Jim Church's Essential Guide to Nikonos Systems

Jim Church is the true professor of underwater photography. His book is comprehensive and fairly clear. His approach is almost too analytical at times. I would have liked more photos and text explaining what he did and why and how it worked out, although he did offer quite a number of photo examples. His tips on strobe useage and his "secret guide to strobe exposures" alone are worth the price of the book. For a looser and more intuitive approach, read http://scubadiving.com/photo/instruction/.this is an addition to, not a replacement for Church's book.Overall, I would give the book an A- with about half of it worthy of an A+ and the remainder a solid B to [email protected]

A really good how to book for owners of Nikonos camera systems, with practical tips for Nikonos V and Nikonos RS users, although valuable for all. I really like the way that Jim Church has included Situations - UW photo scenarios and he guides you through his approach.

Easy to understand, yet comprehensive info for the beginning to intermediate UW photographers utilizing Nikonos V (slightly less info on the Nikonos RS). Organization by subject matter creates a reference that you can take with you for easy and quick, pre-dive brush-ups. Excellent example photos, charts and diagrams. It goes way beyond all Nikon manuals and publications.

I used this book on a trip to St Lucia, with my Nikonos, with fantastic results. His sections on theory were clear and understandable. The sections on actually taking pictures are a must. On my next photographic expidition, I am going to xerox and laminate his checklists for use underwater. My pictures would not have been as good without this book. The only confusing part is keeping which flash, lens or camera you have in some of the examples, but a second read through the section clears this up.

This book is great for people who are new to underwater pictures. He starts out slow, but while newbies might find that some parts are too hard to understand, old users will feel right at home. After the middle of the book everything makes sense, and the book really does help. I promise.