Moving Back To The Darkside.

[Adrian Bacon]

For me at least I think of all image making devices and materials as just tools. I use the one(s) that will work to produce the image I want. Sometimes it's digital and sometimes it's film. In my eyes they are equals in the tool chest.

+1

They both have their strengths and weaknesses

 

[Adrian Bacon]

I agree with you on this one.

As a newish photographer though, digital has always been touted as the solution to all photographs problems. And I guess if you grew with the only option as film that may feel very true. However I'm feeling digital has it's own heaping pile of challenges that offset it's solutions.

I gotta find me an affordable better camera though, I'm stretching the limits of my Rebel. Magic Lantern sure helps revitalize it but it's time for me to start seriously thinking about upgrading.

A little Digital Rebel SL2 and the EFS-S 10-18mm STM lens would probably be a really big step up for you. The sensor in that little camera is literally exactly the same sensor in the 80D. You get a smaller body, and a little less control than the 80D and a nice wide picture with that 10-18 coupled with the 18-55 STM kit lens will probably cover a lot of ground for you.

 

[Sirius Glass]

"The reason for shooting digital is chiefly that the client wants the results NOW. Not in a day or tonight but NOW."

That is one of the main reasons digital exits.

For get NOW, bridezillas want to post the actual wedding photos two weeks before the wedding!

 

[Cholentpot]

A little Digital Rebel SL2 and the EFS-S 10-18mm STM lens would probably be a really big step up for you. The sensor in that little camera is literally exactly the same sensor in the 80D. You get a smaller body, and a little less control than the 80D and a nice wide picture with that 10-18 coupled with the 18-55 STM kit lens will probably cover a lot of ground for you.

I guess this thread is due for an update...

I bought a used 6D and a 24-105L lens in early '18. I got it at a great price as the MKII had just dropped. A little while later I got a used 100 2.8 macro for portraits and scanning film.

Funny enough though I've made more money using the old 550D setup than the full frame as the rebel was used extensively (and lucratively) for a load of product photography. One thing I did learn, the client does not care if the shot was at 100 iso or 6400 iso. I'll boost that sensitivity as far as I need. Shooting indoors with a speedlight I'll still chug along at 2000. Also, f/4 on this lens will not get what I need in focus when shooting more than one person. So far the 24-105 has been a do everything really well lens for me. I'm on my second copy as the first one won't focus to infinity without help. It sits on my film bodies these days.

For get NOW, bridezillas want to post the actual wedding photos two weeks before the wedding!

I was at a family wedding a little while ago, I monkeyed around with a Bronica S2 and a XA2 and stayed out of the way. People wanted photos the next morning. Sorry guys, you paid good money for a pro.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Well here goes.

I started photography back in '13 with a Soviet TLR a few rolls of Tmax 400 and no clue about anything whatsoever. I didn't even know what ISO was and spent a month trying to figure out what depth of field meant.

A few months later I stumbled across a Rebel T2i in a pawnshop and moved to digital for a while. Move ahead 6 months and I was gifted a Nikkormat and a bag of black and white film. Since then I've shot 35mm film, 120, color and C-41 developed myself, set up a darkroom and printed. My Rebel became a scanner and that was that.

I just got setup with a side gig photographing exteriors and interiors of foreclosed or houses needing work. Out came the 'ol Rebel and I guess I need to re-embrace Digital. I was spoiled by the latitude of film, I really find that once again I have to pay attention to exposure or I'll blowout my highlights.

I do really enjoy film but I'd have to be crazy to shoot for this kind of work. It makes a bit of side cash that I think will go towards a better camera and a wide lens. At this point all I have to do is be better than Mr. Realtor with an Iphone which is really no sweat.

So here I go, film for fun, digital for business.

This is very reasonable. At least this part: Film is for fun.
But what kind of fun is it if digital Rebel in fully working condition cost 200$ and will lasts for years. Yet in the opposite, to have some fun with film, I have to spend 200$ at least per year for nothing special Kentmere 400, which is cheapest film in bulks.
Lucky you for enjoying the latitude. But to me photography is in the image taking, both digital and film.

 

[Cholentpot]

This is very reasonable. At least this part: Film is for fun.
But what kind of fun is it if digital Rebel in fully working condition cost 200$ and will lasts for years. Yet in the opposite, to have some fun with film, I have to spend 200$ at least per year for nothing special Kentmere 400, which is cheapest film in bulks.
Lucky you for enjoying the latitude. But to me photography is in the image taking, both digital and film.

It's not always about the money.

$200 a year to support a healthy hobby is pretty cheap. Think of car enthusiasts or RC hobbyists. They'll drop 2-3k without blinking. Also, UFX400 is cheaper than Kentmere.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

It's not always about the money.

$200 a year to support a healthy hobby is pretty cheap. Think of car enthusiasts or RC hobbyists. They'll drop 2-3k without blinking. Also, UFX400 is cheaper than Kentmere.

Not to where I’m. Shipping here is 108 dollars. BH ships same amount of Kentmere film for free.

 

[Cholentpot]

Not to where I’m. Shipping here is 108 dollars. BH ships same amount of Kentmere film for free.

Ah, I see you're in Ca na da as my friend Raffi likes to sing. That would put a damper on gettin' the film sent over. Plus the Canada Post sometimes leaves what to be desired.

 

[Arklatexian]

I would be the first to admit that I would be in that "circle of confusion", sitting around discussing DOF and any other things, photographic, that came up (and many other things non-photographic) Those are things that I miss.......Regards!

 

[John51]

I shoot both Minolta film and Sony digital, cropped and full frame. I also have Sigma digital bodies and Miranda and Pentax M42 and K mount bodies and lens, I also have MF and LF gear, none very new but all with good glass. I enjoy the darkroom more than fussing with Corel, what I shoot with depends on the circumstances and frankly my mood. Today I shot with my old Sigma SD 9 with M42 lens, 35mm, 28mm and 55mm, and converted all the images to monochrome. Tomorrow I'll take a Sony full frame body and Minolta 9 to the Phoenix Zoo for a traveling exhibit, Dinosaurs in the Desert.

What do you think of the Foveon sensor wrt IQ? At some point I'll probably get a digi for scanning and am wondering if a Foveon sensor would be better for this than a Bayer sensor.

I can live with its many hassles as long as the results are worth having.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Ah, I see you're in Ca na da as my friend Raffi likes to sing. That would put a damper on gettin' the film sent over. Plus the Canada Post sometimes leaves what to be desired.

I’m not sure what are you trying to say?
BH ships for free to Canada and Canada Post is working fine, with low cost for Canada, USA shipping. I always choose USPS/CP over else.

 

[Cholentpot]

I’m not sure what are you trying to say?
BH ships for free to Canada and Canada Post is working fine, with low cost for Canada, USA shipping. I always choose USPS/CP over else.

I've had bad luck with Canada Post. Might be a Toronto issue though.

 

[Ai Print]

And that's why hobbies exist. So you can do what you love with your life, and still make an honest living. I learned a long time ago that doing your hobby for a living isn't as great an idea as it sounds. In fact, it's a great way to lose your passion for it. Nothing takes the fun out of something more than having to choose between doing something that you know looks terrible and will be completely embarrassed by (because the customer is a stubborn idiot with no artistic eye) and declaring bankruptcy. So the moral of the story is, if you want to have your cake AND eat it too, then you have to bake two cakes.

Successful photographers who are very well paid to do what they love greatly dispel this myth.

 

[Cholentpot]

Successful photographers who are very well paid to do what they love greatly dispel this myth.

And millions who've tried and given up because they lack the talent and because they've been fed a line of fairy tales.

We're not all going to be the best ever but we can be the best for ourselves. Reality is, I'll never be world known. I don't have the talent, time or connections. Why burn out and get bitter chasing a pointless dreams when I can stay grounded and enjoy what I'm doing?

 

[javieref]

Hi All

I posted the following at another froum and seems appropriate to add here. I have been on the merry-go-round for a while.

The x100 series, for me has been the camera that makes me want to shoot personally again.

I have used my x100s as my daily driver, since 2013.

A talisman. I have been round the roundabout with gear as a photo student, a photographer’s assistant for 7+ years (still learning), a professional 20+ years using Nikon & Hasselblad and now after 20 years as an academic. I still carry a camera out and about.

As a professional my Hassy kit 2x 500 CM bodies, 50mm, 80mm, 120 Makro, 180mm, Pola, PME, 2x 12a mags was *stolen. The fcukers took the Hassy kit but left the Rolleiflex. Go figure. I limped along with my Nikon FM + basic 20, 50 & 80-200. Pro Insurance allowed me to get the D3 & additional lenses.


*For those of you that have the misfortune of having your livelihood stolen or for that matter had anything stolen ..... that feeling deep down in your stomach is something that never goes away.


Some 10+ year later. In April 2017 - traded all my Nikon D3 + 6 lenses for a Leica M4 BP + Summilux 50. Great camera (bought me back to my student days of 35mm and one lens). However after shooting and processing (yet to scan). In the end I still prefer to shoot with my Rolleiflex 2.8E. My years of 35mm as a student then shooting with 120 6x6.

That Sq was really where my decision to pursue my career came about.

April 2018 and an opportunity to adopt a user M6 and my perchance *maybe an itch for a 35 Summicron Asph came my way. Funny thing is I still prefer to shoot with the Rolleiflex. I think I’m crazy, however I am a photographer.

So for now, I still carry my x100s shoot B&W Yellow RAW + JPG it has for me a filmic look. 400 ISO, WB Auto, NR -2, L -3:2, H +1, S -0, Sharp +2, ND assigned to FN, EV -1/3 -2/3. The leaf shutter gives me a Hassy fuzzy feeling

As for the battery.
I carry a spare.
I do not use the rear LCD.
Only OVF.
I simply shoot 2/3 frames.
I take the SD card out and view images via my 2011 MacBook Air.
Thinking about getting a SD dongle for the iPad Air 2.


**The best part about my Leica gear is the following:
1. The equipment has appreciated in value.
2. Should I decide to sell/trade I’ll always be ahead. I plan to leave with my kids and work it out with them as who gets the Rolleiflex 2.8E, M4 BP Summilux 50 &/or M6 Summicron 35 Asph.
3. Same cannot be said for the Nikon.


Finally, I know digital will always depreciate faster and newer sensors will supersede. However the x100 series back in 2012 heralded a new way of seeing. I am still seeing.

 

[jtk]

As of I now I shoot 100% Samsung...NX1000 and NX500 (28MB). Why? Because they weigh very little and they out-resolve 35mm film cameras, the zooms are incredible and image stabilized, and they shoot video if I ever decide I want it rather than RED or similar..

I'm 77...if I was shooting Leica M I'd certainly need CLAs periodically and (since I'm too good and too proud I don't use photo labs) I'd have to process and scan a lot of film.

PhotoShop is easy as pie. Step up to the plate.

I enjoy Nikon scanning but I'm running out of old film to scan.

.I love inkjet printing...and I'm good at it (and was in color darkroom), unlike most photo labs. I do believe screen monitors are better in every respect than prints.

My Samsungs won't live forever, but neither willl I or will anybody's Leica Ms, whose lenses are merely equal to Samsung zooms. I fully expect to replace the Samsungs (which are now orphans) with Sonys (which aren't quite as good at this moment, but will shortly be better) or some alternative before I'm 100,l at which time I'll have to spend a lot of time editing my 8G and perhaps more hard drive. Unless, of course, somebody loves my prints more than I do. Unless I decide that video is better than still.

When I shot 8X10 and, later, 4X5 , and later M4, I loved them. But I have better abilities now. BTW, DSLRs are about to become antiques...sell them ASAP

Take care of your health and your wimmen.

 

[Ariston]

Has it already been said?:

You can either choose the Dark Side, or the Dark Slide, but not both.

 

[Cholentpot]

As of I now I shoot 100% Samsung...NX1000 and NX500 (28MB). Why? Because they weigh very little and they out-resolve 35mm film cameras, the zooms are incredible and image stabilized, and they shoot video if I ever decide I want it rather than RED or similar..

I'm 77...if I was shooting Leica M I'd certainly need CLAs periodically and (since I'm too good and too proud I don't use photo labs) I'd have to process and scan a lot of film.

PhotoShop is easy as pie. Step up to the plate.

I enjoy Nikon scanning but I'm running out of old film to scan.

.I love inkjet printing...and I'm good at it (and was in color darkroom), unlike most photo labs. I do believe screen monitors are better in every respect than prints.

My Samsungs won't live forever, but neither willl I or will anybody's Leica Ms, whose lenses are merely equal to Samsung zooms. I fully expect to replace the Samsungs (which are now orphans) with Sonys (which aren't quite as good at this moment, but will shortly be better) or some alternative before I'm 100,l at which time I'll have to spend a lot of time editing my 8G and perhaps more hard drive. Unless, of course, somebody loves my prints more than I do. Unless I decide that video is better than still.

When I shot 8X10 and, later, 4X5 , and later M4, I loved them. But I have better abilities now. BTW, DSLRs are about to become antiques...sell them ASAP

Take care of your health and your wimmen.

I love using a DSLR. I can't quite get used to using a electronic veiwfinder. I don't think DSLRs are going anywhere soon. Mirrorless and Mirrored will exists side by side for quite a while, I don't think the mirror will go away completely. Much like the rangefinder is still around.

Has it already been said?:

You can either choose the Dark Side, or the Dark Slide, but not both.

nyuk nyuk nyuk

 

[mshchem]

I love using a DSLR. I can't quite get used to using a electronic veiwfinder. I don't think DSLRs are going anywhere soon. Mirrorless and Mirrored will exists side by side for quite a while, I don't think the mirror will go away completely. Much like the rangefinder is still around.



nyuk nyuk nyuk

I love my DSLRs. Pry them from my cold dead hands. I ordered a X Pro 3, bought the 35mm f2 lens. Even the whiz band EVF in this sucks. It does have the neat little square that pops up in the corner to use to confirm focus. Mirrorless is where DSLRs were around D2 era. Hopefully for me Nikon doesn't go broke and/or move all production to Thailand. I still love film, not so much 35mm, as it's hard to get 102,000 ASA, any color temperature slide film.

 

[Cholentpot]

I love my DSLRs. Pry them from my cold dead hands. I ordered a X Pro 3, bought the 35mm f2 lens. Even the whiz band EVF in this sucks. It does have the neat little square that pops up in the corner to use to confirm focus. Mirrorless is where DSLRs were around D2 era. Hopefully for me Nikon doesn't go broke and/or move all production to Thailand. I still love film, not so much 35mm, as it's hard to get 102,000 ASA, any color temperature slide film.

Needs some maturing I think.

35mm is great for my lofi stuff. I love the cameras more than the film.

 

[removed account4]

As of I now I shoot 100% Samsung...NX1000 and NX500 (28MB). Why? Because they weigh very little and they out-resolve 35mm film cameras, the zooms are incredible and image stabilized, and they shoot video if I ever decide I want it rather than RED or similar..

I'm 77...if I was shooting Leica M I'd certainly need CLAs periodically and (since I'm too good and too proud I don't use photo labs) I'd have to process and scan a lot of film.

PhotoShop is easy as pie. Step up to the plate.

I enjoy Nikon scanning but I'm running out of old film to scan.

.I love inkjet printing...and I'm good at it (and was in color darkroom), unlike most photo labs. I do believe screen monitors are better in every respect than prints.

My Samsungs won't live forever, but neither willl I or will anybody's Leica Ms, whose lenses are merely equal to Samsung zooms. I fully expect to replace the Samsungs (which are now orphans) with Sonys (which aren't quite as good at this moment, but will shortly be better) or some alternative before I'm 100,l at which time I'll have to spend a lot of time editing my 8G and perhaps more hard drive. Unless, of course, somebody loves my prints more than I do. Unless I decide that video is better than still.

When I shot 8X10 and, later, 4X5 , and later M4, I loved them. But I have better abilities now. BTW, DSLRs are about to become antiques...sell them ASAP

Take care of your health and your wimmen.

yup we live in great times that there are lots of ways to make photographs and prints, and creativity, not gear is our only limitation !
are you worried that the images made from your samsungs aren't indexical, and sadly aren't photographs ?
i know some people, as bart would say, are "having a cow, man",
but i can understand why a lot of people dont' mind ( or even know what i am talking about ), im kind of a hedonist and don't mind.
AFAIAC chemistry breaks the chain, vive nicéphore niépce !

 

[mshchem]

vive nicéphore niépce !

Hell yeah!

 

[Cholentpot]

Hell yeah!

I still test my cameras by shooting out the window. As a tribute.

 

[BMbikerider]

I have to use digital at work because sometimes (almost every time) they want the results yesterday.

To relax I go back to my film cameras and can take my time, enjoy what I do and then hide in the darkroom. Far more satisfying than point, shoot and put the contents through a computer.

 

[Cholentpot]

I have to use digital at work because sometimes (almost every time) they want the results yesterday.

To relax I go back to my film cameras and can take my time, enjoy what I do and then hide in the darkroom. Far more satisfying than point, shoot and put the contents through a computer.

Oh yes, I do agree.

Today I picked up some point and shoots at an estate sale. Nothing very exciting but why not? I'm rolling 35mm through an instamatic I picked up because I can. Try that with digital.