Help me get back into film photography!

Deus · Jan 24, 2005

I've tried to like digital for 3 years..but can't.

So I'm going back to film..

At the time I had a Nikon N/F60 and was quite pleased but remembered wanting nore at times.

The F80 looks good.
But I'm a bit out of touch now..

Any suggestions? Open to everything as long as it's SLR, not digital and in the price range of the N80

Andy K · Jan 24, 2005

You'll get few digital recommendations here, lol.

Get another N80. You already know the camera and they are quite reasonably priced on the 2nd hand market.

Welcome to APUG.

roteague · Jan 24, 2005

Andy K said:
Get another N80. You already know the camera and they are quite reasonably priced on the 2nd hand market.

I agree with Andy. Although I shoot primarily LF, I have had an N80 for almost 5 years, it has been very reliable - I taken it to Jordan, Germany, UK, New Zealand, Australia and all over Hawaii.

rogueish · Jan 24, 2005

Ask yourself 3 questions
What did I like on the F60?
What do I want that wasn't on the F60?
What kind of photography are you planning? (urban landscape, nature, sport, macro, natural landscape, portraits, all of the above)
Answers to these and it will help you (and us) get a better idea as to the ideal camera for your needs.

Deus · Jan 24, 2005

rogueish said:
Ask yourself 3 questions
What did I like on the F60?
What do I want that wasn't on the F60?
What kind of photography are you planning? (urban landscape, nature, sport, macro, natural landscape, portraits, all of the above)
Answers to these and it will help you (and us) get a better idea as to the ideal camera for your needs.

The first thing I loved about the F60 was the feel. It's bigger than some models like some Rebels and F65. It felt solid and felt good when I put it up to my face. (Odly enough, I kept trying the Rebel and it just felt funny to me..must be the grip or something that doesn't agree with my hands..)

I did like the extra features the F65. I find d-o-f preview interesting, would like a remote and because I'm still at a learning stage, would like exposure bracketing. Multiple exposure sounds an interesting toy. Artistic composition straight on the film.

Yup, that's the kind of stuff I'd like.

mark · Jan 24, 2005

This day and age, if I was just going back to film, I would go for the 645 or 6x6 all manual camera. The costs are pretty cheap. DO you want to stay with the 35mm but want more bells and electronic whistles? If so the upper end Nikons are pretty cheap on the Used market as well. Good luck and welcome back.

eric · Jan 24, 2005

That is true. I barely use my 35mm anymore. But I do keep my Oly XA around with me all the time. This year will be a decision year for me regarding keeping my Nikons and trading them in for LF.

Deus · Jan 24, 2005

One day, maybe.. but for now, until I truly understand the ins-and-outs, I prefer going for the "bells and whistles" which allow me to have fun with a learning curve that is not as steep.

titrisol · Jan 24, 2005

My vote goes for another Nikon.. N80 or N100 would be the best.

I think it's best if you got to a photo store and "feel" those cameras before buying any.

rduraoc · Jan 24, 2005

I must suggest the Minolta Dynax 7. I know I've said in another thread (no, I'm not on comission from minolta), but it's a great camera, neck to neck with the F100, and it is dirt cheap as new now. I just got one now and I'm very pleased.

gchpaco · Jan 24, 2005

I used an N80 for a while; nothing wrong with the little guy unless you have manual lenses (like I have now) or plan to abuse it (as I inadvertently did, which is why I don't really have an N80 any more). Don't drop it in sand.

TPPhotog · Jan 24, 2005

Another welcome to APUG and recommendation for the F80. Depending on your finances you can get a new F80 for around £249.00 or a mint F100 used for £479.00 (those are local prices here in Devon).

sp_maher · Jan 24, 2005

Think hard about the necessity of autofocus and advanced flash in your shooting. If your practical shooting situations require autofocus and TTL flash, then by all means get another N80. If not, I would consider a used manual focus body and a couple of prime lenses. Perhaps you could add a cool little Olympus XA or Yashica Electro to the bag as well.

Regards,
Sean

Help me get back into film photography!

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