How much part does a camera body play in analog photography ?

jonasfj · Dec 20, 2017

I browsed thru the posts here and most seem to think that the camera body has nothing to do with the final image. Well, it is a tool and some tools are better than others.

Here are some of my experiences after using at least a dozen different camera bodies:

1. The viewfinder is important. A large and bright viewfinder makes it a lot easier to manually focus. I get a lot more sharp images using my Nikon F4 than older bodies, such as the Nikon FE or FA. I changed the focusing screen on my FA and that was a significant improvement.

2. When shooting flash, the flash sync speed is important. I love shooting up to 1/500s with my Hasselblad. I used to have a Canon AE-1 that syncs up to 1/60s, which more or less prevents using flash outdoors. I would say that 1/125s, which is quite common on is on the edge, 1/250s as on my Nikon F4 makes it useful at least on heavy overcast days or during twilight

3. Weight is important in many cases. The best camera is the one you have with you

I am getting rid on some of my cameras, but i think I will keep my Nikon FA because it is light weight and looks really cool, my Nikon F4 because of the viewfinder and the ability to use both AI-s and AF lenses and my Hasselblad which renders absolutely great image quality and syncs up to 1/500s...

LifesShort · Dec 20, 2017

I have always found it interesting that people will ask about the camera and lens used to take a photo, but never once have I heard anyone ask about the enlarger or enlarger lens used to make the print.

Wallendo · Dec 20, 2017

The most important feature of a body is its ability to support labeling on the front. Those able to support red circles generally command higher prices than those that only support other colors or geometries. Also, the ability to display certain words on the front also enhances value over bodies that display words of lesser renown.

That being said, some bodies just feel better in the hand. Others, like my Minolta SR-1, can be used successfully for self-defense.

Sirius Glass · Dec 20, 2017

jonasfj said:
I browsed thru the posts here and most seem to think that the camera body has nothing to do with the final image. Well, it is a tool and some tools are better than others.

Here are some of my experiences after using at least a dozen different camera bodies:

1. The viewfinder is important. A large and bright viewfinder makes it a lot easier to manually focus. I get a lot more sharp images using my Nikon F4 than older bodies, such as the Nikon FE or FA. I changed the focusing screen on my FA and that was a significant improvement.

2. When shooting flash, the flash sync speed is important. I love shooting up to 1/500s with my Hasselblad. I used to have a Canon AE-1 that syncs up to 1/60s, which more or less prevents using flash outdoors. I would say that 1/125s, which is quite common on is on the edge, 1/250s as on my Nikon F4 makes it useful at least on heavy overcast days or during twilight

3. Weight is important in many cases. The best camera is the one you have with you

I am getting rid on some of my camera, but i think I will keep my Nikon FA because it is light weight and looks really cool, my Nikon F4 because of the viewfinder and the ability to use both AI-s and AF lenses and my Hasselblad which renders absolutely great image quality and syncs up to 1/500s...

Following that logic I can throw out my camera body and walk around with lenses and film backs only. That will make my camera bag much lighter.

removed account4 · Dec 20, 2017

oldtimermetoo said:
I really think your art history teacher should have studied biology/nature along with art. Most mammals and most reptiles (and probably others) seek comfort. With reptiles, it is vital that they maintain body temperature by the amount of time spent in sunlight or near other sources of heat. As to mammals, they also look for warmth and cold for comfort as do we..........Rergards!

you're probably right

jonasfj · Dec 21, 2017

Sirius Glass said:
Following that logic I can throw out my camera body and walk around with lenses and film backs only. That will make my camera bag much lighter.

It seems like you follow the logic of answering a post that you did not bother to read...

wiltw · Dec 21, 2017

A body ENABLES, but the photographer makes the photo

a leaf shutter camera allows electronic flash at 1/500, whereas a 1970s focal plane is limited to 1/60 and a 1990s focal plane is limited to 1/200
a TTL meter makes it easier and quicker to set camera exposure properly, while a no-meter camera takes longer
an interchangeable finder allows waist level composing from a couple feet away, while a fixed finder forces the use of a right angle finder with eye close to eyepiece

RalphLambrecht · Dec 21, 2017

anjoom_aj said:
When we post images on social media, forums, etc what I noticed is people mention 'Shot with X camera' and get done with it. Even when people see a analog image the question is which camera you shot this with and sometimes the question of film. But technically the thing that plays a major part in the image might not be the camera body. I think it should start with the Lens & Film, Exposure settings (if you have written them), the development process/chemicals and the print/scan.

What is your stand on the camera body used ? Is it more important than the lens, film, development, print/scan ? :confused:

all cameras work about the same and it makes little or no difference which brand you use, However, they made it really easy for us to pick the best one by printing 'Nikon' on it.

Paul Howell · Dec 21, 2017

Well I think a camera body does make a difference, it is more than a box to hold the film. How flat is the film held, how good is the mirror dampening or does it have mirror lock up, for a rangefinder how accurate is it, how accurate is the shutter, if a modern camera with a pop up flash, it is useful, how good is the metering, how comfortable is the body to hold, for LF, if a view camera what range of movement, how long are the rails, how easy to use a wide angle? A good lens is not enough, Petri made good quality lens, their bodies left a lot to be desired, how many are shooting Petri?

Pioneer · Dec 21, 2017

The camera body plays a role in the type of photo you wish to create. It supports the film and the lens at the correct distance allowing for the use of focus, or out of focus, as part of your photo. Some camera bodies are easier to carry around than others so may be available for those candid opportunities that pop up from time to time. Others are less obtrusive so are easier to use in situations where a large camera would be frowned on. The camera body you choose is usually one of the first steps in preparing to create photographs, often the first step in even learning how to do photography.

In essence, without the camera body, photography would be very difficult to accomplish and undoubtedly a lot less fun.

Sirius Glass · Dec 21, 2017

Pioneer said:
The camera body plays a role in the type of photo you wish to create. It supports the film and the lens at the correct distance allowing for the use of focus, or out of focus, as part of your photo. Some camera bodies are easier to carry around than others so may be available for those candid opportunities that pop up from time to time. Others are less obtrusive so are easier to use in situations where a large camera would be frowned on. The camera body you choose is usually one of the first steps in preparing to create photographs, often the first step in even learning how to do photography.

In essence, without the camera body, photography would be very difficult to accomplish and undoubtedly a lot less fun.

Absolutely correct. The idea that the camera body or any other major part of a camera is not necessary is without merit.

Pioneer · Dec 21, 2017

No Lens Required!

With a small hole in one end and a bit of film on the other end, any old box becomes a camera.

Obviously the lens is the superfluous component in this entire arrangement.

Theo Sulphate · Dec 21, 2017

Oh, great... next thing people will say is the self-timer is not important!

I want mechanical bits on my camera!

Hubigpielover · Dec 21, 2017

I think it is a lot to do on how everyone has a wealth of info available on the internet. Look how many film blogs have top ten range finder cameras or most under appreciated medium format camera. You can get an overload of information just trying to pick out a camera and none of these blogs mention the best camera is the one you have/can afford. They also don't mention that any schmuck can take good pictures with any camera with time, patience and willing to learn. I fell into the same trap looking for a 35mm to replace my Konica FT-1. This isn't just about cameras, people search the minute details on TVs, phones, computers. We equate brand or specs to betterness. It also doesn't help that most of us don't unlimited money to spend so we try to make the most bang for our buck.

I do think it is important to include aperture, speed, lens settings to let the new guys know how the picture was taken so they can reproduce it. It helps me. So they used f/1.2 @ 125 and got this. I did the same thing and got something else. Why? I've also started buying art books to get better eye. I don't think this is mentioned enough either. I try to pick an artist and recreate through their eyes.

faberryman · Dec 21, 2017

Sirius Glass said:
Absolutely correct. The idea that the camera body or any other major part of a camera is not necessary is without merit.

Surely no one actually said that a camera body is unnecessary. How did this thread go off the rails? Let me guess.

Sirius Glass · Dec 21, 2017

Not from me.

Pioneer · Dec 26, 2017

Probably me.

I must have jumped the track!

Ste_S · Dec 26, 2017

anjoom_aj said:
When we post images on social media, forums, etc what I noticed is people mention 'Shot with X camera' and get done with it. Even when people see a analog image the question is which camera you shot this with and sometimes the question of film. But technically the thing that plays a major part in the image might not be the camera body. I think it should start with the Lens & Film, Exposure settings (if you have written them), the development process/chemicals and the print/scan.

What is your stand on the camera body used ? Is it more important than the lens, film, development, print/scan ? :confused:

Sure, which lightbox you use to take a photo doesn't really matter. The image is all.

However, am I the only one on here who likes cameras as physical objects and collects them ? Of course I want to know what camera was used, I like cameras !

jonasfj · Dec 26, 2017

Ste_S said:
Sure, which lightbox you use to take a photo doesn't really matter. The image is all.

However, am I the only one on here who likes cameras as physical objects and collects them ? Of course I want to know what camera was used, I like cameras !

So, would a carpenter say: "It really does not matter which saw I use to cut the board. The only thing that matters is the finished house" ??? Of course he needs a professional grade saw to get the job done!

Ste_S · Dec 27, 2017

Photography isn't carpentry

antmar · Dec 27, 2017

I read all the posts above and I totally agree with the most of you that the camera body is not the most important part of the system but for a reason I like some cameras more than others and for this reason I enjoy their use more deeply and frequently.
I realize that I could probably made the same images with a different body but this x camera is the one that I enjoy the most and I have no other reason to do photography than joy.
I suppose that feeling good may also have a little part to the final image.

E. von Hoegh · Dec 27, 2017

In a chain every link is of equal importance, but that chain will never be stronger than it's weakest link.

Pioneer · Dec 28, 2017

Ste_S said:
Photography isn't carpentry

You are right.

Carpentry is wayyy more difficult.

Pioneer · Dec 28, 2017

Pioneer said:
You are right.

Carpentry is wayyy more difficult.

EDIT - And thank goodness it pays a lot better.

Ste_S · Dec 28, 2017

Pioneer said:
You are right.

Carpentry is wayyy more difficult.

I fail at drilling then putting a plug into a wall, I'd hate to think what I'd be like at carpentry

How much part does a camera body play in analog photography ?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency