anyone here using this Cam? i've had the chance to get one but most of the batteries just can take a few shots, has anyone tried to replace the built-in batts inside?

too bad it doesnt have direct jpg but instead you have to process them in-camera which takes a few minutes. the DOF is even shalowwer than those of a 1.5 CF cams & it's very heavy :D

Hi Willy,

That's one heavy camera! Did it come with the photo desk software?

There are still some studios that use it tethered to a computer. In fact, that's the usual thing that breaks - the FW ports - since the assistants plug and unplug several times a day when they set up mobile studios is schools. Hope yours isn't afficted with that yet.

Other than that, it's a workhorse - in fact NASA still uses it on Space Shuttle flights to this day.

I'll check about the availability of the battery packs. There are a few pros who've migrated to something lighter, and may have spare packs to sell.

Will keep you posted.

Edwin

hi edwin, there are two CD's & a small booklet but haven't had the chance to really play with this that much yet. as for the outlook it seems to be OK with that plug you mentioned still intact. my only main concern are the batts for now as it can take a few minutes to convert those RAW into jpgs in-camera.

using PS CS to convert you loose the exif data, is there a way to preserve this when converting RAW using PS? i like the fact that it's crop factor is 1.3.

thanks

using PS CS to convert you loose the exif data, is there a way to preserve this when converting RAW using PS? i like the fact that it's crop factor is 1.3.

thanks
Hi Willy,

Am not sure if there's a workaround in preserving EXIF data as you convert to RAW. I'll need to ask the long-time users about that.

Will check is we still have tech support for you in China - we might find a stash of spare batteries or an AC power supply for you somewhere.

If - God Forbid - something does happen to the camera, the good news is there's a service center in HK run by ex-Kodak employees called Sinopromise. (Am sure the name wasn't thought of by native english speakers, he he). Anyway, they aren't the cheapest, but they know their stuff.

Let you know soon.

Edwin

Hi Willy,

Here's some more info: The battery pack contains 6 AA cells, and has some circuitry to determine the charging temperature. I've seen R/C enthusiasts rebuild battery packs before, but have not met someone who's actually done it for a digicam pack (should be the same - except that yours powers an $8,000 camera!).

Your unit ships with an AC adaptor - at least originally. In fact it comes with all kinds of power cords (5 to be exact) and works from 100 to 240 VAC.

One CD contains the instruction manual, the other one is the camera control and download software (Photo Desk, Camera Manager) and contains the file converter. File size in-camera is 5MB to 8MB (Kodak RAW, *.DCR file extension), which converts to about 18MB in TIF. I understand you can also convert to Jpeg via the same software. I still don't know if the software will keep your EXIF data though. (It actually should - it can even record GPS data if you're connected to a GPS device)

This was among the early digital SLRs in the market, and it relied very much on post processing via its bundled software. What you got out of the camera is the closest equivalent to a digital negative, and you'd need to tweak it on your computer to cut noise, moire etc. So it gives you a lot of work -- and a lot of control, too.



Edwin

Hi Willy, I used to own this unit also (DCS760) - truly a workhorse and the quality is superb. It's not easy to find replacement batteries. I may have some extra batts lying around somewhere. If you want, I can look for 'em... Or you can try bringing the packs to V-mall - I think there is a store that can replace the batteries.

thansk Edwin for the wealth of info, i crack opened one of the dead battery packs & yes there are 6AA cells BUT a bit shorter than tha standard batteries, i know i can find some of these here in HK but would be dangerous powering an $8K camera with a DIY battery pack ;D

as for the AC power source i think i also have it but did not give it a try yet. is it better to use the Photo Desk software or is PS CS a better choice now?

hi brian, how long did you have yours? so far i like waht i'm seeing but i have to adjust a bit coz of the 1.3 crop factor that has a shallow depth of field than a 1.5 CF cam. I use to shoot with the F100 & Dynax7 so this cam is the closest i can get to full frame. someone here is selling a 14N @ P90K, now that's FF in a Nikon body.

I don't know if i'm going to keep this for long unless i can find New fresh batteries here, thanks for the info guys.

Hi Willy,

You may want to give the camera desk software a spin: it hasn't got all the bells and whistles of the current CS2, but it should max out the camera capabilities.

Parts are getting rarer though: Eastman Kodak announced that the parts inventory for the 760 would dry up after 12-2005. The guys in Sinopromise (David Lam) still have some inventory which they're keen to dispose.

The 14n / 14nx and Pro SLR/n are full frame allright -- and I'm sure you've read about their capabilities and limitations in other forums. At P90k, that sounds ok - but note that some early adopters here have sold their used 14n's for as low as 50K!

I understand parts are still available for this unit.

Cheers!

Edwin

Edwin I wonder if there are still 14n's @ P50K out there :)

Edwin I wonder if there are still 14n's @ P50K out there :)

Hi Willy,

Sayang! There was in fact, a pro photog who sold two Kodak DCS cams for about P50K a piece (as a set). If we're patient (and I know you are), we'll probably snag one at the right price. The ones with issues are normally very well used (actually, "laspag" would be more appropirate) hence, the need for all kinds of service.

I keep you posted. By the way, I'm going to order DCS 14n/ProSLRn batteries from Rochester for our office unit. I'll check the price of the DCS760 battery pack.
Looking at landed costs, they will hover around the US$100 mark -- or more!

Will check my Taiwan based friend, baka may compatible.

Regards,

Edwin

someone here in HK selling a 14n @ $8K HK dollar, i guess it's a good deal? Anyways I finally saw some batteries here in HK's Sham shui po & i DIY'ed one set & it seems to be OK & it only cost me only around P1K - sweet!

I saw a Bnew DCS760 at CameraHaus in Glorietta :D

I saw a Bnew DCS760 at CameraHaus in Glorietta :D
wow ,I wonder How much they are selling it knowing that's it's 6 yrs. old :Grin:

someone here in HK selling a 14n @ $8K HK dollar, i guess it's a good deal? Anyways I finally saw some batteries here in HK's Sham shui po & i DIY'ed one set & it seems to be OK & it only cost me only around P1K - sweet!

Willy,

US$1K for SLRn sounds about right - at least that's the price I saw at the dpreview forum. Even sweeter kung nx or Pro SLR version.

Ahh Sham Shui Po - Golden Arcade. Last I was there, airplanes were still flying nearby at Kai Tak. I saw a list from another forum, which had the camera stores in HK, complete with updated prices! (YG Billy's World of Photography - sorry, idiot here can't post a URL link - google na lang). This should be helpful in tracking down another battery.

By the way, could you locate the battery's sku/catalog number (7 digits)? I can't find it on our local database. From there, we could email rochester for pricing.

Regards,

Edwin

wow ,I wonder How much they are selling it knowing that's it's 6 yrs. old :Grin:

@Willy

You'll be surprised... Maybe not.

@ Sonny

If you're interested, there's bound to be a good deal on these 2kg workhorses somewhere. Just don't go out and buy ex-School photography units as they are the most beat-up ones.

hi Edwin here's my DIY Batt's, now i can have 6 New battery packs for a fraction of the cost :)

http://aycu02.webshots.com/image/5081/2005790324412607628_rs.jpg

http://aycu07.webshots.com/image/5686/2005787290242864739_rs.jpg

Hi Willy,

That looks like one mean battery pack! Looks like something that would power a Kyosho R/C. Maybe you could also get an R/C style battery charger-conditioner to go with it! Great work (nice photo, too).

I've been playing with a Pro SLR/n service unit of late (2 weeks, but on and off) - and it handles pretty well for big camera. Won't fit the usual bag though so it's round my shoulder most of the time. Mounted an 18-35mm and at full frame , we're back to truly wide. Thing is, can't use the pop up flash at the wide end due to some vignetting from the hood. I mounted an old SB26, and it won't TTL.

What flash do you use for the F5/760c? We also have no regular charger (sent out ours as a loaner). If you happen to see one in while trawling HK, please do let me know: Can't get it from official channels anymore.

Cheers!

Edwin