Digital BW, The Print

In the seventies, I shot Liecas.  I decided I would compare what I was getting with a M3, and f/2 Summicron with what I could get with a Nikon F, and f/2 S lens.  On ASA 125 film, I could not tell any difference in the images.  I gave it some thought (a full NY minute), sold the Liecas and purchased a Nikon FTN and some lenses which I am still using today.  I still use some of the lenses with my D3, and D3x, but I am afraid the FTN hasn't been used for quit a long time.

I will admit that the new Nikon lenses today are not as good as the lenses which they made in the seventies.  I have been disappointed in the AF Nikon Lenses.  Two years ago I made an investment in some Zeiss wide angle lenses.  These are better then the seventies Nikon lenses.  But one only see this difference in the images made with the D3x.

Making B&W images using a monochrome camera?  I only want to carry one camera.  I want to have the option of shooting color, and B&W with that one camera.  My back and neck are not what they were some forty years ago.  Today, I try to make my work load as light as I can.  Usually the D3x with spare battery and cards, Zeiss 28, 35, and 50 macro lenses, and a Nikon 105 f/4 macro lens is all that I carry.  Even though the 105 f/2.5 Nikkor is one of the best lenses I have ever used, I carry the macro because of its versatility.

I have been shooting with a 45mm GN Nikkor in the field sometimes.  This is a Tessar design, is very small, and light, stops down to f/32, and is a very sharp lens.  This is a very good lens if one only wants to cary one good lens.  On my D700, it is a very small, light package.  

Today, I will continue making my new B&W conversions in Photoshop.  But the best B&W images I make are from  my old 4x5 B&W negatives, which are scanned.  But somehow, I have not been able to get myself to mix up some new B&W chemicals, load up a bunch of film holders, and brake out the 4x5 camera again!  At 65, my back could not carry that much weight for very long.

Ben