Newbie here, would love some advice!

Rheina · March 6, 2009

Hi all,
I'm a full-time student and I've always been interested in photography but I've never really had the opportunity to explore this creative outlet until, well, now (well, actually a couple weeks from now).

I'm taking my first photography class next term and I really need advice on my first camera purchase. The class requires a 35mm film (no digital allowed) camera, and from what I gathered from my professor's email, the more manual the better. I had asked him for a recommendation but he didn't give any in his response to me so I'm assuming he's probably just busy with winter term finals. So I'm turning to you knowledgeable folks instead.

I also plan on continuing this hobby outside of the classroom so I would like a camera that will serve me well for at least a little while. I volunteer at a raptor rehabilitation center every week and I just started bird watching (mostly raptors) so I imagine that I will be taking a lot of pictures of birds and other animals I see on my trips.

The following cameras I have found on Amazon.com and they seemed to have some pretty good reviews. My price range is under $250 right now, so I will have to buy used.
- Canon EOS Elan IIe 35mm (body only)
- Canon EOS Rebel K2 35mm (EF 28-80mm II USM lens)
- Nikon N80 (body only)
- Nikon N75 (28-80mm f3.5-5.6 Nikkor Lens)

If anyone can offer some insight on these cameras, other recommendations, or information for beginning photographers I would be eternally grateful! :bow

Thanks!

Candid Arts · March 6, 2009

First of all, welcome to Dgrin. You will find some great knowledge here.

Secondly, and just a little side question, but what school are you going to? Are you in Portland? I ask because I'm at PNCA right now.

Ok, on to the real stuff.

I just got a Canon Elan II E. The nice thing about this or the rebel you mentioned, is that the lenses you get for it, will work on a DSLR should you go to digital at any point, so your lenses can double for your digital, which is very nice (that's what I do).

I've been very pleased with the results of the Elan II e so far. I've shot about 9 rolls through it so far, 3 color, had 1-hour developing, and the rest have been B&W in which I have done my own developing and printing. The results have been excellent. Granted that's more of the film and developing than anything, but still. the "e" feature is pretty cool. It only has three AF points, but once calibrated, any focus point you look at with your eye (the "e"), it will focus to that point. It's not 100% accurate 100% of the time, but it's pretty nice. The menu system you'll have to get a manual for, as it's just numbers with sub-numbers. So that's a bit hard to remember. But it feels good in the hands, fairly small. You can get a wireless remote for it for only a couple 30 bucks or so. Battery grips are available. MANY MANY MANY lenses to choose from. Any EF mount lens will work. It doesn't have super fast focusing speed, but the faster lenses will obviously focus faster.

I can't speak for the other cameras, especially the Nikon ones as I don't shoot Nikon (and for a reason, I can't stand their user interface, although they are a great camera). So honestly, what I would do, is go to a camera place (probably pro-photo if you're in portland) and play around with a canon, and nikon. See which one you like best. At that point, just get the best model you can in the brand you feel most comfortable with. You can get a really nice used 35mm for not much money. The expensive part, is the glass (lenses). Don't skimp out on your glass. Get a nice lens and build from there. You won't get one lens that does everything you want. So figure out what you will be doing most, and get the best lens you can get for that, and expand as you can get more money.

That's about all I got right now. Been a really long last night, morning, day, tonight, etc... So I'm rather brain dead.

Ok, well good luck, and again, welcome.

Rheina · March 6, 2009

I'm down at Lane CC right now but I'll be transferring to OSU at some point next year to finish up my degree and hopefully *crosses fingers* get into their veterinary medicine program.

I don't know any camera shops in the Eugene area but I'm sure there are some, I'll try and get around town this weekend and hopefully find one. If there isn't any here in town I can probably just make the trip to Portland during spring break and visit the store you mentioned.

Thanks so much for the advice and warm welcome!

Nikolai · March 6, 2009

In all honesty - ditch the class. People who require students to use 35mm film camera nowadays are the same bread of people who are still teaching COBOL and FORTRAN in CS, or those who require to use geese feathers and ink bottles in creative writing classes. They are so deep in their ruts they cannot even imagine that the world has moved. You don't need to deal with rolls of film to understand the rules of composition, you don't need to use nasty chemicals the see the results in print. Save yourself money, time and frustration, get yourself used 20D (they are under $300 now) or 30D (probably around $400), a few books - and start shooting. We'll help :-)

Rheina · March 6, 2009

Well drat, too bad I didn't come here pre-registration lol. I won't drop the class at this point because I got my friend to take it with me and I would feel bad ditching her but I will definitely keep it in mind to look for future photography professors that aren't quite as restrictive. :P

Well I'm beat, so I'm off for tonight, but I'll check back frequently tomorrow for any other responses.
Thanks again!

Richard · March 6, 2009

Rheina wrote:

Well drat, too bad I didn't come here pre-registration lol. I won't drop the class at this point because I got my friend to take it with me and I would feel bad ditching her but I will definitely keep it in mind to look for future photography professors that aren't quite as restrictive. :P

Well I'm beat, so I'm off for tonight, but I'll check back frequently tomorrow for any other responses.
Thanks again!

While I agree that insisting on film is a little perverse, I don't think it matters all that much in an introductory course. The basics of photography haven't changed despite the digital revolution. That said, you will almost certainly want to shoot digital in the future, so you should try to make sure that any lenses you buy can be used easily on a digital body. Good luck.

Pupator · March 6, 2009

Richard wrote:

While I agree that insisting on film is a little perverse, I don't think it matters all that much in an introductory course. The basics of photography haven't changed despite the digital revolution. That said, you will almost certainly want to shoot digital in the future, so you should try to make sure that any lenses you buy can be used easily on a digital body. Good luck.

But it does matter that the professor is requiring the student to invest money in a dying system. Rather than shelling out $200-$250 for a film camera she could be applying that money to a used, entry level DSLR that would have the same manual functions (as you say) and a bit more of a future.

To the OP - I'd check Craigslist. I'm always seeing very low priced film cameras there. If you aren't going to drop the class (Richard is right, you can still learn the basics) I'd find a way to do it as cheaply as possible.

jziegler · March 6, 2009

Would you be willing to consider Minolta manual cameras? I have a Minolta kit that I've been considering selling for some time now. It's all equipment that I bought used about 5 years ago. I have two bodies, an x-570 (that has metering problems, unfortunately), an X-370 (with a suffix, I forget if it's an s or n, but they are all the same), a 28mm f2.8 lens, a 50mm f1.4 lens, and third party 35mm f2.8 and 135mm f2.8 lenses. These are manual focus lenses on manual focus only bodies. The only auto feature is aperture priority exposure. It is a good system, but was abandoned for auto focus, so it is cheap on the used market. PM me if interested, maybe we can work a deal out.

Jim

Moogle Pepper · March 6, 2009

I think it is more of instilling an appreciation of film before moving onto digital. My friends and I, who have been in the same photography courses both digital and film, use both film and digital. I feel a little disturbed when reading photographers who laugh mockingly at film.

You can skimp out on buying a new film camera, as Pupator suggests, check out craigslist, ebay, or investigate jzeigler's offer.

AlistairJ · March 6, 2009

Oh yes, sounds like a great course to take.

All you really need is a decent quality 35mm SLR camera anything from the 80's would be fine. You don't need autofocus, just make sure its got TTL metering and manual exposure mode. You also want a good 50mm standard lens with f/2.0 or preferably larger maximum aperture.

I wouldn't worry about trying to buy one with a lens that's going to be compatible with new digital bodies it will just complicate things. Don't become a gear head

Any good second hand camera shop will be glad to help you out and can give you loads of advice.

Best of luck with the course!

ziggy53 · March 6, 2009

Rheina,

Buying a used film camera is reasonably safe if you purchase from a known or reputable source. Older film SLRs are pretty well devalued and you could probably get most of your money back after the course if you want to sell it to help fund a more modern system.

I would also check wih family members to see if they might have an older system lying around, many do.

KEH.com is a reputable source of used equipment and they have a fairly conservative grading system for the condition of the equipment.

You can also advertise for free in our "Flea Market" using the "WTB:" prefix and there may be some other DGrinners with stuff to sell, in addition to jziegler's Minolta.

Good luck and keep us posted.

bandgeekndb · March 6, 2009

AlistairJ wrote:

I wouldn't worry about trying to buy one with a lens that's going to be compatible with new digital bodies it will just complicate things. Don't become a gear head

AlistairJ, you wouldn't happen to be a student would you? I'm sure everyone has been in that crunch at one point or another, whether it be student loans, or a mortgage, whatever! Heck, I'm kicking myself now for *sort of* wasting my money on a Nikon D40, when I grew out of the body VERY fast and am now wishing I could have the money back to put into a better body! I've been investing in good glass all along, so that's nice, but anyway...

To the OP, if you have the budget of a student (like me!), I would totally suggest worrying about a lens that will be compatible in the future. As much as people say film is not dead, it is VERY much an enthusiast zone. I tried learning photography on a film SLR and it was NOT for me at all. I hated the idea of wasting film while I figured out the camera. Now, only 6 months after I got my dSLR, I feel I have a competent grasp of all the modes of the camera, almost always shooting manual, and I haven't wasted money on film while learning. Now, I can upgrade my body and keep all my nice lenses!

So, make sure you check out a local camera shop, or read suggestions on here (maybe even check out the flea market, it's a great place!) and get an OK camera to learn on, and a good lens that will be compatible with a digital body for the future. If you're really going to get into photography, I think you'll be drawn to digital as much as the rest of us have. Not that film is bad by any means, I know people love it and make gorgeous prints from it, but digital is so easy to learn on!

Hope this helps!
~Nick

Rheina · March 6, 2009

Wow! My biggest thanks to all of you, I was not expecting two pages of responses when I logged on this morning! <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/bowdown.gif" border="0" alt="" >

Jziegler - I will write a pm to you right after this.

So let me try and summarize all of your responses - I should be looking for a relatively cheap starter film camera with the knowledge that I will probably want to upgrade to digital (and should save my money for that). I also may want to invest in good glass (see? picking up the lingo already :P) that can be used on both film and digital cameras.

As for the debate between film vs. digital, I'll leave that to you good people and take note of the various opinions out there :P.

I do have one question though, will all the older film cameras be able to use the digital compatible lenses? Sorry if that is a *facepalm* question lol >.<.

On today's Craigslist I found a Canon EOS Rebel G for $75 obo. I'll probably call on that ad, as well as check out Portland's Craigslist, the Flea Market on here, and Jziegler's camera. Hopefully I'll have a camera by the end of the weekend (or one on the way at least). I don't really need it for another couple weeks but my fingers are getting itchy to take some pictures!

I used to have a 35mm camera that a family member gave to me when I was ten, but it was either broken or had a dead battery. I would just run around and pretend to take pictures lol, but now I wish I knew what I did with it!

**Edit**
Here is the link to the Craigslist ad if anyone wanted to look at it. http://eugene.craigslist.org/pho/1062121371.html

Moogle Pepper · March 6, 2009

If you are going to buy off Craigslist, I would inquire everything you can with the seller, payment options and if you are near by go with a pal and ask if you can try it out yourself.

there are film lenses that would work on digital, but I am thinking you need the right adapters. I could be wrong.

Candid Arts · March 6, 2009

Well I don't know if I necessarily agree with some of the comments on here. I started out in film in 8th grade for a year long class project. Didn't do any of my own developing, just shot it, with an old fully manual focus Minolta camera. It worked great, great camera. Since then I've only shot digital. But, for my school I was going to be taking a Beg. B&W Photo class, which was film, dark room, all that fun stuff. I was really excited to learn it. I now have both, film and digital bodies. Granted I've only been shooting mainly film recently for homework and such, but developing and printing is a blast. It's SO much fun. I would not say film is dead, or even dying for that matter. It's not a requirement to shoot digital, it's an option. I say shoot both. Hence why I suggest getting a film body camera that uses lenses that can switch to digital. Any of the older Canon FD mount film bodies will not transfer lenses over to the digital age. This is because the lens mount is different, (Old MF - FD, versus new AF - EF). So when getting a film camera, make sure that it's an AF camera with an EF mount. You will still be able to manual expose the photos, as well as manual focus the lens. But once you can save up and get a digital camera as well, you can just pop that lens on your new digital and good to go. I wouldn't suggest ditching the course either (obvously you can't now though anyways). It is such a fun class, and will give you basics on the camera and lenses and how to properly expose. It will teach you dark room techniques where ideas and lingo and concepts will transfer over to the digital darkroom (i.e. Lightroom - LR, Photoshop - PS/ACR, Canon's Digital Photo Proffesional - DPP, etc...). Like burning, dodging, contrast, exposure, blown out highlights, true blacks, wide range of value, etc... Plus there is just something about shooting with a film camera, doing all your own developing, and taking all that time to develop and print and get it in focus on the enlarger, making sure everything is how you want it. Granted it can get rather frustrating at times, but it's like building your own car, or just buying one already assembled. It's a good feeling, and not something that everyone does anymore. It's like a respected minority...kinda, i dunno with that one.

Not the greatest lens, but a decent starter lens (you'll definitely want to save and invest in a nicer lens with faster glass) and the camera is an excellent body: http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/pho/1060882304.html

Another option. A better lens, but less versitile as it's a fixed 50mm. But you get a nice bag (same one I got), two tripods, some film, a bunch of filters, and the Elan 7 (same in the other post) which is a very nice film camera: http://portland.craigslist.org/nco/pho/1054303797.html

Both of these cameras have the EF lens mount, so all lenses would transfer over to digital. Just a couple that I found real quick for ya.

Here is a link on wikipedia about the Elan 7.

Good Luck!

Rheina · March 6, 2009

Ok so I should look for a film camera (*edit* - AF film camera) with an EF lens mount (is that for all brands, or only Canon?).

I've altered my prince range quite a bit so that I can save money for a better camera (digital or film) once I know what my preferences are. I think I would now like to stay right around a $100 so I'll have that extra $150 or so in a couple months when I know a little more about what direction I want to head in.

Also, would anyone mind explaining what the difference between auto and manual is? I'm assuming that it has to do with focusing and/or exposure. I only ask because on some of the product descriptions for the camera's I'm finding use manual in the terminology but also say that the camera is fully automatic. I read in the reviews that the camera has an all manual mode, so I think it would fit my needs but I'm not exactly sure. In the example I posted of the product description I've underlined the words that I'm unsure about (well honestly a lot of the technical terminology I don't understand, but I'm trying to take baby steps lol).

Example : "The all-black Canon EOS Rebel G is a fully automatic, ultracompact, and quiet SLR camera that comes equipped with a built-in retractable flash. This kit also includes a 35-80mm detachable Canon EF zoom lens. The Rebel G features a high-speed selectable three-point autofocus system and Canon's exclusive AIM (Advanced Integrated Multipoint) control system which links the Rebel G's three-point autofocus to multizone metering for available light and flash. It offers 11 exposure modes (full auto to metered manual with indicator) plus multiple exposure, exposure compensation, and autoexposure bracketing. The Rebel G features an enhanced command dial for mode selection, and is fully compatible with Canon's complete line of EF autofocus lenses and EOS system specialties, including battery pack BP-8, grip tripod GR-80TP, and remote switch RS-60E3.
Features like autoexposure bracketing (in one-half stop increments up to plus-or-minus two stops) and E-TTL autoflash (enables high-speed synch for automatic fill flash), as well as improved control of red-eye reduction, the in-focus beeper, and the autoexposure (AE) lock make the EOS Rebel G more advanced than previous Rebel models." - Amazon.com

This is the camera that I found on my local craigslist for $75

I'm also not quite sure what metering is lol >.<.

Thanks for everyones patience with me, it is very much appreciated.

kenyahudson · March 6, 2009

The Canon Rebel K2 is suitable for most introductory photography courses, which is why I purchased it. You can operate it in manual-metering and manual-focus modes, which is usually what instructors prefer. Other features useful for general photography: seven selectable auto-focus points; standard, AI-Focus and AI-Servo autofocus modes; and matrix/evaluative, partial (10% center only) and center-weighted metering modes. The biggest potential problem is the lack of spot metering in case you are required to learn the zone system. However, that usually doesn't happen in intro courses and by the time it does occur, your instructor will probably expect you to use an external light meter. There were a couple of annoyances in terms of general use. Exposure compensation, aperture and shutter speeds were in half-intervals not thirds. The flash sync was slower (maybe 1/125?) than the 350D (1/200) or the 40D (1/250).

I agree with a previous comment that you should get a cheap 50mm (50mm f/1.8 if you go with Canon) to pair with it. In my case, I bought it instead of the kit lens. The 50mm will give you two stops more light than most kit lenses. Instructors also tend to prefer a 50mm or 35mm prime because they think it's better for learning to compose. I purchased the camera new from Walmart ($129 body only) and the lens new from Amazon ($79) four years ago. You should be able to get a combo used for under $100. Again, KEH is a good online source for used gear and you might also try Adorama. It's a nice lightweight combo that will probably satisfy all your requirements for your intro course. Plus, if you add lenses to it for a system you'll be able to use those lenses with your Canon digital gear. (I started using the Canonet more than the K2 so I gave it and the 50/1.8 to a group that teaches middle school kids photography.)

Canon autofocus cameras (the EOS cameras) can use all the current complement lenses (i.e. EF lenses) except the lenses made specifically digital sensors (i.e. EF-S). (This includes the EF-S 10-22, EF-S 17-55, EF-S 17-85, EF-S 18-55, EF-S 18-200, EF-S 60 and the Sigma 30.) The Canon FD system has a totally different mount so that FD lenses can only be used on a Canon EOS camera with special converters.

jonh68 · March 6, 2009

I think it is more of instilling an appreciation of film before moving onto digital. My friends and I, who have been in the same photography courses both digital and film, use both film and digital. I feel a little disturbed when reading photographers who laugh mockingly at film.

I don't think anyone is mocking film. I agree with those that say drop out of a class that requires film only if the purpose is to learn about general photography. If the purpose is to learn film photography, then its understandable.

I will say the digital camera will get more use than a film camera will after the class is over. I would try to convince the friend to drop the class too. Then buy a cheap entry level DSLR and kit and buy a book about photography. Much cheaper route and you could probably buy another good lens for the cost of the class.

Rheina · March 6, 2009

Fortunately for me I don't have to worry about my tuition right at the moment (unfortunate in the fact that if I dropped the class I wouldn't receive any of the money I saved to put towards a new camera), so I still will probably take it. My friend is in the same boat, but this is her first term here and most of the classes she was interested in filled up during advanced registration (which she couldn't do because she's new), so if she drops the class she may not find another one she's interested in taking and she needs the credit hours. But, I will double check and see if there might be another less restrictive photography class around the same time that we could switch into.

I have to run to class now but I should be able to log on during it (<3 laptop) to check for more responses. I found a couple used/new camera shops here in town so I'm planning on camera hunting when I'm done with school today.

jonh68 · March 6, 2009

Ahh! Whichever way you go, I hope you get the most out of it.

Moogle Pepper · March 6, 2009

jonh68 wrote:

I don't think anyone is mocking film. I agree with those that say drop out of a class that requires film only if the purpose is to learn about general photography. If the purpose is to learn film photography, then its understandable.

I am not saying that anyone here is. I mean when I go around, whether it being online or in real life. I see and hear some laugh when they see film saying, "people still use those things?!" But that is besides the point of this thread.

Good luck on your camera hunt!

f-rider · March 6, 2009

My last film camera was a Pentax ZX 5n which I bought for a particular reason: it has all the important buttons and switches externally, on the body, rather than buried in the menu system of cameras of that era. Now I notice that, more and more, even high end DSLRs are coming to the same conclusion. Why? Because menus, even "user friendly" ones, require way too much time to get to what you are looking for, to make adjustments, changes, etc. And, when you are new to photography, you want to be able to SEE your settings as you take the picture, especially with film, as you don't get the instantaneous feedback of digital camera. A quick glance lets you know what your shutter speed is, your aperture, your ASA for film, etc. At the time of its introduction, it was panned by some for "too many" buttons. But I think most anyone who's had experience with all the options that are only to be found by fussing with digging into menus on tiny screens will tell you, they'd rather have it on the body, than buried in a menu system.

Mine has a Tamron zoom, considered at the time to be the best "one lens" solution for this camera.

Takes great pictures and Pentax was, and is, one of the top of the line cameras.

Mine is mint. Let me know if you want to buy it. :ivar

Rheina · March 6, 2009

Well the camera hunt was a lot of fun, not successful in terms of bringing home a camera, but definitely worth it. I ended up going to a local photography store in town called Dot Dotson and they were awesome! They took my friend and I into their back rooms and showed us their printing equipment and darkrooms, it was really nifty. They also went over the basics of film cameras and showed us some of our options.
The three they recommended to us were:
a refurbished Pentax K1000 ( I think) with a 28-200mm lens that they said was of good quality.
Canon EOS K2 Rebel with the standard lens (this one they recommended more for me because I plan on switching to digital)
There was another Canon but they didn't talk about it very much

I also found out that my school's bookstore actually sells the Canon EOS K2 Rebel and since my bookstore money is covered by my financial aid, I could potentially buy the camera with my book money (if my textbooks aren't too much).

I'm a little bit torn because I would love to give my money to Dot Dotson's for being so awesome but buying from the bookstore is a more affordable plan for me. I suppose I could use some of the money I save to buy additional equipment from them and of course give them a good recommendation to anyone who's interested.

I still wish I had a camera for the weekend though lol.

Candid Arts · March 6, 2009

I'd say if you can get the camera you're looking at through the bookstore for cheap, get that. Show your patrionage to Dot Dotson with the purchase of a nice lens and accessories later...

I would suggest the Canon. My only concern is that its the Rebel series. I would strongly suggest at minimum the Elan series, as the options are going to be more plentiful, as well as the fact that its more of a prosumer body. So, if you decide you love film and want to continue once you've learned the camera, you won't have to worry about selling the rebel and spending the money to upgrade to a more advanced level body. The elan series (or higher) will still have the features to let you shoot with limited knowledge, but have the capabilities to expand as you grow.

I don't know what the standard lens is that comes with the Rebel K2, but a "standard" lens is technically a 50mm prime, but most times it's treated as like a 18-55mm or something. The 50mm has been talked about a bit on here, and is (can be) a great lens, only problem is you're limited to 50mm. I would look into one of the prosumer zooms for that camera, and for your purposes. Something like the 28-105 or 28-135. Something like this maybe... It's not the greatest IQ (Image Quality) lens, but for what you're needing it to do, I think it'd be a great comprimise.

Rheina · March 6, 2009

I thought they said standard lens on the Canon Rebel, however, if standard is a 50mm then maybe they said "a standard lens" to imply something else? I'm sure that the lens I saw wasn't a 50mm.

Another user on this site offered to sell me an Elan IIe with a 28-80 lens for $125 which seems like a fantastic deal. So considering your advice, I will definitely look into that a bit further.

Eek! There are so many options for me right now lol. I suppose that's a good thing but it's definitely a little overwhelming. :uhoh I like the idea of buying the camera with my bookstore money, but I also don't know when I'll be able to afford to upgrade to digital, so I don't necessarily want to be stuck with a lesser quality camera. Meep!

Also, just to throw another twist into this thread, could anybody give me some ideas on where to start for a digital set-up? I may be jumping the gun but as a college student money builds up VERY slowly lol, so I'd like to get a rough estimate of the cost so I can kind of plan a time line.

Nikolai · March 6, 2009

Rheina wrote:

Also, just to throw another twist into this thread, could anybody give me some ideas on where to start for a digital set-up? I may be jumping the gun but as a college student money builds up VERY slowly lol, so I'd like to get a rough estimate of the cost so I can kind of plan a time line.

To put it simple: it's a bottomeless pit. There is no limit. First you'll lust for a good body, then you for a good glass, then for a good lighting, then for a good space, then for a good power... 4 years ago, when I was toting my advanced $1,000 Sony 828 P&S, a mereCanon 20D and a kit lens was the limit of my dreams. Now, with 50D + 5D2 + several lenses (including a couple of L-s) + 13 lights + studio gear - I'm gear-thirsty more than ever... just for different things:-). Cost-wise - $25K and counting :-)

Rheina · March 6, 2009

Nikolai wrote:

Cost-wise - $25K and counting :-)

Rheina · March 6, 2009

Lol oh my goodness! Talk about an expensive hobby!

I know that given my infatuation for "gear" for my computer, I will probably be the same with my cameras. But for now, I would just be happy with good pictures of birds since they're one of the reasons I pushed myself to take a photography class. Ever since I started volunteering at this rehabilitation center, I've developed a love/obsession for birds of prey and I would be ecstatic if I could just photograph the birds and animals I see while bird watching. And on that note, I also need a better pair of binoculars. >.< Egads why are my hobbies so expensive?! :eek1 Computers, cameras, and nature-watching lol. I guess the third one doesn't have to be, but I just love to see them up close!

Art Scott · March 6, 2009

Remember to search on ebay also.........here are some KILLER DEALS.......

one reason for a prof to insist on starting out with film is to make you "SEE" what your shooting instead of just blasting away with thousands of digital shots to get a good one......with film you will need to be able to "SEE" before the shutter cliks or it gets costly......

If you can afford it get an incident light meter.....can save your behind , especially with film........yeah I caome from the foiilm camp and still own several 35mm and medium format that AI do not for see selling until they no longer make film.....these are my true back up cams.......they will all shoot with absolutely no batteries in them.........so if the digitals go belly up at a wedding I can still pull out my 2 1/4 medium format and shoot and flash way.......or even my Nikon 35mm but right now I have no lenses for it unless I use the medium format with the m49 adapter.........

Unless this Prof is just a real nut case, you should learn loads that could one day save your behindbecause you know how to use film cameras.......if you stay with Canon, always have a film body around that will fire the shutter at 1/60 sec and will fire a flash unit........you becomeing a vet could easily wind up also shooting photos for money of horses, prize bulls, etc etc......all you would need is to have3 or 4 hanging on the walls of your office and people will ask who took those.......a start of a 2nd career and sticking more money away for retirement.......................

Jane B. · March 7, 2009

Art Scott wrote:

Remember to search on ebay also.........here are some KILLER DEALS.......

If you can afford it get an incident light meter.....can save your behind , especially with film........yeah I caome from the foiilm camp and still own several 35mm and medium format that AI do not for see selling until they no longer make film.....these are my true back up cams.......they will all shoot with absolutely no batteries in them.........so if the digitals go belly up at a wedding I can still pull out my 2 1/4 medium format and shoot and flash way.......or even my Nikon 35mm but right now I have no lenses for it unless I use the medium format with the m49 adapter..........

Here is another story I am inspired to tell because of what Art wrote. I still have, but haven't used in quite awhile, a Vivitar 220/SL manual film camera that has a match needle meter in it. BUT in my particular situation I can make use of that meter any time as the battery happens to be the same #675 that one of my hearing aids uses!!

Also, at the time I wanted to upgrade for auto focus in 1988 I purchased a Canon EOS 620 film camera and 28-70 zoom lens rather than a "kit". I have been told that the original version of the 28-70 that I have is "L" quality because those first EOS lenses had the responsibility of establishing the new mount and HAD to be as good as possible for that.

I still make use of lens from BOTH by using an M42 adapter for the old screw mount lenses from the first one. Of course, that means back to manual focus and only AP or manual exposure setting. I have also been happy with what I have gotten using that origianl EOS zoom from the film camera on a Canon D60 dslr. Did finally get around to adding a Tamrom 17-50 for the extra width though.

Jane

Candid Arts · March 7, 2009

Rheina wrote:

Another user on this site offered to sell me an Elan IIe with a 28-80 lens for $125 which seems like a fantastic deal. So considering your advice, I will definitely look into that a bit further.

The Elan IIe is a great camera. Its what I use. I haven't had any issues with is thus far.

Rheina wrote:

But for now, I would just be happy with good pictures of birds since they're one of the reasons I pushed myself to take a photography class. Ever since I started volunteering at this rehabilitation center, I've developed a love/obsession for birds of prey and I would be ecstatic if I could just photograph the birds and animals I see while bird watching. And on that note, I also need a better pair of binoculars. >.< Egads why are my hobbies so expensive?! :eek1 Computers, cameras, and nature-watching lol. I guess the third one doesn't have to be, but I just love to see them up close!

The birds thing is gonna be spendy. Assuming the birds will be in flight when you are wanting to capture them? If so, you're going to probably need fairly long and fast lenses. By this I mean longer focal lengths (200mm, 300mm, etc...) and at f/2.8 apertures most likely with IS (Image Stabilization). This way you can reach out to the birds, and with the wide aperture, you'll get fast apertures so you can freeze them in the air so you don't get all blurry and what not. Those lenses can be very expensive (upwards of $3500 each). If you have very very bright available light (mid day sun ish) then you won't necessarily "need" the fast f/2.8 lenses, and therefore could get something like the 100-400, which is still rather expensive, but it's a 4.5-5.6 with IS. Which is about $1500 brand new. Another option would be the fixed 300mm but the f/4 version, which comes down quite a bit from the 2.8 version ($4100) at a mere $1190. There are however other cheaper options too, third party lenses, the pro-sumer zooms, etc...but you're sacraficing a lot there in IQ, focusing speed, build quality, resale value, etc...

Newbie here, would love some advice!

Comments