In a message dated 11/8/2002 2:19:58 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> I think that part of the reason that I've stuck with manual-focus > cameras and lenses, is that it forces me to think about the shot I'm > about to take, and actually concentrate on it. Maybe > someday that will > come second nature, but until then, every little bit helps. > > -Mat Thanks for everyone's input (won't thank you individually). I guess getting a fast 50mm Pentax lens *would* be a real test of the system. And, frankly, I've often been annoyed I couldn't set either of my zooms lower than f3.5 (higher than?). Good advice/idea. Re: Manual. Yes, I think it is the way to learn. And when I've thought about upgrading I usually tend to think of upgrading first to another manual system. Then upgrade later to autofocus. I can see the use of autofocus for wildlife shots, because animals can move quickly (which I do some of). Or sports photography (which I don't do). But moving right to autofocus from manual would probably just immediately encourage bad habits on my part. Well, laziness. ;-) Since I've used mainly P&S compacts most of my life, that would put me right back where I was -- but with a P&S SLR. So your point is taken. Also, I don't know much about it, but autofocus certainly can't work all the time. I did look at one of the Pentax links about how autofocus didn't really work with closeups (would usually be off), and that made sense to me. Though probably a lot of autofocus cameras are pretty good now. But I keep having this nagging feeling "real photographers don't use autofocus." Doe (Except for the obvious uses I mentioned.) But I might be wrong about that. Real men do eat quiche after all. ;-)
