Chip Willis
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What Camera should you buy?
🕑 Added 2017-03-16 15:26:42 +0000 UTC One of the most difficult and often asked questions is this.So instead of telling you which camera, I will tell you about mine.
I have the following cameras:
Fuji X100S
Nikon D800 - 24mm ais, 28mm afd, and 50mm 1.8 lenses. Only really want one more lens, and 35mm.
Canon AE1 program
Rolleicord 6x6
Kiev 6
Fuji Instax Wide
Argus C3
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The past 3.5 years I have primarily been using the Fuji X100/X100s.
What I love about it is the simplicity. Simple Shutter/Aperture controls and in eye shot review. Files are large enough for a 2 page print spread. It is very small and can fit in a pocket, which has been proven to be helpful in many a situation while shooting in public.
Recently I picked up a used Nikon D800. Prior to the Fuji, I had a Canon 60D which was great, but I hate crop sensor bodies. Prior to that I have a Canon 5D MK2, which was an amazing camera. But I also spent a year with a Nikon D700. The D700 earned itself as being one of my all time Favorite cameras. The D800 thus far, is vastly superior, and the main reason I went this direction was to do more film work with it. My last video camera was a Canon t2i, which did a great job, esp. at its price point.
And this leads me to what you should buy.
It all depends on where you are coming from and want to do. The best years of learning for me was back in the 2000's. I bought all the bells and whistles but got to a point where I felt like I wasn't learning. I got the idea of simplifying things. I was shooting with a Canon 5D, and decided to shoot with one lens primarily for a year. It was a standard lens.
Shooting the same lens on the same body over time makes you learn everything what is great without being consumed by gear. You will improve your compositions. You will spend more time learning light. You will spend more time conveying what you want from your subjects.
Over time you will have the desire to add some things = maybe a wide angle. maybe a longer lens.
But all you really need is basic camera ( preferrably full frame ), a standard lens, and an open mind to challenge and grow.
Next weeks discussion will be about - Black and White
Comments
Timo Evon
You're the perfect example to throw in the face of camera snobs - proof that one can make amazing and exceptional images without owning a $5000 "professional" piece of equipment. You have some nice gear, but it could all be acquired without breaking the bank. I work with a seven year old Pentax DSLR when I need reasonably high quality digital images, but I prefer my 1955-vintage Agfa "Clack", which has a choice of two holes for f stops and one (very slow) shutter speed. Uses 120 film, too. My favorite film camera is a Yashica T4 that I bought only because of its Zeiss lens - and the fact that it was the camera Terry Richardson was using at the time. By the time I found out Richardson has a dodgy reputation (at best) I was hooked on the T4 and it's still my go-to for casual use. My photos don't equal yours by any stretch of the imagination, but it's not because of my equipment, or yours. It's your eye and personality that gets the job done. I'll come back to that when I get time to comment on your words about erotica.
