Yes Virginia….I still own some Nikon gear!
Some folks just can’t let it go! I say that with no malice or frustration, o.k. a little frustration. I got several emails asking about if I had no Nikon gear at all, anymore? One person wrote, you can’t tell me that something is not wrong between you and Nikon, you even wrote a book about Fuji!!!!
PLEASE LISTEN!!!!! This is my last blog post about this subject! I left Nikon of my own accord. I requested to retire, I was not fired, I was not asked to retire! Nikon NPS was redirecting their path and I was ready to do something different, I asked if I could retire, they gladly said sure. Would I have been downsized if I had stayed, I don’t know, but probably yes, all companies make changes and it was the right time for Nikon to bring new blood into NPS, my leaving, of my own decision, helped them do that! Do I have any axe to grind with Nikon? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! I still have many friends there, I love the company, the people, the great years they gave me as an NPS rep, honestly, please believe me, all is good between me and Nikon!
ONE LAST TIME! I had shoulder surgery, it healed slowly, I got older, I found the heavy DSLR full frame gear was just to heavy for me to carry all the time. I found something lighter, it just didn’t happen to be made by Nikon, simple as that!!!!!!! Settled……
Now the next questions, “Do you still own any Nikon Gear?” Yes, when I left Nikon I was already well on my way to knowing that the Fuji X-System was going to work best for me, based on weight, and my happiness with it’s qualities. I toyed with the idea of buying a few Nikon products, but Nikon helped me out there too, they raised their employee purchase program prices to the point that there was no real savings to buying as an employee. I decided to just keep what I already owned. After retiring I sold off most of the current model gear I had and kept the system above. Why? Didn’t need 36 mega pixels (D800) couldn’t carry the D4, and I had gotten back into using the 70’s/80’s manual focus glass of which I owned a lot, been collecting it for years, long before working for Nikon. I felt the last great body from Nikon that I owned the D700 was more than adequate for my needs and was a perfect fit to the old manual glass. My intention was to occasionally take out the D700 and some of the old manual lenses and shoot “Throwback style”! Really haven’t done that much at all. Two reasons, the Nikon stuff is still too heavy, and I love the Fuji X-System. I will hang onto the Nikon system, I spent too many years with it and I do not have the heart to see it leave! For 44 years of my professional life I’ve held a Nikon in my hands, we’ve become very close friends, but nothing says you can’t make new friends too!
The image above shows:
My Old favorite Domke Bag (I still have a couple of them) It was the mainstay for the photojournalist!
1. Nikon D700
2. Nikon 55MM Micro Nikkor f 2.8 AI-s LEGEND CLASS
3. Nikon 24mm f 2.8 AI-s LEGEND CLASS
4. Nikon 25-50 AI-s f 4 LEGEND CLASS
5. Nikon 105 Micro Nikkor f 2.8 AI-s LEGEND CLASS * Used with adapters on my Fuji X-Cameras
6. Nikon 70-150 AI-s f 3.5 PRO-GRADE CLASS
7. Nikon 50-135 f 3.5 AI-s LEGEND CLASS
8. Nikon 80-200 AI-s f4 LEGEND CLASS
9. Nikon 200mm AI-s f4 PRO-GRADE CLASS * Used with adapters on my Fuji X-Cameras
10. Nikon 80-200 f 4.5 AI-s LEGEND CLASS * first great zoom!
11. Nikon 105 f 2.5 AI LEGEND CLASS
12. Nikon 400mm f 3.5 IF-ED AI-s LEGEND CLASS * Used with adapters on my Fuji X-Cameras
13. Nikon 300mm f 4.5 IF-ED AI-s LEGEND CLASS * Used with adapters on my Fuji X-Cameras
14. Nikon 200mm Micro Nikkor f4 AI-s LEGEND CLASS * Used with adapters on my Fuji X-Cameras
So there you have it, for the last time, “I love my Nikon gear, but it is still too heavy to carry all day, might work it out of the trunk occasionally!!” I do not define myself by the gear I use, no one should. these are tools, great tools, and if we use them with discipline and dedication they can make extraordinary images, but they are just tools! I love you guys, I truly do, but let’s get on with some photography, after all that’s what this stuff is made for!
When my daughter Catherine was born, I was thrilled, a girl, first in 21 years in our family!!! I loved her, and I still do, but that didn’t mean I didn’t still love my two sons, born before she came into our lives. Get it? Got it? Good!
Blessings,
the pilgrim
This entry was posted on Monday, December 8th, 2014 at 3:15 pm
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I understand your frustrations with the repetitive questions. We have seen the “This can’t be true” syndrome in the public when others have changed camera systems, changed jobs or even career paths, or attempted to as open as possible on the facts surrounding incidents we have recently seen in the news. Considering how we have seen many politicians and leaders be less than open forthcoming with the truth, I see the public has been trained not to trust what they are told. Unfortunately, the integrity of the source is not considered when the judgement is made.
I hope that those reading the blog will take a few minutes and read the comments. Even if the readers don’t know the commenters, I hope that the readers see that the comments are from those that do know you and can vouch for your truthfulness. If any of the doubters had seen your excitement with the Fuji system when we were at Old Car City, they would not have any doubts of claims. If they look at all the projects that you have undertaken since retiring, they may think you have not retired but just taken a different and more demanding career path.
If my words are helpful, please share them. as appropriate.
Thanks David, no sweat, just looking forward to leaving that part of the story behind!
Well, if you get bored and end up with extra money when you think you might want to replace the D700 (I had one too and loved it), you could get the D750, which might end up being the next legend that the D700 was/is. I sold all my Nikon gear after settling on building my Fuji system, but the D750 honestly does tempt me. Something to think about…even if I don’t ‘need’ it. I admit I still have fond memories of my DSLR days and I would love to have another one just for fun. Maybe some day I’ll buy one. For now, I’m loving the X-T1 + lenses.
Jon, I feel the same and the D750 looks very attractive, but I’m happy where I am!
I agree with David. I would also like to add that when I add a blog to my reading list, I go back quite a ways through the author’s older blogs to get a feel for the person and what the person expresses. Anyone going back through your blogs would not need to ask you about your Nikon feelings as you have regularly expressed them quite clearly.
Jerry R
Thanks David, but don’t worry, I am not concerned, just want to be able to stop addressing that part of the story!
Some how the answer to David got double posted!!!
Yes, I have great deal of respect for them and their gear, I supported myself for over 44 years with Nikon’s!
It’s unfortunate — and frustrating — that some people have had the audacity to beat this horse. You were an honest and respected member of the NPS team. I can’t think of a time, for example, where a Nikon person in your position said anything disparaging about Canon and vice versa. In fact, those “in the know” really know that the competition benefitted users of both systems.
Obviously when you left Nikon and popped up using Fuji gear it was only normal for people to wonder but you put that horse back in the barn long ago.
You have given so much to the photographic community for so long (and, to be honest, not entirely altruistically as you’re in business and understandably need to keep both your family and your equipment frenzy fed but by no means is that improper) that you deserve better. True professionals don’t engage in such trivial tripe,
I also understand your loyalty to the Nikon system as well. I’ve used my Canon gear in the last year only for wildlife shots. I have no plans to part with it although the 7D Mark II is the first time I haven’t bought a Canon body in my class on the day it came out.
Fuji X is an evolving system and your coverage of it and sharing of your experience can only be viewed with appreciation. It’s a work very much in progress but that progress has been worthwhile. (On a personal note, I’ve passed on the X-T1 specifically because I want to pare down size and weight — bigger/heavier than the X-E2.) Keep up the good work.
Thanks Dick, I appreciate your thoughts!
Your reputation proceeds you-all good. As a 40 yr Nikon user, I too have tired of the weight, love my D-300 & lenses but just purchased the XT-1 w/18-135 & a Nikon lens adapter. Stumbled across your Blog through Tony Sweet and will now follow you. Looking forward to your writings on the Fuji X series. Actually excited to get going wih the Fuji!
Thans, Bill for all you share!
Thanks Ron, and welcome aboard!
I love my Nikons but I really love my X100S also 🙂
I understand!!!
It’s my opinion that sometimes, one must simply ignore some questions/comments and stand in ones integrity. Sometimes, silence is golden.
What you choices and decisions are yours and yours alone.
I agree with Ron, your reputations precedes you.
You provide us with great information! Thank you.
Wishing you continued success with your e-books venture.
Thanks Diane, I wrote the opening tongue in cheek, honestly those folks not only don ‘t bother me, I find them immensely entertaining!!!!!.
I have some more questions about why you left Nikon? …. Just kidding. I loved my Nikon gear and still use the 300 F4 and 500 F4 P with my Fuji system. It’s nice having a 750mm F4 with great Nikon glass. Can’t wait to see the Fujinon 120-400.
Love it!! Nice touch! O.K. You have two killer Nikon manual focus lenses, Hahn on to them! I am also interested in the 120-400, it seems a little slow f 4.5 and I’m fearful of the price tag, but applaud Fuji for bringing long glass!
I’m looking for new camera options. I’ve had a camera always but just got a dslr and more into it almost 3 years ago. However I have torn tissue in my left shoulder… Again. I don’t want to give up a hobby I enjoy but can’t afford a whole new setup right now.
Anna,
In the Fuji System their are two things I might suggest. For around $600. the Fuji X30 is a great choice and for around $1,099. the Fuji X-E2 and 1855 is only a little heavier. You could shoot an awful lot of what we shoot with either of those! You can add lenses as you can afford to. Hope that helps!
I will second the X-E2 recommendation. I have one and am satisfied with it. If money is an issue, there is a $699 special now at B&H on the X-E1 with the 18-55mm lens. X-E1 has very good image quality but focusing is slower than molasses in January at times. I also own two X-E1 bodies/
Thank you. I will definitely check into that. Thanks for the advice. 🙂
Yes the X-E2. Is a great camera!
Hey Bill. I noticed your notes on the rubber lens hoods. I’ve been looking at the ’67MM Collapsible Rubber Lens Hood’ entries on Amazon and thinking about getting something like that to use on my 18-135mm Fuji lens. Reason for getting it would only be for use with the CPL filter so I can use the rubber hood to turn the CPL. That’s how you use it, right? Pretty much any of those standard 67mm collapsible rubber hoods would work for that?
As long as it does not vignette!
So what you are saying is…never mind, it’s clearly stated above…Merry Christmas!
Same to you my friend! Merry Christmas – Happy New a Year. – and Roll Tide!
Since Bill F was working for me when he decided to retire – I can attest to the trueness of his statements. In fact, I tried to talk him out of it and did get him to stay a few more months. Bill RETIRED – just as I did in Jan of this year. One of the true joys of my job at Nikon was getting to work with Bill over the the last few years of my career. We had been lifelong friends and when he came to work for Nikon – it was like old home week.
A great photographer, a great employee and a great friend still to this day.
Bill Pekala
Bill,
I’ve received a few kind remarks, but one that kind, and coming from you Bill, well, you’ve made my Christmas and New year! My best to you and Chris!