nrb
Nuno Borges
I bought into different systems because I wanted to see by myself the differences between them. Some couple of thousand euros later I came to the conclusion that they are not very different.
news shooter
Established
What I tell people
What I tell people
Great thread here. The comments are much appreciated. People ask me why I use the cameras that I do and hence ask if they should buy a certain brand. I tell them to hold the camera look through the finder or display. How are the ergonomics for you. After that, I'll tell them nothing about a specific brand although, may suggest they are all good and then tell them to buy what they can afford AND it's about technique not a name brand.
There faces show sudden disappointment as they think if they buy a certain brand of camera then they ARE a photographer & that it's tha camera brand that takes good pictures.
Yes, gear is important four our needs. Some brands perhaps better than others. Seen a few too many cameras sitting closets film or otherwise not being used mostly out of frustration on how to use it. Thanks for this post.
What I tell people
Great thread here. The comments are much appreciated. People ask me why I use the cameras that I do and hence ask if they should buy a certain brand. I tell them to hold the camera look through the finder or display. How are the ergonomics for you. After that, I'll tell them nothing about a specific brand although, may suggest they are all good and then tell them to buy what they can afford AND it's about technique not a name brand.
There faces show sudden disappointment as they think if they buy a certain brand of camera then they ARE a photographer & that it's tha camera brand that takes good pictures.
Yes, gear is important four our needs. Some brands perhaps better than others. Seen a few too many cameras sitting closets film or otherwise not being used mostly out of frustration on how to use it. Thanks for this post.
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
The gear that my friends use certainly does influence my decision to purchase and use a similar camera/bag/strap/lens/etc.
This really is only because I have the opportunity to actually USE some of the gear that I may be interested in, instead of just fondling it at a shop or looking at reviews and vicariously using or fondling it through the words and images of some other person.
Really, these days I've settled on a medium format system, an extensive Nikon system for paid work and a couple 35mm cameras for carrying around with a small camera/lens combo. It is largely because I have had the ability to use a few of those cameras and lenses before buying that I have them now.
Phil Forrest
This really is only because I have the opportunity to actually USE some of the gear that I may be interested in, instead of just fondling it at a shop or looking at reviews and vicariously using or fondling it through the words and images of some other person.
Really, these days I've settled on a medium format system, an extensive Nikon system for paid work and a couple 35mm cameras for carrying around with a small camera/lens combo. It is largely because I have had the ability to use a few of those cameras and lenses before buying that I have them now.
Phil Forrest
JeffNYC
Well-known
I see Joe's point..
But sometimes we can be misled by marketing phrases such as, "new and improved focus system", etc.
Perhaps it's human nature to want to eliminate any technical shortcomings, but not at the expense of comfort and style.
But sometimes we can be misled by marketing phrases such as, "new and improved focus system", etc.
Perhaps it's human nature to want to eliminate any technical shortcomings, but not at the expense of comfort and style.
mwoenv
Well-known
No, I buy and use what I like. Of course, I've researched things online. I enjoy the slightly different experience of using a wide variety of cameras.
An example of going against what seemed to be the popular consensus was buying a Pentax 645 manual focus system 6 years ago. Compared to Mamiya and Bronica 645, Pentax seemed to be looked down on. But when the consensus seemed to be that the body is extemely reliable, has good metering, and the lenses are as good or better as the others, I decided on it and have been extemely happy.
An example of going against what seemed to be the popular consensus was buying a Pentax 645 manual focus system 6 years ago. Compared to Mamiya and Bronica 645, Pentax seemed to be looked down on. But when the consensus seemed to be that the body is extemely reliable, has good metering, and the lenses are as good or better as the others, I decided on it and have been extemely happy.
BlackXList
Well-known
I really enjoy seeing what people achieve with different equipment. and when it comes to compact type cameras, I'd say I can be somewhat impressionable.
That's turned out well for me, expensive, but well. I love the gear I've ended up shooting.
Camera "system" wise, defintely not, I'm already too far down my chosen path, and I couldn't see ditching it all to take up a new system, too much hassle and FAR too much expense.
Equally that stops me from diving into things like the new Fuji offerings. I'm very impressed by them, but when I look at the price of a body and 2 - 3 lenses, (and lenses that possibly don't cover full frame, unlike the ones I'm currently using*), then I decide that I'll have to admire them from afar.
* I know the necessity of FF is currently a hotly debated topic for some, I'm not trying to get into that, just observing that my current lenses do do it, the others seemingly don't, therefore to look at sinking significant cash into them seems counterintuitive.
That's turned out well for me, expensive, but well. I love the gear I've ended up shooting.
Camera "system" wise, defintely not, I'm already too far down my chosen path, and I couldn't see ditching it all to take up a new system, too much hassle and FAR too much expense.
Equally that stops me from diving into things like the new Fuji offerings. I'm very impressed by them, but when I look at the price of a body and 2 - 3 lenses, (and lenses that possibly don't cover full frame, unlike the ones I'm currently using*), then I decide that I'll have to admire them from afar.
* I know the necessity of FF is currently a hotly debated topic for some, I'm not trying to get into that, just observing that my current lenses do do it, the others seemingly don't, therefore to look at sinking significant cash into them seems counterintuitive.
Paul Jenkin
Well-known
I can only speak for myself but I've only observed this somewhat "sheep-like" syndrome in connection with digital equipment - particularly canera bodies - where the sensor is regarded as "obsolete" as soon as its successor is announced. It seems to be fuelled by camera mags and websites suggeting that the latest wotsit is crafted from pure inspiration and will immediately transform "Joe Public" into Sebastiao Salgado.
I've never really been a herd follower and much prefer to change kit when I feel it's appropriate - rather than when Nikon / Fuji or some eminent journalist etc decides for me.
I've never really been a herd follower and much prefer to change kit when I feel it's appropriate - rather than when Nikon / Fuji or some eminent journalist etc decides for me.