> -----Original Message-----
> From: Cotty [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Sent: 11 September 2002 17:38
> To: Pentax List
> Subject: RE: How did you start photography
>
> fearing a Zenit would chew my film up, as inevitably they would.
> Anyone with experience of these alien devices masquerading as cameras
> will know what I mean <g>.
I know what you mean (Zenit E)!!
I started with a hanimex (I think) 110 camera. Lusted after one with a
flash!
Then when I joined a school photography club (about 1980) got a second
hand Zenit E, 50mm and 200mm lenses. This sometimes chewed my film up
and when the club folded because the teacher didnt have time to do it,
my photography didnt really go anywhere much for many years.
The 200mm lens broke about 1983ish in Canada.
6 months or so later I saw a Pentax p30t in Guildford Tecno second hand
with a flash and 35-80 lens and just became overcome with lust. I didnt
really believe in AF at the time and this seems ideal for me. I later
added a vivitar 70-200 and Centon 500mm mirror. This served me well for
travels and motorsport for many years, but I never got serious or did
much except when obvious photography situations arose (eg holiday in the
grand canyon, silverstone touring cars).
3 years or so ago, I decided I wanted to get more serious and enrolled
on an evening GCSE in photography, but work travel meant it was
impossible to keep up.
2 years ago I was 'reborn' when my first child was born. I was taking so
many portraits - some of which I loved and some of which could be
better. Then Outdoor photography was launched. Here was some real
inspiration, and I found myself seriously drawn to the MZ-30 for some
reason. Once I got into magazines and cameras etc I lusted after better
lenses, then better camera (MZ-S) and have become fanatical about
photography. Apart from kiddies portraiture, this has been difficult due
to expanding family commitments and lack of time, but I have really
started to enjoy my photography and spent far too much money on it of
late.
> And now, I'm on the cusp of doing that thing that photographers have
> started to do - I'm 'going digital'. I absolutely *hate* that phrase
with
> a vengeance.
I must admit that the D1S will likely discount all arguments against
'going digital' apart from the fact it doesn't take my current glass and
I just don't want the hassle of switching. I am seriously pondering a
ZLR at the moment to keep me going until there is a Pentax D-SLR in
about ten years time!!!
> Actually what I am doing is continuing with my photography
> as I have done from those early days, it's just that I'm switching
media
> because it suits the way I shoot. Of course, I will still use film as
> well, but I fear that it will be for nostalgic reasons. We shall see.
I think I will stick with film for some time for the family snaps
because I can easily get them all printed to a uniform size, with a
consistent look and file these hard copies in albums.
For landscapes etc I love velvia etc and as such digital will need to
prove itself up to the challenge of the best slide films around.
For sports/planes etc digital would be fine.
Maybe in a couple of years I will be able to sideline film the way you
are - until then, I will follow your progress with interest...
Rob
