NIKON SUCKS!!!!

Two months ago I attempted to purchase all the equipment suggested (see beginner seeks advice)--and succeeded with everything except for the essential UR-E18 converter adapter and the agnos mrotator B. I don't blame agnos for their part because they can't get theirs ready until Nikon gets around to making their part available.

I can't by any stretch of logic imagine how Nikon can pull off implementing a sophisticated camera and a 180 degree lens, but FAIL to deliver to the market what is essentially a threaded pipe to make the wide angle usable.

No one on earth seems to carry the device at present and they all point to Nikon as the problem. Nikon representatives won't admit to their failure--they said to try larger retailers (which I already had). At this point there are no guaranteed delivery timelines from Nikon and they are already far past all promises for delivery dates made to vendors. This is one of the most irresponsible chain of events I've seen from a major camera equipment manufacturer.

At this point, I've lost a lot of credibility with all the customers I had lined up for VR panos. I'm so upset with Nikon, I would like to try to return the lens and sell the camera at a loss. I didn't want to deal with the 1.6 multiplier problem on the lower priced Canon systems, but I'd rather deal with a manufacturer that can keep its promises. Any suggestions to the next best system in a Canon (Coolpix 8800 with FC-E9 lens and mrotator)?

While I have to agree with the delay with the UR-E18 lens adaptor delay. NIKON whats doing with that?

I must say the Nikon system is by for the best answer for shooting spherical panorama images at a relatively low cost. At the time of suggesting you buy a Nikon Coolpix 8800 and FC-E9 Fisheye I had no idea the UR-E18 would be a non event. I like "most" others on this forum use The Nikon Coolpix series to do panorama work.

The answer for you is you either wait for the adaptor to finally be released or buy another model Nikon camera (Seeing you already have the FC-E9 Fisheye lens)

Known models that except this lens and HAVE adaptors available are as follows.

• Coolpix 5400 5 megapixels
• Coolpix 5700 5 megapixels
• Coolpix 8700 8 megapixels

These models have been out know for 12 months or more and all are known successful cameras. Users on this forum use them with great results.

You "may" be able to return your camera in favour of an 8700 or visit eBay and and see if you can pick up a cheap new or secondhand model to carry you over until the release of the UR-E18 Adaptor.

Unfortunately, no other brand will give you the same bang for your buck to be used in conjunction with Panoweaver 3.01

I notice amazon.com is stating the UR-E18 should be available sometime after December 24th (Whatever that means?) Hopefully very soon into the New Year....

All the best, Smooth

Now they are saying delivery won't happen until february. So it looks like a six month wait now. I just don't trust NIKON at all now!! So I certainly won't be buying another.

Is there noviable way to use this lens with a Canon?

hey there eco,

don't worry mate. always look for other sources before u loose ur coolness.

perhaps ur local photo shop might have one. if not, then henry has.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43441&item=3861536299&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

merry christmas,

santa claus 

p.s. i hear dave and smooth have been good little boys

Good spot VT,

henrys.com to the rescue!

I hope your info is right about me and Santa

I know Dave is getting his present soon but I haven't had any news myself........

Somebody put in a good word for me please.

Regards, Smooth

I normally check ebay, but didn't imagine there would be one there. I saw the link too late to bid in the auction. Will keep looking now though. But none of this makes any difference because Agnos says they still can't get a prototype from Nikon from which to finalize their MRotator B.

This means that I still couldn't take decent panos with this setup because either Agnos isn't trying very hard, or Nikon is lying to distributors. Is there another option as good as Agnos Mrotatorb that will work with this setup?

Ok.. we did it today. 

Canon 20d and a stock lens Canon EF 28 - 135mm IS USM (ultrasonic image stabilizer). AND [he wrote] a new Manfrotto 3001D tripod.  This coming Thursday/Friday will get to try out the new Sigma 8mm.

Step 1 charge up the battery. Now to get through the 167 page user manual.  After which I will have learned where to turn the camera ON. 

Are we having fun yet ??

Quote: Originally posted by ecodevoman on December-21-2004

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OK, if I step down on the Nikon, I'd prefer to get the Coolpix 8400. Is there any practical way for it to be used with the FC-E9 fisheye? What lens mount?

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I believe the 8400 was released the very same time as the 8800 and thus may cause the same issue with adaptor supply(?) The adaptor needed for the 8400 & FC-E9 is a ER-E16

The 8700 has all parts availavle from Nikon and Agnos has the MrotatorB to suit.

Good luck!

Regards, Smooth

Dave,

You finally succumb to the powers of the Canon dSLR

I must say I thought you were leaning towards the Nikon D70 and 10.5mm Fisheye! Good luck with the learning curve, but I'm sure you will be impressed with the Canon.

Though you might wish to return that lens! It has some old bloke infused on the glass (Front Element). LOL

We expect a fullscreen panorama for our viewing very soon!

Regards, Smooth