Are you an artist, user or collector of RF?

dave lackey

dave lackey

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Since I am just now getting used to the workflow of my S3 2000, I haven't quite reached a zen-like relationship with it but the attraction to the gear is strong.:)

Now, as to why I am using it...

I am moving more and more into the art of my photography rather than work-related. So, it will be awhile before I come to terms with this new instrument and can produce the artistic work I am striving for...

Just wondering, just why do you folks own a Nikon RF? How many consider yourself as an artist?:angel:
 
I have an S2, strictly pursuant to my interest as a collector. I have and will use it again. But mostly it holds a nostalgic interest with me.
 
In this world of polycarbons and plastics, you have to look at that camera for its workmanship and mechanical genius. Just like a Leica M body or an older 6x6 like a Certo 6.
 
My interest in rangefinders is merely as a different 35mm system from my SLR's for picture taking. I have neither the interest nor the money to engage in collecting them. Truthfully, while I like the sniping I do with my CV 21, I don't feel that my best stuff comes from the rangefinder, and that I can snipe just as well with a wide lens and an SLR. Perhaps this is simply because I've been using SLR's for thirty years and a rangefinder for only just over one, but I guess time will tell.
 
I shoot. Any 'collecting' is purely as an aid to getting the images, having the right thing on hand at the right time.
 
Yes: artist, user and collector!

That being said, I like to consider myself a "user", more than anything else. Artist is a big word, and collectors don't make great photos.. No offense :)

Jarle
 
Yup.
He sure did. And I agree.
But when the fecal material hits the air circulating device on this one, I'll be glad he was the one who first said it, 'cause I'm usually in trouble with the collectors for speaking my mind.
 
Well... yes?

I did get my degree in Art, but I wouldn't say I'm an artist (yet).
I wouldn't say I'm a collector, but I do have over 30 cameras.
However, I am most certainly a user. The only way I've been able to keep my collection (gah! it's true!) down is by buying only working cameras.
I think my photo professor would have put me in the abuser category - He owns an M6TTL that he bought new, and babies. It still looks new.
My M3 on the other hand, was a beater when I got it, and still is.
I know I've seen him cringe a few times.
 
I'm new to RFs, and the one I do have gets used.

I'm currently a hardcore "user".... and with time I'm sure some shots will show a sense of artisanship and then, hopefully, artistry.
 
I'm an Engineer.

Here's a typical test image.

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It's a tool.

A beautiful, tactile, challenging, rewarding tool, but a tool nonetheless.

If for some reason I could not use my cameras I would sell them in the blink of an eye.

Regards,

Bill
 
User. My 1DMk2 sits idle now. Working my way up to artist, but you couldn't tell by my performance in some online photo contests. Can't afford to collect and [personal forcefield ON] not interested in film cameras. I am not a member of the "Better Photography Through Chemistry" club.
 
An artist of RF?

Anyway, many collectors would think that collecting is an Art. And many users would say that using is an art. And an artist would have no idea what collecting or using is, only making Art.

Methinks. Therefore, me might is.
 
rbsinto said:
My interest in rangefinders is merely as a different 35mm system from my SLR's for picture taking. I have neither the interest nor the money to engage in collecting them. Truthfully, while I like the sniping I do with my CV 21, I don't feel that my best stuff comes from the rangefinder, and that I can snipe just as well with a wide lens and an SLR. Perhaps this is simply because I've been using SLR's for thirty years and a rangefinder for only just over one, but I guess time will tell.
Click to expand...

So why did you buy a 2nd S3 body, Robert? :D

You're not secretly turning into a collector on us, by any chance? ;)
 
Lets narrow this down to if you are a "user" then the denfinition of if "you" are or are not a artist is a title that comes from the people who look at your work and the weight of common endorsement is that the work is artistic. People who title themselves as artists scare me. Really you are or are not a User or Collector.

The distiction of USER or COLLECTOR is like when I hear "car, airplane or motorcycle" people I know who consider themselves collectors because they own several of something and then if they actually use it once in a while that somehow defines them as one or the other.

It is like in the art comminuty...if you happen to draw or paint of engage in some other art related endevor that some how makes you an artist. This is just not so. Just because you own a set of golf clubs automaticly makes you a golfer.

With all that said.....my need to engage in photography was born from a need to remember a subject that I wanted to render in pen and ink or watercolors or maybe some other medium. I wanted to master the technical aspects or making the most of my film for documentation. As I did my ability to create a interesting composition and light brought attention as being something more than a snap shot.

Photograpahy has always been my sketchbook that has develoed into a work that is better than my original traditional artistic desire. But in the end Iam only a user that is striving to ceate an image of perosnal satisfaction. I shoot 5x7 as well as medium formatt but I shoot based on what lens will allow me to leverage my idea of the image I seek. Nothing more or less.
 
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