using classic cameras

[FrankS]

Here's a good thread.\

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=009yeO

BTW, is it kosher to do this, I mean link to a thread in another forum?

 

[Honu-Hugger]

A lot of interesting opinions expressed. Thank you for posting it, Frank. It would be an interesting thread for this forum.

D2

 

[Kris]

I don't know if it's a good thread, Frank. After rading few responses, sounds to me that people are trying to prove something?

More control....No 42 options to goof up...No battery dependancy.... If you switch to M-mode and turn off AF, don't you get full control? Fumbling with buttons and 42 functions? Are you trying to customise Custom/Personal Functions while out there shooting or what?! All you need is the shutter button, the main dial to change aperture and/or shutter speed. How many of you really take your camera to the extreme where you can't get AA or SR44 batteries?

Makes sense if people use classics for nostalgic reason but for better functionality?

But I'm afraid my opinion is minority here so I'd better shut up and run away.

 

[nwcanonman]

Kinda' looks like people just expessing their opinions. Like all people, most are biased to some degree. I find it interesting, as long as there are no personal attacks. We can have differing ideas, without saying "your ideas suck".
Luckily in this forum I've never witnessed such rudeness ~ ; - )

 

[Honu-Hugger]

(snip... We can have differing ideas, without saying "your ideas suck".
Luckily in this forum I've never witnessed such rudeness ~ ; - )

And "how sweeeeeet it is!" I'm old enough to have watched (and enjoyed) the Jackie Gleason show when I was a kid. Now, that certainly dates me, doesn't it?😀

D2

 

[st3ph3nm]

Kris, I have to kinda disagree here.

For me, apart from the obvious advantage of cost (and that's a biggy), a camera that's designed to be used manually is quicker and easier to use manually. As I mentioned in the SLR thread, there's even a difference in using a Pentax ME Super (an aperture priority camera that's had manual controls added) and a similar vintage Pentax MX. The Pentax MX is easier to use than the ME Super in manual mode.

As for trying to find manual settings on auto everything cameras, no, it's not as difficult as some would suggest, but it is not as intuitive as using a camera that's (of course by necessity) set up from the start as a manual only.

Which isn't to say that developments over the year are a bad thing - I'm not a total luddite (or I wouldn't be here, would I?) 🙂

Cheers,
Steve

 

[GeneW]

I'm not a total luddite (or I wouldn't be here, would I?) 🙂

No Steve, you'd be under a black hood looking at an image upside down and backwards instead of using cool, fast, immediate and wonderful RF's 😀

Gene

 

[back alley]

i think when it comes to cars, cameras, women, scotch and cigars, we all will try to 'justify' our choices.

joe

 

[DougK]

I could post all kinds of reasons why, but ultimately it's quite simple: I shoot with classic cameras because I like them. When you get right down to it, what other reason do you really need? 🙂

 

[Honu-Hugger]

i think when it comes to cars, cameras, women, scotch and cigars, we all will try to 'justify' our choices.

joe

I apologized to a friend for interrupting his conversation one morning at the local coffee shop. He said not to worry, they were engaged in the same argument they've been having for the last forty years: preferred rifle calibers and motor oil.

D2

 

[Stu :)]

No Steve, you'd be under a black hood looking at an image upside down and backwards instead of using cool, fast, immediate and wonderful RF's 😀
Gene

Oi!
What's wrong with sweating it out under a black cloth in summer and looking at an image the wrong way round?...

...or should I just go saulk in the corner with my Linhof and Toyo?

Stu 🙂

 

[sfaust]

I agree with nwcanonman! This forum is devoid of the personal attacks and petty issues seen on so many other forums. We have real adults here, not just those pretending to be 🙂

I find little difference between using a classic camera, and a modern high tech SLR. Its funny how the aperture ring and shutter speed dials both fall in the exact same spot as they did back in the 70's. Thank you Nikon!!

Why do I use a classic camera? Its like driving a 69 Chevy Nova, or using a finely tooled machine of days gone by. Its partly the nostalgia, the admiration of the design, its simplicity, or the history behind it. Using a camera that was designed before you were born, or the same camera that your grandfather used in order to partake in your hobby is just plain fun! So we shun the modern conveniences and endure their limitations and idiosyncrasies in that vein.

Why hardly break a sweat with a rotor tiller, when we can get out there and really sweat with a plow and oxen? 🙂

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I have most every Nikon from the Nikon S to the Nikon D1x, the latter at work. I find myself switching the D1x to manual focus more times than I should have to. I never have to switch the Nikon S to auto-focus, manual works every time.

 

[sfaust]

I have most every Nikon from the Nikon S to the Nikon D1x, the latter at work. I find myself switching the D1x to manual focus more times than I should have to. I never have to switch the Nikon S to auto-focus, manual works every time.

I hear ya! I typically only use the AF on the D1x for those times it can focus faster then I ever could, like tracking a fast moving object, sports, or rapidly changing subjects in a fast shooting environment. Dynamic AF has never let me down in those siutations. However, I took some 'basic training' with a sports photog who showed me how to properly use the AF. Made a world of difference, and my frustrations went away!. There is a learning curve with the AF systems, its not just a turn it on and point scenario, which would cause frustrations and frequent 'what the hell' comments. Other times, I perfer manual since its what I am used to most, and it works for me.

 

[GeneW]

Oi!
What's wrong with sweating it out under a black cloth in summer and looking at an image the wrong way round?...

...or should I just go saulk in the corner with my Linhof and Toyo?

Stu 🙂

LOL Stu 😀

Gene

 

[wlewisiii]

I'm in the pure fun camp. I like futzing with film and using "Sunny 16" and having to take the time to think a bit about the shot.

One of the attractions of my MF folders is that I only have 12 6x6 exposures to a roll of film - it makes you a little bit more deliberative about the process. Whereas when I had my auto everything w/ built in drive Canon Rebel, I could burn through a 36 exposure roll without even a pause to consider what I was doing.

William

 

[Pherdinand]

fun,fun,fun.
And cost, as number four on the list of reasons. My rolleicord and a CLA on it together cost me half as much as my Minolta Dynax 5 body only. Having the fact that it comes with lens (two of them, heh) it takes infinitely better pictures than the minolta body 😀

But i do enjoy shooting with the af ae camera as well. Just it's a different experience, and i love variation in my life.

 

[Kin Lau]

I don't know if it's a good thread, Frank. After rading few responses, sounds to me that people are trying to prove something?

More control....No 42 options to goof up...No battery dependancy.... If you switch to M-mode and turn off AF, don't you get full control? Fumbling with buttons and 42 functions? Are you trying to customise Custom/Personal Functions while out there shooting or what?! All you need is the shutter button, the main dial to change aperture and/or shutter speed. How many of you really take your camera to the extreme where you can't get AA or SR44 batteries?

Makes sense if people use classics for nostalgic reason but for better functionality?

But I'm afraid my opinion is minority here so I'd better shut up and run away.

I've already posted on the photo.net tread, but you're right. People get much too defensive about their choices, and others are simply too offensive.

Well placed manual controls are an advantage, but require the knowledge to be able to use them. Many "classics" probably require about 42 steps to be able to shoot (I know I'm exaggerating)... setting up & shooting a 8x10 field camera would come pretty close. I know that shooting with my Moskva 5 requires many more steps than my DReb, but I like it just the same. My Leica requires 2 dials to set the shutter speed and two different windows for focus and framing, the Zorki's require that I wind before setting the shutter, remembering whether I've wound on yet with a 120 film folder is always an adventure, and cocking the shutter too. Then there's preset lenses with the slr's. Need I go on.

The late 60's into the 80's is probably where the classics were at their best. Just enough automation to make it fun, not too much to take the fun out of it.

That was interesting for me on the weekend, shooting with the DReb w/ 170-500mm _and_ the Moskva 5. Moskva for the scenics and DReb for the birds.