Bill Pierce
Well-known
In the days when mechanical film cameras were dominant, camera repairmen were an extremely important part of the world of the advanced amateur and professional photographers. In many senses they weren’t repairmen, but masters of maintenance. With proper maintenance, with regular cleaning, lubrication and adjustment, your camera would last a lifetime. Nor was there a huge temptation to change cameras with every new model. In terms of features, it really didn’t matter if it was a Leica M3 or M6 or a Nikon F or F4. For the most part the changes were in the form of built in meters which were considered emergency back-ups for handheld Westons, Norwoods, Spectras and Minoltas meters. A sign of pride was a camera where the chrome plating on metal parts had worn down to the bronze.
That’s not so true in today’s digital world. Rummaging through some boxes in my office I came across an “old” digital camera. It was introduced at the end of 2009. Of course, compared to “today’s” cameras, it was sadly lacking in megapixels and mega menus. But what really struck me was the fact that it was less responsive. Auto focus was a little slower. Working quickly, even the release was a little slower. And low light performance could only be described as poor. I didn’t want to use a digital camera that I once loved. How different from the turn of the century when the Leica M3 I bought in 1955, a year after its introduction, was an old friend and the 1998 M6TTL was just a back up for its older brother.
In other words, it can make sense to back up and perhaps replace your digital gear more often. Although gear’s race to obsolescence has certainly slowed down from the first years of digital’s popularity, the significant improvement in cameras is still relatively rapid. (This is particularly true if you are a working stiff who finds it mandatory to provide both stills and motion.)
I think we’ve reached a pixel count, pixel size, sensor size and noise level availability that most conventional photographers can get anything they need albeit those requiring the top end may also be requiring that they give up eating and paying the rent for a while. Upgrade if you should, but beyond that there are specialized innovations always appearing that will be useful to specific photographers. The street photographer may want high enough megapixels to crop, but still want a small, quiet camera. The portrait photographer may want the best facial recognition that can be used with fastest possible lenses and their shallow depth of field. The landscape and architectural photographers may want wide angle lenses that do not depend heavily on in-camera correction. And all of these and others are features that are still evolving. Maybe someday we will get back to those days when a camera will be a lifetime purchase, but for most of us that digital day has yet to come. And it makes me miss the old days when my camera was my buddy, not just a new acquaintance. Your thoughts.
That’s not so true in today’s digital world. Rummaging through some boxes in my office I came across an “old” digital camera. It was introduced at the end of 2009. Of course, compared to “today’s” cameras, it was sadly lacking in megapixels and mega menus. But what really struck me was the fact that it was less responsive. Auto focus was a little slower. Working quickly, even the release was a little slower. And low light performance could only be described as poor. I didn’t want to use a digital camera that I once loved. How different from the turn of the century when the Leica M3 I bought in 1955, a year after its introduction, was an old friend and the 1998 M6TTL was just a back up for its older brother.
In other words, it can make sense to back up and perhaps replace your digital gear more often. Although gear’s race to obsolescence has certainly slowed down from the first years of digital’s popularity, the significant improvement in cameras is still relatively rapid. (This is particularly true if you are a working stiff who finds it mandatory to provide both stills and motion.)
I think we’ve reached a pixel count, pixel size, sensor size and noise level availability that most conventional photographers can get anything they need albeit those requiring the top end may also be requiring that they give up eating and paying the rent for a while. Upgrade if you should, but beyond that there are specialized innovations always appearing that will be useful to specific photographers. The street photographer may want high enough megapixels to crop, but still want a small, quiet camera. The portrait photographer may want the best facial recognition that can be used with fastest possible lenses and their shallow depth of field. The landscape and architectural photographers may want wide angle lenses that do not depend heavily on in-camera correction. And all of these and others are features that are still evolving. Maybe someday we will get back to those days when a camera will be a lifetime purchase, but for most of us that digital day has yet to come. And it makes me miss the old days when my camera was my buddy, not just a new acquaintance. Your thoughts.
Franko
Established
The thing that will prevent long-term digital camera use will be battery availability. The manufacturer of my favored mid-level digital has already stopped supplying batteries for it. After market is the only option and some of the reviews for those are less than glowing. And, how long will those be around?
Having said that, it has a nice, simple eye-level finder that works great with the lcd turned off. I'd really miss it if it it goes.
Having said that, it has a nice, simple eye-level finder that works great with the lcd turned off. I'd really miss it if it it goes.
Steve_Pfost
Established
Wonderful Post.
Steve_Pfost
Established
This post ironically coincides with thoughts I had just this week. I agree wholeheartedly. I picked up my old Nikon D700 and shot with it this week. I haven't handled it in a few months and it felt good sitting in my hands. Clunky, somewhat slow, but it felt just right. That camera, though it may not have the abilities of some of the cameras these days, is part of my soul. It is unlike any other camera I own because it has been everywhere with me throughout my photo career.
I'll never forget begging my mom to allow me to spend the money on it. That, "It was necessary." That the old D70 I had started out with was just not good enough for the quality of work I was trying to accomplish in my sophomore year of college.
I used it through college, it taught me how to see. I used it at my internships at papers throughout the country. It hung around my neck when I started freelancing. I traveled the world with that camera. I photographed my family, my grandparents both alive and in death, it followed my father the day he retired from his career, and it was with me all night in the delivery room when my daughter was born.
It soon became a second work body as I needed a camera to shoot video for my primary. Eventually the old D700 started to sit on a shelf as, after being hired on staff, work provided the gear. However, every so often I bring out "my buddy" to shoot moments, like my daughters first time pumpkin picking last weekend. That camera will forever be something special that the mirrorless craze, or any other advanced camera could replace.
I'll never forget begging my mom to allow me to spend the money on it. That, "It was necessary." That the old D70 I had started out with was just not good enough for the quality of work I was trying to accomplish in my sophomore year of college.
I used it through college, it taught me how to see. I used it at my internships at papers throughout the country. It hung around my neck when I started freelancing. I traveled the world with that camera. I photographed my family, my grandparents both alive and in death, it followed my father the day he retired from his career, and it was with me all night in the delivery room when my daughter was born.
It soon became a second work body as I needed a camera to shoot video for my primary. Eventually the old D700 started to sit on a shelf as, after being hired on staff, work provided the gear. However, every so often I bring out "my buddy" to shoot moments, like my daughters first time pumpkin picking last weekend. That camera will forever be something special that the mirrorless craze, or any other advanced camera could replace.
Yeah, digital is still evolving. One that happened to me recently. I loved my X-Pro2 from Fuji. I used it for 4.5 years which is probably the longest I've used a digital camera. I'd tell my friends (probably annoyingly so) that it was the best camera ever made. I ordered the X-Pro3 and swore I'd keep both because the X-Pro2 was soooooo good. Well, I got the X-Pro3, used it and soon realized there was no reason for ME to use the X-Pro2 ever again. F-ing digital... 
Bob Michaels
nobody special
I don't think we have reached any significant milestone indicating we finally have just about everything we could ever need. I just see us at another point along a never ending continuum of technical advances. The arguments we are hearing today about having everything we need are the same ones we heard 10-12 years ago and will be hearing 10 years in the future.
shimokita
白黒
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II was launched in September 2008, and I picked
one up soon after... still have it... we've been through a lot together.
I remember every scratch and ding... 12 years on I must say we're buddies.
We will be going on an autumn colours road-trip next week...
The back up will be my F3P ; )
one up soon after... still have it... we've been through a lot together.
I remember every scratch and ding... 12 years on I must say we're buddies.
We will be going on an autumn colours road-trip next week...
The back up will be my F3P ; )
farlymac
PF McFarland
I thought when I got my D300s I'd never want another camera. But I knew that someday it would become obsolete compared to what would be on the market when that day came. So I got a D610 kit with the battery grip so I could use my D series lenses. It's fine, but the lenses can only be used in Aperture Priority or Manual, so that limits my choices. I really tuned the two D300s bodies to match, and like the button layout. The D610 is a bit of a change though, and the instruction booklet has a few mistakes on how to set it up so I've not yet bonded with it.
Now I find myself window shopping for DX lenses I could use instead of FX G lenses. And this even though I can see the improvement in IQ with the D610. Maybe when I get to using it more often it will become my go-to camera. Even enough to spring for a second body. But not yet. There's an X100V out there calling to me.
PF
Now I find myself window shopping for DX lenses I could use instead of FX G lenses. And this even though I can see the improvement in IQ with the D610. Maybe when I get to using it more often it will become my go-to camera. Even enough to spring for a second body. But not yet. There's an X100V out there calling to me.
PF
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
I think digital cameras have different technological paradigms than film cameras, as film cameras have a basic core that does not need to change drastically for improvement , a core that relies on mechanics and later with an electrical and electronic adjunct and melded with a separate chemical/film combine that can be improved thru the years without making the mechanics and the electrical adjuncts to the camera as quick to become obsolete as in digital cameras.
Digital cameras are a complete package, sensor, processor, menus , buffers etc. very few features can be updated to make the camera the latest and the greatest as time passes by
Digital cameras are a complete package, sensor, processor, menus , buffers etc. very few features can be updated to make the camera the latest and the greatest as time passes by
Freakscene
Obscure member
When cameras went digital part of the consumable chain (which used to be film and development) got incorporated in the cameras. I accept that this means that the cameras are 'consumable'. If I get 100,000 frames out of my M10M it will have well and truly paid for itself, and that by then it will or might be junk won’t bother me at all. It’s much cheaper than 3,000 rolls of Tri-X and development.
Marty
Marty
JeffS7444
Well-known
Then as now, I think it took a certain kind of person to say "This is good, I'll stop right here", rather than pursuing improvements via a stream of ever-newer equipment. If you can afford to hang onto your older cameras, great, but perhaps that "buddy" has really become that friend you never really hang out with anymore except for old time's sake?
Bill Pierce
Well-known
Bob - You're right. I was only referring to pixel count and sensor size - and that for just "conventional" photography.
Yokosuka Mike
Abstract Clarity
Yeah, digital is still evolving. One that happened to me recently. I loved my X-Pro2 from Fuji. I used it for 4.5 years which is probably the longest I've used a digital camera. I'd tell my friends (probably annoyingly so) that it was the best camera ever made. I ordered the X-Pro3 and swore I'd keep both because the X-Pro2 was soooooo good. Well, I got the X-Pro3, used it and soon realized there was no reason for ME to use the X-Pro2 ever again. F-ing digital...
I hear you, jsrockit, I was basically the same when I upgraded to the X-Pro3, the X-Pro2 was soon sold and the money from it used toward a second X-Pro3.
Now, the good news is that if you get the Fujifilm GFX 50R it is (IMO) so much different from the X-Pro3 that you'll have no thoughts about getting rid of your X-Pro3. You'll want to keep them both.
All the best,
Mike
Or the buddies are the photographic output.
I hear you, jsrockit, I was basically the same when I upgraded to the X-Pro3, the X-Pro2 was soon sold and the money from it used toward a second X-Pro3.
Now, the good news is that if you get the Fujifilm GFX 50R it is (IMO) so much different from the X-Pro3 that you'll have no thoughts about getting rid of your X-Pro3. You'll want to keep them both.
All the best,
Mike
Oh for sure, I’m not getting rid of any of my APSC Fujis. By the time I can get to the USA again, hopefully the GFX-50R II with ibis is available...
Guth
Appreciative User
Our society has largely embraced and accepted the concept of planned obsolescence and disposable goods. We could find many parallels pertaining to other products when it comes to these observations that you’ve made as it relates to cameras. As to those who choose to embrace the latest and greatest at every opportunity, no one is forcing them to do so. Different strokes for different folks.
However, there is a growing portion of the population, primarily younger people, who have identified the hollowness in all of this and who are choosing to reject such products by turning to older technologies/approaches in ever increasing numbers. Hence the rising sales (and rising prices) of things like film cameras, turntables, handmade goods of all different sorts made by individual craft-persons, and even typewriters as I recently discovered. I have no idea where these purchasing trends will lead manufacturers of goods in the long run, but such behavior stopped being a fad years ago.
For what it’s worth, we have more than one camera repair business located here in Portland and I’m guessing there are more than a few who consider those people working in these shops to be their buddies.
However, there is a growing portion of the population, primarily younger people, who have identified the hollowness in all of this and who are choosing to reject such products by turning to older technologies/approaches in ever increasing numbers. Hence the rising sales (and rising prices) of things like film cameras, turntables, handmade goods of all different sorts made by individual craft-persons, and even typewriters as I recently discovered. I have no idea where these purchasing trends will lead manufacturers of goods in the long run, but such behavior stopped being a fad years ago.
For what it’s worth, we have more than one camera repair business located here in Portland and I’m guessing there are more than a few who consider those people working in these shops to be their buddies.
I’m not sure it’s a rejection of digital since they all still use digital products too. I think it’s just older technology is still fun to use and nostalgia is powerful... even if it isn’t your own nostalgia.
raydm6
Yay! Cameras! 🙈🙉🙊┌( ಠ_ಠ)┘ [◉"]
I like this Bill.
I become attached to beautifully designed mechanical things (cameras notwithstanding) and enjoy the simple pleasures I derive from them.
They have a 'presence' or 'soul' (perhaps something we impart) that evolutionary electronic products just don't seem to have or impart for me anyway. Not knocking them - (I've been in hi-tech for over 30 years defense/aerospace & commercial) and have seen and owned some wonderful electronics products/technologies - but I'm more in the old camp and enjoy things in the analog world - my small stash of timeless vintage cameras providing that pleasure and companionship; as much as an inanimate object can.
Dogman
Veteran
C'mon, guys. Gotta get on board with serving the economy and upgrade with every new model. Those old cameras are worthless compared to the new Mk II with an increase in 5 megapixels, AF that's faster by .00021 seconds and the ability to take pictures in low light a full 1/32 stop lower than the original. Plus it has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS--all essential to take pictures these days.
For the life of me I can't see the rationale when most of us are making pictures to post online or never take off the hard drive at all. And to those who are making books and are printing for galleries and collectors, are you burning all your previous work because it's inferior to your new photos done with the Sonogosowhat Mk II?
We just want the new stuff. Progress is good. More stuff is good and the newest stuff is better. That's what we are led to believe anyway.
I'm firmly a digital shooter but I don't understand the mindset of people who believe digital cameras become obsolete when a new model is introduced. Among my cameras are some pretty old models and they work well and produce really nice photos. I still use them. Some of these old cameras--Nikon D700, D2X and Fuji XPro1--are favorites and they get used a lot with very satisfying results.
For the life of me I can't see the rationale when most of us are making pictures to post online or never take off the hard drive at all. And to those who are making books and are printing for galleries and collectors, are you burning all your previous work because it's inferior to your new photos done with the Sonogosowhat Mk II?
We just want the new stuff. Progress is good. More stuff is good and the newest stuff is better. That's what we are led to believe anyway.
I'm firmly a digital shooter but I don't understand the mindset of people who believe digital cameras become obsolete when a new model is introduced. Among my cameras are some pretty old models and they work well and produce really nice photos. I still use them. Some of these old cameras--Nikon D700, D2X and Fuji XPro1--are favorites and they get used a lot with very satisfying results.
zuiko85
Veteran
Mechanical cameras can sure last a long time. Several years ago I was gifted a folding Kodak that used (I think) 70mm paper backed roll film. (Anyway, the frame diagonal was about 130mm) Research arrived at a manufacturing date of 1930 to 1933. The camera body and bellows was in very rough shape but the 130mm f7.7 Kodak lens in a Kodak shutter was still working, and operating well enough for regular use.
Now this lens in shutter sits on a home built 4x5 and continues to operate, almost 90 years after it was made. It will probably still be working after my consumer grade EM10 goes belly up.
Now this lens in shutter sits on a home built 4x5 and continues to operate, almost 90 years after it was made. It will probably still be working after my consumer grade EM10 goes belly up.