.hardware
Member
Hi Everyone,
A couple months ago i had the missfortune of getting all my Cameras and gear stolen, needless to say i was devastated. I have since gotten over it and and starting to venture back into the photography world. this time im thinking of concentration more on film.
Since money is not abundant ive been going back and forth between 2 options
1. I get a little fixed lens Rf, i would spend up to 100$. and pick up some darkroom gear.
2. try and find a Bessa R and a simple lens for like 300$ and hold on the dark room for now.
What do you guys think the best move is? is there somewhere i should be looking to find either of these cameras besides here? Is there anyone in the community here who i should talk to? im really not picky about the actual model, i just want to start shooting.
Thanks for all the help!
A couple months ago i had the missfortune of getting all my Cameras and gear stolen, needless to say i was devastated. I have since gotten over it and and starting to venture back into the photography world. this time im thinking of concentration more on film.
Since money is not abundant ive been going back and forth between 2 options
1. I get a little fixed lens Rf, i would spend up to 100$. and pick up some darkroom gear.
2. try and find a Bessa R and a simple lens for like 300$ and hold on the dark room for now.
What do you guys think the best move is? is there somewhere i should be looking to find either of these cameras besides here? Is there anyone in the community here who i should talk to? im really not picky about the actual model, i just want to start shooting.
Thanks for all the help!
madNbad
Well-known
I vote for the fixed lens rangefinder. A nice Cononet or Olympus can be had for not a lot of money. Add an inexpensive hand held meter and start taking pictures. After a while if you feel you need more, there is always more out there. Have fun.
Samouraï
Well-known
Sorry to hear that you've had all your gear stolen. I hope that restarting offers a clean palate, mentally. Sometimes I think about getting rid of it all for a simpler and cheaper solution, but the loss of funds sucks. Good luck.
I'd vote fixed-lens RF. Maybe a quick 40mm.
I'd vote fixed-lens RF. Maybe a quick 40mm.
Jerevan
Recycled User
Get a cheap RF and then pick up some darkroom gear to get going - I think it would be more satisfying and fun getting some stuff "out there" (developing and printing).
kuzano
Veteran
Sources...
Sources...
I have been buying and selling on eBay for 15 years or more.. Pretty much strictly film camera's.
That's one source. I never buy from anyone with less than 100 feedback and all that must be 99.5% positive.
That said, I pick up a lot of camera's to resell from www.shopgootwill.com.
That's the national auction site for all goodwill stores. I've made some great buys and some serious profits from the goods on that site. Usually quite a few fixed lens cams. A lot of Canonet GIII QL17 models.
These are NOT camera people, so you have to watch out for pics and ask questions.
Take a peek and search categories and range through them. The actual sales are made by individual stores and you pay the store through the web site.
I've made some good money, but there's no real protection on condition. So ask questions. They turn the questions within hours.
KEH used is good, but pricey. Craigslist... PROCEED through the hackers and spammers with extreme caution. You could get killed. Some have and more have been mugged.
Sources...
I have been buying and selling on eBay for 15 years or more.. Pretty much strictly film camera's.
That's one source. I never buy from anyone with less than 100 feedback and all that must be 99.5% positive.
That said, I pick up a lot of camera's to resell from www.shopgootwill.com.
That's the national auction site for all goodwill stores. I've made some great buys and some serious profits from the goods on that site. Usually quite a few fixed lens cams. A lot of Canonet GIII QL17 models.
These are NOT camera people, so you have to watch out for pics and ask questions.
Take a peek and search categories and range through them. The actual sales are made by individual stores and you pay the store through the web site.
I've made some good money, but there's no real protection on condition. So ask questions. They turn the questions within hours.
KEH used is good, but pricey. Craigslist... PROCEED through the hackers and spammers with extreme caution. You could get killed. Some have and more have been mugged.
whitecat
Lone Range(find)er
I agree you can start with a fixed lens rangefinder. They are cheap but look for one in really good condition.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
You'll be back to photography in no time! And you are heading into the right place this time!
Darkroom will gives you true final result and fun which doesn't depend on weather or light conditions.
Where I'm it possible to find almost for free same model of enlarger I use. I have seen some still in original packaging, not assembled ones. Maybe you could find something low cost on local classifieds as well.
For darkroom light I use cheap old Brownie kit. The light dome from this kit which is called "yellow". Works fine with modern paper.
Something at $100 together.
Any working RF camera you could afford by now will bring you pleasure to use also.
Last year I sold my beaten but working R for well under $200. Jupiter-8 lenses are $50 now and plenty.
Darkroom will gives you true final result and fun which doesn't depend on weather or light conditions.
Where I'm it possible to find almost for free same model of enlarger I use. I have seen some still in original packaging, not assembled ones. Maybe you could find something low cost on local classifieds as well.
For darkroom light I use cheap old Brownie kit. The light dome from this kit which is called "yellow". Works fine with modern paper.
Something at $100 together.
Any working RF camera you could afford by now will bring you pleasure to use also.
Last year I sold my beaten but working R for well under $200. Jupiter-8 lenses are $50 now and plenty.
Vince Lupo
Whatever
Did you have any insurance on your equipment?
hlockwood
Well-known
I suspect the OP didn't have insurance.
So, going slightly off topic: I can't understand the choice not to have insurance. My policy with Liberty Mutual insures my cameras and lenses, new or used, for 1.1% (per year) of original cost. I probably wouldn't leave the house with my M7 or M9P, or even my Hexar RF, if I didn't have insurance.
HFL
Vince Lupo
Whatever
If that's the case, then might I suggest adding that to the shopping list?
ray*j*gun
Veteran
Nikkormat and some Nikor Ai or Ais lenses.....
Darthfeeble
But you can call me Steve
Second the Insurance. My homeowners covers any camera theft, at home and abroad as they say. ??
Roger Hicks
Veteran
I can. Have you ever tried claiming? For more than twopence ha'penny? For anything other than amateur use in your own county? If you have more than (say) $10,000 worth of gear, that is unlikely to be stolen all at once?
Yes, I've had two Leica lenses stolen (21/2.8 and 35/1.4), and one Linhof. I used to insure. I don't any more.
Cheers,
R.
.hardware
Member
Thank you all for you suggestions. This community really is something special. I have had a member go through the same experience and has offered to give me a Kiev kit he wasn't using anymore. Talk about paying it forward. I still can't believe the kindness.So the plan will be to concentrate on building my dark room while shooting with this kit. I will definitely not be forgetting this gesture and pay it forward when my turn comes. Thanks again for the support everyone. I'll put up some shots when I get set up 
P.s. No issurance, my roommate and i just moved in and were in the process of shopping for insurance when it happened. Lesson learned.
P.s. No issurance, my roommate and i just moved in and were in the process of shopping for insurance when it happened. Lesson learned.
jarski
Veteran
sorry to hear your misfortune. hope your old photos were spared, gear comes and goes.
I'd save a little and go after M2 + lens of your favorite fl, nowadays there are plenty of alternatives to expensive Leica glass.
I'd save a little and go after M2 + lens of your favorite fl, nowadays there are plenty of alternatives to expensive Leica glass.
rhl-oregon
Cameras Guitars Wonders
If you think you could use a good Minox GL / flash reeeeeeeally cheap, send me a pm. They can't steal it if it stays in your pocket.
Also, have a look at the P&S giveaway, AND the Xmas giveaway threads, where I bet there's gear people would be glad to send for shipping costs or gratis.
Also, have a look at the P&S giveaway, AND the Xmas giveaway threads, where I bet there's gear people would be glad to send for shipping costs or gratis.
madNbad
Well-known
Best of luck with your new kit. The darkroom should be easy with so much stuff being given away these days.
rhl-oregon
Cameras Guitars Wonders
Also, depending on whether you're in driving distance (I.e. Oregon, Washington, NoCal), I would be glad to pass along an enlarger frame/heads, and point you to a local source where there's a ton or more of darkroom gear available for ridiculous low prices, or possibly for a work trade....
Chrisrw
photomonkey
Sorry for your loss. I have a nice Canonet GIII QL17 that I'd be happy to sell you. It works great and I've been meaning to sell some gear for a while. If you're interested PM me and let me know what $$ would work for you.
Nunley
Newbie
Feel sorry for you man getting your precious gear probably lost all of your interest towards photography for some time... but its good that you overcame it and are starting again. Best of luck
getting your precious gear probably lost all of your interest towards photography for some time... but its good that you overcame it and are starting again. Best of luck