thinking of going back to a DSLR

[JoeFriday]

hey guys.. long time no see! I haven't exposed any film for quite a while now, and I need to find something to get me excited about shooting again

I think my problem is that I've gotten into a rut and need to explore a different style of shooting.. which makes me think that maybe I need something other than a rangefinder, which is pretty much the only kind of camera I have now (and about 8 of them, at that)

this probably isn't the most objective group to ask, but I've been kicking around the idea of selling or trading my Zeiss Ikon in order to pick up a Pentax K20D

I would probably start out with a basic kit lens while I look around for some good deals on older Pentax glass.. I should be able to get some good primes and a nice long lens fairly cheap

thoughts? comments?

 

[Al Kaplan]

Get yourself a nice Rolleiflex or Minolta Autocord and see what 120 film can do!

 

[back alley]

for a fun shooting experience get a panasonic g1.

 

[JoeFriday]

not a bad thought, Al.. but I already have a Rolleiflex.. not to mention a few Holgas.. I guess I'm thinking of putting together a more versatile system.. something that can handle macro as well as reaching out past 135mm

joe.. I dunno.. how about lending me yours for a week to see if it suits me?

 

[Joerg]

I agree with Al, 120 film is quite different. Just forces a different style more deliberate and careful. I went from a Mamiya C330 to a basic (well for RFF standards) Hasselblad 500c/m kit. I love it and when I get the time to lug it around I have usually a few exciting picture per roll.

Ciao

joerg

 

[JoeFriday]

hmmm.. a Hassy or Mamiya kit could certainly do what I want.. the question is, could I put together a system for under a grand?

 

[dcsang]

Brett..

Do what you FEEL will get you excited about it again.
If that means getting a DSLR then do it.

There's no harm/shame/fear in getting a different type of camera if you can afford it.

I've got both DSLR and RFs but I limit my bodies - I only have 4 total between the two systems - so that way I know they can all be "used" to shoot and I never worry about dust collecting or about if the timings off or such because they're always being used.

Go for it.. do it.. and get back into it 🙂

Cheers,
Dave

 

[JoeFriday]

dave! good to see you again, bro

I hear you about the dangers of having too many cameras and not using them.. that's been my problem for a while.. maybe it's time to thin my herd and put them back into service elsewhere.. at the same time, get something in my hands that gets me trigger happy again

 

[thinkfloyd]

I was in the same rut, though I was going from DSLR's to RF's... a few months back I had 4 DSLR bodies and a hella lot of lenses, now it's down to 2 (a Pentax ME Super and a K20D coincidentally) with 2 primes and two zooms left. I got into a rut myself, so I got myself a Zeiss Ikon 6x6 folder, to introduce me to both MF and RF... then now, I am on the verge of getting an RD-1 as well for my basic walkaround... my passion for photography has been reignited like never before! 🙂 Go get what you think might help you fan the flames of passion for photography!

 

[Keith]

Throw yourself into something like this! http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=71472

We don't care what you use! 😛

 

[back alley]

not a bad thought, Al.. but I already have a Rolleiflex.. not to mention a few Holgas.. I guess I'm thinking of putting together a more versatile system.. something that can handle macro as well as reaching out past 135mm

joe.. I dunno.. how about lending me yours for a week to see if it suits me?

i think i might get the shakes without it brett.
but if fun is what you want the g1 is it!

 

[Al Kaplan]

If you want to explore a different style of shooting I stick by my suggestion. A Hasselblad or a Mamiya TLR and you're lugging a big bunch of crap, heavy too, and futzing around with changing lenses just because you can. Rollies and Autocords are LIGHT and it's amazing what you can do with one. You should be able to find a 'Blad "kit" in the $1,000 range. I sold mine, body, extra back, Polaroid back, 50, 80, and 120 lenses for that a couple of years ago. It made more sense than letting it sit unused in its case. I kept a couple of TLR's. They work great but look like crap. They're fun to shoot.

 

[JoeFriday]

thanks for the heads up, Keith.. I obviously missed that thread, but I might just jump in on it

now.. to use the Contax T or IIa??

 

[sherm]

Brett,

I don't think anyone here, myself included would think less of you for buying a DSLR. If that's what it takes to "get you back" then go for it!!

I use both digital and analogue as do many here. You may want to ping "Sockeyed" regarding the Pentax. I remember he was shooting with one and using the special run of "pancake" lenses.

Best of Luck!!!


Sherm

 

[chris00nj]

You sound like you need an opportunity to photograph more than a new camera. What about going on a vacation or a weekend road trip?

If you get a DSLR you'll just end up getting mad about the depreciation, the weight, the size, the unnatural colors.

 

[back alley]

maybe you just have cabin fever.

 

[Gordon Coale]

The G1 is not only fun but is also a very competent camera. If you have some old rangefinder glass it's even more fun. You can put old Pentax lenses on a K20D but not rangefinder lenses. I'm putting my M42 Pentax glass as well as my rangefinder glass on my G1. My Summitar 50/2 becomes a 100/2. Did I say it was fun?

 

[sherm]

Brett,

Had another thought. Some have suggested medium format, but you already have the Rolleiflex.

Sooooooo, what about buying a Speed Graphic and go LARGE FORMAT!!!

You coul definitely get into a system including a couple of different lenses for a grand or less.....

Just a thought 🙂

 

[jdos2]

I had sold of just about everything film, but couldn't get rid of the RB. So... When a used Polaroid back showed up in a local camera store, I couldn't resist. Back to "from where I started," shooting Polaroid on an old RB67. I've 5 lenses, square pictures and a blast.

And a D3 for if I get bored of IT.

🙂


(Oh! Edit- I've a perfectly good (?) Voigtlander Prominent waiting for me- with the shutter exercised, and three nice lenses, and a film scanner, in case all else fails.)

 

[JoeFriday]

yeah, I do have cabin fever.. and maybe a slight case of GAS

but good comments and suggestions from everyone so far.. I'm taking every comment into consideration