Still Life

A close-up test using a non-macro lens....it took many attempts before I managed to get a good shot without too many reflections. I don't know if this will really "run forever" (as claimed by Argos) but it will probably outlive me.....it has already outlived three watch-straps :-) "A simple yet revolutionary concept: a watch that never needs a battery. Citizen Eco-Drive technology harnesses the power of light from any natural or artificial light source and converts it into energy which is stored in a permanently rechargeable lithium-ion cell. It recharges continuously in any kind of light to run forever." (Argos advertisement). www.argos.co.uk/product/9157332 Camera: Nikon D500 Lens: AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED Software: Nikon Capture NX2

Miniature (50 Centilitre / 18 fluid ounces) bottles of whiskey. Photographed with a tripod-mounted Nikon D500 using the self-timer. Camera: Nikon D500 Lens: Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 G Software: Nikon Capture NX2 and Gimp

Phalaenopsis orchid "Happy Rose" photographed using back-light (the sky) which gives a more accurate idea of the colours than my previous attempts using flash. Camera: Nikon D500 Lens: AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f2.8 Processed with Nikon Capture NX2 and Pixlr Editor

British coins photographed with my recently acquired 60mm macro lens......at it's closest focus the 5p coin fills the frame (and slightly overflows it). This is an old lens (first released in the 1980s I believe) which I bought "pre-owned" but it is also an excellent general-purpose and / or portrait lens for Nikon APS-C cameras where it has the equivalent field-of-view of a 90mm lens on a full-frame camera. Camera: NIkon D500 Lens: AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f2.8 Software: Nikon Capture NX2 and Gimp 2

My recently acquired Nikon F2 Photomic film camera which dates from 1976. I bought this in excellent condition for approximately 1/10th of the original (1970s) price and the 50mm f2 lens was included in the price. There are a few areas of "brassing" where the black colour has worn away but otherwise it seems to be working properly, even the meter, which is usually faulty on these old cameras. I am currently replacing the light-seals and mirror cushion which are in poor condition and then I will be ready to try it out. Photographed with a Nikon D500 camera and AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f2.8 macro lens. Processed with Pixlr. More information here: www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/f2.htm