Dear All
After 25+ posts since earlier this year, it is high time that I introduced myself. Following prudent www practice for forums, I registered under a username, but then one learns how NikonGear is a distinctly different environment compared to other forums (including photography); it is one to be protected for its unique values, especially the sharing of such a remarkable wealth of experience in a troll-free zone
I am Fenton Cotterill, a scientist based in southern Africa. I’m Zimbabwean but now based in the Cape since 2004 (yet another member of the diaspora forces of darkness forged of that sad country). When possible I still work mainly in central Africa (Botswana, Zambia, Congo basin….); and a group of us have an intensive research project in landscape evolution (linking fishes and rivers). And it opens up special opportunities for one’s Nikons…..
I research a spectrum of topics across biology and geology, with conservation applications, allied to forays into philosophy of science. And it’s no coincidence that the great, timeless Chambeshi river in NE Zambezi occupies the focus of this research to decipher intricacies of palaeo-drainage, including the mighty Congo and Zambezi, and the coevolving fauna, including discoveries of species new to science…. The Palaeo-Chambeshi river was likely one the world’s longest rivers, ever; albeit its antiquity is far young than the Proto-Zambezi and Luangwa rivers, whose origins were on a Carboniferous era Gondwanaland when its vast Dwyka glaciers thawed…. The photographic subjects of these landscapes are endless – the living and non-living. more background here:
https://sites.google.com/site/fpdcotterill/ and my blog
www.geoecodynamics.netFor many years I was based in a natural history museum environment (until 2004), and not least among Bulawayo’s world class collections and legacy; and it’s been a privilege to study the great collections of African provenance in North America and Europe, and work with remarkable experts. Often, each day at the Bulawayo Museum I had a special opportunity for close up photos. And these coupled with biodiversity surveys among spectacular wildlands and wildlife….
Most of my photos of live subjects and landscapes etc are still in 35mm Kodachrome and Fuji await scanning. Some selects are published in scientific articles and books (including Complete Book of Mammals of Southern Africa, Scorpions of southern Africa, Snakes of Botswana and Zambia, Snakes of Zambia, Bats of central and southern Africa). And I have amassed many thousands more images of museum specimens (mammal skulls and fishes) on digital. Since the 1990s, the appearance of Nikon’s Coolpix sure has been a boon for so many researchers especially with biology in its New Age of Discovery (albeit paradoxically embedded in the Anthropocene).
So, yes, my scientific work interleaves with an Acute infection of Nikonitis, caught decades back. I began photography in the early 1980s with 3 fine Nikkor primes on a FM2 (the first model with its 1/200 X-sync): these lenses being a 105 f2.5 AIS, 200 f4 AI and 400 f5.6 IFED. This inventory expanded to a F3 and F90x and a macro system (SB21 ringflash on the F3 with 55 f2.8 micro-nikkor). When in 2008 I “went” digital - a D60 and kit lens delivered during fieldwork and more. Finally, I upgraded to a D7200 early this year; and I am finally better placed to explore and try and do justice to all potentials the digital arena offers us, especially the Nikon SLR and the diversity of fine glass.
In my naivety, it’s a revelation to see the revival of the classic AI and AIS Nikkors on digital SLRs. Long may this revival thrive And the spirit of shared expertise and experience on NikonGear ranks as incomparable to my knowledge. These nuggets are invaluable – unique in fact. This is especially where one seeks to expand one’s inventory with a refined hitlist of classic lenses ; I enjoy experimenting with older lenses, including the older AFD models. I’ve tried and sold on a couple of mid-range zooms (24-120 and 28-200 AFD) and am keeping a 70-210 AF (bit sluggish on focus but sharp) and a 28-105 (superb). 2 months back, I was delighted to find a 1963 era 55mm f3.5 Micro-Nikkor. My latest, forthcoming acquisition is a 105 f2.5 AI … Yes with 9 bladed aperture and long focus throw, following the guidance so wisely endorsed by the Sage in the Tundra that be Bjorn
My core aim is to buy a Nikon Df, and as soon as it’s logistically feasible….. As so many of know so well the Df clinches vast potential.
And with 2017 being the Nikon Centennial, we can only await with acute impatience the celebratory releases of innovative lenses to die for (and perhaps a Df2 ??)
Well, a big thank you to you all who make this forum for all the fascinating lessons, kind guidance and so much more.
Kind regards
Fenton “Woody” Cotterill
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Re: Nikkor 135 AF DC f/2 D
« Reply #113 on: June 25, 2016, 19:59:06 »
• Quote
chambeshi, my name is Jakov. It would be great to know your name. We all like to know with whom we're talking to.
The second to last purple one is nice.
