Nikon 1 V1 — The one that started it all
For years I have been using a DSLR, and I was getting rather tired of it. It made amazing photos, it still does. But, carrying it around, and also the lenses, it was just not a pleasure, it was more of a struggle, so I decieded to move to mirrorless, so have a lighter kit.
As my DSLR was I Nikon, that is also where I started the journey (it is not where it will end). I looked at their options, and what they had to offer, as new, was not really what wanted. So I went to the used market. And here I found a Nikon 1 V1 in good shape.
It did not come with any lenses, just the body. So, to get my passion for photography back, I started with an old manual setup, so that I would have to be engaged in the actual photo when I take it, not just leave everything on auto.
This turned out to be perfect way, for me at least. I really started enjoying taking photos again. Have to control all elements. With the V1 you can only use old lenses in full on manual mode, somthing I didn’t know. But, also somthing I don’t mind, when looking back.
Another benefit of this, is that it also tought me everything again that i had forgottet. And I am happy for that.
Now that I had what I wanted; the wish to take more photos. It was about time to add some more lenses. The crop-factor on the V1 is 2.7, as it has an 1" sensor. This means that my 50mm manual lens is a 135mm lens, and that does bring some challenges.
Again I went to the used market, and I as lucky to find a 10mm lens for the 1 system from Nikon, but I did have to buy the 18.5mm new.
These lenses are amazing, on my trip to Chicago, these where the only two lenses I brough with me, and they covered all my needs. I was able to shoot photos of buildings, the water, the street and some portraits.
Even though the two lenses, the 10mm and the 18.5mm is covering 98% of my needs, I have also added two zoom lenses to the kit, these are the usual Nikon 1 kit zoom lenses, and then are doing what the others can’t bring me closer to the subject, but with that comes the normal challenges, and that is a lower aperture, but many times that is okay, as my goal is to get closer, not to get close and create blurry background
So, where am I now?
I am still shooting images, I am still using the V1 now and then, but I have also added some other cameras to the collection, as they all fulfill a specific function. Depending on where I am going, and how much I can bring, I will still bring the V1, it is a great camera. The 10MP that is delivers, I would still rather have then any mobile phone image. And the reason for that, is that all my pictures are shared online, and for that, this camera delivers more then is needed. And the quality of the images, is just amazing.
This is where I have ended with the V1. The kit will not become bigger. It will stay like this. I am even thinking about passing it on to someone else, so they also have the same great experince.
