Customer Reviews

Magic Lantern Guides: Nikon N75/F75 (A Lark Photography Book)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My N75 is my first SLR, so I read the owner's manual the same day I bought the camera. While the owner's manual will tell you all the *technical* details of operating the camera, you need to understand the *reasoning* behind using all of the features. That is why this book is so much better than the owner's manual. Because it focuses on your exact camera, you won't find anything in this book that doesn't apply to you. It goes into detail on all of the camera's features, while also telling you *why* you might care about each feature.

My suggestion would be to get this book, and then a second book on photography in general. (I also purchased 'Understanding Exposure', which I'd highly recommend). Read the Magic Lantern book first... that way you get to know all of the things your camera can do. When you start reading the more general photography book, you'll then know how to use that knowledge with your camera.

Pros:
-Gives you the 'why' to go with the 'how' - unlike your owner's manual.
-Gives you just enough on each feature to understand it - which means less to read, and makes for a faster read.
-Gives examples and suggestions for useful add-ons for the camera in several sections (for instance, larger flashes).
-Small enough to take with you, so that you can take it for reference in the field

Cons:
-A little dry at times, but still a pretty easy read

First off, let me say I'm not a big fan of these kinds of books. Most of the time you can get the info from the manufacturer's manual that comes with the camera.
I recently bought an N75 as a backup to my trusty Nikon old 8008s. This magic lantern guide covers all of the basic and detailed operations of my new N75/F75. There are excellent close up illustrations of the controls and small buttons. The author does an admirable job of translating Nikon's somtimes cryptic instructions into useful information. He also does a great job of highlighting the hidden treasures of the N75 such as spot metering and multiple exposures. Getting this guide will not only make using your new N75 easier, but more fun too. This guide seems to have a lot of info which relates in particular to the N75. There is also a more general photography guide section that will prove useful to new SLR photographers. This guide is also well written and fluid;most camera guides are a good cure for insomnia. The author keeps you involved and interested in the process of learning control of your new camera. The flash section is particularly good and up to date, even mentioning Nikon's brand new iTTL flash control.

Bought this book as going into photography for new career path, however, after receiving the book, realized that I bought another Nikon camera (was looking at two Nikon cameras) - but book was in like new condition, delivery was quick, would definitely purchase again from this vendor.

Excellent guide and manual for the Nikon N75/F75 camera. Clear, succinct and easy to follow.

At the time I bought this book it DID NOT help me understand more about how to take better pictures or how to take more advantage of my camera. If you are new too photography and are not familiar with photography terms this book won't help you that much!