Putting it to work...

[John Thawley]

I've expressed on other boards here that the purpose of my purchase of Digilux 3 was to have a better liesure camera and to integrate it as "walk-around" and "scene setter" camera for my work as a motorsports photographer. I wanted something simple and more discreet. This weekend was my first opportunity to use it at work during the American Le Mans Series Northeast Grand Prix.

Here are a few shots grabbed while running around the paddock. I'm very pleased.

[stuny]

John -

You're making excellent use of the new camera -- I like the composition, detail, light and color on them all. Let me know when you need my address to send either of those 430 Scuderia.

[John Thawley]

Originally Posted by stuny

John -

You're making excellent use of the new camera -- I like the composition, detail, light and color on them all. Let me know when you need my address to send either of those 430 Scuderia.

Ferrari's would be stopping of in Bonita Springs first... after that, I'm not sure you'd want them. LOL

I did try using the camera for an on-track exhibition of a 962 Porsche. Not quite the right solution. Shutter lag, along with the limited three point sensor just couldn't keep up. Three frames per second didn't help either.

[elansprint72]

The static shots don't look too shabby to me! I saw a guy at Le Mans last week-end using a D3 for this sort of work.
What method are you using for the racing shots? I find that my D2 is fine if I pre-focus and set the shutter speed manually; the camera sorts out the aperture with no discernible delay; of course I only use it for really close-in work, the D3 should be much more flexible.
Look forward to seeing more.

[John Thawley]

Originally Posted by elansprint72

The static shots don't look too shabby to me! I saw a guy at Le Mans last week-end using a D3 for this sort of work.
What method are you using for the racing shots? I find that my D2 is fine if I pre-focus and set the shutter speed manually; the camera sorts out the aperture with no discernible delay; of course I only use it for really close-in work, the D3 should be much more flexible.
Look forward to seeing more.

No, I'm very pleased with the statics. For on-track, I need much more speed and glass. I shoot with Canon... everything from a 16-35mm f/2.8 to a 500mm f/4. I carry three 40D bodies typically I'll mount up either the 16mm-35mm or 24mm-105mm on one, 70mm-200mm f/2.8 on another and the 500mm on the third. Oddly enough, the 500mm pratically becomes your "normal" lens for this work. And, not just for close ups. Threading between trees and utilizing the reach for unusual composition is a big plus. Things like this:

[elansprint72]

Hey- an innovative racing shot; that's a refreshing change and my son will love it, he's Mini-mad at the moment. Also it backs up my theory that Gulf racing are feeling the pinch.........

http://http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/sports-leisure-time/54764-gulf-oil-slashes-racing-budget.html




btw, welcome to the forum, good to have another car snapper on board.