have a few good models to shoot, Tracy assured me that there would be at "least" one model I might want to take out my camera and take a snap :) Ok, I am excited already ...
(again, this is not a level "two" version, next step ... that some have asked about)

On the strobist side :) ... that I am doing ... I will bring the "very" popular RadioPoppers JrX "studio" version this time (and hope to have everyone Hands-On with this Off camera Flash trigger) ... that should work on ANY DSLR body with a Hot Shoe. (and can control the power level of AB,WL,Zeus strobes with a RJ-11 jack) ... also, have a cool four flash softbox to show, FourSquare by Lightware LINK here for more info http://www.lightwaredirect.com/examples/index.html FourSquare LINK

And "might" demo the RP CUBES (time permitting) which allow you to control the power level of your (Nikon or Canon TTL) flashes on camera. (problem is my sb900's don't work with them lol ... you would think you could find some cheap sb800's , but noooo ... so far the Metz 48 AF-1 TTL seems to be a candidate, but the TTL eye is not in the same location to "also" use my PX TTL RP triggers)

Will also have there, the inexpensive strobist "Manual" Flash that is very popular ... the LumoPro LP120 (budget manual strobist flash $130), and the new LP160 ($160 , Manual flash , NOT TTL) which is touted as being as powerful as the top Nikon and Canon flashes (which I hear it is!), Four triggering options (great for strobist), has a metal Hot shoe mount (good new feature, yes I have broke one of my feet (Hot shoe mount) on the cheaper older LP120 (which MPEX will fix FREE for you fyi ... you just need to pay for shipping), a new digital optical slave that will ignore the TTL 'pre-flash' (cool, so you can now mix TTL flash with this manual flash, out-of-the-box), and as fast a recyle (hmmmm), at a fraction of the cost (but, did I mention there is no TTL or CLS) ... still, for strobist a great value. MPEX site for flashes is here: http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/2,736.html mpex flashes LINK
I love these Manual flashes because they are cheap and easy to use, and have all the strobist connections you need built in. (and there is less of a worry that someone will try to steal them lol).

Hope to see you at the workshop on July 25, 2010 ...
Have a feeling it will be FUN. :)
Ross Hamamura ... http://www.rdhphoto.net/

Lighting & Portraiture Workshop by Tracy Wright Corvo

Yesterday, Saturday May 22, 2010 ... had a Great/Fun day assisting Tracy Wright Corvo with her " Lighting & Portraiture " Workshop, at Studio f22 at 3442 Waialae Avenue, * Lighting Gear sponsored by Hawaii Photo Rentals http://www.hawaiicamera.com/ (which there shop is pretty much downstairs) ...
LINK here to Tracy's blog about the workshop: http://tracywrightcorvo.blogspot.com/2010/04/lighting-portraiture-workshop-honolulu.html

FUN, because I did not have to put in all the hard advance work in that Tracy had to do ... in order to make this workshop as successful as it was, and I did not have to do "any" Post Processing work (the next day) ! That's an inside joke for Event/Wedding photogs :).

She "tricked" me though LOL. Told her I am NOT a good public speaker or teacher (this is not new to those that know me), and that I would love to asst. her with the Nikon Flash and Off camera Flash section of the workshop but I do not want to have to teach, or actually TALK (Tracy is a "very" good teacher and a great photographer, she also does a regular Children's photography class at UH http://www.outreach.hawaii.edu/pnm/Programs/HL2-PHOTO.asp ) . Anyway, she got me to work one of five sections she had set up (it's hard to say no, to someone as beautiful, talented, and nice ... as she is). It was to be a Nikon CLS section, but quickly turned into a Off camera Flash section, because more than half the students used Canon :)

Well, after the initial shock of not really knowing what to do ... I actually enjoyed it! Really. Obviously I love taking about Photography and Gear ... so, this was fun for me :) Now, I just need to learn how to incorporate more shooting for the students, and less talk about how I would shoot it. LOL

>>> * 5/31/2010 UPDATE: Tracy has told me (because of the success of this first workshop) there is already a second one planned ... Yes, I will bring my Manual JrX studio RadioPopper Triggers that "should" be able to work on any SLR camera with a Hot Shoe, and will trigger pretty much any Hot shoe Flash ... look for a date of July 25, 2010 SUN. The workshop will not be a Level two (next step) of the first workshop, but an improved version of the first, with more model shooting and a reveiw of shots taken, and how it applys to what was just learned.

OK, back to Tracy's MAY 2010 Workshop ....

For me, what I really loved about the workshop was that she included an actual shoot of Celia Kenny the Daughter of "Town Restaurant" owner , that is also a local actress.
Of course, there was a lot useful technical info being given ... but, this ... imho, was a demonstration of what makes Tracy great (and one of the reasons why I love her work) ... It is an essential element of portrait photography (imho) ... Moment, and Connection. In a few minutes in front of over 15 photography students (in a small studio) she was able to make the subject comfortable , Teach a class, AND talk to her subject enough to make her feel comfortable enough to reveal a small part of herself. Anyone that does this for a living knows this is not easy. (even more so, when you have a time limitation as well ... which is normal for this type of shooting)

Note: both was shot with the same "white seamless" backdrop and settings ... only the distance from the background changed.












This was a learning experiance for me :) ... and hope I was able to share some information that will be useful.

For the Nikon shooters at the workshop ... promised I would post two things, and here it is:

1) "My" Nikon D700 camera settings (which I have posted before, fyi)
This is "evolving" but here you go:

* First: and most importantly I put ALL my favorite D700 camera "Menu" items on the ... "My menu" , menu (did I say that correct?) ...
this stops me from having to dig deep into the confusing list of menu items (so, now I have no clue where they are in the real menus lol)
* I LIST them in my must used order ... currently

* Second: and very important for me ... I tweak/customize some of the wheels and buttons to work better for "me". I will START with that, because it is the most used tweak on a shoot.

1) f9 reverse rotation = ON: so the comp wheels work in the right direction, * Change main/sub = ON ... both these changes helps me in my most used mode "A" Aperture priority ... allows me to change the Aperture with the BACK wheel ( I like changing the Aperture while my finger is on the shutter ) , and EV comp with a press of the EV button and BACK wheel. OR I can EV comp with the Front wheel (with no EV button press ... needs a b4 change)
* Menus and playback = ON
2) f2 Multi selector center Button : one of my most used feature ... * Shooting Mode = Reset to bring back my AF point to the Center quickly , * Playback Mode = Zoom so on a "automatic" Review on the LCD after each shot , I can quickly / easily Zoom in to 100 % aprox on the shot , this also keeps it in Review mode , and not shut off. (of course you need to Turn ON "Image Review" in the Playback Menu as well)
* another Big Trick in this menu is to set Playback mode>Zoom on/off>MEDIOUM MAGNIFICATION (which is about 100%) ... you can also in playback with this center button zoom trick , roll thru your shots at this zoom , cool when you want to compare two seq. shots.
3) f4 Photo info/playback ... Info at Up/Down , and Playback Left/Right ... in Photo Playback this allows me to quickly scroll thru my Fav Info OR go back and forth on my images.
4) Relates to above : in the Playback Menu ... "Display mode" ... I have Focus point, Highlights checked ... "my" most used playback modes. note: I can still scroll thru and see a histogram, but because the Histogram is generated from the imbeded JPG (in the RAW file) , and that I ONLY shoot RAW ... the Histogram is only slightly useable ... Highlight Blinkys more useful imho in the RAW digital age, where you can push to the Right.
5) Have the Focus mode selector switch to S (single shot) , and the top left dial to CL (set at 5fps) ... caution: whenever you take the D700/D3 out of your bag , check this Focus mode selector - You will thank me latter. This switch moves sometimes.
6) Metering Selector to "3D color Matrix II" ... fancy for Matrix ... and adjust all my comps with that in mind. The D700 Matrix Metering is very consistent and predictable ... and that is the most you can ask for. I will put myself down as Loving it, so I use it all (most ) of the time. Well, whenever I can. :)
7) AF area mode selector : Dynamic Area AF ... Very Fast AF/Accurate, and great in Low Light. I am super happy with the AF on the D700 and the new f2.8 lens.
8) d4 CL mode shooting speed 5fps (CL is my default setting) (CH is 8fps) ... If, you are the Focus and recompose type ... this will create problems for you, because after each shot in CL the D700 does re-focus , so your AF point needs to be above your subject.
9) e1 Flash sync speed 1/320s (Auto FP) ... so anything above 1/250 is auto HSS Flash
10) f1 switch : both , so on a right move of the light switch BOTH the back LCD and the top lights up , so I can do a quick check on the settings via a large 3" LCD
11) f11 No memory card = Lock ... no memory card , no shooting ... note: default is unlock (not a good thing)
12) f12 Reverse indicators to - 0 + ... logical for me
13) a1 AF-C priority selection : Release + Focus
14) b4 Easy exposure compensation = ON ... this let's me comp the EV in A using the front wheel (this in combo with my other settings)
15) in the Set Up Menu , LCD Brightness set to -2 ... this will give you a more True Brightness of your shot on the LCD ... listed this last , but is very important imho ... you might have to play with this for your own Monitor and PP (Post Processing) style.

Now, on to my Favorite "MY MENU" choices: (IF, you leave it on My Menu ... the Menu button quickly goes back to it. "My Menu" on the D700 has eliminated my need to ever go into the regular menus :)

1) e3 Flash ctrl for built-in Flash ... Which actually has the controls for Flash Commander Mode CLS , Love it, Use it. I am a strobist CLS kind of guy :)
2) ISO sensitivity settings ... auto ISO is a great feature , but you just have to be careful with it. I probably change this the most ... with my default at ... base iso200 top end iso6400 (being that on a D700 the "Unity Gain ISO" is iso6400 the hint is the dial setting, even though "in camera" it can go higher ... anything else can be pushed processed from a RAW file in Post, with the same results) ...
* and the shutter at what I can handhold "specific" for the Shoot/Lens. This is best when the conditions are changing fast. Shadow and Bright as you turn.
I also must note: "whenever" Lighting conditions are tricky ... say, almost anytime after the Sun actually sets ... I Turn Auto ISO OFF , and set the iso manually (most of the time, anywhy)
3) e2 Flash shutter speed ... my default is 1/30 but that changes.
4) a8 AF point selection ... when speed in selection is important I use 11 point
5) a3 Dynamic AF area ... 9 pr 21 depending on things around target
6) a5 AF activation .. I need this then I want to lock a AF in MF ... then I turn AF-ON only. Something I do often.
7) a9 Built-in AF assist illuminator ... so I can quickly turn off and ON
8) c3 Self-Timer delay ... let's me set the sec ... can use this instead of a remote shutter
9) Active D-Lighting ... allows me to turn Off an ON ... because it does affect how you expose in A mode , and therefore underexposes the RAW file (and can create a slightly more noisy file). (I shoot RAW) ... but, even in RAW D-Lighting ON shows you better (via the imbedded JPG) what can be done with the RAW file, and fyi LR v2.6 at default DNG LR import is very close to the D-Lighting JPG but less noisy imho.
10) Focus tracking with lock-on ... this is for AF-C shooting if you need to change
11) Long exp. NR
12) Multiple exposure
* I also have Shooting Menu and Custom setting BANK listed ... but, have not really used this much yet.

*** So, there it is ... IF, you have any improvements, to MY Nikon settings ... or something I left out , that would be important to use ... let me know.



2) a Digital Photography web site that has a wealth of Nikon information, as well as general Digital information for anyone ... trust me, it's worth a look no matter "what" camera system you use (Nikon info is on the earlier videos):
http://kelbytv.com/dtowntv/


Of course, if you have some great web sites you want to share ... please, feel free to email me. There already was many that was discussed at the workshop. So, we got a chance to all learn from each other.


Hope this helps someone,
Ross D. Hamamura ... www.RDHphoto.net

Tethered D700 shooting with Lightroom v3 beta2 ... Hint: It's Great :)

Tethered D700 on Vista 64-bit, i7 quad core, tri-channel ram 6gb, two 7200rpm HDs, (and a Laptop dual core Vista) on a 20foot TripLite USB extension (think, this is one of the best USB extensions), plus the 5 feet of Nikon USB cable (total 25 feet of USB) works "really" well on a test, low volume shooting. Well enough to test it on a paid job.

* Talking impressive speed to my desktop (laptop is ok) on a 8fps burst, popping up on the screen .. EVEN applying my pre-sets, that are applied "by" ISO/Camera on import. Wow!

* will test it on a paid job within a week. (yes, I know it's a beta lol ... but, you know ... the only real test, is a large test, on something real ... because it's always on a job that $hit happens lol)
My only fear is that it is NOT saving a copy to the CF.

On a Nikon D700 + LRv3 beta2 it only goes to the HD (right now) ... but, the speed , even across 25 feet of USB was Fast "enough" and reliable. Did I say, going to my desktop the speed was FAST :). even on the Start up recognizing my D700.
* Color me IMPRESSED !


imho, it works pretty solid and fast on a D700 ... Adobe "really" made this Tether LINK to the D700 "PRO use" imho. as far as what you really need , speed and reliability (for a beta)
ZERO hiccups so far ... a real test would be a 1000 shot job tethered.

Oh, here's a "kinda" cool thing ... as you shoot Tethered ... and using your file re-naming as you shoot ... IF, you turn off Tether ... shoot Un-Tethered to the CF ... Then, go back to Tether shooting ... LR v3 remembers the file name you "left off" at in the menu at start up, and gives you the next number as a start value.


>>> * 5/1/2010 update: did a 500 shot paid gig with the D700 tethered using LR v3 b2 ... and it was SOLID , not a single issue. Fast enough to a dual core Laptop Vista 64-bit. 7,200 rpm HD 6gb ram. ... imho, this is a PRO set up. Adobe must have known that , and planned for it. <<<


* I would like to see the "exact" same choices on the import of a Tether shot ... as on a imported RAW shot from a CF. That would mean auto Folder creation by date inside your chosen HD folder.

* Would also like to see ability to trigger a long exposure ... is it there already ?
and multiple exposures. ( even a pre-set HDR setting )

I am "really" getting excited about this v3 beta2

*** Discovered a interesting BUG when using one of my D700 that has an SanDisk Extreme PRO 16gb CF in it.
Lightroom v3 beta will NOT Tether or Import data from it, with a USB link. (I always use a Reader to Import/download to LR)
In Vista 64-bit I can open up Explorer and transfer files from my D700 via USB to my HD ... AND I can Import direct from the PRO 16gb CF to LR v3 from a Reader.
Very strange ...

4/22/10 update:
Work around for SanDisk Extreme PRO 16gb and Tether


•Just take the CF out, AND make sure

f11 No Memory Card? is set to : OK Enable release

fyi: normally I have this set to LOCK ... because I don't want the D700 to shoot if I Don't have a CF card in it ... normally

* personally, I don't like changing this f11 setting ... so, when I tether ... now ... I "just" swap out my SanDisk Extreme PRO 16gb CF for a Sandisk Extreme IV 8gb CF and it works fine.

This is looking like it's a D700 read issue with the Extreme PRO 16gb CF card.

LR will not import direct from the D700 via USB with the CF either.
but, can do it from a Reader.

***   8/12/2010  UPDATE   ...  I  just checked to see if  my  Extreme PRO 16gb CF card would work while Tethering ... and in the shipping copy of  Lightroom v3   IT DID !

So, I guess it was a LR v3 beta issue (or at least Adobe found a work around)  ... becaue it is working with the CF card that it would not before.
Have not tested this yet ... but, my guess is that it will probably Import via USB off the CF too now.

YES,  I am in LOVE  "again" with my FAST, FAST,  Smoking FAST  SanDisk Extreme PRO CF cards.
Now, on to the ExpressCard  Reader  ...  even though the SanDisk version might have a short guide on the CF slot.


That's my take ... so far
Ross