Who sold his RFs and stayed...?

[Lax Jought]

Thanks for your reply! I come from a science research background (a BSc degree) but after a number of years in that area, I left the scene and jumped into a graduate filmmaking course at university, which like you, was the best thing I'd done in a long time. Learning cinematography was also what got me into still photography.

That was a very good point about postgrad degrees, I think going over the basic technique in a BA would bore the living crap out of me! Most of the masters degrees in photography here require a BA in photography as an entry requirement though, I think. Although I wonder if I could argue that I well and truly learned the principles of photography via filmmaking.

The only thing holding me back is money at this stage though, as you mentioned.

Personal choice. The course is intense, especially as I work full time too (luckily I can choose which days to work as I'm self-employed), and a rangefinder slowed me down too much (in a bad way). I need to get the image I expect, and a rangefinder is simply too inaccurate - the viewfinder doesn't show you what you will get. Doing projects for university means having to shoot to meet deadlines, so if your practice doesn't involve chance and randomness in the photograph, then a rangefinder is a poor choice of tool. University study is all about the image, so the camera must support that.

Ideally I would have kept the Leica or at least the lenses, but had to sell them to afford the Nikon D800E dSLR.

By the way, doing the master's is one of the best things I've done. I'm really enjoying it and it's improving my photography no end as well as my knowledge of art. It's an art photography degree, and, because it's a master's degree not an undergraduate course, they don't cover anything technical as they expect you to already be expert in how to use cameras and other gear like lights (if you want individual tuition in something, they do have technicians) - so, the course revolves around assessing my projects and learning about art and photography.

It's brilliant learning from talented photographers - the tutors are important practising photographers in their own right, such as Mark Power (who belongs to Magnum) and Aaron Schuman.

By the way, I'm not doing the degree to get a job in photography but simply to become a better photographer. If you're considering a degree in photography, I think an MA is better than a BA if you have experience - I got in on the strength of my portfolio as I have a degree in chemistry, never having studied art or photography formally, but as a mature student I think I would have found the BA too slow and basic - and expensive: in the UK, BAs cost about £30,000 (US $45,000) over 3 years, although the government will lend you the money, while my MA (one of the best in the country) cost a very reasonable £4000 ($6000) - thankfully, our government still subsidises further education, and pays most of my course fee!

 

[RichC]

I come from a science research background (a BSc degree) but after a number of years in that area, I left the scene and jumped into a graduate filmmaking course at university, which like you... Learning cinematography was also what got me into still photography.

Most of the masters degrees in photography here require a BA in photography as an entry requirement though, I think. Although I wonder if I could argue that I well and truly learned the principles of photography via filmmaking.

I'm pretty sure that MA requirements are similar the world over, and are proof of academic and photographic ability. Normally, this would be an arts BA (not necessarily in photography because that ability will be largely based on your portfolio) but could be any degree (e.g. a BSc in science like me) plus "professional" photographic experience (I've put "professional" in quotes because I think you'll find that this simply means evidence of photographic skill and commitment - I've never worked as a photographer, photography being simply a pleasure for me). They will also be more flexible with potential mature students.

The bottom line is that the university needs convincing that you can stay the course (literally!). One thing to consider when applying for an MA is to remember that the tutors' reputation is on the line when choosing the few students they take on each year - they will be judged by what appears in the final exhibition of work.

 

[Lax Jought]

One thing to consider when applying for an MA is to remember that the tutors' reputation is on the line when choosing the few students they take on each year - they will be judged by what appears in the final exhibition of work.

That is a very good point again. That'll be good to keep in mind.

I am not a professional in any interpretation of the word though and I know I couldn't apply to do an MA in filmmaking at my university because they only accept applications from people who have had extensive experience in the industry.

 

[mbisc]

the Nikon D800E destroys 35mm film totally, and I will never use 35mm film again as its quality is too poor

Opinion of one and/or speak for yourself, but not the rest of us - WTH ??? 😡

 

[pvdhaar]

I have not shot a rangefinder camera in years.

I shoot nothing but micro 4/3 now.

Still, I have been a member for a long time here and I enjoy this place.

Similar situation here.. The bessa-T hasn't been used for a long time, the nex has taken its place. And, with the RFF-odometer showing almost 10 years, I still like it here best of all places photography related..

 

[goros]

I have never had a RF, but here I am, learning and enjoying.