Nikon 1 V3 for Aviation | Fairchild 71 This beautiful Fairchild 71 was restored to better than new condition. This image was captured handheld; probably down on one knee. Early evening light adds to the nostalgia feeling. The 30-110mm lens has such a wide range, actually 81-297mm, it stays on the Nikon 1 V3 most of the time while walking around the AAA Fly-in. To see the entire story with all seven images, go to Nikon 1 V3 for Aviation | a 7 Image Story.
Nikon 1 V3 for Aviation | a 7 Image Story My journey with the Nikon 1 series cameras and lenses started with the V1, skipped the V2, and embraced the V3. The V3 fixed several annoying V1 traits. Also, handling, auto-focus, and metering improved dramatically. About the same time, a firmware upgrade allowed the auto-focus to more easily keep aircraft in focus while panning with the lens attached to the FT-1 adapter. Thus, the Nikon 1 V3 became a reasonably nice camera for capturing aviation images as well as most other images. I’ve captured a variety of aircraft images including props, jets, sailplanes, float planes, helicopters, and even a blimp. Those images included statics both on land and water as well as ground to air while panning handheld. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any air to air images yet. Thus far, my data base contains over 75K+ V1 and V3 images with over 1330 posted on this blog.
What the V3 does well, it does very well. Now, the V3 is my preferred carry camera for capturing daily walkabout images. It shoots much like a DSLR in continuous mode. Although a bit noisy at higher ISOs, the image quality is quite good, particularly for posting. Although bracketing would really be helpful, today’s post processing software reduces the need. The 2.7 crop factor helps improve images where getting closer is not an option, like at air shows. Would I only take it to an air show or fly-in and leave my DSLRs in the hangar? Well yes, occasionally I do, if a light travel pack is required. Still, I’d rather take both my DSLRs and the V3.
In a nutshell, what specifically do I like about the Nikon 1 V3 for aviation?
The V3 presents a few more challenges over my DSLRs!
What’s next? Nikon appears to have discontinued the Nikon 1 V series; too bad. A V4 camera could have addressed several V3 issues to become a really great camera. It’s not yet clear what my next carry camera will be; maybe another V3.
Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Nikon 1 V3 for Aviation.
Click any image below for a slide show!
My Nikon 1 V3 aviation kit fits into a very small Lowepro camera backpack. The camera equipment includes a Nikon 1 V3 Body, Nikon FT-1 Adapter, 1 VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom, 1 VR 30-110mm f3.8-5.6, AFS 50mm f1.4G, and a AFS 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR. The supporting equipment includes a Nikon Speedlight SB-N5 Flash, LitePanels MicroPro Hybrid, Sennheiser MKE 400 Directional Mic, Sun Sniper Shoulder Strap, Extra Nikon EN-EL15 Battery, Nikon MH-25 Charger, Extra SD Cards, Lens Cleaning Supplies, and a Headlamp with red & white light. A small MeFOTO tripod has its own bag. Find more Nikon 1 V1 and V3 experiences posted under IMHO.
Reflections on 2017 | Spartan Executive My second year at the AAA Fly-in ended with a few long exposure images. This image was captured just before the last rays of sunset light faded on the first day of the fly-in. Notice the line of sunset light reflection cutting through the fuselage. To see the entire story with all seven images, go to Reflections on 2017 | a 7 Image Story.
The Day’s Last Flight This Stinson SR-8B Reliant just landed on its last flight of the day. Antique Field at the AAA fly-in is a grass strip without lights and airport is about to close until morning.
1930 Waco CSO @ AAA Fly-in Hey, it’s a green on green image. OK, still, it’s a beautiful airplane.
1931 Travel Air 12-W @ AAA Fly-in This beautifully restored Travel Air cruises at approximately 79 MPH with a 90 HP engine. This image was captured at the AAA Fly-in while it was giving rides.
Spartan Executive @ AAA Fly-in This image was captured just before the last rays of sunset light faded on the first day of the fly-in. Notice the line of sunset light reflection cutting through the fuselage. No, it’s not a wrinkle in the aluminum; it’s light reflection on the polished aluminum plane.
Chief @ 2017 AAA Fly-in This beautiful Golden Eagle Chief appears to be one of only two registered in the USA.
