Re: UV-photography

[NFOTO Bjorn Rorslett <nikon@xxxxxxx>]

>I have access to a UV-Nikkor plus body (FG-20) which I plan to use to
>record UV reflection patterns on butterfly wings, this is what I say
>officially to get hold of the lens in the first place, but let's see..
>My question is twofold: a message on WJMs homepage (from this 
>list?) suggests to stay away from Kodak films and choose Fuji RTP, a 
>tungsten balanced film instead. This film happens to be extremely 
>rare where I live, however I can get the Kodak EPY, which should be 
>tungsten balanced as well, as I understand it.
>
>Any comments? The second question: metering. The metering system of
>the F4, although not designed for measuring UV seems to give reliable
>results, however F3 and F5 don't. What about the FG-20 body? Are there
>alternatives such as hand held meters, but probably not designed for
>UV use either, in addition to the difficulties I would expect
>preventing stray light to enter from elsewhere not through the filter.
>
>Hoping that there are some UV specialists around..  I'll introduce 
>myself in a couple of days, if you find it interesting.
>
>Thanks a lot in advance
>
>
>Christoph Held


The information on colour films for UV use is correct (after all, it
originated from me). Kodak EPY is unsuitable for UV photography whilst Fuji
RTP is really excellent. However, if it is impossible or impractical to get
hold of RTP in your area, other films such as Fuji RD (Sensia/Provia) might
be useful. Once more a warning against the use of Kodak films for this kind
of photography: they are useless....

F4 meters UV correctly using the UV 105 Nikkor lens, F3 is unreliable while
F5 is perfect with a -1 EV adjustment. Both F4 and F5 can do TTL flash
photography in UV with the UV Nikkor and the specially designed SB-140 UV/IR
flash. I don't know about the suitability of the FG-20 but likely it's not
as good as the F-series cameras. You have to do a comprehensive series of
carefully controlled shots to calibrate the meter for UV work, if it's
possible at all. 

regards/bjorn

Visit my UV Colour Photography site at: http://hawk.foto.no/pinhole/nikon

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