DSLR - what for?

[stefan_dinu]

So. If I understood corectly, RF is the tool for street photography - the only photography that interest me. So why keep my Canon 5D arround, since I have now two RD1's, one Bessa R3M, and 6 lenses from 15-50mm. And a Canonet QL17 on top of that, aside from four FSU's?
Does make any sense to keep my DSLR? It has been a few months without use it. Couple of days ago, I was decided to sell the EOS kit.
But in the meantime, I was selecting some photographs for what is going to be my on-line gallery, and went trough some pictures from November last year. And I said to myself: my DSLR worked fine for me. Now I have also some serious RF kit, but that does not mean that I should get rid of the past.
I think the most important thing is to "get along" with your camera.
I decided to keep my 5D and fast primes kit. Judging by the photos, do you support my decision? Do you still keep yours? For what reason?
I'll put some shots from Jodhpur, the Blue City.

[sweathog]

I tend to use my DSLR when I'm working to a deadline; when doing stuff like band shoots, events, or college projects.
If time is on my side then I will use film, but I do recognise that there is a definite need for DSLRs under certain conditions.

[Kin Lau]

If you can afford to keep it, then why not.

#2 is a real cracker of a shot. Love it.

[sam_m]

my dslr is great for taking pictures of my rf gear when I get a gas attack and have to sell something, that's about it.

[BillBingham2]

I do not have a DSLR, but have just rebuilt my SLR kit because I realize that there are times I need a longer lens than a 135. If you have the cash flow, keep the DSLR and get a few LONG lenses and explore that space. Fast primes are fun too as they are smaller than the zooms and much brighter to look through the finders.

B2 (;->

[payasam]

"RF is the tool for street photography."

Indeed the RF is good for street photography, but it does other things too. In the same way, other camera types can also work for street photography. We might do well to think of practical considerations, as Sweathog does.

[mfogiel]

Well, when you need the close up, the tele shot, you need an slr, and in particular when you want to make it in colour, the digital is simply the best tool. Besides this digital is obviously the way for all the fast stuff, so I keep mine, even if I do not use it all that often.

[iml]

I use mine for colour, which I don't shoot a lot of, but enough. It's small and unobstrusive, and I only use it with small and unobstrusive primes, so it's also a good street camera.

Ian

[Chyn]

Nice pics!

I use my DSLR concurrently with a rangefinder and TLR.

Like what previous posters have mentioned, color is the primary reason why I use my DSLR if I was under time pressure or shooting events that requires high volume of images. Editing is a breeze if one shoots in RAW and is at home with the ins-and-outs of the major graphics software out there.

There's also no denying the flexibility of an SLR setup if one wants to have telephoto or macro.

[IGMeanwell]

My DSLRs are for Weddings, Portraits, and macro

eventually when I make a decision on what medium format camera I want to acquire, it may become the portrait go to

but for the time being most of my street photography is done via my Yashica, Polaroid (though not often), one of my P&S cameras (generally the Yashica T4)

I have a new love affair with the Vivitar Ultra Wide and Slim, I haven't used it for Street photography but I have a feeling that will change very soon ... nothing like being in the middle of a crowd with a 22mm plastic lens with an almost silent shutter

[wintoid]

I've had a Canon 20D for 3 years, and it's languished in a corner since I got into RF. The RD1s has dealt with so many possibilities for me. I finally decided to sell my SLR stuff and switch to Pentax DSLR. Now, I have some problems with the Pentax like poor high ISO performance, but I have a completely different colour "look" which I really love, and I don't have that plasticky Canon look (which I only realised existed now that I've seen the Pentax files).

All of a sudden, my cameras have different purposes, which feels much better. I'll use both now.

[stefan_dinu]

The fact is that I don't use macro or tele at all. I used my DSLR almost exclusive on street photography. Now, the last couple of times that I used it was on two weddings of my friends.
@wintoid, I had also a 20D, and I know what are you mean by plastic look. But on the other hand, I think 5D is one of the best digital tool for digital photography, In terms of image quality, mainly because of the large photo-cells. And I can tell that it was very hard to go back to non-full-frame body (Epson RD1).
@Erikfive, I decided to keep it only because I saw what is capable for. I simply forgoten.

Just to keep the topic ilustrated, I put another two shots from Jodhpur. I remeber this trip to India, and I overcame the main drawback of the DSLR (weight) by keeping with me only one 50mm f1.4 and a small flash.

[gavinlg]

Stefan, thanks for sharing those shots - really very impressive. As long as DSLR images aren't over processed, they can be excellent. Especially the 5d.

I use a 30d and once complained about the "plastic" look I get from the files - But now I've figured out it was all in my processing - have it downpat now! It makes beautiful files. I basically use my 30d for almost all of my work, and fashion style shoots. Works excellent then.

I use an om2n and usually a leica M for street photography. Hopefully buying a user m2.
I had an r-d1 and recently sold it - I think the files from my canon were much better once I learned how to process them properly. Also, I'd be scared of chucking the epson in a bag without something happening or going out of alignment. On contrary, I can completely rely on my om2n or a leica m2. If I need digital, I just grab the 30d with a prime lens ( I shoot mainly primes) and chuck it in - it is a VERY hardy camera. Been dropped maybe 6 times, and gets bashed around in my car and bag all the time. Has a bit of wear - looks great. Never ever had 1 problem.

I fixed the tiny little viewfinder on it with an olympus eyepeice magnifier which fits straight on.... noticeably bigger viewfinder!

Cheers,
Gavin

[didotcicero]

I have to confess that I have been using my Nikon D50 DSLR with 85mm/1.8D a lot lately, mainly for concert photography.

Anyone else noticed that it's getting rather 'busy' in front of the stage with new dSLR users?
At the North Sea Jazz festival I felt it looked like there were more people with 'L-Lenses' (pro-stuff) than that there were 'regular' digital cameras.

[Bike Tourist]

A gave up my Leica system for a 5D system since I have a small income from stock sales and scanned film does not gain many acceptances from most stock sites.

Eventually, I hope to aquire another RF for "fun" or "fine arts" shooting.

Something for everyone!

[Gabriel M.A.]

DSLR - what for?
...huh...yeah
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing
Uh ha haa ha
...huh...yeah
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing...say it again y'all

...I say, keep it. ;) I keep mine.

[stefan_dinu]

I decieved my photo-mates with this image: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=47869&d=1185411336
I told them is shot taken with a Leica M6 and Summilux. They where not RF specialist, and they believe me. But what a conosseur can tel about it. Why not Lecia. How leica would have it better.

[35mmdelux]

Today, most photogs need some kind of digital capture ability. Scanning takes time which we don't always have.

I have an MP and an M7 both which I intend to keep for personal projects and walking around cams. But the truth is that on production work or breaking news digital has its place.

Keep the D5.

[PetarDima]

Stefan, your shots are fine ...
I see photography as street photography - like you are, but your photos are
answer - 5D is fine photography tool, If I were you I'll try to shoot on street with
full frame monster + prime lenses( same as with RF gear ) :
50mm f:1.4
35mm f:1.4
24mm f:1.4

Street photography is way to do photography, gear can help us to do it better :)

[shadowfox]

Stefan, most people need a variety once in a while.

Your 5D is good for getting a once in a lifetime shot of those beautiful bengal tigers in their habitat... when you're tired of taking people pictures once in a while. :)

Nice shots, btw!

[Designer]

Like drawing media, DSLR is colour pencils, RF is watercolor!:)

[mackigator]

graduated neutral density filters

[-kk-]

agree with those that say they offer you different flavours, and will add that the 135L on a 5D is pure class, great for streets. you could also pop in a 70-200 and use it as a tele only camera if you want.

[erikhaugsby]

A gave up my Leica system for a 5D system since I have a small income from stock sales and scanned film does not gain many acceptances from most stock sites.

Do stock photo sites really care where the film came from? Do they really pay that much attention to the EXIF data?
That's not cool. :bang:

[payasam]

For the same considerations as Dick's, I recently parted ways with a IIIc and a couple of lenses and got myself a digital SLR.

[Bike Tourist]

Do stock photo sites really care where the film came from? Do they really pay that much attention to the EXIF data?
That's not cool. :bang:

It's not where the film came from. It's the fact that they don't like the grain of any film, which they interpret as "noise".

[shadowfox]

It's not where the film came from. It's the fact that they don't like the grain of any film, which they interpret as "noise".

Ain't this the truth, I can't get any of my film photos past the reviewers for *any* online stock photo agencies. And I already scan using a Nikon Coolscan. Some reviewers told me that everyting is ok, color, composition, and subject, the only problem is grain. I guess they only accept anything that looks plasticky.

I just don't get it, with so many publications now only available online (and making money), why do they insist that the picture has to be noise free when viewed at 100% magnification?? They are missing out on a lot of good pictures that are perfectly marketable.

:bang:

[Bike Tourist]

Ain't this the truth, I can't get any of my film photos past the reviewers for *any* online stock photo agencies. And I already scan using a Nikon Coolscan. Some reviewers told me that everyting is ok, color, composition, and subject, the only problem is grain. I guess they only accept anything that looks plasticky.

I just don't get it, with so many publications now only available online (and making money), why do they insist that the picture has to be noise free when viewed at 100% magnification?? They are missing out on a lot of good pictures that are perfectly marketable.

:bang:

Amen, brother!

[payasam]

Shadowfox and Dick, I didn't face that problem with the agency (here in India) which sells my stuff. Not only do they accept film, they even scanned a number of my slides and B&W negatives. I find scanning tedious, though; and if a picture is to be digital in the end, it makes sense to shoot it as digital.

[cmogi10]

I would keep the DSLR around to take pictures of your Rangefinders to post on the forums of course.

[pizzahut88]

I would keep the DSLR around to take pictures of your Rangefinders to post on the forums of course.

When I need to show my film gear on my blog . . .:p

[cmogi10]

Exactly! hah

[JeremyLangford]

For me, I keep my 30d because I love post-processing. I always shoot in RAW, no matter what, and I end up messing with the WB on my computer to tint the photo in ways that set a mood for the picture.