what I'm thinking

[winterstar]

So, this spring I'm finally buying a camera. So, I'd like to get some suggestions.

I want to learn SLR manual photography.

http://vivitar.com/products#Professi...uipment/70/239


It's a 35 mm SLR and I'm thinking maybe it's a good way to learn and find out if I really like manual photography.


I do have a question though,

when I switch to digital manual, will anything I learn help me? Or will I be learning from scratch?

Thank you!

[Jim Bryant]

Don't purchase a Vivitar....they used too and still do make crappy lenses. Now they make crappy camera bodies to go along with their lenses. You're much better off going on ebay and picking up a film camera there. Shooting film is a lot more expensive to get processed and printed. And yes, you'll learn more about exposure, how light affects film and photography in general.

[winterstar]

Good to know on Vivitar.

My sister didn't think film was a good idea, as she works in a photo lab and told me it was expensive to develop 35 mm.

I want a Pentax K-x, but it's a bit too costly yet. I'm also looking at a x90 for the year and save more if I can over the next year.

Anything will beat my little broken camera. (which still works on most things, just is very limited )

[faeriegodess612]

I'd say if your gonna shoot film, you might want to learn how to process it yourself. Then you have full control over how it comes out. Many retailers have phased out processing it in store. And even if you do find one that does, it does cost more for film photography.

On the upside, the same rules still basically apply. I've got a book that has taught me some tricks and techniques, but it was written for film. Mostly its about how to use light and composition, but thats all pretty much the same for digital. The Rule of Thirds doesnt change whether its film photography, digital photography, video, or painting. The inner workings of the camera is about the only difference. A film camera captures an image on film and its processed as a negative. A digital camera captures an image on a sensor, but processes it instantly onto a memory card. ( I think thats generally correct. Anyone else feel free to correct that if I'm wrong. )

[zona5101]

Film cameras can be had for a song but as mentioned the film & processing are going to be limited and expensive. Under the circumstances why not look in to a used digital camera? Nikon D80, D70 are still very nice machines..and you can find Fuji S2Pro & S3Pros on ebay. TheseFujis are Nikons bodies with fuji sensors & electronics so they take Nikon lenses. A quick check on ebay looks like the S2s are going for around $300---$350. This was a top pro camera when it came out back in 2002/2003. Its 6mepixes and interpolates to 12meg with pro camera features. Downside is a small preview image screen and a bit of shutter lag typical of camera of the era. Imo, that camera is as good as some of the entry level cameras even this many years later. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujis2pro/
Also D1, D100 maybe something to start with...