sidm
Pro Diver
Posts: 219
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Post by sidm on Feb 26, 2012 14:20:35 GMT -8
Because fewer people are using film cameras underwater, there are a lot of Nikon and third party lenses available for the Nikonos cameras. The optics of these lenses are very good and it's a shame to have them sitting on a shelf somewhere not being used. Here's a new twist on using vintage lenses for underwater photography. I bought a Nikonos/NEX lens adapter to mount Nikonos lenses to my Sony NEX 5 camera. Then the lens mount was built into an aluminum plate (lens on one side, camera on the other) with a water/pressure proof box to protect the camera. The system is very simple to operate. The one external control on the box actuates both the still photo function and the video function. Push it up for still photos and down to shoot video. Composing the picture can be done on the camera's monitor, but I installed a 5" LCD screen in the rear of the housing. And, of course, focus and aperture are controlled at the lens. I use the camera's histogram to judge exposure. Go to www.moceanvideo.com/video_gallery for a link to some I shot with this system. It's sort of a vintage/digital hybrid. On the vintage side, I'm using old glass and shooting with manual controls, a la Nikonos, with the advantages of more photos per dive, video capability (which is what I use it for mostly), and being able to see the image. Attachments:
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sidm
Pro Diver
Posts: 219
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Post by sidm on Feb 26, 2012 14:22:47 GMT -8
Also, I have 15mm, 35mm, and 80mm lenses for the camera, plus the Nikonos closeup adapter. This works very well for macro shots and closeups as you do not need to use the wire frames. Extension tubes would work also.
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Post by SeaRat on Feb 26, 2012 21:53:17 GMT -8
Sid, I went to your website and looked at the demonstration video of the Nikonos lenses. The 35mm with a closeup really captured that nudibranch well, and was very sharp. Thanks for sharing.
John
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Post by sitkadiver on Feb 28, 2012 9:09:27 GMT -8
Sid,
That was a great video.
And great news for the UW photo people. Nikonos made good stuff. I shot with a Nikonos IV for many years. I'm glad to hear all those great lens will have a new lease on life.
I would go back to film, if I were a better photographer. Lord knows that digital media matches my skill level. Nothing like shooting 40 or 50 frames to get a couple decent shots.
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sidm
Pro Diver
Posts: 219
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Post by sidm on Feb 29, 2012 17:16:06 GMT -8
Thanks for the kind words. My favorite underwater cameras were the Nikonos I, II, and III. Almost indestructible and worked every time. Using this system is very much like shooting film. Soon, I'm going to build another housing for the Sony VG10 which, again, will operate very similar to an old movie camera.
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sidm
Pro Diver
Posts: 219
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Post by sidm on Aug 25, 2012 19:18:04 GMT -8
See my latest post in General Discussion for a couple of photos with this camera using a Nikonos 15mm lens. The topside photo is a little soft focus because the lens was designed for underwater use only.
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Post by scubadiverbob on Sept 1, 2012 5:56:35 GMT -8
I need one for my Minolta XGA camera lenses! I have a T-adapter and a telescope which goives me the same as 4800 mm. Haven't found a way to duplicate that with a digital camera; unless, I spend thousands of dollars! I took photos with this set up, at the lighthouse south of Ft. Bragg, CA of Sea Lions at the bottom of the cliff and it looked like I was standing right next to them ...
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sidm
Pro Diver
Posts: 219
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Post by sidm on Sept 3, 2012 21:26:37 GMT -8
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Post by scubadiverbob on Sept 4, 2012 6:23:32 GMT -8
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Post by scubadiverbob on Sept 4, 2012 6:35:27 GMT -8
Now, I just have to save up the money to buy a Sony NEX camera. With the economy in shambles ... $80/week to get gasoline to take Andrew to school ... it might just take a while ....
My Nikonos cameras still work great. Film is getting harder to find. Costco still develops negs + CD for under $5 (the only reason I have a membership).
It would be great to use my telescope with a digital camera. I hope the T-adapter works with the MD-NEX adapter.
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Post by scubadiverbob on Sept 4, 2012 6:37:38 GMT -8
With the economy in shambles ... ok that's not a political statement. Just a fact of life, with the current way things are .....
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jayen
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by jayen on Mar 15, 2013 15:37:27 GMT -8
Hi Sid,
I have just acquired a NIK/NEX adapter, how did you attach it to the Al. pte.
I am trying to modify a Meike type housing, and I may end up modifying and using the lens mount assembly from a Nikonos3 as the housing dimensions and mounting surface are a bit of a challenge.
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sidm
Pro Diver
Posts: 219
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Post by sidm on Mar 15, 2013 19:34:10 GMT -8
Hi, Jayen. I also looked at the Nikonos 3 lens mount. I think it would be superior to the adapter I used but required more design and machining than I had time for.
My first step was to mark the outside of the adapter to have a step machined in it. This will give clean metal and provide a ledge which will seat against the front surface of the plate. There are two considerations: the adapter must extend far enough in front of the plate to allow clearance for the lens control knobs, and must extend far enough behind he plate to provide clearance for the body of the Nex camera. A 3/8" (.375 inch) plate is perfect for the Nex-5. I used a two-part automotive adhesive called JB Weld to glue the adapter into the plate. The hole in the plate should be .005 to .010 inch larger than the diameter of the machined surface of the adapter.
A problem I ran into was he difference in dimensions of the Nex-5 and Nex-5n. I bought a 5n and found that I had to machine a cavity on the back of the plate to provide clearance for the camera body.
I will make a sketch and post it with photos soon. I'm travelling for a few days and away from home.
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jayen
New Member
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Post by jayen on Mar 15, 2013 21:36:29 GMT -8
Sid,
yes I think I can see most of the problems you have mentioned its the fine detail where the problems lie. The housing that I am starting with has the location of the camera(nex5) fixed. I may have to fabricate a plate first over the hole where the existing port is then mount the lens ring to that and keep it in collimation and the back of the lens the correct distance from the sensor. I think you can use JB for almost anything!
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jayen
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by jayen on Jan 30, 2014 23:42:07 GMT -8
I have been able to adapt the polycarbonate Mieke housing, plus a NEX5 to Nikonos adapter ring(modified), plus an internal load ring. A bit of work but it is all ok.
If you require photos or further info email me.
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