This corner of the Internets has been most neglected by moi. For that I apologize. (Not that anybody sees it. LOL) But in the interest of paying some attention to this meager blog, I have decided to update it with some recent photos using a digital camera made by Nikon which was selling just before the launch of their watershed camera the D1. This model is called the E series. You can read all about it here:
http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/htmls/models/digitalSLRs/E3E3s/index.htm
Around 1998 is when I started using digital cameras but I couldn't afford the 10,000 plus price tag for the true DSLR form factor. So in addition to using my film cameras like the Nikon F5 and N90s, I opted to use the small point-and-shoot style digital camera. First I used the Agfa ePhoto 1680. Eventually I moved over to Olympus Camedia bodies, until I was able to buy the Nikon D1.
But just before getting the D1, I did visit a supplier to check out the Nikon E3s. The main draw to this camera is its full frame ability for lenses. No crop factor. But to gain it, the system was using an internal optic system to give it a full frame view. Thus the massive bulky body it has. Needless to say I opted to wait for the D1.
I bought the E3s I currently own on EBay for only $75! But the catch was that it didn't have any battery to go with it. I basically took a chance that down the road I could find a way to power it up. So, it sat for a good year or two. I was eventually able to find a battery adapter which fits the battery compartment. It's supposed to plug into a Nikon AC adapter/battery charger unit, but there are none around anymore. I discovered that the plug from the Nikon adapter fits my Panasonic AC adapter, which powers my HVX200 HD video camera. So, the next step was to figure out how to power the camera. Plugging it into the wall is one thing but having portable power with an AC plug is another. Thankfully I found the perfect solution. I purchased a used 20W battery by Black & Decker. About the size of a slim portable hard drive, it powers the Panasonic AC adapter and in turn powers the Nikon. I pop the battery into my pocket with the Panasonic adapter and run the cable to the camera. My workaround is a success!
As for the camera, it works fine. But as you would expect, the files are miniscule and the quality isn't too stellar. In fact, I'd say out of all the pre-2000 cameras I have, this is the poorest quality, but not bad for a mid to late 1990's digital camera! You have to put yourself in late 1990's time frame and realize that everyone else for the most part was shooting film. Here is a camera that delivered a photo to a newsroom from the field hours before anyone else without having to develop film and scan negatives. Amazing!
My full gallery of photos from this camera can be seen at my Flickr page:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nikonman24/sets/72157645373819901
