A Panzer for all seasons (1 Viewer)

[fmethorst]

The Panzer III was the mainstay of German armored formations in 1942/43.

First Legion has depicted a Panzer.III Ausf.J (Sd.Kfz.141/1). This features the 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun which is the long barreled version of the 5 cm weapon. This is the same weapon as the Pak.38 anti-tank gun. This weapon was marginal on the eastern front when confronted with the T-34 and KV-1. Both the summer and winter version feature the 20mm add on armor to the front of the mantlet and the superstructure which was added in the field on this variant. The winter version features Winterketten which were track extensions that were bolted onto each track link. This was required on the east front due to the soft conditions present during large parts of the year.

Here are pictures of First Legion's summer and winter Pz.IIIs. I think these two models are the best represntation of this AFV in the hobby to date. Now we just need a North African version.

 

[Vezzolf]

Frank... Great Photography of some great models..Thank you for posting....I have the grey version...I'm looking forward to purchasing the Winter Version with the winter tank riders that will soon be released...I agree these are the best AFV's ever released in this hobby...Thanks Again Vezzolf

 

[sammy719]

Beautiful tanks the both of them, I do not have either of these tanks at the moment, but plan on having both in my collection by years end, pics looks great!! of course I'm always drawn more to the winter stuff, but both are great looking models...Sammy

 

[mestell]

Although I do not collect WWII I have to say I am really very impressed with the quality of your photos Frank. Just incredible photos of two terrific looking AFV's . . .
:smile2: Mike

 

[Mister Dave]

These must be the ones you've been waiting for Frank. Great looking stuff and superbly photographed as usual.

MD

 

[fmethorst]

Thank you guys. The First Legion vehicles and figures have made it a lot of fun to create scenes to photograph. I hope to post lots of pictures this year.

I've always liked winter scenes so I'm looking forward to the release of more winter figures.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I think the grey Panzer III is the best of all the FL AFV,s, based on the excellent pictures Frank has taken of the models. That would be my first choice.

Terry

 

[Andanna]

Frank, very well done.

You are when it comes to his WWII offering, Matt's best ambassador.

 

[Cyber Field Marshall]

FL's armour is really awesome and the Pz.III they do is really top notch. In particular I like that grey version. Great pictures, everything looks so real. ^&cool

 

[Vezzolf]

FL's armour is really awesome and the Pz.III they do is really top notch. In particular I like that grey version. Great pictures, everything looks so real. ^&cool

First Legion AFV's are the closest thing to award winning 1:35 scale modeling....This is a photo I took a while back of the Grey Panzer III....Hope they will eventually do a Winter King Tiger or Dicker Max for the Winter Stalingrad Series.....That would be awesome

 

[mestell]

Another nice photo of FL's Panzer III. Must of been taken at that emfamous battle of the patio deck :tongue::wink2:. I am looking forward to sunny weather so I can get outside to take some photos in the natural light. Thanks for sharing with us all . . .
:smile2: Mike

 

[jbonzo1]

They are all superb! The paint on the winter version is the best I have seen.
Outstanding photography!

 

[fmethorst]

The whitewash is wonderful on the Winter Pz.III and the Winterketten are a very nice touch. This little vehicle is an instant favorite for me.

 

[mestell]

Frank your photos are so wonderfully clear and crisp . . .
:smile2: Mike

 

[fmethorst]

Thanks Mike. I recently acquired a new macro lens (Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR Micro-NIKKOR) for my DSLR camera. I've been very happy with the results.

 

[debrito]

Thanks Mike. I recently acquired a new macro lens (Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR Micro-NIKKOR) for my DSLR camera. I've been very happy with the results.

Which Nikon do you have ?

 

[mestell]

Which Nikon do you have ?

Rod, at one time I know Frank was using a Nikon D300S . . .
Mike

 

[fmethorst]

Mike is correct, my camera body is the D300s.

 

[jbonzo1]

Wow, Frank! That camera/lens combo works out to 157.5mm! Lets you back off a bit. I have a D3 and I'm trying to choose between the 105 VR and the 60 VR, your photos might make up my mind! Superb work.

 

[fmethorst]

Wow, Frank! That camera/lens combo works out to 157.5mm! Lets you back off a bit. I have a D3 and I'm trying to choose between the 105 VR and the 60 VR, your photos might make up my mind! Superb work.

Thanks,

The build quality of the 105 is steller. It feels like a pro lens. It's produced in China now rather than Japan but that doesn't seem to make any difference anymore. I highly recommend it.

I prefer the longer working distances offered by a longer lens. Diffraction starts to appear around f/16. The bulk of my macro shots are taken between f/8 and f/22 depending on the depth of field required. At f/22 the diffraction softness is still readily removed with Photoshop. At f/32 diffraction is quite pronounced and too much for my taste.

If you are interested in seeing the full resolution pictures from this thread PM me and I'll e-mail them to you.

Here is a review on the lens I found helpful:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/105vr.htm