How Did You Choose?

[Vincent.G]

Everyone probably ends up with a selection of camera bodies and lenses they eventually like and stick to along the way.

What is/are the reason(s) that you are sticking with what you have right now? Is it the cost? Or is it because people like what you can do with it? Or is it because you constantly like what you can get out of it? Is there any other reasons?

Or are you those that will never be contented with what you have and is always on the lookout for what you perceive to be something "better" than what you have?

 

[helen.HH]

In the Past Glass was like A Drug...
I have had the Good Fortune to try most M lenses & some ltm

There were Times I was sure this was 'The One' ...only to be Seduced by a NewThread, or a Look of a particular lens

Looking back I now feel most Lenses are Great, probably better than I as a Photographer.
Voigtlander,Zeiss,Leica & From Om's to Barnacks to M's , All have worked impeccably

I have had The Good Fortune on being able to get a Great Shot here & there from All of them

With this Worldwide Economic Downturn I no longer have the 'Play' money I was accumstomed to...
Admittedly I still Love the Barnack Experience ( maybe even more than an M)
I think I could be content with just that little pkge ...I simply Adore the cutting of the Film, moving the diopter , it's click, the retro old world charm


No Worries since I now am After the Shot and no longer the Gear :angel:

 

[TXForester]

Cost. I'd like to add medium format, but haven't run across an inexpensive camera with reasonable image quality. Until business picks up, I'm being stingy with the greenbacks.

I have a mix of SLRs and rangefinders and I like the variety, so I'm sticking with the mix.

 

[Keith]

There seems to be a recycling of cameras in my collection that is fairly constant and a few that are permanent. There's also a lot in the cupboard that don't really interest me any more but I can't be bothered selling them ... they just sit!

The ones that won't be going away are my OM-1, D700 and strangely an old 1933 Voigtlander Brilliant TLR that I bought on impulse from eBay late one night! The OM-1 has to be the nicest camera bar none that I have ever used ... it just fits the way I photograph and I like the way it feels in my hands. The little Brilliant is my 'earth' camera ... it's a scale focus TLR and when I feel my vision is being diluted by technology I put a roll through this little gem and I feel reconnected with the basics of photograpy. The D700 is really the only digital camera I need ... the Epson RD-1 and my new OM-D can't compete with what this camera can do and the only thing that will ever replace it will likely be a D3s or a D4.

I have a lot of other cameras I like and use occasionally but these three are the ones I currently regard as indespensable.

 

[jwicaksana]

For me it's practicality, to be able to take it anywhere and not worry about scratching it or something. The glass quality is far better than I ever will be, so no worries there. Some lenses have signatures that I like, but if the cost is too high, I forget it at once. So yeah, cost is an important factor too. I don't know why but I seem to enjoy my photography most when I still have my FM2n. Maybe it's time to go a-huntin' for one.

 

[emasterphoto]

Currently, I have a D3 and a few pro Nikkors as my main system and just don't see a need to upgrade as it's still a very professionally competitive setup IQ-wise. My main film body is a Pentax Program Plus because it's so compact and I like the feel of it in use, plus the lenses are cheap. My other film stuff gets cycled a lot, but I'm settling down lately and clearing it out because I can't use all of it and my shooting has started to suffer as too many bodies are getting distracting.

 

[jtm6]

I had a whole bunch of Nikon gear as I attempted to find my niche. It is a long story, but I had issues with the creeping featurism and gargantuism of contemporary cameras, especially to chase technically perfect pictures of supreme boringness. I eventually had enough... I wanted to simplify everything and concentrate on making photographs, not taking pictures no matter how technically perfect or imperfect they may be.

From all my lenses, I narrowed it down to two fixed focal length Nikkor lenses that I wanted to keep forever: 50mm f/1.2 and 85mm f/1.4. It was easy to choose because I loved those two and I never used the others. I ditched the DSLRs for an F3.

I also wanted to go wider, to have a second body, and to experiment with a RF, so I bought a Leica film body and 35mm lens. The nice thing about the F3 and those two lenses is I can have the qualities of those lenses with a cool F3 experience, and it keeps me from overspending on more Leica lenses.

So, Leica for 35mm and Nikon for 50mm and 85mm. I rarely go outside that range.

 

[Vincent.G]

In the Past Glass was like A Drug...
I have had the Good Fortune to try most M lenses & some ltm

There were Times I was sure this was 'The One' ...only to be Seduced by a NewThread, or a Look of a particular lens

Looking back I now feel most Lenses are Great, probably better than I as a Photographer.
Voigtlander,Zeiss,Leica & From Om's to Barnacks to M's , All have worked impeccably

I have had The Good Fortune on being able to get a Great Shot here & there from All of them

With this Worldwide Economic Downturn I no longer have the 'Play' money I was accumstomed to...
Admittedly I still Love the Barnack Experience ( maybe even more than an M)
I think I could be content with just that little pkge ...I simply Adore the cutting of the Film, moving the diopter , it's click, the retro old world charm


No Worries since I now am After the Shot and no longer the Gear :angel:

Truthfully I enjoy all the Magic You Can Do with ALL lenses you had, Helen!

To some extent, I also feel the same way like you mentioned i.e. the gear I use is too good for me or for the things I shoot. Felt compelled to sell everything away and just use my iPhone some times! :bang:

 

[Vincent.G]

There seems to be a recycling of cameras in my collection that is fairly constant and a few that are permanent. There's also a lot in the cupboard that don't really interest me any more but I can't be bothered selling them ... they just sit!

The ones that won't be going away are my OM-1, D700 and strangely an old 1933 Voigtlander Brilliant TLR that I bought on impulse from eBay late one night! The OM-1 has to be the nicest camera bar none that I have ever used ... it just fits the way I photograph and I like the way it feels in my hands. The little Brilliant is my 'earth' camera ... it's a scale focus TLR and when I feel my vision is being diluted by technology I put a roll through this little gem and I feel reconnected with the basics of photograpy. The D700 is really the only digital camera I need ... the Epson RD-1 and my new OM-D can't compete with what this camera can do and the only thing that will ever replace it will likely be a D3s or a D4.

I have a lot of other cameras I like and use occasionally but these three are the ones I currently regard as indespensable.

Keith, if you did not have to make a living from photography, would they still be indispensable?

 

[Keith]

Keith, if you did not have to make a living from photography, would they still be indispensable?

Hi Vincent,

I don't make my living from photography but I do suppliment it with the odd paid gig I get shooting gallery openings and other weird things QUT throw at me. I have a part time job as a wheel builder/restorer believe it or not and that is my primary income.

I guess this is where the D700 is indispensable ... although I do actually really like the camera. Realistically if I wasn't getting these paid jobs I probably wouldn't view the Nikon in this way maybe. That said I do like big DSLRs ... I need counselling in this area obviously!

As for the OM-1 ... that is indispensable and I confess to still being quite besotted with it. Probably more so than when I first bought it a few years ago.

 

[DanOnRoute66]

Well, of course, cost has always been a consideration; otherwise I'd own one of just about everything in that wonderful Contax 645 system that I probably will never be able to afford. Among those cameras I could and can afford, it comes down to a combination of the quality of the equipment, particularly the lenses, and the "feel" of the system(s) during use. Those that I use right now are (from oldest to newest) the Nikon rangefinder system, Olympus Pen half-frame SLRs, the Olympus OM system and Canon DSLRs.

 

[nikon_sam]

I started with Pentax gear but moved on to Nikon because I liked the metering much better...
I also like the look from the Nikkor lenses my favorite being the 180mm 2.8 AF EDIF

I have a Yashicamat 124g...I love the 6x6 negatives and the Yashinon lens...I love printing from the negs...

The Mamiya m645 is a fun camera to use, it's affordable, the lenses are sharp and come in a nice variety on focal lengths...it's Medium Format on the small side but still bigger than 35mm...

I bought a 4x5 View Camera mainly for the Movements and then for the size of film...
I bought modern lenses when I first got it and lately I've picked up older type lenses with a bit more character...Kodak Extar and a B&L Tessar...they are harder to use but the look is worth the extra effort...

As far as my Rangefinder cameras go I find them the hardest to use, I'm very clumsy and slow but again the negs are wonderful to print...

If I buy into a new system it's mainly for the look of the lenses but for now I'm not looking...I have plenty and have to remind myself of this fact all the time...if I were to buy something it will most likely be a surprise find at a garage sale or thrift store...

I have many bodies without meters but I do have several hand-held meters my favorite right now is the Weston Ranger 9 and it makes metering (with Zone System) so much easier...

 

[DanOnRoute66]

Hi Vincent,

I don't make my living from photography but I do suppliment it with the odd paid gig I get shooting gallery openings and other weird things QUT throw at me. I have a part time job as a wheel builder/restorer believe it or not and that is my primary income.

I guess this is where the D700 is indispensable ... although I do actually really like the camera. Realistically if I wasn't getting these paid jobs I probably wouldn't view the Nikon in this way maybe. That said I do like big DSLRs ... I need counselling in this area obviously!

As for the OM-1 ... that is indispensable and I confess to still being quite besotted with it. Probably more so than when I first bought it a few years ago.

I know how you feel, Keith, about the OM system. As I've added camera bodies and lenses and components to my set over the years, it's love all over again. But I feel nearly as strongly about the Nikon rangefinders and Olympus Pen SLRs.

 

[Vincent.G]

Hi Vincent,

I don't make my living from photography but I do suppliment it with the odd paid gig I get shooting gallery openings and other weird things QUT throw at me. I have a part time job as a wheel builder/restorer believe it or not and that is my primary income.

I guess this is where the D700 is indispensable ... although I do actually really like the camera. Realistically if I wasn't getting these paid jobs I probably wouldn't view the Nikon in this way maybe. That said I do like big DSLRs ... I need counselling in this area obviously!

As for the OM-1 ... that is indispensable and I confess to still being quite besotted with it. Probably more so than when I first bought it a few years ago.

I always thought you shoot gallery openings and other weird things QUT thrown at you for a living, Keith! Sorry about that!

It seems that when push comes to shove in narrowing down your gear, your heart rules in making the choice right?

 

[Vincent.G]

I started with Pentax gear but moved on to Nikon because I liked the metering much better...
I also like the look from the Nikkor lenses my favorite being the 180mm 2.8 AF EDIF

I have a Yashicamat 124g...I love the 6x6 negatives and the Yashinon lens...I love printing from the negs...

The Mamiya m645 is a fun camera to use, it's affordable, the lenses are sharp and come in a nice variety on focal lengths...it's Medium Format on the small side but still bigger than 35mm...

I bought a 4x5 View Camera mainly for the Movements and then for the size of film...
I bought modern lenses when I first got it and lately I've picked up older type lenses with a bit more character...Kodak Extar and a B&L Tessar...they are harder to use but the look is worth the extra effort...

As far as my Rangefinder cameras go I find them the hardest to use, I'm very clumsy and slow but again the negs are wonderful to print...

If I buy into a new system it's mainly for the look of the lenses but for now I'm not looking...I have plenty and have to remind myself of this fact all the time...if I were to buy something it will most likely be a surprise find at a garage sale or thrift store...

I have many bodies without meters but I do have several hand-held meters my favorite right now is the Weston Ranger 9 and it makes metering (with Zone System) so much easier...

You are a blessed man! So many cameras to play with. I am very envious.

If one day you have to run out of a building on fire and you can only grab one, which one would you grab?

 

[Brian Legge]

I'm haven't settled yet. My excuse is that I've only been shooting film again for a few years. So far my go-to setup is a Leica M4 with and Voigtlander 35mm/1.4. I like the handling, the low light shooting ability and find focusing with a rangefinder simpler than other methods. I also like that I can throw a few other lenses in a small bag and have a wide range of capabilities.

I have an Autocord which I love using as I like TLRs for both medium format and how they seem to draw less attention. I'm trying a Rollei 3.5f for the superior lens. Still deciding if it's worth the additional. I don't like the feeling that gears is irreplaceable and would rather run with the cheapest option I can get away with.

...and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Super Speedex I keep around because I love compact cameras. I've got a few cameras reserved for special purposes but those don't get as much use. Push come to shove, I'd probably stick with those listed here.

I'm trying to get out of my 'dabbling with everything' phase and refocus on images. It took about 2 years of trying everything that was within my financial comfort zone - ie I'd love a Noct but wouldn't feel comfortable actually taking it out and using it even if I could afford it/justify buying it - but I'm getting close to a rather massive purge of gear.

 

[Dylan Hope]

I chose Canon over Nikon because when I started out I couldn't afford anything higher than the entry level cameras, so I chose a less gimped camera. If I had been able to afford the D80, I'd have gotten that over the 400D or 40D. Now I'm too lazy to make a switch to Nikon or anyone else without real good reasons.

The Leica I bought because I saw it on TradeMe for so cheap with a buy now option (which gives you consumer protection) I leapt on it knowing I could flip it for a profit if I didn't like the system. I liked the system. It's small and high quality so it's largely replaced my SLRs as my go-to gear.

The Rollei I want to get once I sort out my film and paper budget for 2013 comes from me always having wanted to use one. It's a purely emotional thing, and expensive emotional thing, but since it's not really a system I guess it's slightly off topic

 

[Spanik]

Some because they are practical and some because of emotional attachment. Either are too good for me anyway.

I love the Mamiya 645 as it is an affordable system. And whatever I might need I can probably find in it. Also easy to find so no regret in breaking anything.

 

[Joosep]

Sony digital p&s -> Canon DSLR -> Canon SLR -> Pentax SLR -> Voigtländer SLR -> Voigtländer RF -> Leica RF

I have a few FSU cameras, a Rollei, few german SLR-s ... that didnt act as my main cameras. A camera has to have a soul (clearly in my point of view). If a camera has soul, then I just pick it up more. The most depressing time was about 6 years ago, when I didnt take any pictures for 5 months (the Canon DSLR was my main camera then).
Just came back from Barcelona with my Leica, was there for a week, shot 13 roles, life is good.

 

[thegman]

Lot's of trying stuff out, Hasselbald, Mamiya, Leica, Zeiss, Cosina, Rollei. Been through a lot of stuff. In that time I found a few things, I like metal cameras, and I tend to prefer medium format to 35mm. I've also gone from "got to have a meter", to not caring, then wanting one again. Also went from liking fast lenses to not caring, but I'm sticking with not caring. Probably also gone from wanting a "system" camera, to being happy with built in lenses.