btgc
Veteran
Some year ago I've started also some use of SLR, though only lately I've found real joy in it - wide and wider. While I started with classic Ricoh XR-2 (which is said to compete with Pentax K1000 - to draw common picture), lately I'm more using later electronical XR-20sp.
I know, RF's also have wide lenses, though I'm cheap. SLR were cheapest way go that wide, so this choice.
XR-2 is nice for relaxed wandering, while XR-20sp (30sp in U.S.) is what I carry to skatepark. I've started taking pictures there, hoping to make small local exhibition at kid's centre where park is located. Besides all the joy, I feel how whole project takes me up - first, I learn to involve with people pictures of whom I take. And teens aren't easiest crowd. Though I'm positive and this pays back. Next benefit - after each session youth urge me to share pictures online (they are used to rapidly see bunch of pictures, digital kids), I select only part (though maybe more than I'd do normally) and analyze on where it could go further and what could be improved. Anyway, I feel some new taste of same old cake - photography.
Returning to gear, XR-20sp is better suited for me for rapid action - short throw wide-footprint release button works just nice (XR-2 has classic two-step button - meter&release, while XR-20sp meters permanently) and dedicated shutter lock on body, so I can't miss shot because of position of lever as with XR-2.
And mind you, taking real pictures helps from thinking about some potential piece of gear, this is really good recipe
I know, RF's also have wide lenses, though I'm cheap. SLR were cheapest way go that wide, so this choice.
XR-2 is nice for relaxed wandering, while XR-20sp (30sp in U.S.) is what I carry to skatepark. I've started taking pictures there, hoping to make small local exhibition at kid's centre where park is located. Besides all the joy, I feel how whole project takes me up - first, I learn to involve with people pictures of whom I take. And teens aren't easiest crowd. Though I'm positive and this pays back. Next benefit - after each session youth urge me to share pictures online (they are used to rapidly see bunch of pictures, digital kids), I select only part (though maybe more than I'd do normally) and analyze on where it could go further and what could be improved. Anyway, I feel some new taste of same old cake - photography.
Returning to gear, XR-20sp is better suited for me for rapid action - short throw wide-footprint release button works just nice (XR-2 has classic two-step button - meter&release, while XR-20sp meters permanently) and dedicated shutter lock on body, so I can't miss shot because of position of lever as with XR-2.
And mind you, taking real pictures helps from thinking about some potential piece of gear, this is really good recipe
Attachments
kshapero
South Florida Man
Yes, SLR's generally can be a cheaper entry into quality photography.
btgc
Veteran
Oh yes, I really appreciate flash sync capabilities of leaf shutters! I'm aware current SLR's are capable to sync at 1/500th, though at what cost. And friends tell me that even not all old SLR's reach 1/125th
Dave Wilkinson
Veteran
I am having a similar experience, although it is Konica FT1 that is claiming a lot of my attention. This little black slr, not often seen these days, is not much bigger than my M2, and has a very accurate shutter priority auto mode. Because of the noise from the built - in power wind ( not very loud, actually) it won't replace the M2 as my no.1 street and candid tool, but the superb quality of Hexanon lenses mean that it pushes very hard for that title!. Rangefinder, SLR, digital or film.....it's how you feel on the day, what does the job, and just about having fun!.
Cheers, Dave.
Cheers, Dave.
FrankS
Registered User
The last 4 cameras I've bought have all been SLR's. A black Pentax MX with 40f2.8 for $50 from Craigslist, and sold the lens for $100. Bought a Fuji folder for $100 from Craigslist, and traded it for a Nikon F3 with 50f1.4 and $100. Bought a Nikon F3 with 2 lenses, motordrive and flash for $350, so the body alone came out to $50. Then bought a Nikon F3 with high serial number 1998xxx from Craigslist for $200 Cdn.
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
whoa.........
btgc
Veteran
When it comes to 40-50mm (duh, or 4.5cm ) range, RF seems to be more reasonable than SLR. I will not object if anybody says it's just a habit
) range, RF seems to be more reasonable than SLR. I will not object if anybody says it's just a habit