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Nikon Fisheye Converter FC-E8
Thank you for your purchase of the FC-E8 fisheye lens adapter for use with the Nikon COOLPIX 990, 950, 900s, 900, 800 and 700 digital cameras. Use the FC-E8 to take photo-graphs at a wider angle than is possible with your digital camera alone. With the FCE8 mounted, the focal length of the cameras lens is reduced to x0.21, allowing you to take fish-eye photographs with the camera zoomed all the way out (medium focal length can be obtained with the Fisheye 2 option on the COOLPIX 990 and 950). You can install the FC-E8 simply by screwing it into the cameras lens. Taking photographs in normal mode The COOLPIX 990, 950, 800, 700 900s and 900 can shoot photos with the FC-E8 attached even when the camera is not in fisheye mode. This can be useful when, for example, you want to adjust the composition using zoom (COOLPIX 700 excluded). You should however note the following points: The optimum focal length for FC-E8 is attached is obtained when the lens is zoomed between the maximum and medium angle. We recommend that you remove the FC-E8 when you want to use the camera zoomed in. Zoom can be used between the maximum angle and the middle optical zoom position. Setting zoom to a position between maximum zoom and the middle optical zoom position may result in a portion of the frame being eclipsed (vignetting). Set the flash to Flash Cancel. Using the flash with the FC-E8 in place could result in vignetting or poor exposure.

Deutsch

Nikon-Fisheye-Vorsatz FC-E8
Vielen Dank fr Ihr Vertrauen in zuverlssige Nikon-Technologie. Der Fisheye-Vorsatz FC-E8 fr die Nikon-Digitalkameras Coolpix 990, 950, 800, 700, 900s und 900 vergrert den Bildwinkel extrem. Die Brennweite des Objektivs wird um den Faktor 0,21 verkrzt, so da bei kleinster Zoomstufe Fisheye-Effekte mglich sind (eine mittlere Brennweite kann bei der Coolpix 990 und 950 mit der Einstellung Fisheye 2 gewhlt werden). Der FisheyeVorsatz FC-E8 lt sich einfach auf das Objektiv aufschrauben. Fotografieren im Modus fr normale Brennweite Auch bei aufgesetztem Fisheye-Vorsatz knnen Sie mit der Coolpix 990, 950, 800, 700, 900s und 900 im Modus fr normale Brennweite fotografieren. Das ist vor allem dann vorteilhaft, wenn Sie die Zoomfunktion der Kamera mit dem Fisheye-Vorsatz verwenden wollen (nicht mglich bei Coolpix 700). Allerdings sollten Sie dabei folgende Punkte beachten: Ein sinnvoller Einsatz des Fisheye-Vorsatz FC-E8 ist bei kleiner oder mittlerer Zoomstufe gegeben. Wenn Sie nher an ein Motiv heranzoomen wollen, empfiehlt es sich, den FisheyeVorsatz abzunehmen und nur mit dem Standardobjektiv zu fotografieren. Es knnen nur Zoomstufen zwischen krzester und mittlerer Zoomstufe verwendet werden. Einstellungen zwischen mittlerer und maximaler optischer Zoomstufe knnen zu einer Vignettierung fhren, bei der die Randbereiche des Bildes schwarz abgedeckt sind. Sie das Blitzgert ausschalten (Blitzeinstellung Blitz aus), wenn Sie den Fisheye-Vorsatz FC-E8 verwenden. Blitzen kann in Verbindung mit dem Fisheye-Vorsatz FC-E8 zu einer Vignettierung oder fehlerhaften Belichtung fhren.
En Fisheye Converter Instruction Manual De Fisheye-Vorsatz Bedienungsanleitung Fr Convertisseur Fisheye Manuel dutilisation Sp Conversor ojo de pez Manual de instrucciones It Converter Fish-eye Manuale istruzioni Nl Fisheye Converter Gebruiksaanwijzing
Montage (die Abbildung zeigt die COOLPIX 990)

Schraubabdeckung

Installation (Illust. COOLPIX 990)

Threaded cap

Cautions
This fisheye converter is intended for use with the Nikon COOLPIX 990, 950, 800, 700, 900s and 900 digital cameras. It cannot be used with other cameras. The optical viewfinder can not be used to check the camera angle when the FC-E8 is attached. Use the LCD monitor to confirm angle and focus. Mounting the FC-E8 increases the total weight of your camera. To prevent blurring, be sure to hold the camera firmly. When the FC-E8 is attached, do not pick the camera up by the converter alone, as this may damage the equipment. You should also be sure to detach the FC-E8 when transporting the camera. Ghosting may occur when a very bright light source, such as the sun, is framed in the photograph or is just outside the frame. When the FC-E8 is mounted and the camera is zoomed all the way out, the angle is 183. In some cases, portions of the image outside an angle of 183 may not be captured. Some distortion may occur in the periphery of photographs taken with the fisheye converter. This is normal. Be careful not to scratch the lens, which projects out from the fisheye converter and is susceptible to damage. When cleaning the lens, remove dust with a blower. Do not apply force. If a finger-print or other stain is found on the lens, wipe it off gently with a soft, clean, cotton cloth dampened lightly with pure ethanol. Move the cloth in an even spiral from the center outward, being sure to clean all parts of the lens. Replace the front and rear lens covers when the adapter is not in use. When the FC-E8 is attached, the focus distance set in manual focus mode does not coincide with the actual focus distance due to optical characteristics of the FC-E8. It is recommended that you check the image in the LCD monitor or take a test photograph before recording the final photo.

Taking photographs with the FC-E8
Taking photographs with the camera set to fisheye mode Selecting FISHEYE, Fishey 1, or Fisheye 2 from the LENS or EXTRA FUNC submenus in the M-REC shooting menu automatically changes camera settings to create photographs that make the best use of the fisheye lens adapter. The procedure for setting the camera to fisheye mode is given below. Refer to the documentation included with your COOLPIX 990, 950, 800, 700 900s or 900 for details. 1. Turn the mode selector dial to M-REC. 2. Press the MENU button to display the shooting menu. 3. With COOLPIX 990, select Fisheye 1*1 or Fisheye 2*2 in LENS with the Multi selector. With COOLPIX 950, select FISHEYE1*1 or FISHEYE2*2 in LENS with the zoom and the shutter release buttons. With COOLPIX 800/700/900s/900, select FISHEYE in LENS or EXTRA FUNC with the zoom and the shutter release buttons. Return to shooting mode. A lens converter icon will be displayed in the LCD monitor. *1 Corners of the frame are blacked out, creating a circular frame. *2 Corners of the frame are exposed, creatign a square frame. When the COOLPIX 990, 950, 800, 900s, and 900 are in fisheye mode, the camera automatically zooms out to the maximum angle (medium focal length can be obtained in the case of the COOLPIX 990 or 950 using the Fisheye 2 option), allowing you to take fisheye photographs. The zoom buttons or zoom switch will be disabled. If you are using the COOLPIX 700, do not use digital zoom. Both the internal and external flash will be off. No other flash settings are avail-able. Except when Fisheye 2 is used with the COOLPIX 990 or 950, metering will automatically be set to center-weighted and the focus mode will automatically be set to the autofocus setting Infinity. Manual focus will be unavailable. If the COOLPIX 990 or 950 is set to Fisheye 2, photographs can be taken at very short ranges in macro close-up mode. In macro close-up mode, the COOLPIX 990 or 950 can take photos at a range of 5 cm (1.95 in)infinity. As conditions however vary according to distance and brightness, it is recommended that you check the image in the LCD monitor or take a test photograph before recording the final photo.

Agnos Mrotator CP Oblique Pro Kit Nikon 950/990/995 Nikkor FC-E8

Test Report: July 2006

Introduction: The 60 angle deck panorama bracket and rotator base are designed to accommodate digital cameras. It provides a method for capturing single row images suitable for creating spherical panoramic image. This report uses the Nikon 990 and Nikon FC-E8 8mm fisheye lens. Specifications: Agnos Mrotator CP Oblique Pro Kit. The kit includes Mrotator rotator base, 60 bracket and a camera standard Manfrotto quick change rectangle adapter plate. The adapter plate is similar to Manfrotto product nr. 3299. Together the Base * and bracket are 18.5cm wide x 11cm deep (arm piece) x 11cm high (7 w x 4d x 4h). The product has a black knob and black protective paint finish. The 60 Oblique bracket and arm have index scales. The bracket base has 2 15mm diameter round yellow/green spirit level on the top and bottom side of the bottom plate. * The Mrotator base is 78mm high x 60mm diameter (3high x 2 diameter) and is.43kg or 1 lb. Design Features: The Mrotator CP Oblique Pro can be separated into 2 pieces allowing for easy travel storage. All the alignment control knobs are with in easy reach while standing from behind. Location of the control knobs and spirit level (if mounted on the back side) are easy to read and understand. Setup Procedure: Place the Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head on a Manfrotto 3001d tripod. Place the assembled Mrotator CP Oblique on the ball head quick release plate.
No Parallax Point (NNP). Parallax is the apparent change in the position of an object that results in change in the point of view. It is necessary to align the camera on the panorama head to view the object from the exact same position. Loosen the Mrotator CP Oblique horizontal bracket knob (see above LEFT photo) and gently slide the bracket until the cameras view finder Center focus box is lined up directly over the top of the tripods center rotation point. No Parallax Point (NPP) - Find Entrance Pupil location. The entrance pupil point location is a function of the lens and not the camera. It is the position inside the lens where the incoming image is inverted and projected back to the film plane or sensor. We found that fisheye lenses typical have more than 1 NNP, depending on the closest object in front of the lens. The lens rim is a good starting location. This would be where the lens glass meets the metal housing with the painted letters Nikon Fisheye FC-E8. Place to spot on the lens directly over the point of rotation.
Taking the 3 Panorama Photos Setup the tripod and Mrotator CP Oblique bracket. You should take 3 images at 120 intervals. Photographs
Stitch the 3 images with PTgui 5.8.4 stitching software.
The Mrotator CP Oblique design keeps all the bracket parts outside the Nikon FC-Elens viewing area. This pan head has a very small footprint. If your pan head appears like in the photo, you have done a good job in locating the No Parallax Point. Your stitching should be near perfect.

No Zenith

No Nadir
The Mrotator CP Oblique does NOT tilt 90 up (zenith) and down. Suggest using the TCPshort.
3 image Stitched panorama This finished panorama contains hard visual lines. A good correct alignment test is hard line convergence in the top 10%, mid 60 % of the image. Precision Mrotator CP Oblique panorama head with correct alignment will produce an excellent result.

Our testing equipment: Camera: Nikon 990 Compact Flash Card: 1 GB Lexar Media Professional 80x WA (also had 256mb compact flash card) Prime Lens: Nikon FC-E8 Images: HI JPEG Pan Head: Agnos Mrotator CP Oblique Support: Manfrotto/ Bogen Ball Head 488CR2 (supports 17.6 lbs) Tripod: Manfrotto/ Bogen 3001d
Qualities: The Mrotator CP Oblique design makes it easy to align the camera and lens so that you will get repeated NO error type stitched images. Take precision single photos the first time and your stitched panorama should be almost error free. Normally all controls are at the back of the camera. The Mrotator CP Oblique alignment knobs are also easily accessed from the back side of the tripod. This means you can stand in one location and make ALL the adjustments. This prevents accidentally hitting a tripod leg. Rotating through the Mrotator click stops is very easy. The clicking sound and feel are solid. Using the Manfrotto Quick Change Plate adapter (US Nr. 3299) is a great idea. It permits removing and re-mounting the camera on the Mrotator CP Oblique without having to realign the camera again. The camera plate portion of the Manfrotto 3299 remains on the camera base allowing re-use on another tripod or monopod. Suggestions: Total assembled tripod, ball head, Mrotator CP Oblique pan head, are made of steel and aluminum material. The rotator base is master crafted aluminum for accurate rotation. The Oblique Bracket is master crafted, precision cut and formed structural steel that assures the camera and lens will be properly supported during the imaging process. Together the Mrotator TB rotator base and meticulousness formed bracket will assure exact positioned imaging. Recommendation: Excellent panoramic hardware specializing in 60 Oblique camera position which maximizes full image height. Note: We tried to separate the Mrotator A head from the rotator base. However, the Allen screws were too tight and we did not want to damage the screws. Therefore, we used the Mrotator TB in our testing.