One camera, many lenses

[kshapero]

Isn't One camera with many lenses almost like having many cameras? Each lens has its own characteristics. You really need to spend a lot of time with each lens to really know it. 😉

 

[FrankS]

Different cameras have different characteristics ( strengths and weaknesses) too.

 

[sparrow6224]

Most obviously, for me, there is the difference between using a rangefinder and using an SLR, both of which I enjoy. Beyond that, different cameras, even with their differences qua cameras put aside, offer access to different lenses. I have just purchased a $37 Contax 167MT in order to deploy the Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.4, which cost me ten times that much. Without the camera there is no lens. And finally yes, different cameras offer radically different experiences. The Contax IIa rangefinder, which I like, and aforementioned fully automatic (manual focus though) Contax 167MT slr. The pinnacle of this: try a Nikon F100 sometime (or the F5 on which it's based; or the F6). Yes, it's film, and you use the same judgment about what is going to make a decent picture, but other than that, those cameras versus a Leica or even a Pentax Spotmatic -- picture new Mazeratti versus very cool 1961 Chevy Impala. It ain't just the tires.

 

[sparrow6224]

Aviva -- another example. I find using a IIIf really different from using my M2 or M4-P. The whole process of obtaining the focus and then going to the viewfinder (I use external Nikon universal finder, it's superb) to frame the shot feels to me so much more thoughtful and deliberate and even exciting than combining the two. But it DOES slow you down. I also love the knob film advance -- again, it slows you down. But you really know you have film in the camera.

 

[peterm1]

It is a more sensible option economically...................camera bodies devalue more than lenses especially with digital kit.

Also, years ago when I used to shoot (guns) competitively we had a saying. "Beware the one gun owner." Most mugs like me owned any number of guns and as a result we were dilettantes who never got to know their guns quirks as well as we should and hence never did well in shooting competitions. The single gun owner invariably knew their guns inside out and could use them.

Same with cameras I fear!

When I constantly try different bodies I am so taken up with "fiddling" that my photography suffers.

So in general I agree.

 

[sanmich]

One camera system, yes.
One camera, no.
I need more to avoid changing lenses all the time, having backups or using different films in the same period of time.

 

[haempe]

Also, years ago when I used to shoot (guns) competitively we had a saying. "Beware the one gun owner." Most mugs like me owned any number of guns and as a result we were dilettantes who never got to know their guns quirks as well as we should and hence never did well in shooting competitions. The single gun owner invariably knew their guns inside out and could use them.

Good point!

But I think, the same with lenses.