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[zman <zman AT shell.neverwhere.org>]

On Tue, 8 Feb 2005, David Minton wrote:
> Canon switched from the FD mount to the EF mount over 15 years ago, to
> accommodate the AF motors, and move to electromagnetic apertures (to get rid
> of the mechanical pins). This is the last change I can remember, and I have
> been shooting with Canon SLRs since about 1983 (I missed the FL to FD mount
> change).

But Nikon hasn't switched their mount. So those of us who have older 
cameras are SOL with Canon.

> The new Canon EF-S mount only works with the 1:1.6 ratio sensor cameras like
> the Rebel, and EOS 20D (not the EOS 1 Pro series with either 1:1 or 1:1.4
> ratio sensors), so this is not a significant change--it is similar to Nikons
> digital only lenses that do not work with Nikon film cameras. The old mount
> is required to cover the larger sensors of the Pro digital and film cameras.

But the Nikon film lenses do work with the digital if you're not doing 
auto focus...

> As for which brand do pros shoot, if you are curious about press/sports
> photographers, watch news/sporting events, and check out the color of the
> lenses. Canon makes their long telephotos in white, Nikon in black. Not sure
> about other pro shooters, but at sporting events and press conferences on
> TV, I usually see more white lenses than black ones (just my observation).

My wife works in the largest digital pro lab in the area and sees far more 
Nikons that Canon. I see far more Nikons at the sporting events and car 
shows I attend, mostly motorcycle and car races.

Scott H. Zekanis
zman AT kungfumonkey.com
http://www.rod-o-rama.com
http://www.thehellbenders.com
1957 Buick Riviera Hardtop (2 dr., 425" Nailhead)
1959 GMC in Chevy Sheetmetal 1/2 Ton (235" Inline 6)
1990 Ducati 750 Sport