Pro bodies of old
Discussion
How are the pro bodies by Canon and Nikon rated from the mid 00's?
1D MKii, 1DX, that sort of thing.
Although the pixel count is low compared to what's around today, and horror of horrors there's no liveview, can they still perform?
I like rugged, big and heavy rather than light and dainty (this isn't a personals add) and the ability to take it places without worrying about a bit of rain or mud, but don't want to throw away cash.
Thoughts? Anyone still use any of the above?
1D MKii, 1DX, that sort of thing.
Although the pixel count is low compared to what's around today, and horror of horrors there's no liveview, can they still perform?
I like rugged, big and heavy rather than light and dainty (this isn't a personals add) and the ability to take it places without worrying about a bit of rain or mud, but don't want to throw away cash.
Thoughts? Anyone still use any of the above?
Still using a D2X. Had it four years and it was two years old when I got it. 2004 technology: they never got white balance nailed properly, the noise from before you get to 800 can be annoying if you're not careful with exposure. And the particular sensor with it's density and characteristics will dent your faith in all but the very best lenses.
But otherwise it's a true "brick" in several senses. 1200+ shots RAW, with chimping per charge, excellent viewfinder (I added an eyecup and magnifying eyepiece from an FM-or-something).
Can't fault it, but would go for newer sensor if possible. I shoot exclusively RAW, so don't rely on in camera processing and don't do much sports so everything happens quick enough for me.
But otherwise it's a true "brick" in several senses. 1200+ shots RAW, with chimping per charge, excellent viewfinder (I added an eyecup and magnifying eyepiece from an FM-or-something).
Can't fault it, but would go for newer sensor if possible. I shoot exclusively RAW, so don't rely on in camera processing and don't do much sports so everything happens quick enough for me.
My 1DS is still in tip top form.K12beano said:
Oh, and I'd guess around £500 today, 20% of new price. Don't bother on a premium for the D2Xs. You can still get the software upgrade.
mbp has one for 400, its taken 150000 ish shots though, they're good for 200k apparently. Edited by K12beano on Tuesday 3rd May 22:39
What about the original 1d?
Sorry, just realised you were talking about the nikon. Any sample pictures?
Edited by nellyleelephant on Tuesday 3rd May 22:55
I use old pro bodies and love them, I've got a 1D Mk2 and a 1Ds. The 1Ds is feeling a little old in its screen and time to process shots, particularly if you've got autobracketing on it takes a while to be able to chimp but the results it turns out are lovely. The 1D Mk2 is a much more modern thing, better screen and much quicker to use (and of course a very good frame rate).
The bodies have a superb feel to them, I've tested out the weathersealing in the welsh mountains on Rally GB, they are not fragile little plastic things.
The batteries are good for plenty of shots and are cheap enough, the charger is extortionate though so forget buying a spare for the office.
The bodies have a superb feel to them, I've tested out the weathersealing in the welsh mountains on Rally GB, they are not fragile little plastic things.
The batteries are good for plenty of shots and are cheap enough, the charger is extortionate though so forget buying a spare for the office.
I'm using an old D2H now in preference to my newer D40, I much prefer the larger body. The D2H is pretty hopeless at high ISO (I tend to just leave it at 200 unless I really have to), and there's not that many pixels to play with, but I don't really find this an issue. The large viewfinder is brilliant, particularly as most of my lenses are manual focus so this feature is massively useful, and it's very well built - think mine has something like 85k shots on it, apart from a slightly worn label on one of the buttons it doesn't really look used. I think at the time they were renowned for slightly dodgy colours (blacks/shadows looking purple), but I've not really noticed this.
For virtually no money (mine was 300 quid including a 70-300 lens and spare battery) it's a really nice bit of kit to play with - I'm sure modern cameras are significantly better in many areas but that doesn't suddenly make these older things incapable of taking a good picture. I've got a set on flickr for my D2H pics.
For virtually no money (mine was 300 quid including a 70-300 lens and spare battery) it's a really nice bit of kit to play with - I'm sure modern cameras are significantly better in many areas but that doesn't suddenly make these older things incapable of taking a good picture. I've got a set on flickr for my D2H pics.
Ok, maybe I should have titled Pro digital bodies of old 
The main reason for this thread was to find something solid and digital to run along side my Minolta film stuff. The sensible thing would be to get hold of one of the higher spec Sony units so I can use my old lenses I suppose.
The main reason for this thread was to find something solid and digital to run along side my Minolta film stuff. The sensible thing would be to get hold of one of the higher spec Sony units so I can use my old lenses I suppose.
A lot of actuations, but what do you think of this?
http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...
http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...
Its still only 75% through its quoted average life, plus if you do need a new shutter its not the end of the world, I bought a 1Ds cheap off ebay (£140) as it needed a new shutter, Canon Pro in Elstree received the camera on Monday, Tuesday I was emailed and accepted their quote, Wednesday the camera was shipped back to me, Thursday 9am I had the camera back, new shutter fitted, all for £220.
It can sometimes be a false economy to hang onto old equipment that then seriously limits what you can buy to go with it (as well as depriving you of recent developments in ISO performance etc)
Had you considered selling the lot and starting from scratch? Then you have an infinite choice.
Had you considered selling the lot and starting from scratch? Then you have an infinite choice.
I still want to hang on to film, mainly for fun. I know it'll never match the perfomance of the latest gear, but it's what I started with and want to use it occasionally.
I don't wish to belittle modern stuff at all, but, as mentioned before, I like a heavy solid camera that I don't have to worry about if it's hammering down at silverstone or out on a long walk. That's the main reason for going pro. I don't intent to expand anymore of my film kit as I have to cover what I want to do, and I doubt it's worth much so I can't see the advantage of selling.
Seriosly thinking about the 1D, I've been offered a good price on an Olympus Pen by MBP that makes the camera quite cheap.
I don't wish to belittle modern stuff at all, but, as mentioned before, I like a heavy solid camera that I don't have to worry about if it's hammering down at silverstone or out on a long walk. That's the main reason for going pro. I don't intent to expand anymore of my film kit as I have to cover what I want to do, and I doubt it's worth much so I can't see the advantage of selling.
Seriosly thinking about the 1D, I've been offered a good price on an Olympus Pen by MBP that makes the camera quite cheap.
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