Getting into photography

**EXreaction** · September 15th, 2008, 12:12 AM

I have really always wanted to get into photography, but I've never been willing to spend the money for a good digital camera.

So lately I've been thinking about film cameras and have looked into it more and I'd have to say I am definitely interested in trying out film photography for myself. I am especially interested when I think of the photographers who are getting rid of their old film cameras for new digital ones and hoping I can get some used equipment at a good price.

The only problem is I have no idea about what to look for in a good film camera, oh, and I should mention that I also have no idea how to develop my own film.

**theGlitch** · September 19th, 2008, 11:27 AM

If you are getting into photography, you need an SLR (single lens reflux) camera. To start, I'd just use a basic lens (there's no need to buy a better one until you are better). Personally, I have a Canon Rebel GX.

I'm not sure if it's still on the market, but it got me through 3yrs of photo classes and it still works amazingly. Play around with shutter speed, aperture, and depth of field. The manual for the camera should outline how to do all of this.

Next, developing your own film... this is costly to setup, so perhaps build it over time while developing your film at the local drug store. But, in the long run, I highly suggest buying/rolling your own film, purchasing an enlarger, and enlarging your own pictures. In order to do this you will need a perfectly light proof room with either a red or black light. Enlargers aren't cheap (which is why I suggest doing this over time). I never had to purchase the chemicals, but I'd assume the are medium in expense, and photo paper can get pricey.

So all in all just get yourself a decent SLR camera and play with it for a while... If it seems like something you enjoy, look into building your own dark room.

**ShuckyD** · September 19th, 2008, 12:15 PM

are you looking to get into photography to the point of developing your own film? If so the most economical way would be to shoot true black and white... C41 processing (color and "fake" B&W) gets to be quite costly.

I would reccommend film, as I would anyone getting into photography to understand where the industry has come from (i usually reccommend fully manual cameras too)... heck I still shoot alot of film although I am moving more away from it due to the high price of processing medium format/etc.

Its cheap just to get the negatives developed at Walmart, thats what I did for one of my photography classes for assignment roles, for our portfolio we had to develop our own color negs/slides, but for the assignment stuff the prof said I could go to Walmart and just get them to develop and cut the film for me for like $2. That way I saved myself the cost of proofs, etc. and I just louped the negs on a lightbox to see what ones I wanted to develop. Some I went as far as scanning them in with a negative scanner and looking at them on the computer (Photoshop).

So nonetheless I have alot of experience in this area... feel free to rattle off any other questions you may have

**EXreaction** · September 19th, 2008, 01:00 PM

We've actually had a long discussion on this all here:
phpBB • View topic - Getting into photography

I think to get started I am going to be better off with something like the Nikon D40 DSLR. Once I get good and if I decide I want to go that route I'd like to get into film photography (specifically medium format).

**ShuckyD** · September 19th, 2008, 01:23 PM

I believe TRB has a D40 and he loves his...

**Steve R Jones** · September 19th, 2008, 01:29 PM

Stick with digital....You can start with a $200 camera and when you get really good and spend a lot time taking pics - then consider a killer camera.

You spend a fortune just on gas going to by film and getting the pics developed

With digital, you can do a lot more with the images on your pc etc...

**EXreaction** · September 19th, 2008, 02:01 PM

We already have a Sony DSC-P200 Cybershot that was probably around that price. It sucks. It is so horrible I don't even waste my time taking pictures with it.

The only way to go is DSLR from what I've seen.

**Steve R Jones** · September 19th, 2008, 02:21 PM

The #1 question that all professional photographers is-> WOW, what kind of camera do you use

The #1 response -> The camera has little to do with it

Just keep in mind .... Spending a couple grand on a camera and then losing interest in photography is a huge waste. But good luck to ya.

**ShuckyD** · September 19th, 2008, 03:19 PM

a Canon XT, XTi or Xsi (great camera)... on the Nikon side, the D40, (and other models I dont know off the top of my head) can all be bought for under $1000 and a few of them around $500

Whichever brand you decide to go with and then start accessorizing with you'll probably stick to since the lens and all will be for that kind. I have all my AF/Digital stuff with Canon and with that I have 10 or so lenses... so it wouldnt make sense for me to get a Nikon as I would loose all that interchangability

**EXreaction** · September 19th, 2008, 04:08 PM

Yes, I'll be watching for the D40 to go on sale somewhere and maybe grab it then. Otherwise I am going to probably wait until I move and see if Nikon releases a new camera to replace the D40.

I probably won't be buying the D40 for quite a while unless I can get it for around $400 or less with a lens.

The camera does have a little to do with your photography. Our camera has horrible file saving options. It can only save a .jpeg with a lot of nasty artifacts and noise.

**DoubleK** · September 19th, 2008, 04:23 PM

Believe it or not I got a great deal on a Canon dslr body after inquiring with a local photographer as to whether he scanned negatives which led me to this thread: (bump) Negative Scanner One thing led to another and I mentioned to him that possibly once I finished scanning my old negatives we could work a deal out on one of his old bodies. Another thing led to another and I ended up with a 7 megapixel for $275.00. Yes it has studio mileage but it has never seen dust

I agree with Steve however, digital is THE WAY to go. There are purists out there who are experts in the dark room that would argue 35mm or even medium way ot expensive format. You strike me as the type that would be much more accomplished in photoshop Ex.

**DoubleK** · September 19th, 2008, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by EXreaction

The camera does have a little to do with your photography. Our camera has horrible file saving options. It can only save a .jpeg with a lot of nasty artifacts and noise.

Yes I also have an older Sony 5.1 megapixel point and click that sucks. No other word to describe the crappy ccd that streaks not to mention the overall slow performance.

One could argue that if I used the manual settings of the camera and a tripod all would be well

**EXreaction** · September 19th, 2008, 04:30 PM

If I were to get into film it would probably be medium format, and only then for if I were taking some shots on a long hike or something for some high quality nature shots. Perhaps revisiting the grand canyon or something. Medium format would be absolutely amazing for a good picture from there I think.

Even messing with the manual settings and using a tripod gets you nowhere with those junk sony cameras.

**J1mmy** · September 19th, 2008, 04:45 PM

You're more or less in the same boat as me, I recently bought myself a Canon 400D after deciding I wanted to get into photography as well. It's an excellent camera to begin with and reviews highly among the entry level cameras. My other choice was a Sony A200.

Don't forget to consider the price and availability of accessories, particularly lenses. If you do go with the Nikon lenses shouldn't be a problem. Though a huge advantage Canon had over Sony when Iw as buying my camera was the fact that Sony had just started out, so the lenses were limited. Not only that, we all know how Sony prices it's products too.

Like you're mentioning yourself, your current digital camera doesn't cut it - and many don't. Owning an SLR is vital in many respects.

Further, whilst doing my research, I stumbled upon a website Visual Forgery - The Complete Beginners Photography Guide which is for the beginner and discusses the various other bits and pieces (as well as cameras) that you might be faced with when starting out. It might be of some use...

I also suggest you skim through my thread here with regards to cameras and photography Photography

If you haven't yet, I also highly recommend that you go and handle them too. I know some reviewers who have favoured a particular camera because the grip is better than it's rival.

**EXreaction** · September 19th, 2008, 05:52 PM

That Sony A200 certainly looks good as well. I'll read up on that website and look into it more.

I was planning on going to best buy soon to try a few of them out. Maybe they even give some kind of trial time for cameras (doubt it). It would be awesome to be able to test the camera out for a few days.

**J1mmy** · September 19th, 2008, 06:25 PM

Yes, the Sony is very well compared to the 400D, but it's the other things that'd tip the scale.

I would recommend a dedicated camera store, or even a large electronics store. They often have a member of staff who specializes in cameras and would be able to give you advice, but of course that's just his opinion. They won't give you a trial, but if you unsatisfied with the product you can always take it back. When you do go there, remember what you're looking for. Assess the grip, screen navigation, view finder, general layout etc..

Amazon UK have an option where you can return it back even 'if you don't want it anymore' (there's actually that option when returning) and they pay postage there, should be something similar with .com site too.

**EXreaction** · September 19th, 2008, 06:39 PM

The nearest camera shop is probably in Milwaukee, which is over an hours drive from here.

The nearest large electronics store is probably somewhere on the west coast.

**DoubleK** · September 19th, 2008, 07:27 PM

Living 30 minutes from you Ex I feel your pain.

The absolute authority Ex: B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders

They have maintained the level of customer service which made NewEgg great.

B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio Reviews, Ratings and Prices at ResellerRatings

I shaved $700 off of an intermediate level mini dv camcorder some years ago. I am not stretching the truth here! Talking compared to best buy in Madison and B&H threw in a 10x tele when I bought the wide angle, free bag and a decent enough tripod. Shipped $700 cheaper for the SAME camcorder.

**EXreaction** · September 19th, 2008, 07:46 PM

Oh, where do you live?

Not bad, they have the D40 for $450 and the A200 for $500. But Amazon is just a hair cheaper for the D40 and the same price for the A200.

I'll watch that site though, maybe they'll have some deals.

**J1mmy** · September 19th, 2008, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by EXreaction

The nearest camera shop is probably in Milwaukee, which is over an hours drive from here.

The nearest large electronics store is probably somewhere on the west coast.

Well, I guess then the only way to get a hold of one is either to travel that far out, or order one from a website which allows you to return it back. Have you checked Amazon's return policy? Going to a shop and holding momentarily is one thing, getting it to know and use it in the comfort of your own home is another. I did both, having not done that, I would have spent money on the wrong camera.

Also, have you ultimately narrowed it down the D40 or the A200?