The Actuality of Actuations
Look in the Nikon manual, and there’s no mention, at least in the index, of “actuations.” Look on dictionary.com and there are no definitions. Go to Ask Jeeves and there are the beginnings of an explanation. An actuation is the actual shutter click, every single one, that your camera makes. I learned this the hard way last week in trying to sell my wonderful Nikon D 3 camera on Ebay.
Stupid me. I thought an actuation was the count number of pictures in files on my computer. Not so. So, in trying to sell my camera, I inadvertently gave the wrong “actuation count.” The guy who “bought my camera” has informed me of the error of my ways, and has asked for $550 back from our agreed upon fee. Right now I’m in limbo waiting to see if he wants the camera, or wants to return it to me. That camera was an extension of me. To him, it’s just a machine, perhaps a defective one in his eyes. He has until Wednesday to decide my fate. I feel so empty.
I love photography, I loved that camera, I have loved the promise of digital photography and the learning curve it takes to be a good photographer. I loved the fact that with a digital camera, I could take all the pictures I wanted to take. There is no film. I could just delete the bad shots. But now I’ve learned, for every shot I’ve taken, especially the bad ones, I must now pay the price.
I am struggling to rediscover the art and beauty after this most clinical of weeks. I have a new camera, and as I took some shots this morning, I felt a need to ration them. But just for a while. Why?
Last night we bought two new trees, a Nutall Oak that will grow 100 feet and far outlive me. The other tree? It’s an apricot, with the most beautiful blossoms, giving the first promise of spring after a very long winter. The tree, still lying sideways in the truck this morning, just beckoned me to photograph it. And so I did, perhaps 100 times. A tiny bit of the beauty and joy photography brings to my life, returned. I only wish that the new camera will have the soul of the oak tree, and the longevity, too. I do know that it can capture the beauty of the apricot tree, but with decreasing actuations.
Wow Cindy – How many clicks did the camera have? Sounds like a pretty unfortunate interaction.
Blaze away with your new camera until it becomes an extension of you. Then blaze away some more!
Best wishes,
Andy
nixonphoto
March 13, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Hi Andy,
Thanks for your encouragement and humor. It had 91,000 actuations after 2+ years, which I don’t think is terrible. It had also just gone to Nikon for a tune up and a cleaning, so it’s in tip/top shape.
Cindy
March 13, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Your joy and your talent shine through in your beautiful photo. As to the actuality of actuations Craig & Marti would tell you to buy the insurance and shoot to your heart’s content.
Susan
March 13, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Is there an actual place in the camera to check how many actuations there have been? Must be a Nikon thing. Your buyer would do well to keep the camera, and hope against hope that even a little of your skill and heart actuates from it to him.
The photos are beautiful. Actuate the positive, and shoot on, and on, and on! -k-
lightdance
March 13, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Karol,
It isn’t just a Nikon thing at all. There is software you can get from doing a google search. You take a jpeg picture and study all the EXIF information. Apparently it isn’t easy to do with Canon cameras, but it’s very much the same deal!
cynham
March 13, 2010 at 9:42 pm
I whole heartly agree with Karol…the photos are beautiful…love the little signs of spring…and the “potential” future owner of your old camera…he’s be lucky to have some of your great talent and skill…not to mention a camera is tip top shape!!
Just enjoy the new camera, don’t worry about the actuations…just enjoy your talent and capture the beauty of what you see…because art isn’t about the actuations…it’s about the beauty seen through our eyes!
Enjoy! Terri
Terri
March 13, 2010 at 10:05 pm
First I’ve heard of it too. And, really, is that the first thing we look for when buying a camera. I can already imagine the type of photographs he takes.
Have I used up my comment actuations yet?
What did you buy? I agree with all of the above. Your work is beautiful. Keep it up.
adrianscholes
March 15, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Hi Adrian,
I really appreciate your comment/support. I bought a Nikon D3 S just as soon as I could find one. You will NEVER use up your comment actuations, and I have you bookmarked so that I’ll know every time you add a new blog. I think that we had an extraordinary class with Bill and I look forward to seeing what everybody does in the future. I think the talent was especially strong in the Portfolio group, and so was the bonding.
Just hold your breath and shoot. Another friend suggested getting an extended warranty. Doesn’t that take the fun out of it?
cynham
March 15, 2010 at 9:08 pm