ND70

[Jimmie Arroyo]

Posting this thread to specifically ask about the ND70 without having to search through other threads.

Something I hadn't noticed until I took my first pictures with a model, is no access for a cable release. Thought "that can't be right", then saw no self-timer. I didn't have my manual with me, and didn't want to waste time, so I took the pics as carefully as I could.

When I got home, I noticed in the manual that there was an available remote control, but without one to test, the procedure sounds complicated. It sounds like it needs to be used differently based on manual and auto settings. Has anyone used the remote, and is it easy or annoying? I'd rather not use the self-timer because I know the model will get bored after ten seconds and the expression will not be the same as an instant pic. I try to get them at their most relaxed, them knowing the pic won't come for ten seconds will tense them up or bore them.

Thanks.

[Mike McCarty]

Jimmie,

I have used the self timer, but mostly on non portrait related stuff. It seems to work much the same way my old Nikon film camera worked.

I share your concerns regarding the use of this feature for portrait photography for the reasons you express. I would also discourage the use of cable release (or the wireless remote).

I am of the opinion that the shutter should be released while observing the subject through the view finder. I believe the view of the subject from any other vantage point is just arbitrary, except maybe with experienced models.

Just thought I'd throw that out there, maybe others can answer you question more directly.

[Marvin Mattelson]

If you use a tripod, the fact there is no cable release shouldn't be an issue. If you don't use a tripod you now have something to ask Santa for, assuming he hasn't blown his budget on Beth. The tripod is the most essential tool in a photographer's arsenal.

[Jimmie Arroyo]

Marvin, I have two tripods, one for the D70 and one for the N80. A Bogen that's about ten years old (but is mint) and a Davis and Sanford which I bought for cheap off someone I know, so I don't need one from Santa. Good news for Beth. What I need for Christmas is a paid vacation, and extra dough to take your workshop. But this year, I will again ask Santa for world peace. I have my daughter ask for me now as I'm a little too big for his lap.

Mike, I always look through the viewfinder anyway while holding the cable release. The only time I don't look through is when the model is tense, she'll loosen up if she does'nt think I'm going to take the picture. Then snap with the cable release! The receiver for the remote should easily be in reach at arm's length while lookin through the viewfinder. Not sure if there's a minimum distance, but I'm sure there's a maximum of about 15 feet. Not sure how comfortable that would be while trying to take a pic.

I mainly ask because I noticed that a couple of the pics I took were slightly out of focus and others that were extremely sharp. Don't know if it's me pressing too hard, or the model moving. I'll try to be more careful next time and see what happens. Thanks.

[Holly Snyder]

Jimmie,

The D100 has an optional (expensive) bottom that can be added to allow for a remote electronic shutter release. Don't know if that's available for the D70?

[Jimmie Arroyo]

Holly,

The remote is only about $20 and the receiver is built in the camera, nothing else to attach, I think.

[Michele Rushworth]

The D70's self timer can be adjusted to as short a time as two seconds, I believe. I think that a remote shutter release would be better though, since a lot can change in two seconds with a model.

Unfortunately the remote for the D70 looks like it needs to be operated from the front of the camera, as if you were taking a photo of yourself and you were holding the clicker standing in front of the lens. The sensor for the remote is on the front of the camera and I don't know if it would pick up a signal from a photographer standing behind or even beside the camera.

[Marvin Mattelson]

If some of your pictures are slightly out of focus it could be that you didn't have the camera set for AF-S (Single -Servo Autofocus) and not CF-A (Continuous-Servo Autofocus) or manual focus. The AF-S prevents the camera from shooting unless the focus is locked in. Obviously you'd have to be using an autofocus lens and the active focus area would have to be centered over what you have determined to be the critical are of focus. Also be careful the AF-area Mode isn't set to closest subject.

[Jimmie Arroyo]

The settings stay fairly similar through out the shoot. The pics that are slightly out of focus is very slight, I don't notice it myself until I start increasing the size on screen. Most people who would not use pics as reference would not likely notice. It does'nt happen much, mainly to the pics that I would have loved to use, of course. I am new with this camera so it was probably something I did. Live and learn.

I'll take plenty of practice shots at home before shooting models. A few pictures that I took of my wife and her sisters came out very good, my daughter's came out great also. They were with flash though, so the concern over shutter speed was'nt present.

I might get the remote just for the hey of it. It's only $20 and it'll come in handy for family pics.

[Julie Deane]

Hi Jimmie and Marvin and any other D70 users -

How does this camera operate in low light? I see from the DP Review that the lowest ISO is 200.