Fantastic "Jumping Wolf" shot on film camera wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year at DVinfo.net

Tony Davies-Patrick · October 24th, 2009, 06:42 AM

This image taken by José Luis of a wild wolf leaping over a gate in the Spanish mountains is simply superb, and just goes to show that content is king in both stills and moving images...no matter what your choice of camera equipment.

Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year - Online gallery

Steve Phillipps · October 24th, 2009, 11:00 AM

Yes, great news that some film cameras are still in use! You have to say though that they are massively in the minority in the rest of the competition and have been for years now. Shame, but the advantages of digital for wildlife just can't be ignored.
Interesting also how the Nikon 200-400 has become a big pro favourite as its predecessor did years back.
Steve

Tony Davies-Patrick · October 24th, 2009, 11:22 AM

Yes, the Nikkor MF 200-400mm f/4 was certainly a fab lens and still is today, along with its AF update model. Although I tend to prefer faster primes in most situations.

As good as the D3 and D3x DSLRs are, the Nikon F5 SLR system is still one of my favourites (although I use both systems). I'm hoping that the D4 will eventually offer what I want in a hybrid SLR, although I doubt if there will ever be an underwater DSLR to match the Nikonos RS SLR.

Jeff Swick · October 28th, 2009, 10:30 AM

Hello Tony,
So you liked the Nikonos RS?...me too! Unfortunately, I must sell that system as my daughter goes to college next fall...$$$$! Know anyone who might like to purchase an extensive RS system in mint condition...complete with new and unused 13mm and 2X teleconverter (German)?

Steve Phillipps · October 28th, 2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Davies-Patrick

Yes, the Nikkor MF 200-400mm f/4 was certainly a fab lens and still is today,
.

Never used one so I wouldn't know, do you still use it a lot? Be interested to know how it compares to the newer one.
Steve

Tony Davies-Patrick · October 29th, 2009, 09:32 AM

Hi Jeff. Yes, I simply love the Nikonos RS system (far better than the Nikonos V) and use it a lot for underwater photography, especially the Nikon UW 50mm AF f/2.8 Macro and the fantastic Nikon AF UW 20-35mm f/2.8 zoom. An incredible chunk of glass and knife sharp!

If you want to sell a complete RS system plus lenses, your best bet is to advertise on diver/scuba websites and also on Ebay. There is also Jose Swaney, a USA seller who sells Nikons gear and you could also try to sell via his online shop (Ebay name joseswaney). I advise you to split the system up as it sells for more as individual items. A couple of guys on Ebay have tried to sell complete systems recently for $5-12,000 dollars, and not many have that sort of cash to spare for second-hand camera.

Steve, yes, the MF version of the 200-400mm f/4 Nikkor lens is incredible (although I, sadly, don't have one now) and is definitely one of the very best zooms in that range ever made. The AF version is slightly better in some respects, especially with the added AF, and the manual zoom & handling can be a bind for some people. The tripod foot is far better and more sturdy on the older MF version than the latest AF version. I would like to look for another one but they are very much sought after and fetch almost as much second-hand as the latest AF version. A number of top UK & USA wildlife photographers used to use the Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 MF lens (and some still do).

The 200-400mm f/4 works well and provides top-notch images on both film & DSLR cameras.

Richard Mather · December 3rd, 2009, 04:53 PM

Thats a truly amazing shot, the edge is only taken off it a little for me by the fact it was so staged (but it would pretty much have to be). FWIW I still shoot film, as do many people still. I love the digital for convienience but there something very special about 6x7 velvia or panf.
The 200-400 is a great lens, it almost convinced me to switch over to Nikon. Anyone used the sigma 200-500 2.8 for video yet?

Paul Inglis · December 6th, 2009, 09:24 AM

Loved my old manual 200-400mm and regret selling it to be honest! The newer 200-400mm is a cracker though and with MTFs Nikon G to EX adaptor I can use it for filming too! The old MF version is like gold dust and fetch more than the newer AF version!

Mat Thompson · December 12th, 2009, 06:17 AM

I've been looking for a manual version of the 200-400 for a while now. - I'd love to see some video/stills shot with it Paul !?

The Wolf image is beautiful - What a great feeling it must be to nail an image like that after the process of habituation he had to go through. It shows real persistance thats for sure!

Steve Phillipps · December 12th, 2009, 07:06 AM

Frans Lanting and Heather Angel are two that spring to mind that used to use the old 200-400. They do come up for sale quite a bit now, with prices much much less than they were 10 years ago or so.
If anyone's interested there is another of the ultra high regarded and ultra rare Nikkors for sale at APERTURE PHOTOGRAPHIC SPECIALISTS IN PROFESSIONAL CAMERA EQUIPMENT. Nikon, Canon, Leica and other Professional equipment It's the 300mm f2.
Steve

Paul Doherty · December 19th, 2009, 02:09 AM

Interesting read

BBC's nature photo competition judge admits: Winner photo investigated due to fraud allegations — Suomen Luonto

Ben Longden · December 20th, 2009, 05:37 PM

A stunning picture...
10 out of 10

Proves once again its the camera operator not the gear that is the secret to success..

Ben

Tony Davies-Patrick · December 24th, 2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Doherty

Interesting read

BBC's nature photo competition judge admits: Winner photo investigated due to fraud allegations — Suomen Luonto

Yes, this news was on the television earlier in the week. It will be sad to find out if it was all staged with a captive wolf in action at night. The photo raised in power due to the very 'rare' aspect of capturing a wild European wolf. It will be a massive scandal if it turns out not to be photographed in the wild using remote infared-trap equipment.

Paul Inglis · December 24th, 2009, 12:58 PM

It would be a shame! It's not the first time this has happened nor will it be the last!

Chris Soucy · January 20th, 2010, 12:45 PM

So much for that then:

Wolf row photographer stripped of award - Nature, Environment - The Independent

CS

October 24th, 2009, 06:42 AM	#1
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	Fantastic "Jumping Wolf" shot on film camera wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year This image taken by José Luis of a wild wolf leaping over a gate in the Spanish mountains is simply superb, and just goes to show that content is king in both stills and moving images...no matter what your choice of camera equipment. Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year - Online gallery __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk

October 24th, 2009, 11:22 AM	#3
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	Yes, the Nikkor MF 200-400mm f/4 was certainly a fab lens and still is today, along with its AF update model. Although I tend to prefer faster primes in most situations. As good as the D3 and D3x DSLRs are, the Nikon F5 SLR system is still one of my favourites (although I use both systems). I'm hoping that the D4 will eventually offer what I want in a hybrid SLR, although I doubt if there will ever be an underwater DSLR to match the Nikonos RS SLR. __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk

October 29th, 2009, 09:32 AM	#6
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	Hi Jeff. Yes, I simply love the Nikonos RS system (far better than the Nikonos V) and use it a lot for underwater photography, especially the Nikon UW 50mm AF f/2.8 Macro and the fantastic Nikon AF UW 20-35mm f/2.8 zoom. An incredible chunk of glass and knife sharp! If you want to sell a complete RS system plus lenses, your best bet is to advertise on diver/scuba websites and also on Ebay. There is also Jose Swaney, a USA seller who sells Nikons gear and you could also try to sell via his online shop (Ebay name joseswaney). I advise you to split the system up as it sells for more as individual items. A couple of guys on Ebay have tried to sell complete systems recently for $5-12,000 dollars, and not many have that sort of cash to spare for second-hand camera. Steve, yes, the MF version of the 200-400mm f/4 Nikkor lens is incredible (although I, sadly, don't have one now) and is definitely one of the very best zooms in that range ever made. The AF version is slightly better in some respects, especially with the added AF, and the manual zoom & handling can be a bind for some people. The tripod foot is far better and more sturdy on the older MF version than the latest AF version. I would like to look for another one but they are very much sought after and fetch almost as much second-hand as the latest AF version. A number of top UK & USA wildlife photographers used to use the Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 MF lens (and some still do). The 200-400mm f/4 works well and provides top-notch images on both film & DSLR cameras. __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk

December 3rd, 2009, 04:53 PM	#7
Richard Mather New Boot Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NW Sunny Ole England Posts: 18	Thats a truly amazing shot, the edge is only taken off it a little for me by the fact it was so staged (but it would pretty much have to be). FWIW I still shoot film, as do many people still. I love the digital for convienience but there something very special about 6x7 velvia or panf. The 200-400 is a great lens, it almost convinced me to switch over to Nikon. Anyone used the sigma 200-500 2.8 for video yet? __________________ -- Richy Maui Wedding Planner

December 19th, 2009, 02:09 AM	#11
Paul Doherty Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sherburn, England Posts: 136	Captive? Interesting read BBC's nature photo competition judge admits: Winner photo investigated due to fraud allegations — Suomen Luonto

October 24th, 2009, 11:00 AM	#2
Steve Phillipps Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 2,130	Yes, great news that some film cameras are still in use! You have to say though that they are massively in the minority in the rest of the competition and have been for years now. Shame, but the advantages of digital for wildlife just can't be ignored. Interesting also how the Nikon 200-400 has become a big pro favourite as its predecessor did years back. Steve

October 28th, 2009, 10:30 AM	#4
Jeff Swick New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Midland Park, New Jersey Posts: 10	Hello Tony, So you liked the Nikonos RS?...me too! Unfortunately, I must sell that system as my daughter goes to college next fall...$$$$! Know anyone who might like to purchase an extensive RS system in mint condition...complete with new and unused 13mm and 2X teleconverter (German)?

December 6th, 2009, 09:24 AM	#8
Paul Inglis Major Player Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: British Isles Posts: 415	Loved my old manual 200-400mm and regret selling it to be honest! The newer 200-400mm is a cracker though and with MTFs Nikon G to EX adaptor I can use it for filming too! The old MF version is like gold dust and fetch more than the newer AF version!

December 12th, 2009, 06:17 AM	#9
Mat Thompson Trustee Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kent UK Posts: 1,397	I've been looking for a manual version of the 200-400 for a while now. - I'd love to see some video/stills shot with it Paul !? The Wolf image is beautiful - What a great feeling it must be to nail an image like that after the process of habituation he had to go through. It shows real persistance thats for sure!

December 12th, 2009, 07:06 AM	#10
Steve Phillipps Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 2,130	Frans Lanting and Heather Angel are two that spring to mind that used to use the old 200-400. They do come up for sale quite a bit now, with prices much much less than they were 10 years ago or so. If anyone's interested there is another of the ultra high regarded and ultra rare Nikkors for sale at APERTURE PHOTOGRAPHIC SPECIALISTS IN PROFESSIONAL CAMERA EQUIPMENT. Nikon, Canon, Leica and other Professional equipment It's the 300mm f2. Steve

December 20th, 2009, 05:37 PM	#12
Ben Longden Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Echuca, Victoria, Australiamate Posts: 179	A stunning picture... 10 out of 10 Proves once again its the camera operator not the gear that is the secret to success.. Ben

December 24th, 2009, 12:58 PM	#14
Paul Inglis Major Player Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: British Isles Posts: 415	It would be a shame! It's not the first time this has happened nor will it be the last!

January 20th, 2010, 12:45 PM	#15
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,689 Images: 18	Whoops............ So much for that then: Wolf row photographer stripped of award - Nature, Environment - The Independent CS