Should I buy another film camera?

[Don_ih]

Some people follow a "one-in-one-out" rule. So, if you buy that camera, sell another. If it's clearly better than the N90, sell one N90 and keep the other as a backup. It's a good idea to limit how many of these things you have - something I haven't done. I have far too many cameras and miscellaneous darkroom items.

 

[Dali]

If you think you really want a Nikon F100, go ahead and buy one. Where is the issue???

 

[loccdor]

One possible argument against: if you keep buying new gear, you've got to test it, sometimes you get disappointed, it needs CLA, repairs, or you just don't like it. With the gear you already have, these are known variables. And you also have practiced on it.

 

[Chan Tran]

One possible argument against: if you keep buying new gear, you've got to test it, sometimes you get disappointed, it needs CLA, repairs, or you just don't like it. With the gear you already have, these are known variables. And you also have practiced on it.

That's all the fun of having a new camera.

 

[guangong]

GAS is a chronic incurable malady, and attempts at treatment are usually fatal.

 

[loccdor]

That's all the fun of having a new camera.

For left-brain types, the fun is in the equipment, chemistry, process, etc. For right brain types, the fun is in the art. Most people are a mix of both but some people skew heavily toward the extremes.

 

[TomR55]

I never needed more than two 35mm film camera bodes--nearly identical in terms of features and lenses supported, etc. For some time I supplemented my income by making photographs and redundancy provided some security. Later, I kept the twin bodies allowing me to more easily use two different types of films—but this is not an essential need, just a convenience.

The only drawback that I see with multiple camera bodies is the cost of maintenance, a basic CLA on a Leica M film camera is easily $350, closer to $475. Fortunately, maintenance is only required every ten years or so. That said, one needs to also consider the supply of qualified technicians.

 

[benjiboy]

I recently borrowed a Nikon F100 to shoot with for the week. Now I think I really want one. But I have two N90s, a Nikkormat, a Minolta, an Agfa rangefinder, and two point and shoots, and various other medium format cameras.
Maybe I need therapy.

I figured this would be a safe place to ponder.

To ask such a question on a site full of film camera buffs, is like asking a butcher if meat is good for you

 

[chuckroast]

You obviously need a Hasselblad and a Deardorff.

Well duh. Also ... a Leica.

 

[chuckroast]

I never needed more than two 35mm film camera bodes-

I think "need" left Photrio long ago

 

[pamphoto]

Thanks everyone, I went ahead and got one.

 

[neilt3]

Thanks everyone, I went ahead and got one.

Just the one ?!
Maybe get an F80 as back up , or for a different film ...

 

[Paul Howell]

I think the G that he is talking about is the G series lens without manual aperture control ring.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Thanks everyone, I went ahead and got one.

Another Photrio success story.

 

[Big G]

Smart decision. Forgoing the purchase of a lovely-to-fondle F100 to buy some film will yield three rolls of Cinestill 800T in Japan. (used F100 about ￥12,000, one roll of Cinestill ￥4000).

 

[guangong]

Keep buying until one has duplicates of all cameras!

 

[loccdor]

The cameratender looks you over, "Excuse me sir, but I think you've had enough." Flinging your curses at him, you stagger in the direction of the doorway, shapes spinning around you with chaotic glee, trip over your shoelace and everything goes black.

 

[MattKing]

The cameratender looks you over, "Excuse me sir, but I think you've had enough." Flinging your curses at him, you stagger in the direction of the doorway, shapes spinning around you with chaotic glee, trip over your shoelace and everything goes black.

Or if you prefer:

 

[darinwc]

YES! You must buy them all!

 

[Philippe-Georges]

You obviously need a Hasselblad and a Deardorff.

Not to mention a Leica!

PS: I would suggest a Linhof instead of a Deardorff...

 

[Don_ih]

Keep buying until one has duplicates of all cameras!

They're not actually duplicates- each one has a different brassing pattern and is malfunctioning in slightly different ways...

 

[eli griggs]

Now there's an idea. I'd have a new format to learn. I do love the look of large format photographs. Someday perhaps.

Don't sell or trade away your present kit for a new format, you'll likely regret it.

I suggest you look for a Speed Graphic 4"x5" or, a 5"x7" and shoot that for awhile, using paper negatives when film is too expensive, for day to day shooting, especially in public, where you want folks to stop, watch you and ask questions, giving you the opportunity to shoot portraits, a true objective for your public use of the Graphic.

The trick will be to learn how to set-up the shot quickly for rapid documentary work and, the resulting photographic works.

Folks get impatient quickly, this the need to compose and shoot, in situ, which will sharpen your skills, hopefully getting good, fresh shots most any day.

IMO, it'll be a good "project" and good fun.

 

[eli griggs]

That's all the fun of having a new camera.

Load (reload) short rolls each day for your daily 35mm work, even from factory loaded cassettes, instead of long rolls that will occupy your camera for longer periods, which not encourage you to look as hard for interesting shots daily to complete the roll.

IMO.

 

[Chan Tran]

Load (reload) short rolls each day for your daily 35mm work, even from factory loaded cassettes, instead of long rolls that will occupy your camera for longer periods, which not encourage you to look as hard for interesting shots daily to complete the roll.

IMO.

Back when film was inexpensive I would sometimes use 12 exp roll but even when I used 36 exposure roll I processed the film by the end of the day regardless of how many frames I shot. Today with the cost of film and processing I always use 36 exp roll and finish it up before I process. I can wait weeks or even months to finish the roll.

 

[BobUK]

"Should I buy another film camera?

With most people here I think it is can I resist buying another film camera?

I am still looking for the photographic version of Alcoholics Anonymous.