Expert: John Oliverio - 11/25/2004

Question
Thanks for your prompt reply.  I'd like to ask a follow-up.  Re: the G lens - will I miss not having the aperature control feature?  As for the lens question, I was looking at the Nikkor vs. Quanteray lenses.  One more thing; you didn't mention any other manufacturers.  Is there a better choice/value in another company's camera (one option I am looking at but didn't mention in my message was the Minolta Maxxum 5).  I respect your keeping neutral - at least somebody in this world still has integrity!  Thanks again,

Jonathan

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Followup To
Question -
I had a Pentax P5 camera for quite a while and loved it.  It was stolen after we moved 2 years ago.  I've just had a "big" birthday and can now shop guilt-free for a new film camera (I also have an even older Olympus point-and-shoot and a Canon Powershot S50).  I am an "intermediate" photographer.  I tend to shoot landscape, people, and objects.  I rarely shoot moving subjects.  When my Pentax was stolen, I lost everything (bag, wide angle, 70-210 zoom, 50 mm lens, filters, shutter release).  OK, now to the present - I have looked at the Nikon N65 and N75.  They both looked fine to me and felt good.  I would like to know - is the N75 worth the extra money?  Is there another brand camera out there that is better or is there a similar camera that is as good but costs less or more convenient to use?  Also, I see that stores sell different lenses on the camera - is an F3.5 noticeably worse than an F 3.3?  Does it matter if it is a "G" lens?  Once that is answered, I would like to know if it is worth it to order the camera from a mail order place?  I'm thinking of going to Penn Camera as they sell the Nikon with a Nikkor lens and have a special offer that includes a bag and a second lens ($269 for the lens and body; $369 for a "kit" and a 70-300 zoom).  I haven't gone in yet because I don't want to take a sales person's time if I'm going to turn around and buy it from a mail order house.  

I am a lousy artist - photography is the one art form that I can do fairly well in.  I plan to keep the camera for a while (e.g., my Olympus is 24 years old).  

I would appreciate your expert advice.  Best wishes to you for a happy Thanksgiving.

Jonathan
Answer -
The N65 has a slightly faster frame advance but the 75 has a better light meter and TTL flash system.  I personally would rather have the 75.  

Which lenses (brand and focal length) are you talking about?  While there isn't much practical difference between F3.5 and F3.3, there may be other differences that are important.

The "G" lens represents Nikons attempt to stream line their lens design.  "G" lenses have no mechanical aperture ring.... the aperture is controlled electronically from the body.  Each year Nikon is building more of these lenses and is slowly phaseing out the older design.  The N65 cannot use the new lenses.

I'm sorry, but I don't comment on places to shop.  I strive to remain neutral.

John

Answer
The aperture control is not missing....  it was just moved to the body.  You won't miss it because it is still there.

I would suggest you stick with a Nikkor lens.  Quantary lenses are made for Ritz Camera Stores (or Ray enterprises) by Sigma Corp. to Ritz's specifications. Look at it this way...  the lens is what makes the camera.  The camera is just a box designed to hold the lens.  You can have the most expensive camera in the world, but if you put a cheap lens on it, you've got a cheap camera.  

As far as different brands goes, I believe if you stick with one of the major SLR makers (Nikon, Canon, Minolta or Pentax) you will be fine.  They each have a camera in the catagory you are shopping and the prices aren't far enough apart to make any real difference.  

John