What Camera Do You Use?

[TimmyBoston]

There are a lot of great photographers here, and I'm very curious what camera(s) are taking these photos.

I'd appreciate all the responses we can get here.

Thanks all!

So what Camera(s) do you use (own)?

[MarSellus Wallace]

Nikon D200 with Nikkor 17-55 2.8 (and various Nikkor and CZ lenses)
Fuji F30 and soon F31fd (as my oldest boy busted the F30 running up the stairs with the Fuji in his hands and tripped)

Both are used to make pics to post on the forum, I mostly resize to 1600x1200, sRGB and jpeg 80%.

Then, I also own a Contax S2 35mm with various CZ lenses and a Olympus mju:.

On my wishlist: the new Nikon D3. Canon G9.

Underneath is a pic of my 60 years Contax S2. (picture taken with D200 and Nikkor 105 2.5, 1/3 sec at f16)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/107/290483998_02bd2d20fd_o.jpg

[Badgerless]

Underneath is a pic of my 60 years Contax S2. (picture taken with D200 and Nikkor 105 2.5, 1/3 sec at f16)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/107/290483998_02bd2d20fd_o.jpg

I hope I look that good when I'm 60.

My collection is mainly Canon: IXUS800, G2, OS350D, T90, A1, AE1 + assortment of lenses, Olympus XA2.

Canon G9 is also on my wishlist

[Xavier]

Guess this thread will show who the photography addicts are in B&B.

Main Equipment of Use:
Camera: Canon Digital Rebel XT - 8MP (Can't justify going up, though 40D is in my sight)
Lenses: Canon 10-22 3.5; Sigma 28-70 2.8; Sigma 70-200 2.8; 2X Multiplier
Flash: 550EX
Canon PowerShot A620 - 7MP (My trusty P&S that can do it all, love the flip screen)

Also:
Canon Digital Rebel - 6MP
Canon G2 - 4MP
Canon A2 - Film
Olympus Stylus Epic - Film

[letterk]

Nikon D70 with an assortment of Nikkor lenses and SB-800 flash
Nikon S200

Just bought the S200 because the Canon Elph got the dreaded E18 error after a fall.

The D200 is on my short list and hope to get it sometime soon. The D70, bought the very first week it was out, is getting old...

Sold all my film equipment a few years ago.

[Flaxorca]

Canon Powershot A620
Minolta Dynax 505si with a couple of lenses and a flash (considering replacing this with a Sony a100)

[farace]

While I use some Kodak EasyShare something or other (too many numbers) when I need to post a photo online, the cameras I use most are rangefinders: Konica Auto S2, Yashica Electro 35 GSN, and Retina IIC. For an SLR, a Konica FS-1 or FT-1.

[murchmb]

My Nikon 5700 got lost/stolen at LAX back in June along with my camcorder and sunglasses. The pocket camera, a Canon SD400, is getting full duty. I'm eying a Nikon D40 kit, but have to come up with the funds in some way other than my paycheck i.e. sell some stuff.

[liege]

Had a Canon Digital Rebel, got tired of packing lenses, bought Canon Pro1. Would like to go back to DSLR for the speed factor.

[Wil]

After many years using my Nikon F3- professionally and for leisure- I have ventured into the digital world- and now have two Leica digital cameras to play with-

I miss the dark room and the peace and quiet of my b/w world- but living in a shoebox (compared to my old home) makes the digital world a means to an end.

[BBB3]

Nikon D70

Canon Powershot S60

3 Yashica Electro 35 GSNs

Leica IIIF rdst, 50mm Collapsable Summicron
screwmount Visoflex II, bellows II, various filters and accessories

[letterk]

Oh yeah, I also just bought an old Rolleiflex 75 on ebay.

[atracksler]

Leica D-Lux 3

[rusirius]

Canon 20D with WAY more glass than any man should ever own for a single camera... :w00t: Not to mention more 8GB memory cards than you can shake a stick at!

[HoustonianYankee]

Nikon D200 with an assortment of old manual Nikkors as well as some of the AF models.

I also use a Casio EX-Z800 as my walking around camera. Great little camera and takes great photos. My website is linked in my Signature.

[papasmurf]

Canon Ixus 500

And my "wifes" new Nikon D40 should be here in a couple of days



Nick

[Mr Whiskers]

Canon 20d with 17-85 lens and Speedlite 580ex II flash.

[Elmo]

**1985 vintage Leica M6 and 3 lens(35/50/90)

**a new Canon SD850IS (IXUS 950IS)

love the Leica but too much trouble and fuss,

digital is amazing. I do a little touchup with iPhoto/Photoshop Elements and sent the digital image to Kodak for large prints. really remarkable.

[Sabledog]

I use a Sony F828 (Zeiss lens) for digital and most of my photos over the last 4 years or so.

For film I have a Contax RX, 17 fisheye (Pentax adapted to Contax), 28/2.8, 50/1.4, 85/1.4

Previously owned: Contax AX, S2, various lenses, Nikon F, F2, F3, variety of lenses, Mamiya twin lens, etc etc

[Taz]

nikon D40 newly aquired a I love it.

[JBHoren]

Canon PowerShot A550, with a Cannon PowerShot A70 in reserve.

[krawlx]

I'm using a Kiev-19 for my everyday camera.

I also have a Safari model Pentax 110, with almost all of the components. This model was never sold in stores, but was given as gifts, and is thus really rare. I'm considering selling this one off as I simply do not get as much use out of it as I should. But, don't really have any idea where to begin on pricing, except for the prices I see at the few online shops who resell these cameras.

[mnealtx]

Canon 30D, 24-105 f/4 IS L, 70-200 f/2.8 L, 100-400 f/3.5-5.6 L

[Xavier]

Oh, I forgot to mention I have a near-mint Pentax K1000 with manuals and 4 lenses. It is stored for safe keeping, so I rarely remember I have it.

[rickw]

If you are really serious; a Master Technika type 4 in 4 X 5. It is an older version of this: http://www.linhof.com/english/index.html

[Sue]

I only use my digital, a Cannon ELPH. It's very easy to use for camera challenged such as myself. I also just ran across a Pentax K1000 and assorted lenses that I forgot my husband had. He had taken a couple photography classes in Adult ED. at the Community college years ago. Looks worse than the remote controls to me :)
Sue

[JPSnuffy]

I have 2 digital camers that i use exclusively. My first digital camera an Olympus C5050z and my fairly new baby an Olympus E500 DSLR. I like to use my 5050 on alot of indoor shots because it has a super fast and bright lens and use my E500 on pretty much everything else.

If I had the $$ I have my eye on a Leica film camera that would be a fantastic addition to my camera bag.:biggrin:

[Sabledog]

If you are really serious; a Master Technika type 4 in 4 X 5. It is an older version of this: http://www.linhof.com/english/index.html

They are great, and Sinar! I've wanted the 2x3 Linhof for a long time!

[MarSellus Wallace]

They are great, and Sinar! I've wanted the 2x3 Linhof for a long time!

Excellent, hurrah, but with a digital back then.:biggrin:

[Treedoc]

I feel a little embarrassed what with all these expensive SLRs but I use a Kodak Z740, great camera for those who aren't 'into' photography but want more than a compact can offer. Great reviews on Amazon too, before the Z
760 came out and wiped the old reviews from sight.
John.

[Sabledog]

Excellent, hurrah, but with a digital back then.:biggrin:

:eek2:

Forgot about that possibility! The search is back on! :biggrin:

[rickw]

Excellent, hurrah, but with a digital back then.:biggrin:

They are available but very pricey.

[mpakosta]

I have my wife's old Canon 20d with 17-55 IS lens. Works great for me!!

[Aneurysm]

I use the Nikon D200 with 17-55mm f2.8, 80-200mm f2.8, I've got the Contax G1 with the 35mm f2, an old Nikon FM2n and a Fuji F30. Can't wait to get my hands on the Nikon D300

[Caleban]

My Canon PowerShot SD700 IS is in my laptop bag or jeans pocket at all times. I'm extremely pleased with how small and functional this camera is but I would like to own a second camera with more features.

I'm considering purchasing a friend's used Nikon D70 or a D40.

[jlander]

Nikon D200, 18-200 VR Zoom, SB800 Flash

Sold all my film stuff a couple of years ago.

[KenS]

I bought a Nikon Cool Pix 995 when they were still $1000.00 for a 5 MPX camera; I intend to use it until it quits or I get my money's worth :-)
I also use my old Pentax Spotmatic F or Rolliflex. Not often, but I do use them on occasion.
Ken.

[profipsy]

I have a Olympus E500 for about a year and can't fault it, was way cheaper than similar canon offerings which was important as I was on a tight budget. They are offering great body and lens packages on these still.

[BurmaShave]

Canon EOS 10D, EOS 3, EOS A2, 70-200mm f4, 50mm f1.4, 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 and other assorted Canon gear....

[krmathis]

The ones built into my cellular phones.
One at 3.2 MegaPixel and two at 2.0 MegaPixel...

[Walravine]

On my wishlist: the new Nikon D3. Canon G9.

Regarding the Canon G9: Do you feel that it's a great camera? I've been thinking about getting one but I resist because I wonder whether a Canon XTi will give me better pictures (I take mostly family, indoor, and travel photos and want the potential of portrait size enlargement). I'm not sure what to do...it's sort of a apple and orange decision in most other ways. I've been on dpreview.com...arrrrggghs.

Right now I have a Minolta X700 with a couple of lens (ya gotta love the feel and sound of a film SLR) and an old Olympus D-400 digital.

[patrisVII]

3 Yashica Electro 35 GSNs




Yashica Electro 35 GSN, a.

Great camera!

Where the hell do you guys get the batteries?

[joel]

Nikon D200
Canon Point and Shoot

[vespergo]

D70, it's fairly inexpensive but gives great shots.. gotta go with a DSLR.

[Ansel]

Still with my Canon Elan 7E. I love her too much!:001_tt1:

[patrisVII]

Great camera!

Where the hell do you guys get the batteries?

I found an online source for modern battery adapters

Yashica batteries (http://www.yashica-guy.com/document/battery.html)

This is a wonderful camera that takes shaper, better contrast pictures than every SLR I've used - I honestly could not tell the difference in prints between this camera and my departed Leica M6.

Thank goodness Ive kept mine for all these years - it'll be getting use again for sure.

[SMG]

Nikon D80 with Battery grip
Nikon 50mm f1.8
Nikon 80-200mm f2.8
Sigma 105mm Macro f2.8
Sigma 28-135 Macro F3.2-5.6
Nikon SB-600 Flash
Nikon SB-50DX flash
Vivitar 285HV flash

Pretty much all Sandisk cards, nothing over 2Gb though. All cards are 133x.

Film, Zenit TTL from about 1980 that could kill a Moose with a single blow.

Cheers,
Sean

[rickw]

I found an online source for modern battery adapters

Yashica batteries (http://www.yashica-guy.com/document/battery.html)

This is a wonderful camera that takes shaper, better contrast pictures than every SLR I've used - I honestly could not tell the difference in prints between this camera and my departed Leica M6.

Thank goodness Ive kept mine for all these years - it'll be getting use again for sure.

The Contax RT6(?) of the late '70s was comarketed with Yashica.

[Prof]

Canon 30D
28mm f/1.8
50mm f/1.4
100mm f/2.8 macro
580EX flash
Apple Apeture 1.5
Adobe Photoshop CS3

[JPSnuffy]

I just recently experienced a tragedy with my camera equipment...All was stolen (Lowepro Slongshot 200 camera bag, Oly E-500 with 2 lenses, Memory cards and my backup camera Oly C5050Z) ... So I am looking to purchase a new camera and am going to upgrade to the new Olympus E-3 and a good starter lens. Quite a bit more than the average person would probably think about spending (~$1700US for camera body) on a camera, but I really enjoy the quality pictures afforded by the DSLR's and have gotten hooked on Olympus.

A moment of silence for the loss of my camera equipment...Amen.

Now!...I am excited to save up the funds over the next couple months to get the camera, lens and a couple memory cards.

Glenn

[Sabledog]

The Contax RT6(?) of the late '70s was comarketed with Yashica.

There was the RTS 1, II, and III. The RTS II was wonderful, I think that would have been late 70's through or into the 80's!

[knlgskr]

Pentax Spotmatic, Canon AE-1, Yashica T4 Super D, Minolta Talker AutoFocus; check Consumer Reports, they do frequent updates and ratings on cameras especially digitals and videocams. Would consider selling the Spotmatic with accessories and lenses and the AE-1.

[NurseMedic]

Digital: Kodak EasyShare C643. It's what I've used to take all the pics I've posted so far. Seems to work best outdoors, where I've had some breathtaking shots. Indoors, not so much, even on the party/indoors settings. I envy my buddy's Canon DSLR rig. Someday...

Film: I have my dad's Mamiya/Sekor (I think it's a 1000DTL, don't have it handy at the moment) with a "standard" lens, a wide-angle, and a telephoto. Still a novice with all that photographic power, but I've taken some pretty good shots in the past few years. I see that they now make lens adapters for the Mamiya M42 lenses to fit the Canon EOS DSLR series... hmm...

Mike in Michigan

[hoselayer]

Canon Power Shot S3 IS.

[ScottS]

The only digital camera I have right now is the Olympus 790SW. I like it a lot, but for me, it really is special purpose for very wet environments. I'll likely migrate to a D40 or something like it eventually.

[Haiku]

Pentax Spotmatic, Canon AE-1, Yashica T4 Super D, Minolta Talker AutoFocus; check Consumer Reports, they do frequent updates and ratings on cameras especially digitals and videocams. Would consider selling the Spotmatic with accessories and lenses and the AE-1.

I use that model Canon, what lenses/accessories do you have for the Canon that you might want to sell?

[ScottS]

Yashica T4 Super D,

An amazing camera. It was recommended to me by a Kodak guy who's job involved testing Kodak films in point and shoot cameras. He told me that the Zeiss engineer who designed that lens was blessed on that day.

[Spotter]

I love photography, I have my favorite Nikon D80. If anyone does want to see some pictures let me know and I can send you to the right place :-)

[Elmo]

Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera and:


Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Lens

Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Lens(good macro capability)

[Daves]

I have a Olympus Digital Range Finder , 4 MP. I bought it 5 years ago. It is a good camera, however. I wish I had an SLR. It's better to shoot close ups with.
I'm hoping I can still use it when I get my next computer. We shall see.

[galpman]

Still with my Canon Elan 7E. I love her too much!:001_tt1:

Indeed, this is one great camera. Just sold mine on Ebay and upgraded to a Nikon D40.

[Androclese]

Canon EOS Rebel Ti (my SLR workhorse)
Kyocera - Yashika T4 Zoom with Zeiss lense (PNS for camping and hiking)
Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom (Greta's camera it's used for most family events)


I'm looking for a digital SLR but the price isn't right yet (translated I don't have the funds yet)

[cr8n]

My old Olympus OM-1 has been superceded by:

Canon Powershot S50 (a wonderful camera, great for new photogs used on ebay)
Canon IS6300 (my wife's)
Canon XTi
a Canon 430EX Speedlite and 4 lenses, including a 1 day old 24-105mm IS lens

I've found that buying camera equipment reduces the objections to new shaving gear.

Paul

[thirdeye]

I use a Minolta DiMage Z3 5.0 Mega Pixel. I have had it for four years now and it still all the camera I need. It's great.

[z00100]

Fujifilm F10.

Great point and shoot.

[traveler]

My camera's are

Sony DSC-R1
Sony F828
Minolta 7D
Minolta A2

[HoustonianYankee]

I bought a Canon G9 last month and I love it. My other camera is a Nikon D200 and it's great but the convenience of the G9, together with the many prosumer features it has makes it tough to beat.

It doesn't fit in your shirt pocket but it can go in a small case that can attach to your belt, or else go in a coat pocket.

The extra size and heft give it a very solid feel.

[-Devil-]

well since i am new here i will chime in ...

Canon Rebel XTi with the extended grip handle (longer battery life and second shutter button to name a few features. along with balancing the body out more)

most of my lens are Canon as well mostly from their USM line ...

i currently do not use a flash ... only natural light ...

i have my eyes set on a nice 300mm zoom w / f 2.8 in the future...

http://www.silenzzzz.net/photos/ are some of my pics

[neilxvx]

I'm a big fan of olympus lenses. I haven't posted any pictures on here because none of my photography relates to shaving. However, I have an Olympus e-500.

[mnealtx]

Some nice shots there, Devil! I've got a few up at smugmug (mnealphotography.smugmug.com)...which reminds me, I need to process some more shots and get them on there, too...

[2bits]

A good photography course made the biggest improvement in my case.
I was the weak link in the chain of getting better pictures.

eg lens resolution matters little when I don't know how to hold a camera steady and trip the shutter or see what's in front of me :lol:

but as that was not your question ...

I use a Fuji S6000fd and if I want to pre-evaluate hardware use the test/reviews at

http://www.imaging-resource.com/DIGCAM01.HTM

The Fuji feels like a SLR in use and performs for most situations as well with more expensive gear.

It's not a pocket camera but the "mechanical" zoom makes it work like a real camera. I love it. (About $300 Canadian)

[HoustonianYankee]

Regarding the Canon G9: Do you feel that it's a great camera? I've been thinking about getting one but I resist because I wonder whether a Canon XTi will give me better pictures (I take mostly family, indoor, and travel photos and want the potential of portrait size enlargement). I'm not sure what to do...it's sort of a apple and orange decision in most other ways. I've been on dpreview.com...arrrrggghs.

Right now I have a Minolta X700 with a couple of lens (ya gotta love the feel and sound of a film SLR) and an old Olympus D-400 digital.

I have a G9 and love it. I also have the D200 and love it. But, when you're walking around on vacation and want something esy that will give you great shots, full manual adjustments, as well as 12 MP's, in a sturdy body, well, I chose the G( and have been happy since.

[ex-bugonaut]

"Over the years, I've seen a boatload of cameras come and go, each with increasing comlexity and technical improvements. From Rollei and Leica to the newest digital wonders, I never had more pure enjoyment than using an old piece 'o crap Voightlander Vito B that my dad bought before I was born. With manual everything, no rangefinder, and a nifty lens, this guess-o-matic also produced some of the most memorable pictures I ever took, as well as some of the best."

The above is a quote by "Ouch" in another thread, a nice one where a newb talks about what it's like to shave with his grandafther's 1964 SS. Didn't want to hijack that thread but I couldn't help sharing that my first interchangeable-lens 35 mm was a Voightlander Vitessa T my dad bought during a trip to Germany c. 1960 and gave me ten years later. Came with the standard 50mm f/2.8 color-skopar lens; I later purchased a 100mm f/4.8 Voightlander telephoto at a used equipment store in Brooklyn for about $15. Voightlander was an ancient respected company and the Vitessa in its day was considered a fine rangefinder camera, second to the Leica but not much else, and I have slides I took with it that are as sharp & contrasty as ones made with my Leica M3. All metal, all mechanical, a joy to use, but unfortunately not as mechanically reliable as the Leica or I'd still have it.
(The company was later bought out and its name still pops up on equipment here & there but it's not the same)

[Hobbesoxon]

I'm a Nikon man, having worked my way through the ranks from their very pleasant point-and-shoots. Becoming accustomed to the relative complexities of an SLR was much more comfortable with Nikon's friendly, familiar system of symbols and nomenclature.

Our current toy is a Nikon D40X - solid, great results, and not extortionately expensive. We've added a Vibration Reduction zoom lens to the arsenal (the kit lens is pretty decent, too).

Recommended!


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[cmontgomery]

I have a Cannon 20D and love it. I have 4 solid lenses that I enjoy playing with. I am a tru Cannon fan!!!

[Khay]

My other camera is a Nikon D200 and it's great but the convenience of the G9, together with the many prosumer features it has makes it tough to beat.


+1 for the Nikon D200 - I have one, I can say it is an excellent tool.

[Hobbesoxon]

+1 for the Nikon D200 - I have one, I can say it is an excellent tool.

The D200 is the absolute bee's knees, but I couldn't really justify buying one, given my skills. I'm working my way into SLR slowly, and the D40X is just about right for me - I would be terrified of the D200, I think. :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[sparkchaser]

I have a HP Photosmart something or another. It is small and fits nicely in the bag under my bike seat.

I also have a Olympus C740. Larger than the HP, the optics on it are great and you can't beat the 10x optical zoom. Traditionally i have used this for taking pics at autocrosses and anywhere else that I can carry a largish camera.

And finally I have a Canon Rebel XT. This doesn't see as much use as it should. I'm never happy with the pics I take with it and I know I need to take more pics so I can get better but I get discouraged and end up not practicing as much as I need to be.

[Khay]

The D200 is the absolute bee's knees, but I couldn't really justify buying one, given my skills. I'm working my way into SLR slowly, and the D40X is just about right for me - I would be terrified of the D200, I think. :)


My first SLR was a Nikon F70 (film, still have it), then a D70 (digital). I don't think you'd be terrified of the D200, I think you'd grow to love it - I know I did as soon as I picked it up and tried it ;)

[Hobbesoxon]

My first SLR was a Nikon F70 (film, still have it), then a D70 (digital). I don't think you'd be terrified of the D200, I think you'd grow to love it - I know I did as soon as I picked it up and tried it ;)

Hmm, food for thought... then again, getting a D200 past Mrs. Hobbes isn't quite as easy as some shaving cream... :)


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Ookla The Mok]

Fuji S700 - great price good camera

Sony Dsc S-40 - Great for work, it's a miser on batteries

[solloron]

Nikon D70s...18-70mm lens...In the market for the big 70-200mm VR...great camera that takes great photos...i love it...the newer ones have more megapixels but mine still gets the job done :biggrin:

[murchmb]

Nikon D40 w/ 18-55mm kit lens
Nikon 55-200mm VR lens
Nikon SB-400 flash
Nikon ML-3 Remote Control
Lowepro Transporter Camera Strap

[RayG]

RD-1 and Black Paint MP
M2, M3

[Rei]

My current favorite body/lens/flash combo.

Nikon N90s
Nikkor 28-85 f/3.5- 4.5
Nikon SB26

I recently took photos of all my photography equipment for insurance purposes (I do photography for a living), and posted some of the photos up on flickr, along with descriptions. That can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21588639@N07/sets/72157603782927798/

[mattmill]

We have a Canon g3 and SD450. Hope to get a 40D soon.

My daily use camera is a PhaseOne H10 mounted on a Hasselblad ELD body (I get to take pictures for a living).

matt

[Randy]

Those of you who prefer more nostalgic equipment might appreciate the two wooden cameras (http://home.redisonellis.com/cameras.htm) that I use (mind these are not shelf sitters, but regular users). The one is 8"x10" and the other 4"x5" - and yes, that's the size of the film they use :biggrin:.

If you poke around a bit you'll find my other, more modern cameras, but generally speaking I tend towards the more hands on route when it comes to photography. As with shaving, I find that the old ways have a certain quality that just can't be replaced by modern methods (although I have nothing against digital users).

- R

[krawlx]

I just picked up a Nikon D40. A great camera in my opinion.

[fixed point]

For digital, a D200 and Panasonic DMC-LX2

For film, an FM2
http://jahana.com/pic/fm2.jpg

[northmendo]

Nikon D70 here. My favorite lens is the Nikkor fixed 50mm 1.8

[Haiku]

For digital, a D200 and Panasonic DMC-LX2

For film, an FM2
http://jahana.com/pic/fm2.jpg

Now that FM2 is a beauty. It looks like it's in tip top condition. Marvelous camera the FM2.

[Haiku]

Randy:

Thanks for your post and for posting your website. I've been wanting to get into large format (or at least medium format) photography for a while and I'm delighted to learn of your site.




Those of you who prefer more nostalgic equipment might appreciate the two wooden cameras (http://home.redisonellis.com/cameras.htm) that I use (mind these are not shelf sitters, but regular users). The one is 8"x10" and the other 4"x5" - and yes, that's the size of the film they use :biggrin:.

If you poke around a bit you'll find my other, more modern cameras, but generally speaking I tend towards the more hands on route when it comes to photography. As with shaving, I find that the old ways have a certain quality that just can't be replaced by modern methods (although I have nothing against digital users).

- R

[stevensj2]

I use a Nikon D70, and either the Nikkor 17-80mm, or my Nikkor 50mm prime. I LOVE that 50mm lens :smile:

[Randy]

Randy:

Thanks for your post and for posting your website. I've been wanting to get into large format (or at least medium format) photography for a while and I'm delighted to learn of your site.

There's not much there as far as details go, but I would be glad to help you however I can trying out the larger formats. Darkroom work is far, far less mysterious than most people seem to think, and the slower pace of medium, and certainly large, format photography is very rewarding. There really is nothing like looking at a 4"x5" transparency, and for me anyway, the process of working by hand through the entire process is a true pleasure.

- R

[Haiku]

There's not much there as far as details go, but I would be glad to help you however I can trying out the larger formats. Darkroom work is far, far less mysterious than most people seem to think, and the slower pace of medium, and certainly large, format photography is very rewarding. There really is nothing like looking at a 4"x5" transparency, and for me anyway, the process of working by hand through the entire process is a true pleasure.

- R

Thanks very much for your kind offer, I'll definitely keep in touch, and probably off this thread. I have been doing darkroom work with 35 mm for a short time and have become hooked with the process. I process B+W film and print on VC paper. It seems to me that I use my 35 mm as if it were a MF camera in that I almost never shoot without a tripod and I am just love using an old bellows unit for macro.

[fixed point]

Now that FM2 is a beauty. It looks like it's in tip top condition. Marvelous camera the FM2.

Thanks Ontario. I have no idea how it is in good cosmetic condition; I certainly don't baby it!

[eismann]

Canon AE-1
Canon EOS 650
Canon 20D
Canon Powershot SD 1000
Canon Speedlite 300EZ
Canon Speedlite 580 I
Mamiya C3
Assorted Canon L and regular glass as well as some Sigma
Wishlisting: Canon 1DmkIII and Hassy 503

[crankymoose]

Olympus stylus 1000,

thinking about upgrading to something better as it doesn't seem very good even with the flash with limited indoor lighting

[traveler]

I am a bit of a photography fanatic.
I'm all digital.

Sony Dsc-R1
Sony F828
Minolta 7D DSLR
Minolta A2

[germ79]

I shoot with a 30D. I love it and am learning new stuff everytime I use it!

J

[Psyduck]

Nikon D200

[mr_baseball_08]

Nikon D200

Canon Rebel XT.

[JPSnuffy]

I have 2 digital camers that i use exclusively. My first digital camera an Olympus C5050z and my fairly new baby an Olympus E500 DSLR. I like to use my 5050 on alot of indoor shots because it has a super fast and bright lens and use my E500 on pretty much everything else.

If I had the $$ I have my eye on a Leica film camera that would be a fantastic addition to my camera bag.:biggrin:

All of the above was stolen last year. I purchased a Olympus E-3 to replace and love it.

Glenn

[robertw]

The camera I use most frequently, is a Canon 5d. However, I keep going back to the camera I learned on which is a Canon F1.

[ablessg]

I use an Olympus E-300 and a Nikon D80 for digital. For film, I use a Nikon F3.

[Digit01]

Canon Digital Rebel, with a few extras like extra battery back that is also an extended grip to make it feel and look like a more professional camera. Speedlite 420 EX flash.

I do all my photo touch up with The Gimp when needed. But I really try to avoid touching up with a PC and focus (no pun) on getting the scene right the first time. That statement doesn't mean that I actually succeed that well-I just try to.

[adamjaskie]

My Canon Powershot A-75 gave up the ghost when it got a little damp (read, dunked in a lake in Algonquin Provincial Park), so I am currently digital camera-less. I do have a film camera, though; a Canon AE-1 and a few lenses (28mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4, 75-200mm f4.5).

[Rei]

Canon Digital Rebel, with a few extras like extra battery back that is also an extended grip to make it feel and look like a more professional camera. Speedlite 420 EX flash.

I do all my photo touch up with The Gimp when needed. But I really try to avoid touching up with a PC and focus (no pun) on getting the scene right the first time. That statement doesn't mean that I actually succeed that well-I just try to.

I have a pair of 420EXs, and I don't like two things about them.

1. There is no reasonable way to use them in manual mode.

2. Because the flash only has automatic modes, there is no way to dial back the output, which frequently causes blown out highlights.

I point this out because you may run into these problems as well. Here is how I fixed them.

1. There are two ways to manually control the 420EX. Set the 420EX to slave, and control it with either a STE2, 550EX or a 580EX. ...Or, use a camera body that has the ability to access the manual controls. I opted for the 580EX.

2. RNCmuExlHvM

[StGeorge]

I have an Olympus E-510 with the 14-42mm and 40-150mm kit lens and some legacy OM lens. Its a great camera and the kit lens' knock spots off kit lens from other manufacturers at the same price point.
A special mention goes to my back up camera, an Oly C-5050. A modern classic that still outperforms many newer models and is just short of being a DSLR in many ways. These can be picked up very cheaply now and its the only non DSLR that I know of that has a 1.8 lens (apart from the Oly 4000 I think).
I'd highly recommend both these camera's to anyone.

[kato1]

Okay, here's my gear. I shoot semi-professionally, hence the rather lengthy list.

Canon 10D + grip, Canon 40D + grip, Canon 70-200 L f/2.8 IS, Canon 17-40 L, Canon 50mm f/1.4, 2 Canon flashguns 420EX and 550EX, Mafrotto tripod,
Bowens Gemini 500 Watt Studio Lights.

[sphughes]

I picked up a Fujifilm Finepix J10 last week. I wanted something small to carry in my bag to grab pictures primarily while working. Last year I picked up a Canon S3 IS a couple weeks before they announced the S5 IS.....I like it but it is nowhere near as portable.

-Scott

[netsurfr]

Canon EOS 20D
70-200 f/2.8 L,
100-400 f/3.5-5.6 L
17-85 mm lens
1.4X extender
Speedlite 580ex flash

[ænema]

went from a coolpix 2100 to a canon A95

I would love a nikon or canon dslr, but I can't justify the price at this time.

[Bowcephalus]

Pentax ME Super
Pentax MX
Pentax K-1000
Canon Elan 2
Olympus Stylus film and digital........
I still love the magic of slides......

[phronq]

I'm using a Canon Digital Rebel XTi (400D) with a battery grip to beef up the surface area a bit... it's a pretty small camera as compared to the original D-Rebel (300D). I'm hoping to pick up a second body in the next year or so, which'll probably be a 40D.

As for glass.. Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L, Canon 50mm f/1.8 AF II, Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, and the newest part of the kit is the Canon EF-S 10-22mm. It's my (current) favorite lens.

[brofkand]

Nikon D40 body
18-55mm DX lens (kit lens)
55-200mm VR DX lens
50mm f/1.8 E-series lens
1, 2, and 8GB SD Cards
Expresscard SD reader
Samsonite bag

I love my camera and lenses. I wouldn't have it any other way. Sure, I am drooling over a really wide-angle lens, but I love my current setup. I can shoot almost 2K images without having to dump my cards.

[Bill Smith]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/2186274720_55df546a4f.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2339434246_bc98d3820d.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2023/2339434200_3725103647.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/2358671903_99e4a2c7b0.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/2136963652_5b501369c8.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1357/532434083_d2eace5d1a.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/107/309426488_66c1682fca_o.jpg

Would you believe I use all of them on a regular basis. I don't have decent pictures of my OM-1s.

[Bowcephalus]

Great stuff Bill........There is no replacement for the mechanical beauty and simplicity of the classics......

[Beowulf53]

My digital is a Leica D-Lux 3. I had a Pentax K100D, but I found myself going for the convenience of the Leica, so I sold the DSLR. I am thinking about one of the Olympus DSLR (probably the 510 ) however.

I also have two Leica rangefinders - a IIIF RD ST and an M2 with an M6 rangefinder. Lenses for these include 3 modern Voigtlanders and two vintage Leica lenses. These are also being ignored these days; I'm probably going to sell them.

Ken

[rickw]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/2186274720_55df546a4f.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2339434246_bc98d3820d.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2023/2339434200_3725103647.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/2358671903_99e4a2c7b0.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/2136963652_5b501369c8.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1357/532434083_d2eace5d1a.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/107/309426488_66c1682fca_o.jpg

Would you believe I use all of them on a regular basis. I don't have decent pictures of my OM-1s.

The Nikons don't do anything for me, I have three. However, I love the Leica.:001_rolle

[thirdeye]

I've been rediscovering my Minolta DiMage Z3.
I took this tonight...just learning about white balance and lightboxes.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii279/thirdeye34/PICT0016-1.jpg

[Hairy Dave]

Fuji s2pro with Nikon lenses

[jmacpix]

To make my living I use Canon 1D MkIIn's along with a Canon G7 point and shoot for internet video. I have a host of lenses covering 16mm-400mm all f/2.8. The G7 is a great camera and has 10 megapixels compared to the 1D's 8.2. I take the G7 whenever I go on holiday and my wife loves to use it. The kids even use it too!

I also have a Lieca M6 and lens 20-90mm just for fun and to get back to my roots in B&W.

[harryb01]

Nikon D70
Nikon D200
Olympus XA
Seagull 4B

[thunderball]

At the moment it's a Pentax K100D with a Sigma 17-70mm lens. :biggrin:

[golfnut]

I just went all out a few months back. I sold my Nikon D40, D80, and 18-55, 55-200, and 18-200 lenses. I then purchased a D-300 with 14-24 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8 vr! Oh man, I love this new set up!

[ponyplayer]

Just bought a used Nikon D200 with less than 1700 clicks on it. It came with 3 Nikon batteries all original accessories and a 50mm 1.8 lens. All items are in great shape. The warranty was never filled out so I guess I can send that in?

Paid $900 for it.

Can't wait to get it home and take some shots.

Patrick

[hack]

Canons from way back. If I were to start from scratch I may well go with Nikon, though--the D300 is a beast.

Started with borrowed Pentaxes. Then a Canon rangefinder.

First cameras of my own were Canon AE-1s (not the programs).

Then a Canon FT, then a Canon TL.

In the 90s one of the EOS Rebels--never used it a lot, can't remember the specific number.

Late last year finally got into the DSLR world. Canon xti, and a few weeks ago a 40D, both of which I really like. My one big complaint thus far with these two is that digital lacks the latitude/dynamic range of film. Way too easy to burn out the hot spots.

I would love a 5d, but have burned my camera budget for quite a while, and anyway my next purchase money will need to go towards lenses.

[micah1_8]

I miss my pentax k1000, and I really like the new k100d line of cameras, but I just stimulized the economy by purchasing a Nikon D40. I went with the Nikon because, ultimately, around here, it's easier to get accessories for it. So far, I am loving this thing. I didn't realize how much I missed having control over what my camera does. I've been limping along for a few years now with an HP photosmart 912--- that thing was a real workhorse.

[mr_baseball_08]

I've been rediscovering my Minolta DiMage Z3.
I took this tonight...just learning about white balance and lightboxes.


I'm not sure if it was intentional or not, but the white balance on your razor picture is way off to my eyes.

The white is actually an orange color which means you need to bring down the white balance big time.

Anyway, I shoot with a Rebel XT. It was a gift and I'd love to upgrade but probably won't be doing that anytime soon.

[PetersCreek]

I shoot a Canon 20D, usually glass up with the EF 24-105mm, f/4L IS USM. I still have my AE-1 Program, purchased in '81...albeit in a box on a shelf.

[NorgeRod]

NIkon Coolpix s550 10Mp 5x optical zoom
Minolta Dynax 5 with tripod

[Silb3r]

I use a lowly Canon SD630 P&S.

I'd love to know what JBHoren uses, his are among the best SOTD photos I've seen—And such variety! I should organize a South Florida raid on his house get-together :tongue:

-Michael

[jhclare]

Use a Canon 5D and a 1D mark II.

Lenses: 16-35mm 2.8, 28-70mm 2.8, 85mm 1.8, 135mm f2.

Use these for my job - but I can't wait until I can afford another Leica M6 and 35mm Summicron lens - my favourite ever camera (have bought and sold twice and regretted both times....)

[Dharion]

Canon Digital Rebel XT with lens kit (18-55) and 2 GB card. But I'm planning to get an additional lense.

[SilkySmooth]

Canon SD1000.



==Tom

[Larry T]

Canon 20D with 10 lenses from my 35mm days, I use a Sigma 50mm f2.8 DG macro lens for most of my shaving and watch photos. 8MP.

I also own a Canon Powershot G9 with accessory lens adapter and Canon 250D closeup lens. 12MP. I hardly ever use the 20D since I bought the G9, it's a fantastically capable camera in a tiny package.

Larry

[ninjashaver]

For my wedding work I use a Nikon D200 with a variety of lenses, primes and zooms. By the summer I'll have added the D3 to that. I'm looking seriously at it anyway.

I use a little Ricoh GR-Digital for 'off the cuff' photography when I'm not carrying the D200.

But the real story is that I'm getting back into film and have a Konica Hexar RF with Leica lenses and I just got hold of a Hasselblad 500CM with 80mm f2.8. The Hassy was a dream of mine for a long time and I am just bored with digital for my personal work. I'm scanning the medium format negs at the moment but plan to set up the darkroom again in the future.

The future's bright. The future's film.

[adamjaskie]

14-24 f2.8

:drool:

I want one of those so bad for my D80. I love wide angles, and the 18mm on my 18-55 VR just isn't wide enough (or fast enough).


First cameras of my own were Canon AE-1s

I've still got my AE-1, 50mm f1.4, 28mm f2.8, and 75-200mm f4.5. Great setup, but film is expensive, processing is even more expensive, and digital is just so much more convenient. I put a lot of black and white through it recently, but I no longer have access to a darkroom, so I'm not even doing that anymore. :(

[rodd]

I just ordered a Canon XTi with multiple lenses and accessories. Look forward to much better pictures from me in the future. :wink: I have been using a Powershot A610. I can't wait....
With the new XSi out the prices on the XTi seem decent.

[soapbuddy]

I have a digital Rebel XT. I already had plenty of lenses, so all I needed was a new body.

[bones59]

Oh yeah, I also just bought an old Rolleiflex 75 on ebay.

Whats that?


I have two Rollei 6x6 twin lens reflex cameras. Great for B&W art.
a Mamia 6x4.5
minolta 35mm kit
Canon 2MP point and shoot camera my wife gave me years ago
And a Nikon D40x

[THECHEBB]

I shoot a Sigma SD10 & 14 with 10-20mm, 15-30mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm, 20mm 1.8, 30mm 1.4, 50mm 2.8 Macro (Would love to get the new 50mm 1.4). Shoot RAW, fiddling with everything in Sigma's software & Irident's RAW Developer and of course Photoshop to process/tweak.

[Limey]

I've had a Nikon D-70 for awhile now with a SB-800 speedlight. I love the set-up!

[hack]

:drool:

I want one of those so bad for my D80. I love wide angles, and the 18mm on my 18-55 VR just isn't wide enough (or fast enough).



I've still got my AE-1, 50mm f1.4, 28mm f2.8, and 75-200mm f4.5. Great setup, but film is expensive, processing is even more expensive, and digital is just so much more convenient. I put a lot of black and white through it recently, but I no longer have access to a darkroom, so I'm not even doing that anymore. :(

I always wanted a 50 1.4 but only had the 1.8. i did have the 28 2.8, though.

I actually have one utterly pristine AE-1 body I've never used, though it was pre-owned. Can't bear to part with it even though I know I'll never shoot with it--even if (in the highly unlikely event) I did go back to the AE-1 I'd use one of my other bodies. I figure than in another couple of decades I'll donate the pristine one to a museum.

[THECHEBB]

:drool:
I want one of those so bad for my D80. I love wide angles, and the 18mm on my 18-55 VR just isn't wide enough (or fast enough). :(
...I recommend the Sigma 10-20mm - epic is the word.
Check these out. All shot with the 10-20:
http://www.pbase.com/thechebb/image/97164445
http://www.pbase.com/thechebb/image/74569024
http://www.pbase.com/thechebb/image/97165521
http://www.pbase.com/thechebb/image/74569198
http://www.pbase.com/thechebb/image/97164064
Cheers!

[soapbuddy]

Thanks Henry. Those look so sharp!

[JohnP]

Just got a new camera,
It's a Panasonic TZ4. So far, so good. Thinking of getting a "backup" camera, one of those indestructible, waterproof models.
I also have a Minox-B, a Minox-ECX, a few rolls of film for each along with a film slitter, a tiny developer-
unfortunately, I do not have an enlarger, any chemicals for the developer, or any of the required knowledge. It also seems that no one local (at least in San Diego) developed Minox film. Haven't tried since moving to Virginia.

John P.

[burnwood]

Just bought the wife a Fujifilm finepics F50FD. so far so good. she doesnt like that the pic stays on the screen for a couple seconds before you can take the next shot. I agree.

[comfortablynumb]

For general snaps I just use an older 2MP Nikon coolpix.

When I go out shooting I have quit a few older range finders, and a few SLR's.

Fed 2E (shown with Jupiter 12 wide angle, and petri finder)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/416507846_aaa93ea92e.jpg

Kiev 4AM
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/148/416843904_e1012b13df_m.jpg

FED 3B (shown with Industar 61LD 50mm and vented hood)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2151/2386916274_ac33fc0aff.jpg

Also have an older 50's GE light meter that I bring out sometimes
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/422647316_684502fc59_m.jpg

[SobBill2]

Great site 2bits. Thanks! :001_smile

http://www.imaging-resource.com/DIGCAM01.HTM

I just ordered a Canon A590 IS.

One of the biggest selling points is full manual control.

[blary54]

I just got a brand new Canon 40d about a week ago. Love it!
Also shoot with an olympus E500.

Cant wait to add some canon L-Glass to my lens collection. $$$

[burningdarkness]

I shoot all of my art photos using a 35mm Minolta XG-1(n) on black and white film (usually Ilford) and a medium format Holga 120N on black and white Fujifilm. I develop and make my own prints. I'm currently looking for a darkroom to use, however. For personal snapshots, I use a Cannon AS-570IS (digital).

[rodd]

I got my Canon XTI from UPS last night. I highly recommend avoiding "sunshine electronics" on ebay, or their store in Brooklyn. Half of my order is missing, they promised me brand name memory, got generic, etc. Really upset about it. They are going to send me the proper parts, but not until they receive the ones I have to mail back to them at my cost. I did however have enough to start shooting last night. I love the camera. Huge step in the right direction. I need to work on lighting now.
One of my first shots:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2608917747_bf6637b2a9.jpg?v=0

I got the Canon 28-90, and 75-300, I also got a remote flash, and a wide angle and a telephoto adapter. Lots of memory, a tripod, batteries, etc.
Anyone shooting with an umbrella? One of my friends highly recommends them, thinking about it for about $15.

[soapbuddy]

What a cutie!

When you send the parts back, I would make sure you send it registered mail. The seller could say they never received your parts back.

You could also email ebay and tell them the listing was not truthful. (If that's the way it was listed)

[burnwood]

Wife started using the Fuji finepix f50fd and we were really surprised to see that there wasnt much of a zoom at all on it. you start it and it moves you about 2 feet closer. Our old Canon zoomed to the moon.

[Mordecai]

I "use" a Sony DSC-H9, I say that because it's smarter than I am and I know nothing about photography. I like it because it's a step up from a point and shoot, but not quite as intense as a DSLR. Maybe someday I'll put some effort into learning about settings and such.

[Oxi]

Canon EOS 30D
I really like this camera. Before I switched to Canon I used to shoot with a Minolta (Dimage/Maxxum/Alpha 7D), but this switch has been a good one. Canon really is the business.

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L USM
Recent purchase and so far I haven't had much qualitytime with it, but I'm sure it'll be favorite lens in due time. It has to be because I've sold my 17-40/4L for it, my first Canon lens and the most used so far. I really like playing around with a shallow depth of field.

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
This lens made it easier to sell my 17-40L for the 24L because I don't have to lose any wide-angle performance. Stunning lens, but the colourrendering is really over the top. Usually I have to tonedown vibrance in postprocessing. It's not a flaw, just overperforming. :rolleyes:

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
I got this lens as a lightweight/lowprofile alternative to my 70-200L and the improved the shallower depth of field. Nowadays this lens is always with me.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM
Nice light telelens which doesn't cost that much. But I don't like it's size so I usually only take my 85mm with me for the close-up shots. The 70-200L gathers quite alot of dust in between shoots.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
Stupid thing, gathers dust. :bored:

I'm quite happy with my set so far, it'll get the job done nicely. :smile:

[Oxi]

...I recommend the Sigma 10-20mm - epic is the word.
Check these out. All shot with the 10-20:
http://www.pbase.com/thechebb/image/97164445
http://www.pbase.com/thechebb/image/74569024
http://www.pbase.com/thechebb/image/97165521
http://www.pbase.com/thechebb/image/74569198
http://www.pbase.com/thechebb/image/97164064
Cheers!

I beg to differ. The 10-20 used to be nice because it was the first lens in it's class. But almost every newer lens is better. For Nikon the best choice is the Tokina 12-24. This one outperforms the Nikon 12-24. Only the Canon 10-22 is better, but that one just won't fit the D80

[Spacemoose]

I beg to differ. The 10-20 used to be nice because it was the first lens in it's class. But almost every newer lens is better. For Nikon the best choice is the Tokina 12-24. This one outperforms the Nikon 12-24. Only the Canon 10-22 is better, but that one just won't fit the D80

I've had them both, and I prefer the Sigma. That extra 2mm makes a HUGE difference.

[dcormier]

Canon 40D with 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 (http://flickr.com/photos/dcormier/tags/1022mm/), 24-70mm f/2.8 (http://flickr.com/photos/dcormier/tags/2470mmf28l/), 70-200mm f/2.8 (http://flickr.com/photos/dcormier/tags/70200mmf28/), 50mm f/1.4 (http://flickr.com/photos/dcormier/tags/50mmf14/), 85mm f/1.2 (http://flickr.com/photos/dcormier/tags/85mmf12l/) (love that one).

[expatCanuck]

Pentax K200D, with 18-55 II and 55-300 lenses.

Galapagos shots here (http://http://oldwithoutmoney.com/galapagos1/galapagos.htm).

- Richard

[B R A N D X®]

Depends on the job, but:

Nikon D2Xs (bought a D3...sold it......prefer the Xs)
Nikon F5
Leica M7
Hassleblad 501CW

Though these days the film cameras mostly just take up space. Make cool looking bookends in my barrister's cabinet though.

[wtruitt]

Depends on the job, but:

Nikon D2Xs (bought a D3...sold it......prefer the Xs)
Nikon F5
Leica M7
Hassleblad 501CW

Though these days the film cameras mostly just take up space. Make cool looking bookends in my barrister's cabinet though.

Wow.. so, now even pro's like yourself are using Digital.. being 'photography ignorant' I wasn't sure if digital quality had caught up to film...

Wayne

[dcormier]

Wow.. so, now even pro's like yourself are using Digital.. being 'photography ignorant' I wasn't sure if digital quality had caught up to film...

Wayne

Oh yeah, pro's are definitely using digital. A couple of the guys I've been paying a lot of attention to use it exclusively.

Chase Jarvis (http://blog.chasejarvis.com)
Articles of note:

Ninjas! (http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2007/05/chase-jarvis-raw-ninjas.html) (Love that one.)
Pimp your laptop case (http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2007/03/photography-laptop-case-aka-pimp-your.html)
What it takes to set up a shoot (http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2008/08/chase-jarvis-tech-photo-shoot-in-180.html)


Joe McNally (http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/) (articles mostly focusing on lighting)
Articles of note:

Rollin’ with The Pride of Midtown (http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/2008/07/02/rollin-with-the-pride-of-midtown/)
North Country (http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/2008/06/12/north-country/)
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom (http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/2008/06/05/zoom-zoom-zoom/)

[B R A N D X®]

Wow.. so, now even pro's like yourself are using Digital.. being 'photography ignorant' I wasn't sure if digital quality had caught up to film...

Wayne

Nearly all sport, PJ (photo journalist) and wildlife shooters shoot digital. It has, in many ways, surpassed film other than extreme dynamic range and...... most art departments want digital files......not film negatives.

For fashion, which is what I shoot, it's mostly Hassleblad and Mamiya bodies with digital backs at the top end of the game, but since the backs alone are about $30K.......I'm using Digital SLR cameras!:wink:

And honestly, unless you need to print in billboard size, digital SLR is all you need.

[AzulLuna]

Nothing special
Kodak Z740 that goes everywere I go so I do not find myself in 1 of those situations were I need to say "Boy I wish I wish I had my camera"

[dcormier]

And honestly, unless you need to print in billboard size, digital SLR is all you need.

Even for billboards you can get away with the resolutions of most recent DSLR's (not including the 1Ds MkIII) because of the viewing distance. I can't think of too much where you really need the 30+ megapixels of those medium format digital backs. Maybe large fine-art prints. Obviously those larger formats have advantages other than resolution (depth of field, field of view, etc), but that's a different conversation.

[shaun3000]

Canon EOS 20D
EF-S 17-85mm IS USM
EF 70-200mm f/4L
EF 24mm f/2.8
EF 50mm f/1.8

Though lately I've been using my Nokia N95 more than anything! If it only it had a zoom and real flash.

[B R A N D X®]

Even for billboards you can get away with the resolutions of most recent DSLR's (not including the 1Ds MkIII) because of the viewing distance. I can't think of too much where you really need the 30+ megapixels of those medium format digital backs. Maybe large fine-art prints. Obviously those larger formats have advantages other than resolution (depth of field, field of view, etc), but that's a different conversation.

You're absolutely correct. My reply was intended to keep things simple......perhaps I was too vague in my response. Thanks for clarifying.......

[Rei]

Wow.. so, now even pro's like yourself are using Digital.. being 'photography ignorant' I wasn't sure if digital quality had caught up to film...

Wayne

Film is still being used on high bandwidth applications. Event portrait shooters that shoot in excess of 3000 images per event are still shooting film. It saves the shooter time and money to have someone else take care of everything that happens after they click the shutter.

Here is what I'm talking about: (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/free-digital-camera.htm)

Services for Pros

For slides, and definitely not inexpensive, I've heard from a friend who uses them that The Icon lab in Los Angeles will take your film and do everything.

If you're in LA, they'll send a courier to get your film, process it, scan it and put the images for you to see via the internet. You then tell them what to do with what: trash them, archive them, print them, drum scan them, or whatever. They even will take care of my least favorite aspect, storing it. They'll store it and index your film in their vaults for you.
I work for a lab that does product fulfillment for photographers. We work in a similar way as the quote from above. Photographers send their order envelopes and images to us, and we handle production so that they can be shooting the next day instead of playing with photoshop. If anyone wants digital copies of the images, they can have them, because all the film gets scanned and put on to a server during the printing process anyway.

Most of the photographers that use us start out with digital, but once they hit an event that has 80 gigs of images in less than eight hours, they would rather be working with cases of film and sending the film to us directly after the shoot rather than burning 20 dvds.

If you are shooting a hundred plus images, and only one or two of them are going to get printed, then digital is the way to go. But if you are doing thousands of images and all of them are getting printed, then the speed of c41 still can't be beat.

Of course, I'm talking about a niche market, and nothing that the hobby photographer is likely going to get exposed to.

[B R A N D X®]

Film is still being used on high bandwidth applications. Event portrait shooters that shoot in excess of 3000 images per event are still shooting film. It saves the shooter time and money to have someone else take care of everything that happens after they click the shutter.

Here is what I'm talking about: (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/free-digital-camera.htm)

I work for a lab that does product fulfillment for photographers. We work in a similar way as the quote from above. Photographers send their order envelopes and images to us, and we handle production so that they can be shooting the next day instead of playing with photoshop. If anyone wants digital copies of the images, they can have them, because all the film gets scanned and put on to a server during the printing process anyway.

Most of the photographers that use us start out with digital, but once they hit an event that has 80 gigs of images in less than eight hours, they would rather be working with cases of film and sending the film to us directly after the shoot rather than burning 20 dvds.

If you are shooting a hundred plus images, and only one or two of them are going to get printed, then digital is the way to go. But if you are doing thousands of images and all of them are getting printed, then the speed of c41 still can't be beat.

Of course, I'm talking about a niche market, and nothing that the hobby photographer is likely going to get exposed to.


Similarly to what your clients do, most pro digital shooters dump their CF cards to a small, external drive after a shoot and then hand the drive to a digital processing company. In fact, I only know a handful of full-time shooters who process their own images and those photographers do so because they enjoy the editing process and, as you mentioned, are the type of shooters that may take 400 or so images during a shoot, but only process 10-20. That is the category I fall in to most of the time, but I do use a digital retouching service in New York occasionally.

I've never heard of a "portrait" shooter that shoots 3000 images in one assignment.....sports yes, but portaits? Example??

For the top fashion photographers, the industry I am most familiar with, there is usually a small staff of full-time editors who literally edit them on the fly as quickly as the images are taken. Wired or wireless data transmission sends the images directly from the camera to the workstation located just outside of the shoot zone where the images are edited at an average rate of 90 seconds per photo.

In this instance the images are fully edited by the time the lighting is torn down and the shoot is wrapped up.

Having film developed for you doesn't magically result in properly edited photo's and editing negatives by hand is very labor intensive and requires medium format negatives at a minimum. It's also much more difficult to edit scanned film in photoshop than it is to edit digital photo's unless the scan resolution is incredibly high.....and even then I greatly prefer the large files from my D2xs.

Sports shooters do minimal editing to their photo's as most are designed for smaller print in newspapers or magazines. Other than cropping, minor contrast, saturation and use-specific sharpening edits, which take about 30 seconds and the bulk of which is often done with a one-click photoshop script, nothing more needs to be done.

The *vast* majority of wedding shooters use photoshop actions almost exclusively to edit their photo's. The most successful wedding photographer in my market shoots digital and actually delivers up to 1000 fully-edited proofs (which astounds me) to each client within 2 days of the wedding

For perspective, your example of 80 gigs of photo's equals only ten 8 gig digital CF cards....higher capacity cards exist. That means shooting an entire event with only 8 five second card changes. Or in the case of Nikon's latest DSLR, the D3, there are two CF card slots which cuts the number of card changes in half. With 16 gig cards in a dual slot camera you now have only 3 CF card changes to capture 80 gigs of shots.

This is versus what....?.....80 or so film changes to capture the 3000 photo's you mentioned.
Even with an assistant keeping your second camera loaded.....that's a lot of changes and a lot of canisters to keep up with......and a tremendous amount of expense for purchasing, developing and scanning to disc.

What does the company you work for charge to process and scan 80 rolls of 36 exposure film at hi-rez?

Honestly, the only photographers I know still using film are folks who see the aesthetic of the entire film process as more artistic. This breed is rapidly dying out or being forced to make the switch due to the demands of the AD's (Art Directors) they work for.....nearly all of whom now require the digital media. In fact, it's the photographers who shoot the most for whom digital has been the biggest boon.

Digital is less expensive by a *wide* margin, reusable, faster, less volatile/cumbersome to handle and as I stated earlier, other than dynamic range which is quickly approaching that of film and usually undetectable to anyone short of a critical photographer, easily as good for nearly all applications.

Like vinyl (versus CD) devotees however, I believe there will always be hobbyist and independent art photographers who simply prefer film..........

I enjoy using my film cameras for fun and nostalgia and admit that when I made the switch 3 years ago it was with reluctance. There's something about the sound of the shutter of an F5, the viewfinder of a Hassleblad (which can also be enjoyed with a medium format digital back) and the discreet nature of a Leica rangefinder (of course even the mighty Leica now offers their style of camera in digital format via the M8) that is very rewarding, but for paid assignments......I only use digital...as does every pro I know or encounter.

Folks can discuss the merits of film versus digital till the cows come home, but the simple reality is that digital is the media of choice among the *vast* majority of professional photographers regardless of their area of expertise which explains why the only two real players in the 35mm camera business, Nikon and Canon, haven't come out with a new pro-grade film camera in a very long time and why they spend 100% of their R&D funds on advancing their digital bodies. Nikon, the brand I use and am most familiar with, released their last pro film body nearly 5 years ago. They've dramatically upgraded their top of the line digital bodies at least 5 times during that same period. They are developing digital because that's what 90+% of pro photographers are using.

It's great to hear that your film processing lab is keeping busy, but your comments don't match up with reality in the professional photography industry......not by a long shot.

[Rei]

It's great to hear that your film processing lab is keeping busy, but your comments don't match up with reality in the professional photography industry......not by a long shot.

I'm not here to argue about it. I'm just stating the reality of the lab that I work for. You can find advertisements from my lab and other ads from a few of our competitors in Rangefinder every month.

We serve a niche market of high volume professional photographers all across the country. They prefer film for high volume.

[Sgt Hartman]

Nikon F-3 HP
Pentax K-1000
Sony Cybershot
And several assorted lenes and flashes for the Nikon and Pentax

Sarge

[B R A N D X®]

I'm not here to argue about it. I'm just stating the reality of the lab that I work for. You can find advertisements from my lab and other ads from a few of our competitors in Rangefinder every month.

We serve a niche market of high volume professional photographers all across the country. They prefer film for high volume.

Niche indeed.......interesting that you find "high volume" shooters in a rangefinder publication since they tend to be the lowest volume shooters amongst photographers.....you know.....being that rangefinders are manual focus and all. Not to mention that they are poorly suited to portraits......which is the only type of photography you mention.

Not trying to start or continue an argument, just pointing out the illogical and inconsistent nature of your original post.

Since this isn't a photography forum I think it's incumbent upon those of us who actually know something about photography *not* to steer people interested in the hobby in the wrong direction.

Film is a wonderful medium, but not for the reasons you point out.

[Rei]

Niche indeed.......interesting that you find "high volume" shooters in a rangefinder publication since they tend to be the lowest volume shooters amongst photographers.....you know.....being that rangefinders are manual focus and all. Not to mention that they are poorly suited to portraits......which is the only type of photography you mention.



http://www.rangefindermag.com/

Funny you should mention that, but to my knowledge, Rangefinder Magazine hasn't done articles on rangefinder cameras in years.

They do, however put on the annual Wedding and Portrait Photographers International trade show, and are one of the most respected photography trade magazines around. In fact, they spun off a sister magazine (http://www.aftercapture.com/) because Rangefinder was getting too big.

I don't even know why I'm responding to your straw man argument, since I'm assuming that you know what is in the trade magazines that most professional photographers get for free.

[Brewster]

took the leap from film 2 months ago...kept all my *old* glass from the Pentax 35 mm film bodies:

Pentax K200D body
Vivitar 19 mm 3.8 manual
Kiron (Vivitar) 28-85 2.8 manual zoom
Kiron (Vivitar) 35-135 3.5 manual zoom
Kiron (Vivitar) 28-210 3.8 manual zoom

[B R A N D X®]

http://www.rangefindermag.com/

Funny you should mention that, but to my knowledge, Rangefinder Magazine hasn't done articles on rangefinder cameras in years.

They do, however put on the annual Wedding and Portrait Photographers International trade show, and are one of the most respected photography trade magazines around. In fact, they spun off a sister magazine (http://www.aftercapture.com/) because Rangefinder was getting too big.

I don't even know why I'm responding to your straw man argument, since I'm assuming that you know what is in the trade magazines that most professional photographers get for free.

You're right.......heard of it, but never seen it. :wink:

And I'll gladly let it go at that.........

[maxpower]

Eos 40d

[Tigger23505]

Nikon E5600

[adamjaskie]

I do have to say that at the last art fair I went to (in Ann Arbor, MI), there were many photographers who had some incredible landscape photography, and they all seemed to be devotees of large format film and printing their own on actual photographic paper.

There were lots of "artist profile" signs where they bragged about using large format and printing themselves, a few talking about some special techniques but not mentioning equipment, and nothing mentioning 35mm or medium format that I saw.

Of course, that's a totally different industry.