Gas Free! Why My Camera Collection is Far Better Than Yours...

[NickTrop]

Yes - gas free, as if I downed a case of Beano, and chased it with a 5th of liquid Gas-X!!! Now, I'll explain why I have the greatest camera collection in the world, hands down, bar none. Let me qualify that last statement - best collection "for taking pictures". Certainly, it's better than yours, by far. The reason is that while I didn't blow as many dollars as you did, mine is better because of the thought I put into each purchase. Since I am a super-genius, and you are not, the result is a far better tool box for taking photos. Read, enjoy, and learn from me, the self-professed greatest expert regarding such matters.

First we have the basic SLR. Cosina (Vivitar branded). Still made today, purchased mine circa 1990. Small, black, light. OM-ish. Pentax-K. Cost $100 bucks in 1990 at K-Mart. Tops shutter speed is 2000. The most evocative pics are taken with RFs, due to their low-light capabilities, but SLRs are a better "interchangeable lens" system. I use this with the Jupiter 9 (adapted to Pentax-K). The 50 I use is the 1.4 Super Tak with the radioactive element. As good as a Cron but cost me $25 because it had yellowed (easily fixed by letting it sun itself). I have a cheap Vivitar 19mm superwide for the rare instances I need such a lens (superwides are really toys for spec-drunk lightweights, no sense in shelling out any real dough for this). And I have a 24mm Sigma - a great bargain optic that rates higher than Leicas on Photodo for this focal length.

As you can see, I did my homework. I have a killer SLR kit with incredible glass for not a lot of money. I don't use SLRs a lot - mostly for portraits. But when interchangeable lenses are in order, this is what I reach for. Interchangeable lensed rangefinders are silly devices when compared to SLRs. For interchangeable lenses, you need to see right through the lens. Forget all those annoying "framelines". That's just silly. An SLR is required for portraiture, macro photography. For the seldom used, and least useful "wide/super wide" in 35, yeah a Leica-style rangefinder is better but if you're with me so far, I say "who cares, who needs them". They're intoxicants for "spec-winos". This SLR is "all manual", which means it is a "virtual shutter priority" camera, in use, in reality. It's lighter, cheaper, smaller and therefore more useful - a better camera, than the "name" Nikons and Canons. Because I was - frankly, brilliant in my lens collection, it has better picture-taking capabilities than these cameras t'boot/more importantly.


Now lets move to digital. The only thing digital is good for are small sensor cameras to take advantage of the enormous "zoom" capabilities. Digitals are also good for webshots and prints up to 5x7.

Like the fact that "manual cameras" are really "virtual shutter speed priority" cameras. Megapixels don't really matter all that much in practical use, since nearly everyone who uses digitals post their pics to the web and view on computers printing out next to nothing, and when they do print, print small 6x4s. Also, this last statement being true, "in use" DSLRs are laughable overkill and almost entirely unnecessary. Furthermore - yeah, I want to lug around these ergonomic disasters with their futzy little buttons, lcds that wash out in daylight, want to carry several charged batteries, shoot with some crappy zoom lens (get off your ass and frame the shot, willya) and annoy everyone by blinding them with "autofocus assist lights", and "preflash" flash series, before the big blinding flash. Silly devices. You're welcome to keep them. Don't wonder why everyone ducks for cover when you start aiming your. Shoot that big 10 megapixel raw file - futz with that image in Photoshop, adjusting the curves like an OCD sufferer, only to "downsize" it to something your could have shot with 1/2 a megapixel because you're "album" is on Smugmug where you display all your pics. Hey, I think I'll print this one for granpa. He 97 and doesn't have a PC. Where's that 6x4 photo paper?

Hence, my 2.1 megapixel Panasonic FZ1 is an outstanding digital to own. It's tiny. Mine I hacked to make it an "FZ1v2" giving it aperture and shutter priority.
The only reason to own a digital is for web posting, small prints, and to take advantage of their amazing zoom capabilities. That I can shoot at f2.8 with a 420mm equiv zoom, hand-held (not on a tripod) with a tiny light camera is a tremendous capability. Digital wins on this one.

To sum up part one of this post. Virtual shutter priority "manual" SLRs are clearly better than any rangefinder for an interchangeable focal length system. Wide angle in 35 are for the "spec drunk". An SLR is a "necessary evil" and good mainly for portraiture and macros. Digitals have their place - one place really, compact super zoom models with image stabilization. DSLRS are a joke. There are a million DSLR models, and most are identicle, as opposed to the "golden era of classic film cameras" when there were real differences in both types of cameras and engineering approach in terms of both format and "approach".

However, the best cameras in 35mm are fixed lens rangefinders with superior leaf shutters where the lens is "one" with the camera. You only need one lens.

...to be continued.

[M. Valdemar]

ONE hot summer’s day a Fox was strolling through an orchard till he came to a bunch of Grapes just ripening on a vine which had been trained over a lofty branch. “Just the things to quench my thirst,” quoth he. Drawing back a few paces, he took a run and a jump, and just missed the bunch. Turning round again with a One, Two, Three, he jumped up, but with no greater success. Again and again he tried after the tempting morsel, but at last had to give it up, and walked away with his nose in the air, saying: “I am sure they are sour.”

[d_ross]

my Fuji gsw69 has a zoom like that :)

[NickTrop]

ONE hot summer’s day a Fox was strolling through an orchard till he came to a bunch of Grapes just ripening on a vine which had been trained over a lofty branch. “Just the things to quench my thirst,” quoth he. Drawing back a few paces, he took a run and a jump, and just missed the bunch. Turning round again with a One, Two, Three, he jumped up, but with no greater success. Again and again he tried after the tempting morsel, but at last had to give it up, and walked away with his nose in the air, saying: “I am sure they are sour.”

No "sour grapes" here, m'friend. I work for a livin', have an okay paying gig, have too many credit cards, and can certainly get anything I want (within reason, of course). I have exactly the toolkit I want. I would literally not trade my collection for - literally, any other. I have no "gas" for any other camera for I have the "perfect" collection, not because of the money I spent on it, but due to the time and thought I put in to it.

[FrankS]

So Nick, you'd say you were done then?

[NickTrop]

So Nick, you'd say you were done then?

Yeah, I'd say. I will continue to explain in further posts why I have the cameras I have, why I opted out of others (like DSLRs) and how and why they effectively cover all photographic bases in a most cost effective fashion with zero compromises in terms of quality.

[Keith]

Gas Free! Why My Camera Collection is Far Better Than Yours...

Them's fightin' words ... gentlemen choose your weapons! :p

[NickTrop]

Continued... Why not?

My "Poor Man's Leica" system

Leicas are overpriced for minimal performace gains. They are "overengineered" in terms of everything that doesn't matter about taking pictures. Talking about the cameras here. That great "tactile feel" and "buttery smooth" film advance does not mean squat when it comes to their ability to take photos. Sure it "feels" nice, I guess but my God man, you're willing to pay, "say what?" for that "buttery film advance". And this aids you in taking pictures, how? So, they're built well, rugged. Guess what? Years later it seems to me they have no advantage in terms of how well they've held up and what servicing they'll need over far less expensive cameras. Sometimes when I hear the Leica folks talk, it sounds to me more like they're buying a comfortable pair of loafers instead of a camera.

That brings us to the lenses. Sure they're great. But guess what? By the 50's everyone was making great, fast, fixed lens glass, essentially copying the basic formulas of Zeiss and Leica anyway, just making them way less costly than the real deal without any meaningful degradation in performance. In the 30's, yeah, Leica had highly innovative lens designs along with Zeiss. The reputation from those eary designs carried them for decades. But guess what else? Do those little variences in signature really matter all that much? Did winning that "lens resolution test" matter - really? Really?!?

Of course not.

However, there is such a thing as "lens signature". So, I went with the extreme in terms of this as far as Leica is concerned, and purchased an f2 Summar. Yeah - it's got the "Leica glow" alright, and enough "signature" for any 10 lenses . It's a pretty neat lens, actually. Now, I wouldn't run out any buy an actualy Leica body for it - no way, I don't care how "buttery smooth" the film advance is, or how "contrasty" the rangefinder patch is...

Now I digress on the usability of "rangefinder patches" on which many keystokes have been made here. This is a boolean. True or false, yes/no, up/down, east/west, 1/0. You can either focus with the damned thing or you can't. Period. Gots me lots o RFs. Some have clearer or contrastier patches than others by a small margin. I can focus just as quickly with the worst of them as I can with the best of them. I have okay eyesight, maybe that's why. Dunno. If they're clear enough to align the images is all that matters, and I've yet to encounter one that isn't, and if it isn't it needs to be cleaned. But this seems much ado about nothing. I doubt I could focus any faster with a superior in contrastiness and clarity Leica RF than my slightly foggy Zorki. Speaking of which, is what I slapped my Summar on. Would I have wanted to slap it on a Barnack? Hell no! My $30 Zorki 4k has a film advance lever!

In truth, this is a fun little kit and I like the wacky Summar bokeh and lower contrast. It's a cool lens. But this is the only lens this camera will see. I have an interchangeable system that's superior in my SLR (for this one I would have to get a turret - pulease...) And, it's as far as I care to venture into Leica-ville.

[Gradskater]

I think I am getting over my G.A.S also. My weapons as follows.

I have an slr , a minolta x-370n, black, with a 28mm, 55mm, and 135mm. The 28 and 55 are rokkor lenses. The x-370 has a plastic body, but its light and has an accurate meter and I can shoot in aperture priority. got the body for $35, the 55mm lens for $5, the 28mm for $15, and the 135mm for $10. glass is spotless on all the lenses.

Got a yashica electro gsn for $10, excellent shape (except a bent filter ring). My low light camera.

A black minolta hi-matic e for $15 in near perfect condition. Its a fun camera and takes no thought. Just focus and shoot.

And my FSU, a black Zorki 6 with jupiter 8 that cost me the most at $65. When I want to spend a little more time playing with exposures and such, I use this camera. I also have sekonic l-208 I use with the zorki. This was my major splurge at $100.

Is this the best kit ever? Probably not, but it was cheap and it works for me.

oh, and yes, NickTrop is right. The yashica electro is the best camera ever made.

[Anupam]

I paid $120 for my Nikon F3, compared to which the vivitar is a piece of crap. If you want Pentax glass, at least get a Pentax body. Vivitar?! Geez!

-A
PS: My gear is listed on my website, if anyone's interested.

[NickTrop]

I paid $120 for my Nikon F3, compared to which the vivitar is a piece of crap. If you want Pentax glass, at least get a Pentax body. Vivitar?! Geez!

-A
PS: My gear is listed on my website, if anyone's interested.

The Vivitar "piece of crap" is made by Cosina, the now much heralded manufacturer of those fake Bessas everyone loves around here. Guess what? It's the same body as the Bessa, essentially, with the mirror and prism removed. It has worked flawlessly since 1990 without servicing. It is lighter than the F3. The apertures are the same as the F3, the shutter speeds are the same as the F3, and it measures light the same as the F3. It's as light tight as the F3. The glass I have amassed for it is terrific. The Jupiter 9 is a great, fast portrait lens - among the best ever made by anyone. I love its 15 blade near circular aperture, actually prefer its "clickless" aperture ring, and think more lenses should have been designed with a delimiter ring. I'll take if over - literally, any Nikon of the same speed and focal length. The 1.4 Tak is regarded by many as the best 50 ever made. Which puts it right up there with every other 50 ever made, since all 50's seem to lay claim to being the best 50 ever made :)

How is the F3 better?

[Anupam]

How is the F3 better?
LOL! Well, try changing out the focusing screen on your Vivitar. Better still try changing the the prism and putting in a 6x magnified viewfinder for precise focusing. I have the DW-4 and DE-2 finders with two different screens which let me go from normal matte to an aerial screen I use to go way beyond life size focusing. How about mirror lock up? Build? And I seriously doubt if it has a 80-20 meter like the F3, more likely 60-40.

If you are seriously asking how one of the finest manual focus cameras ever made is better then your Vivitar then you have really lost the plot, I am afraid.

I know that Cosina makes the Bessas - I use them. They also make the Nikon FM-10 - a passable camera at best, but it would be ridiculous to suggest that it's a better body than any of the classic Nikons because its "lighter." The build of Bessas have imroved much over time, and I love them. But I wouldn't therefore ask "How is the M7 better." And in this case my "M7" cost almost the same as your "Bessa." Vivitar also designed some fine equipment, including one of the finest macro lenses ever put out for 35mm, but a lot of their stuff was junk as well.

-A

[NickTrop]

LOL! Well, try changing out the focusing screen on you Vivitar. Better still try changing the the prism and putting in a 6x magnified viewfinder for precise focusing. I have the DW-4 and DE-2 finders with two different screens which let me go from normal matte to an aerial screen I use to go way beyond life size focusing. How about mirror lock up? Build? And I seriously doubt if it has a 80-20 meter like the F3, more likely 60-40.

If you are seriously asking how the Vivitar is better than one of the finest manual focus cameras ever made then you have really lost the plot, I am afraid.

I know that Cosina makes the Bessas - I use them. They also make the Nikon FM-10 - a passable camera at best, but it would be ridiculous to suggest that it's a better body than any of the classic Nikons because its "lighter." The build of Bessas have imroved much over time, and I love them. But I wouldn't therefore ask "How is the M7 better." And in this case my "Leica" cost almost the same as your "Bessa." Vivitar also designed some fine equipment, including one of the finest macro lenses ever put out for 35mm, but a lot of their stuff was junk as well.

-A

I focus (no problem), meter, shoot. And the pics come out fine. How they look is a function of what lens and film I'm using. The camera is light tight, shutter speeds are accurate, the meter is accurate. It's been reliable - never failed, not once, in 18 years. And it's smaller and lighter.

So what would the Nikon "buy me" in a camera body over the Cosina? A name? In 2008 $20 more resell value ????????? Additional features I have no use for?

[bmattock]

My 'collection' isn't superior to anyone's. It is mostly made up of stuff I bought as cheaply as I could over a long period of time. Unlike most 'collections', it has no real emphasis, like all left-handed tweezers made in the Grand Duchy of Fenwick during the reign of Duchess Glorianna. It's just stuff I thought was interesting and that I could afford (more or less).

Last week, I received a Fed 5. A couple days ago, it was an Agfa Super Solina. Did not need either one. But they are fun to play with. And that's the only reason I need.

[Anupam]

I focus (no problem), meter, shoot. And the pics come out fine. How they look is a function of what lens and film I'm using. The camera is light tight, shutter speeds are accurate, the meter is accurate. It's been reliable - never failed, not once, in 28 years. And it's smaller and lighter.

So what would the Nikon "buy me" in a camera body over the Cosina? A name? In 2008 $20 more resell value ?????????

Did you read my post? If you never push your camera, ANY camera will do, even a disposable - those are "light tight" too.

However, I do tend to push my equipment. I do shoot in situations where I NEED mirror lock up, an aerial focussing screen and a magnified waist level finder. Any camera which doesn't have that is dead weight in those situations - that's what the F3 buys me over the Vivitar.

-A

[Jamie Pillers]

I also have done a LOT of research and "trying things on to see how they fit". And so my camera/lens collection is The Best... for me... at this moment. I'll say more, but first a digression.

I returned to photography after a 15yr. hiatus. I'd left it because I no longer had time to spend hours in the darkroom... and I've never liked sending my negatives off to someone else to do the work (nor can I afford that anymore). So I came back when I saw that I could have a "digital darkroom" at a reasonable price and could produce reasonable photos. I'm not sure I spend a lot less time with the digital darkroom than I did in a wet darkroom, but at least I can get up from the computer and play with my kid when she calls. :-)

When I returned to photography (about a year ago) I had the opportunity to reconsider the equipment I wanted to use. I initially thought a DSLR would do the trick... a digital version of the "aperture priority kick-a** SLRs I used in the old days. But after a few months of trying with a D80 and a few different small P&S digitals, I felt "something" was wrong. First I felt that reasonably-priced digital equipment just couldn't deliver the dynamic range I'd experienced with film. And the annoyance factor... geez! Let me say this for the millionth time... I DO NOT NEED AN LCD on the back of my camera. I don't want my brain cells consumed by checking every decision I make... while the subject matter slips on by!! So basically, I just couldn't get comfortable with all the adjustments of the digitals.

So... I've gone back to film and, mostly, rangefinders. I like the quiet simplicity of these cameras. I never considered Leica... the prices for that stuff is, well, stupid. And I like my lenses on the wide side, generally. Subject matter... wallowing around in the crowds out on the street mostly. And some close-up personal stuff with the family around home.

I ended up with a Voigtlander body and a couple of lenses ( I had to try a couple of each to find the right "fit" for my eye). I admit that at least part of the reason I went in this direction instead of, say, an old Canon or a Zorki, was that I wanted something new and shiny. :-) And I wanted a built-in light meter. And I wanted aperture priority!! I got all this with the Voigtlander stuff, at what I considered a sane price.

I also bought a nice old Yashica Electro GX for my "take with me to the store and to work" camera. My web research found that this little camera has an exceptionally sharp lens and its wide enough (40mm) to satisfy my vision. And its aperture priority with matched stepless shutter speed... COOL.

And I have a little Nikon D40x with a Voigtlander SL II 58mm f1.5 lens. And I modified a Holga lens for this camera as well... for when I need a change of pace. I use this kit for informal portraits of my family and friends, and for still lifes. By the way... I tried one of Nikon's zoom lenses for awhile but... come on... they are terrible in low light! (Unless you want to throw down an arm and a leg for one of their quasi-fast zooms.) Give me an f2 or f1.4 prime lens any day!

I have the film developed and scanned at Costco. I use their scans as a sort of digital contact sheet. When I find the rare image I want to print, I rescan the film on my new little Nikon Coolscan.

The set-up is The Best... bar none.... for me... for now. :-)

[NickTrop]

My 'collection' isn't superior to anyone's. It is mostly made up of stuff I bought as cheaply as I could over a long period of time. Unlike most 'collections', it has no real emphasis, like all left-handed tweezers made in the Grand Duchy of Fenwick during the reign of Duchess Glorianna. It's just stuff I thought was interesting and that I could afford (more or less).

Last week, I received a Fed 5. A couple days ago, it was an Agfa Super Solina. Did not need either one. But they are fun to play with. And that's the only reason I need.

Well, you've conceded that your camera collection is not as good as mine. Wise of you. I win! Just be sure you read the warning label on that Agfa you just acquired. You wouldn't want to void the warranty.

[hunghang]

I was going to argue with Nick ... but then again... I rememberred a funny quote from one of our RFF'ers here .....

" arguing on the internet is like running in the special Olympics, whether you win or loose, you are still a spastic..."

therefore, I refrain... I am going to put all my DSLR, P&S, and all of my alledged top-rate RF gear on fleaBay (but then again, no one would buy them after reading Nick's post here - I might as well throw them away)

[shiro_kuro]

I agree with Nick ...... Leica is the way to go ... I love my M6 and my Ricoh GRD2 .
I got the M6 because my parents do not have a computer ......... so I take pics with this and send them the photos ...... they love it . The Grd2 I will use to post to my smug smug site when I get one ...... For now I just scan my negs from the Leica M6 and upload them to my i Web site which you can't do with the Ricoh because it's digital........

[bigdood]

I got the M6 because my parents do not have a computer ......... so I take pics with this and send them the photos ...... they love it .

i'm not sure why, but that's the coolest thing i've read in awhile. i love the thought of getting an envelope in the mail with random photos in it.

ok, we now return to our regularly scheduled pissing match.

[NickTrop]

Okay, I've established:

1. SLRs - necessary evil. Better than RFs for interchangeable lenses. Must have/necessary evil. Need a fast 50 - almost any will do. I have the old radioactive 1.4 Tak. Also, a portrait lens is mandatory. The Jupiter 9 Sonnar copy is the best. It's f2, compact, has a 15 blade aperture, and I love the delimiter ring. If you "must" have a wide the 24mm (4.4 Photodo rated) Sigma is a great choice. Anything beyond this for a wide, like anything faster than f 1.4" are for "spec drunk" gear collectors.

Small, light, virtually same body as the Cosina Bessa fakes with the 1.4 Tak, 24mm Sigma, J9 portrait lens (and a cheap 19mm super wide) = best SLR kit, hands down, bar non. I have the best SLR kit.

Next...

2. DSLRs are futzy, big, and loud. They cause people to run from you when you want to take their picture. They are overkill for how 90% of people who own them use them, posting pics on the web, or making small prints. Chimping shots is no fun, handing the creative control over to a microprocessor is no fun. You can keep them. Don't own one, don't want one. Besides, they're all basically the same.

Best "non-purchase" of an overrated technology that everyone else bought - ME!

3. However, digital has its place. Compact super zooms! A 35-420 35mm equiv. zoom with image stabilization that can be used hand-held with f2.8 brightness across the focal range of the zoom is a luxury and useful! Best camera for this is a hacked Panasonic FZ1. (Hacking the firmware gives it aperture and shutter priority modes. It kina sucks w/o it...) While it only has 2.1 megapixels it's 3x as much as you need for the web, and enough to give you 250 (approx) dpi on 6x4s. 5x7 even look okay, and I've even printed acceptable 8x10s with this camera.

Smartest use of digital award goes to, ME!

So, we have our "interchangeable lens" base covered, needed mostly for portraiture, verrrrrrrrrry smartly. We recognize the advantages of digital - takes the place of the big zoom, covered smartly with a tiny ultra light super zoom.

3. It's okay to have a "novelty" camera to fool around with for fun. That's the Zorki 4K with the Summar... I have the "funnest" novelty camera/lens to fool around with.

Next, we move to other formats. No small format (35 mm) can match medium format. I don't care what lens, or what camera you have. The problem with MF cameras, however, is they tend to be BIG, and lugging them around is a PAIN. Did someone say TLR? Bahhh... Who wants to see reverse images. It's unnatural and annoying.

That brings us to folders. Most folders, however, are too crude. I especially dislike scale focus, which cheats the lens. You might get "acceptable" focus if you're good at guessing depth, but you'll never achieve the kind of critical focus as you can with a rangefinder or an SLR.

So, if you want optimal quality in your photographs, you need to "step up" in format. You need a folder for their portability but one with RF focus to get the most out of the lens. I chose the Iskra. Portable, great lens, RF focusing, and a film counter (mine works)! Beautiful results, better than any 35mm. Period. And because it's easy to carry, I actually use it - often.

Best SLR system - me
Best non-purchase of a dslr - me
Best "novelty" camera w/ Leica lens - me
Best use of digital (for their hand-held zoom capability) - me
Best MF camera - me.

...to be continued.

[FrankS]

It's great to see that you're taking your confidence pills Nick! :)

[Pablito]

Well, you've conceded that your camera collection is not as good as mine. Wise of you. I win!

is there a trophy? a ribbon? a sash? prize money?

[sjw617]

And yet another late Saturday night 'Nick is always right and the rest of you are wrong' rant. Tiresome Nick.

[Iskra 2]

:D :D :D :D Chuckle. :D :D :D Nice to see Nick, that you've taken alot of recent advice from people on this forum in establishing your perfect system. Education is powerful. Regards. :) :angel:

[JeffGreene]

1. SLRs - necessary evil. Better than RFs for interchangeable lenses. Must have/necessary evil. Need a fast 50 - almost any will do. I have the old radioactive 1.4 Tak. Also, a portrait lens is mandatory. The Jupiter 9 Sonnar copy is the best. It's f2, compact, has a 15 blade aperture, and I love the delimiter ring. If you "must" have a wide the 24mm (4.4 Photodo rated) Sigma is a great choice. Anything beyond this for a wide, like anything faster than f 1.4" are for "spec drunk" gear collectors.

Small, light, virtually same body as the Cosina Bessa fakes with the 1.4 Tak, 24mm Sigma, J9 portrait lens (and a cheap 19mm super wide) = best SLR kit, hands down, bar non. I have the best SLR kit.


Nick:

Opinions are what make RFF such a great place! I like my NIkon FE, bought it new, and it's never let me down. Have a 50 1.4, 100 2.8, and a 200 4 with a 2X extension tube, why else.
Next...

2. DSLRs are futzy, big, and loud. They cause people to run from you when you want to take their picture. They are overkill for how 90% of people who own them use them, posting pics on the web, or making small prints. Chimping shots is no fun, handing the creative control over to a microprocessor is no fun. You can keep them. Don't own one, don't want one. Besides, they're all basically the same.

Best "non-purchase" of an overrated technology that everyone else bought - ME!

Check out the new Oly E410 with its prime 50. Reminds me of the 1N, 2N, 3N & 4N series. It might make a believer out of you!


3. However, digital has its place. Compact super zooms! A 35-420 35mm equiv. zoom with image stabilization that can be used hand-held with f2.8 brightness across the focal range of the zoom is a luxury and useful! Best camera for this is a hacked Panasonic FZ1. (Hacking the firmware gives it aperture and shutter priority modes. It kina sucks w/o it...) While it only has 2.1 megapixels it's 3x as much as you need for the web, and enough to give you 250 (approx) dpi on 6x4s. 5x7 even look okay, and I've even printed acceptable 8x10s with this camera.

Smartest use of digital award goes to, ME!

So, we have our "interchangeable lens" base covered, needed mostly for portraiture, verrrrrrrrrry smartly. We recognize the advantages of digital - takes the place of the big zoom, covered smartly with a tiny ultra light super zoom.

Panasonics are great as long as you keep to the low ISO's. I have a LX2 and love it.

3. It's okay to have a "novelty" camera to fool around with for fun. That's the Zorki 4K with the Summar... I have the "funnest" novelty camera/lens to fool around with.

Next, we move to other formats. No small format (35 mm) can match medium format. I don't care what lens, or what camera you have. The problem with MF cameras, however, is they tend to be BIG, and lugging them around is a PAIN. Did someone say TLR? Bahhh... Who wants to see reverse images. It's unnatural and annoying.

That brings us to folders. Most folders, however, are too crude. I especially dislike scale focus, which cheats the lens. You might get "acceptable" focus if you're good at guessing depth, but you'll never achieve the kind of critical focus as you can with a rangefinder or an SLR.

So, if you want optimal quality in your photographs, you need to "step up" in format. You need a folder for their portability but one with RF focus to get the most out of the lens. I chose the Iskra. Portable, great lens, RF focusing, and a film counter (mine works)! Beautiful results, better than any 35mm. Period. And because it's easy to carry, I actually use it - often.

Best SLR system - me
Best non-purchase of a dslr - me
Best "novelty" camera w/ Leica lens - me
Best use of digital (for their hand-held zoom capability) - me
Best MF camera - me.

I like my Mamiya 6. Like that square format, although I'm definitely interested in exploring the new Fuji folder all are talking about. Come join us for the Tattoo show this April!


Jeff

[NickTrop]

And yet another late Saturday night 'Nick is always right and the rest of you are wrong' rant. Tiresome Nick.

Tiresome - to some, perhaps,
But certainly true,
As true as,
1 + 1 = 2...
|

[brachal]

" arguing on the internet is like running in the special Olympics, whether you win or loose, you are still a spastic..."

Laughed coffee up my nose. :)

[NickTrop]

I like my Mamiya 6. Like that square format, although I'm definitely interested in exploring the new Fuji folder all are talking about. Come join us for the Tattoo show this April!
Jeff

Jeff - what tattoo show? Regret missing the camera show. The Mamya 6 is certainly nice. A beauty.

[MikeL]

Keep the 'truthiness' coming Nick!

Where's mention of the Yashica HG (Holy Grail) in this thread though?

[NickTrop]

:D :D :D :D Chuckle. :D :D :D Nice to see Nick, that you've taken alot of recent advice from people on this forum in establishing your perfect system. Education is powerful. Regards. :) :angel:

You understand RF-style photography 100%. All who agree with me do. I will soon compile a list of all those who understand RF photography, it's essentially a list of all posters who agree in full with what I've said here, and on the Electro thread. Congrats - you made the cut, and understand RF photography.

[NickTrop]

Keep the 'truthiness' coming Nick!

Where's mention of the Yashica HG (Holy Grail) in this thread though?

That's forthcoming. You have also "made the list" of photographers on this board who understand RF-style photography. Congratulations!

[moretto]

@ everybody: don't You just love this guy?:D
@Nick: just added You to my buddy list ;)

[chikne]

Tiresome - to some, perhaps,
But certainly true,
As true as,
1 + 1 = 2...
|

Haem, 1 + 1 = 11

Point, bar, better, none..........

[NickTrop]

I agree with Nick ...... Leica is the way to go ... I love my M6 and my Ricoh GRD2 .
I got the M6 because my parents do not have a computer ......... so I take pics with this and send them the photos ...... they love it . The Grd2 I will use to post to my smug smug site when I get one ...... For now I just scan my negs from the Leica M6 and upload them to my i Web site which you can't do with the Ricoh because it's digital........


Konichi wa, shiro_kuro san! Sushte, arrigato goes imashta. Nihon ne dono-good-eye edashi mashta ka?

(Hey, listening to all those Pimsleur Japanese tapes on my shlep in to work actually paid off - er, I think. Forgive the phonetic romaji, hope you understand it. I forget hiragana, and only 1/2 learned katakana, but can't type it on my keyboard anyway. Forget kanji. How you cats from the East are able to read stuff mixing the three of these I'll never understand (but certainly admire :)

[Andrew Sowerby]

This thread is like eating a big pile of jelly beans. At first it's fun, but the further you go, the worse you feel.

[jack palmer]

Truly one of the best threads on the forum. The man knows what he's talking about.

[FrankS]

Truly one of the best threads on the forum. The man knows what he's talking about.

You're just sucking up to get on the list! ;)

[jack palmer]

I don't like lists , tags , labels or logos. I cut ALL the tags off my clothes, peel the stickers off every consumer item that I buy.Even my Ford F350 no longer says FORD anywhere. I hate being an advertisement for anyone or anything. But if Nick wants to add me to his list.......;)

[Al Patterson]

I have a Leica CL as well as the two other cameras in my sig. I tend to use the Canon or the Yashica more than the CL. Their lenses are almost as sharp as the Leica, and less than 10% of the price. I only grab the CL when I know I will need to change lenses.

I also have a Canon A-1 with the 35-105 f3.5 zoom. Great lens. This is my main kit for out chasing trains. I pair that with a DSLR with the 18-55 kit lens (for now). I'm definately looking for a longer zoom for the DSLR, but I'm pretty much done camera wise, except for a few repairs I need to have on some eBay rangefinders I want to try out.

And I'm not done, as there are plenty of inexpensive cameras floating around that I might want to pick up at some point.

No sour grapes here...

[Al Patterson]

Tiresome - to some, perhaps,
But certainly true,
As true as,
1 + 1 = 2...
|

Where I work 1 + 1 = 10.

But then again, I'm in IT...

[Larky]

Do you not think that by posting a thread, saying that your collection is 'better' and that you are a 'genius' is kind of similar to me starting a thread saying I am the only person who is right and everyone else is a cock?

I wouldn't do that, because I am not a pr1ck.

[gb hill]

Nick, Your philosophy is absolutly correct. For shutter quietness I'll put my Canonet QL 17 up against any M leica anyday. For shooting in low light I'll take my Yashica GSN with the Yashinon 45/1.7 lens. I'll keep my Canon AE1p (that my wife gave me) with my 50/1.4 ssc lens that I bought off ebay for $12.00 Canon 35-70 3.5 which is a killer lens. For medium format I love my Holga that gives me interesting pictures that a Hassy cannot give me! I love my Bessa R that has a brilliant vf that, for the money I paid, will put up against a Leica M's vf. And best of all is, I don't have to put a piece of damn gaffers tape on my camera to cover the red dot. Oh yea! the black I-61 that I bought brand new, still in the box with my Fed 5 that I paid $10.00 for is considered one of the better russian lenses, & I love the click stops. The only thing Leica that I own is my Elmar 50/3.5 & that stays on my Zorki 2c. I don't own a dslr. Too afraid I might break one of those cheap plastic lenses. Well!... someone had to take sitemistics place!!;)

[FrankS]

Larky, Nick's just having a lark.

[d_ross]

Nick, I agree with pretty much everything you say, or more precisely the philosophy behind it, and I'm even on your list of Electro believers. But there is something missing here :) you talk about cameras for photographers, not collectors or leica lovers too scared to use the camera in case they hurt it, so where are the pictures from this perfect kit :)

[bmattock]

I don't own a dslr. Too afraid I might break one of those cheap plastic lenses.

Amazing how many luddites around here can't figure out the dials on a dSLR, so they think no one can. Does your VCR blink 12:00 too?

Perhaps you weren't aware that you can put 'real' lenses on most dSLRs if you want to. I shoot my Pentax quite a bit with a simple, low-cost, manual-focus SMC-A 50mm f/1.7. Works just great, and stopped down to f/2.4, it's terrifically sharp. Oh, I also put the dSLR under manual control, too. I control the shutter speed, aperture, ISO, White Balance, and I've put a nice split-focus film-era viewscreen in, too. Strangely enough, it does everything my film cameras ever have, and since I'm not somewhere north of 60K shutter actuations, I feel it is a purchase that was well worth it for me.

But hey, you go on thinking that dSLR cameras are fragile. Silly old Pooh.

[Ducky]

Wonderful thread.
Apparently 'truth and beauty' is indeed in the eye of the beholder.
I'm a believer, Nick.

[Larry Manuel]

NickTrop wrote: "Did someone say TLR? Bahhh... Who wants to see reverse images. It's unnatural and annoying."

Agreed. And I especially hate that the images on my Rolleicord's negatives are always upside down.

[cmedin]

I don't own a dslr. Too afraid I might break one of those cheap plastic lenses. Well!... someone had to take sitemistics place!!;)

Sitemistic may have been opinionated, but not ignorant. Bmattock already jumped on this but I have to comment too: just like any 35mm 'kit' comes with cheap garbage for lenses so does any DSLR kit. There's nothing stopping you from picking up the body alone and sticking any kind of superb glass on there. I shoot a 28/3.5 Super Takumar on mine.

As for breaking, I suspect my DSLR with its magnesium alloy body will take a tumble quite a bit better than your RF cameras -- how well do you think that fancy rangefinder mechanism will survive a good bump?

As for this thread: now I wonder if all the times in the past that I got annoyed at Nick's posts he was just yanking our chain...

[gb hill]

Amazing how many luddites around here can't figure out the dials on a dSLR, so they think no one can. Does your VCR blink 12:00 too?

Perhaps you weren't aware that you can put 'real' lenses on most dSLRs if you want to. I shoot my Pentax quite a bit with a simple, low-cost, manual-focus SMC-A 50mm f/1.7. Works just great, and stopped down to f/2.4, it's terrifically sharp. Oh, I also put the dSLR under manual control, too. I control the shutter speed, aperture, ISO, White Balance, and I've put a nice split-focus film-era viewscreen in, too. Strangely enough, it does everything my film cameras ever have, and since I'm not somewhere north of 60K shutter actuations, I feel it is a purchase that was well worth it for me.

But hey, you go on thinking that dSLR cameras are fragile. Silly old Pooh.

I know you can put 'real' lenses on a dslr, & I also like the build quality of most dslr's. But if you look at the lenses that come with most dslr's there made of cheap plastic. I just gave away a Minolta 50/1.7 lens off my old 7000 to a friend in my flickr group to use on his Sony ox dslr. I will say that's a nice camera. I'm not against dslr's & the people who use them, I just like sticking with traditional photography.

[gb hill]

Sitemistic may have been opinionated, but not ignorant. Bmattock already jumped on this but I have to comment too: just like any 35mm 'kit' comes with cheap garbage for lenses so does any DSLR kit. There's nothing stopping you from picking up the body alone and sticking any kind of superb glass on there. I shoot a 28/3.5 Super Takumar on mine.

As for breaking, I suspect my DSLR with its magnesium alloy body will take a tumble quite a bit better than your RF cameras -- how well do you think that fancy rangefinder mechanism will survive a good bump?

As for this thread: now I wonder if all the times in the past that I got annoyed at Nick's posts he was just yanking our chain...

I liked sitemistic. BTW can't any of you people have any fun. I think thats what Nick is doing. With maybe a little seriousness to it. Oh!! I'll put the build quality of my Fed2 up against your dslr in dropping it any day of the week.

[infrequent]

and you guys thought sitemistic was a pain?

[ChrisN]

Best thread I've seen on here for ages!

And, I don't think it's safe to assume anyone here is serious! (Well, maybe one ot two poor souls. :) )

[chikne]

Where I work 1 + 1 = 10.

But then again, I'm in IT...

I'd be curious to know what you are referring to, surely not binary since binary 11 would equal 3 in decimal...

[micromoogman]

Hehe, amusing. But, everyone misses the point. The GAS. I'm into cameras just because of that drug thing. It makes my world go round. I used to collect synthesizers, cars, drewl over an intake that would make everything so much better. But then you need to sell the old intake, and you might even earn a couple of dollars on it. And then you read and learn, new stuff all the time. It's like telling the FSU people that the ultimate car is the VAZ, it must be, it takes you from point a to point b in a very humble and economic way...very logic and rational. But that is BOOOOOring!
Once upon a time I thought everything would be set if I only had a Leica M2, you cannot possibly want any other camera...eventually I bought one. Guess what, I suddenly realized that I needed a M6 instead... And hey, have fun, this is fun, cameras are fun!!
My keepers btw: Nikon F2 AS...and my first camera, the Diana deluxe, my Holga, my Rolleicord V, my Contax III, Kiev4a, Yashica Samurai, Leica std from 1936...er maybe that little Bellami too.

:)

[Pablito]

But there is something missing here :) you talk about cameras for photographers, not collectors or leica lovers too scared to use the camera in case they hurt it, so where are the pictures from this perfect kit :)

Actually, he's talking about cameras for amateur photographers. Don't get me wrong, amateurs can do great work and the Vivitar SLR can take perfectly good pictures, limited only by the imagination (despite a lousy viewfinder and shoddy build). But when your living depends on it, you need reliability and flexibility. He's been very lucky with that Vivitar SLR. When my students buy them they quite often break before the end of one semester.

[Al Patterson]

I'd be curious to know what you are referring to, surely not binary since binary 11 would equal 3 in decimal...

Binary 11 is 3 decimal. But 1 + 1 in binary IS 10. Always has been. Now, you can see "Ten" where I see "One Zero".

There are 10 kinds of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

[d_ross]

I thought he was talking about cameras for people who cared more about pictures than cameras, amature or whatever, and I'm still intrigued to see what type of pictures Nick takes. personally I think that if a rock with a hole in it taped to a baked bean tin does it for you then great, just show me a picture from it :)

[Brian Sweeney]

Best to put it as

movlw 00000001b
addlw 00000001b

[cmgphoto]

I thought he was talking about cameras for people who cared more about pictures than cameras, amature or whatever, and I'm still intrigued to see what type of pictures Nick takes. personally I think that if a rock with a hole in it taped to a baked bean tin does it for you then great, just show me a picture from it :)

I completely agree. While I laughed through most of this, I really think he needs to back up his talk, or quit blowing smoke up my...;)

[micromoogman]

pictures are less interesting than cameras...

[Ducky]

and you guys thought sitemistic was a pain?

I kinda liked him and his (very) strong opinions. I kinda like Nick too. If I was sitting over coffee with either I could always say, "yea, yea, we already know what you think." It justifies the $4.00 Starbuck prices to exchange ideas.:angel:

[d_ross]

At least Nick blows interesting and humerous smoke! and he gets good threads started!

Still I'd like to see a picture of Nicks from the worlds best rangefinder :)

[cmgphoto]

True. I can say that it's all Nick's fault that I now follow Electro's on eBay religiously. Someday I may buy one..

[BillBingham2]

I'd be curious to know what you are referring to, surely not binary since binary 11 would equal 3 in decimal...

How about 0000 0001 + 0000 0001 = 0000 0010

Brian, don't get me started about shifting left and all, I might break down and BAL about it!

B2 (;->

[rbiemer]

Since I am a super-genius Or should that be evil genius?
:D
I will say that I like my MG-1 pretty well and hope to like it a lot better after I've seen the results from the first film through it since I re-sealed it.

It's okay to have a "novelty" camera to fool around with for fun.
This is the typical evil genius misstep(we all know they make one fatal mistake per movie:p ); I hope to tell you that all my cameras are for fun. That's why I'm here.
But go ahead and do keep expostulating while I deactivate your planet buster:D
Rob

[Al Patterson]

True. I can say that it's all Nick's fault that I now follow Electro's on eBay religiously. Someday I may buy one..

Hey, they got me looking at the Lynx series for the even faster lenses. But one can buy a lot go Electros for the cost of even the cheapest M body Leica. (And I have two CLs, so I have nothing against Leica.)

[bmattock]

I know you can put 'real' lenses on a dslr, & I also like the build quality of most dslr's. But if you look at the lenses that come with most dslr's there made of cheap plastic. I just gave away a Minolta 50/1.7 lens off my old 7000 to a friend in my flickr group to use on his Sony ox dslr. I will say that's a nice camera. I'm not against dslr's & the people who use them, I just like sticking with traditional photography.

Fair enough. I think it is the way people say it that sticks in my craw sometimes. "I don't like dSLRs. They can't be used manually." That's an absolute, and it is wrong, since I use mine manually, as do many people. If they said "I find it too difficult to use a dSLR manually," I'd accept that as their own opinion and probably not have much to say.

I could also mention that I bought my dSLR sans 'kit' lens, but I later decided that I'd like to have it, and having bought it, I can say the 18-55 kit lens for the Pentax is rather nice, plastic and all. Rattles like it's coming part - but the images are quite sharp.

[bmattock]

How about 0000 0001 + 0000 0001 = 0000 0010

Brian, don't get me started about shifting left and all, I might break down and BAL about it!

B2 (;->

Too many little endians around here.

[chikne]

Binary 11 is 3 decimal. But 1 + 1 in binary IS 10. Always has been. Now, you can see "Ten" where I see "One Zero".

There are 10 kinds of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

Sharp humor ;)

[oftheherd]

My 'collection' isn't superior to anyone's. It is mostly made up of stuff I bought as cheaply as I could over a long period of time. Unlike most 'collections', it has no real emphasis, like all left-handed tweezers made in the Grand Duchy of Fenwick during the reign of Duchess Glorianna. It's just stuff I thought was interesting and that I could afford (more or less).

Last week, I received a Fed 5. A couple days ago, it was an Agfa Super Solina. Did not need either one. But they are fun to play with. And that's the only reason I need.

Kind of where I am at. Except I think that is the precise reason mine is the best. For me. Likely not for anyone else. And, I have come to terms with my GAS. Frankly, I don't buy as much anymore. No need to. I have more than I can use, and only buy when I see something I can afford that is just too unusual to pass up. Like my Welta Perfekta. I'm not a big fan of 6x6, but who could pass up a deal on that, a folding TLR?

Glad you like your collection too Nick. It would be sad if you didn't? But mine is still best. :D :D :D

[BillBingham2]

I'm declaring my system INFERIOR to everyone else's, I'm going to go buy something!

B2 (;->

[MickH]

I've got a really big penis. :cool:

[NickTrop]

I completely agree. While I laughed through most of this, I really think he needs to back up his talk, or quit blowing smoke up my...;)

I don't post many pics because I mostly take pics of my family and make prints and have "old school" photo albums. Hence there's no need to scan, and I don't like posting pics of my kids around. Especially given some of the characters I've read on this particular board.

However - I've decided to treat you tonight to some "throw aways" up on Deviant Art, the only on-line gallery I have, and one I'm not too active on. Most of the pics are old 2.1 megapixel Lumix pics. The newer IR stuff was taken with the GSN, others were taken with a Kiev 60, the rest with the 2 megapixel Panasonic.

None the less, this will be - hands down, bar none, the finest photography you've ever seen, even though they are throw aways. Be sure to see them - full size (click the pic) to appreciate their brilliance in all their glory. I only hope you're astute enough to appreciate them.

http://nicktrop.deviantart.com/gallery/
|

[MickH]

Stoppit Nick, it's starting to hurt!

[d_ross]

Realist as Surrealist, or is it Surrealist as Realist, Thanks Nick.

[NickTrop]

I could also mention that I bought my dSLR sans 'kit' lens, but I later decided that I'd like to have it, and having bought it, I can say the 18-55 kit lens for the Pentax is rather nice, plastic and all. Rattles like it's coming part - but the images are quite sharp.

Be sure you read the warning sticker on the bottom of the Pentax kit lens.
|

[NickTrop]

Realist as Surrealist, or is it Surrealist as Realist, Thanks Nick.

Congratulations! You understand rangefinder photography 100%. You are welcome in the club.
|

[chikne]

None the less, this will be - hands down, bar none, the finest photography you've ever seen, even though they are throw aways. Be sure to see them - full size (click the pic) to appreciate their brilliance in all their glory. I only hope you're astute enough to appreciate them.

http://nicktrop.deviantart.com/gallery/
|

Nick, you've survived a nuclear attack!! Are you a cockroach?

[bmattock]

Be sure you read the warning sticker on the bottom of the Pentax kit lens.
|

Bring your head over here and let's see what happens.

[JeffGreene]

Bring your head over here and let's see what happens.

Play nice, Bill. :angel:

By the way, Nick, did I make it into the club? Your images are devastating! :D

[Al Patterson]

I don't post many pics because I mostly take pics of my family and make prints and have "old school" photo albums. Hence there's no need to scan, and I don't like posting pics of my kids around. Especially given some of the characters I've read on this particular board.

However - I've decided to treat you tonight to some "throw aways" up on Deviant Art, the only on-line gallery I have, and one I'm not too active on. Most of the pics are old 2.1 megapixel Lumix pics. The newer IR stuff was taken with the GSN, others were taken with a Kiev 60, the rest with the 2 megapixel Panasonic.

None the less, this will be - hands down, bar none, the finest photography you've ever seen, even though they are throw aways. Be sure to see them - full size (click the pic) to appreciate their brilliance in all their glory. I only hope you're astute enough to appreciate them.

http://nicktrop.deviantart.com/gallery/
|

It appears I need to make a trip up to Ridley Creek State Park, The colors there are quite surreal, and it's only a short drive from here...

Nice stuff Nick. You must have used the GSN... ;)

[gb hill]

Bring your head over here and let's see what happens.

LOL...That lens would really be rattling then!!:D

[gb hill]

I wonder why none of my Canon lenses rattle like there falling apart.:rolleyes: :D

[alan davus]

Tiresome - to some, perhaps,
But certainly true,
As true as,
1 + 1 = 2...
|
Teacher to little Jewish boy in school: " Levi, how much is 1+1?.
Levi: What are we doing miss, buying or selling?.

[aad]

Takes a Man to use a TLR.

Great pictures, Nick Perhaps I will view one soon!

[NickTrop]

By the way, Nick, did I make it into the club? Your images are devastating! :D

You have made it into the club. You understand RF-style photography 100%. Welcome, and congratulations.

[NickTrop]

Nice stuff Nick. You must have used the GSN... ;)

You have made it into the club. You understand RF-style photography 100%. Welcome, and congrats.

[NickTrop]

Truly one of the best threads on the forum. The man knows what he's talking about.

Congratulations. You have made the cut. You understand RF-style photography 100%. Congrats, again, and welcome.

[erikhaugsby]

Wow, I sure hope that Nick thinks I'm worthy of being in "the club" so that I am not unworthy of my M2!
:eek:

[Ducky]

However - I've decided to treat you tonight to some "throw aways". Be sure to see them - full size (click the pic) to appreciate their brilliance in all their glory. I only hope you're astute enough to appreciate them.

http://nicktrop.deviantart.com/gallery/
|

Some of the finest throw aways I have ever seen. Sure beat my throw aways. :)

[infrequent]

in some of those throwaways...is it the leica glow of the summar or is that zorki radioactive?! ; )

[Dave Wilkinson]

[quote=NickTrop]Yes - gas free, as if I downed a case of Beano, and chased it with a 5th of liquid Gas-X!!! Now, I'll explain why I have the greatest camera collection in the world, hands down, bar none.

Damn!!......just spent forty years taking money for results from inferior gear! - if only I'd known......the heights I could have reached......the money I could have made!....:mad: ..........now,-where's that Jack Daniels bottle!!

[photobizzz]

Thanks, now I hate myself for taking the time to read this thread...

[breathstealer]

Okay, I've established:
2. DSLRs are futzy, big, and loud. They cause people to run from you when you want to take their picture.

When I raise a DSLR to my eye, more often than not I'm greeted with a smile in my direction as I release the shutter.

Does this prove that the DSLR is a good piece of equipment? Not really - it just shows how much hotter I am than Nick.

[rbiemer]

"Bocce Balls" is the photo I like the best of those, Nick. Not Sure what that says about my understanding of RF photography, though. Really good use of the Kiev60 & Arsat 30mm and the sepia toning works for that one.
Rob

[mfunnell]

What amazes me is Nick's speed of manual focus. He needs no naff autofocus stuff to react and take photos of rapidly approaching wildlife, 'cause after all he has reflexes, and the eye, to consistently do things like:

http://fc05.deviantart.com/fs11/i/2006/230/3/5/Sulphur_Crested_in_flight_12_by_mfunnell.jpg (http://mfunnell.deviantart.com/art/Sulphur-Crested-in-flight-12-38269387)

I mean, he must - musn't he? After all, he has no need of the kind of camera someone as inept as I might use to take this. Even Nick might (just might, mind you) need to use an SLR for this kind of shot. But a man as mighty as Nick might even be able to zone focus his beloved GSN... Who knows, genius (let alone super-genius) is difficult to evaluate.

Nick's cameras are better than mine...

...Mike

[Pherdinand]

Nick, cool posts.
However.
You don't own/use a rolleiflex.
Sorry to pee in your soup, dude. Your camera collection sucks.
:D

[NickTrop]

"Bocce Balls" is the photo I like the best of those, Nick. Not Sure what that says about my understanding of RF photography, though. Really good use of the Kiev60 & Arsat 30mm and the sepia toning works for that one.
Rob

You have made it to the club. Despite this photo not being taken by a RF, you understand RF-style photography. Congrats, and welcome.

[JeffGreene]

What amazes me is Nick's speed of manual focus. He needs no naff autofocus stuff to react and take photos of rapidly approaching wildlife, 'cause after all he has reflexes, and the eye, to consistently do things like:

http://fc05.deviantart.com/fs11/i/2006/230/3/5/Sulphur_Crested_in_flight_12_by_mfunnell.jpg (http://mfunnell.deviantart.com/art/Sulphur-Crested-in-flight-12-38269387)

I mean, he must - musn't he? After all, he has no need of the kind of camera someone as inept as I might use to take this. Even Nick might (just might, mind you) need to use an SLR for this kind of shot. But a man as mighty as Nick might even be able to zone focus his beloved GSN... Who knows, genius (let alone super-genius) is difficult to evaluate.

Nick's cameras are better than mine...

...Mike

Great capture, Mike, but you, of course, are joking about using autofocus. :eek:

I recognize hyperfocal distance work when I see it! :D Come clean now, was it a GSN or a Zorki? :angel:

Respectfully,

Jeff

[Macka]

A perfect camera for the imperfect you = what's the point?

[mfunnell]

I recognize hyperfocal distance work when I see it! :D Come clean now, was it a GSN or a Zorki? :angel: Well, around here, I wouldn't mention a Zorki - any such camera would, of course, be manual exposure and, therefore (whisper it) shutter priority and, so, beneath contempt. Nick would, of course, precisely zone focus a Noctilux, wide open, if and only if (and he never would) he could be induced to pollute a Yashica body by mounting such an inferior lens. Precision, after all, should never be provided by a Yashica rangefinder (who needs brightness, clarity or precision? inferior concepts!) - its the super-genius who provides that, with his laser-precise eye and stepper-motor fingers.

...Mike

[Hiyawaan]

LOL, reading this has just saved me buying an M2. Thanks Nick!

[Al Patterson]

LOL, reading this has just saved me buying an M2. Thanks Nick!

While you will enjoy a GSN if you buy one, if you hang around RFF long enough you'll get that M2 later...

[JeffGreene]

While you will enjoy a GSN if you buy one, if you hang around RFF long enough you'll get that M2 later...

How true, Al, how true! :bang:

[Hiyawaan]

I bought a 35 summilux instead!

[chikne]

I thought about this issue a couple of days ago while out shooting. I shot with a meterless M, setting the shutter speed first and moving the aperture depending on the light is just the way to go. So the thoughts of shutter priority also apply here IMO....

[NickTrop]

Some of the finest throw aways I have ever seen. Sure beat my throw aways. :)

Congratulations. You're invited into the club. You understand RF photography 100%. Do not discourage. I am a super-genius, and you're a regular guy. (We super-geniuses only come along so often...)

[swoop]

Ugh. I need a DSLR. I'm trying to save up for a used D200 and a 17-50 f2.8 tamron lens. Also, I want one of those new 2.5Ghz 15" MacBook Pro's. And a 30" LCD. And I want a Mamiya 7II. Then I'll be GAS free.