Nikon J1: mount with FT1 adapter to Nikon 300mm f4

Few days ago, I got my hands on a unit of Nikon mirrorless camera, J1 and the FT1 adapter. From earlier test by digiscopers in Hongkong and other parts of the world, the V1 is a good and potential camera for digiscoping. Initially I wanted to get the V1 but the ATM machine ran out of cash - darn it!

I tested the J1 on birds and plants, some with the 300mm while some with a 1.4x TC. It is not easy to get decent and sharp photos with the teleconverter. Finally I decided to test without the TC.

Bird Photography: Kitchen Tool

I have seen a Follow Focus gadget for making movie using a 35mm adapter but there are pretty expensive. This tool is useful when we are using movie mode on camera and it helps to make smooth focusing. So tried to google for DIY Follow Focus and found several youtube videos demonstrating how to make one.

Cheap follow focus DIY from André Desrochers on Vimeo.

There's even another easier method for owning one. Just buy a universal lid opener from the kitchen store (if you can find one). The photos below are shown from this website.





Update (23.12.2011): Bought this universal lid opener from ACE Hardware in Midvalley. I'm sure other ACE outlets should be selling this 'tool'. I have tried using it to open the container lid. It works! Will go home and check how smooth it is with the lens.

Belkin GoStudio

This is a portable audio recording for your ipod. I know many bird watchers out there will carry a portable audio (MP3) device such as Apple, Creative, Samsung, and other China makes filled with bird calls. Bird calls are readily available in the market while not all the calls can be found in the internet or bought from the store, some of you might want to record them from the wild and share it with fellow bird watchers.

While I have stumbled with many bird watchers and photographers using their MP3 playbacks in the field, very seldom I see anyone doing recordings (ok...none) except for one bird guide friend who is using this method. He uses a Sennheiser mic and Belkin Tunetalk. But if you have more budget and very interested in experimenting with audio devices, why not try the Belkin GoStudio if you have an iPod?

For more information about Belkin GoStudio, click below:
Belkin GoStudio: Portable Audio Recording for iPod

Or if you are considering getting a unit, try the link(s) below:
Belkin GoStudio Recorder for iPod (Green/Gray)

Alternatively, you can look at this Belkin TuneStudio