Nikon D1X

2001, the year Microsoft bought us Windows XP, Apple delivered us the iPod and Nikon reigned supreme by giving us the D1X. Today, all three products could be considered dead, replaced by bigger and better things - time stands still for no one - yesterday's news is today's chip paper as my old gran used to say! Sadly things move on whether we like it or not.

Although I love embracing new technology (when I can afford it) when it comes to cameras, particularly Nikon cameras, I love the old ones. The D1X is no exception. I waited long and hard to find the one that befitted my current collection.

Back in the day the D1X meant business, it was the workhorse of many professional photographers the world over. Like all other Nikon Pro bodies the D1X was built like a tank - the only chink in its armour was power - it had an insatiable appetite for batteries. Not so much of a problem today as you can now convert your old EN-4 batteries to take two new UltraFire 18650 -3.7volt rechargeable batteries, which are readily available on eBay in their millions.

The other misconception surrounding the D1 series is their pixel count, minuscule be present day standards I grant you, but still very, very usable. In fact, I have a PAGB Gold Medal from the Cotswold Monochrome Exhibition to prove it!

Images from any of the D1 series have a familiar resemblance to that of film, which a lot of photographers try to emulate. Trying to get film-like quality out of your D4 just isn't going to happen - period!

Old Nikon cameras are currently under going a bit of a revival, prices for their mechanical bodies, Nikkormats included, are going through the roof. Theres even been rumours of Nikon patenting a digital back for their film cameras - cant see it happening myself - ever!

First and foremost, If you want film quality shoot film - simples!

If you want film quality from your digital SLR - grab yourself a camera from the D1 series and treat it as you would have done when shooting slide film - expose for the highlights and let the shadows take care of themselves. Don't get bogged down by noise - use it to your advantage. In any case the D1X produces beautiful noise free images up to ISO 400.

Just like Kodachrome the D1X produces beautiful reds and yellows. But than again, if you like your Ilford HP5 set the D1X to shoot monochrome and raise the ISO to 800 - 1600, you'll love it.

Finally, it should also be noted, if Nikon made it for film the chances are it will work with your D1X, after all they based it on the Nikon F5.

My Names not Susan, but thanks for stopping by . . .