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Between the mid-eighties and end of nineties, I tackled analog photography as a serious amateur, let's just say, equipped with a great Nikon FE. That thing was like a tank. Indestructible. Bought used at a yard sale, it delivered impeccably for decades. Around the same time, I also tackled Polaroid transfers (dye transfers and emulsion transfers). It was lots and lots of fun. Got into digital photography around 2006, still as an amateur, using a Panasonic ELPH (I forget which one), documenting travels by bicycle, birdwatching, nature photography, etc. That is when keeping a blog was a thing, and 500 followers was a measure of success. (LOL). Around 2010 I got introduced to 4/3 format, bought a Panasonic Lumix GX7 which came with a great lens to start with. Loved it. And still enjoy it from time to time. But, to be honest, digital photography (including the uses of cell phone cameras), has never been the same for me as analog photography. I see extraordinary craft in both analog and digital photography, and loads of super talented people in both. That is not an issue. But I miss my Nikon FE and the analog process, and how a limited number of shots (12, 24, 36) on a roll of film, combined with not seeing the result immediately, forced me to approach the whole thing. I see analog photography as a way for me to slow down at this point. Two weeks ago, a vintage camera crossed my path, and even with 'buyers beware' in mind, the impulse buy happened. The price was very reasonable, so limited damage on the wallet (so far!). A medium format Zeiss Ikon Nettar 515/16 that came with case, leaflet from the store it was bought at in Switzerland, probably just before or during WWII. (I'm currently working on documenting its provenance a little better). I have to say that I will need a refresher course on the basics of analog photography - all part of the adventure - but I expect that it is like riding a bicycle, it will all come back to me. ;-) I reached out to PhotoTrio forums for some help about this camera, as I saw there were great minds and tons of knowledgeable people here. Thanks for the help already. I hope I can also make my humble contribution.
