Nikon filed patent 2012-215769 in Japan for obtaining a high precision focus when attaching an old Nikkor lens to a digital camera (this solution is probably intended for Nikon 1 mirrorless cameras). The patent describes a high precision AF mount adapter that has a built-in automatic focus adjustment mechanism – the AF is first determined by TTL phase detection and then a signal is sent to the adapter to physically adjust the focus on the lens:
The November edition of NPhoto magazine, that will be released at the end of the month, has a headline called “Erster Test: Nikon D8000” on the front cover, which translates to “First Test: Nikon D8000“. I believe that this is a typo – I don’t think Nikon will release the D7000 replacement this month. The pictured camera also looks very much like the D800. I think Nikon will not introduce any more new products in 2012. The next wave of announcements will come in January/February 2013 with the approaching CES and CP+ shows in Las Vegas and Japan.
Two Romanian stores (fotohobbyshop and f64) have listed the AF Fisheye-Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D lens as “end of life“. The lens is still listed as current on Nikon USA website. Romanian stores have been accurately publishing information on soon-to-be-discontinued products in the past (Nikon D3x and D3s).
Several news media outlets reported last month on the boycott of Japanese products in China caused by the recent Japanese government’s purchase of some of the Diaoyu islands which are claimed also by China. It seems that the issue is serious enough that Nikon mentioned it in their latest Q&A session for the Q2 financial results of the Imaging Division:
Enlight Photo released ioShutter for Nikon cameras. ioShutter contains two parts: an iPhone/iPad app and a special cable that connects your iPhone to the camera in order to control the shutter:
A simple-to-use and versatile shutter release appcessory for SLRs, ioShutter connects a photographer’s iPhone, iPod touch or iPad direct to their SLR. The ioShutter app then offers extensive shutter control features.
ioShutter makes pin-sharp long exposures, stunning light trails, timelapse sequences and more easy for amateur and pro photographers alike. ioShutter even includes ShakeToTake movement and ClapToSnap sound triggers to fill your shoots with photos full of laughter, dance and fun.
The ioShutter shutter release cable for Nikon DSLR costs $69.95. ioShutter is compatible with every Nikon DSLR except the D70, D70s and D80.
Joe Fitz was able to hack the Nikon WU-1a wireless mobile adapter and make it work with the Nikon D800 camera. The Nikon WU-1a was designed to work only with the D3200. Recently, Nikon released also the WU-1b that is compatible with the D600 and Nikon 1 V2.
More details on the Joe’s project can be found in this presentation and in the video below:
