NikonGear'23

Introductions => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: toups on February 23, 2025, 20:52:45

Title: Hello from Massachusetts, MA, USA
Post by: toups on February 23, 2025, 20:52:45
Just a quick hello.

I found this group while researching adding focus confirmation chips to Nikon MF lenses.  My current favorite camera is a Nikon D610 which is my first digital full frame camera.  In my youth, I used Minolta cameras but fell away from photography over the years.

I entered the digital SLR world by first removing the CCDs from various semi or non-working Nikon cameras to build a cam84 https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/497530-diy-astro-ccd-16-bit-color-6mpx-camera/?hl=%20cam84 (https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/497530-diy-astro-ccd-16-bit-color-6mpx-camera/?hl=%20cam84)  I started this project years ago and finished it but have to finish the cooling software.  In the meantime, I built a telescope to use with this camera https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/757128-diy-equatorial-inverted-fork-pillow-block-flange-bearing-build/?p=12078911 (https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/757128-diy-equatorial-inverted-fork-pillow-block-flange-bearing-build/?p=12078911)  Unfortunately, due to too many projects and too little time, the camera has not seen first light.

I am currently grinding glass to build a small Schupmann telescope. https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/772868-easy-schupmann-design/ (https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/772868-easy-schupmann-design/)

Long story short, I ended up with some working D50 and D70 DX cameras and gradually picked up some MF lenses.  Some were pre-AI and I had to AI modify them.  I chipped these with Dandelion chips since D50 and D70 cameras had no native support for MF lenses.  Recently, I acquired a used D610.  This camera does not require the lenses to be chipped but I find it very convenient to not have to manually set which lens is attached in order to get correct EXIF data.  I've added additional lenses after acquiring the D610.

With the demise of nikonhacker.com, I've been looking for further information on chipping lenses.  Especially since Dandelion chips do not play nicely with the D70 and the D610.  Long story for another thread.  In any event, I stumbled on the work that Birna and others did on this site in the past.

As you can see, I have way too many partially finished projects and haven't spent enough time actually using my new toys.  Hoping to remedy that over time.  So for the time being, you will probably see me in the "What the Nerds Do" forum as I work to complete some of these projects and start a few more.  I hope to do some lens evaluations as I strive to determine what my current collection can do.  Then I really need to actually use them!

Thanks,
Michael Toups
Title: Re: Hello from Massachusetts, MA, USA
Post by: Bruno Schroder on February 24, 2025, 22:14:29
Welcome aboard, Michael. I have the impression that the “What the nerds do” category will be your home here.
Title: Re: Hello from Massachusetts, MA, USA
Post by: Thomas Stellwag on February 24, 2025, 22:36:43
Welcome aboard, Michael. I have the impression that the “What the nerds do” category will be your home here.
+1

welcome, have fun with our forum
Title: Re: Hello from Massachusetts, MA, USA
Post by: John Geerts on February 24, 2025, 23:22:15
Welcome Michael.
Title: Re: Hello from Massachusetts, MA, USA
Post by: Hugh_3170 on February 25, 2025, 01:17:09
+2

Welcome Michael.

NG supporter Øivind Tøien and others have been posting some very pleasing astrophotography images here on this NG site.

Welcome aboard, Michael. I have the impression that the “What the nerds do” category will be your home here.
Title: Re: Hello from Massachusetts, MA, USA
Post by: Ian Watson on February 25, 2025, 03:11:17
Welcome, Michael!

I am in awe at your endeavours. Do share some of the results.
Title: Re: Hello from Massachusetts, MA, USA
Post by: Fons Baerken on February 25, 2025, 08:27:57
Welcome!
Title: Re: Hello from Massachusetts, MA, USA
Post by: Erik Lund on March 10, 2025, 13:43:15
Welcome to NikonGear! Enjoy ;)