Next steps for my photography: advise pls!

[anerjee]

I have been shooting with film for the last few months, and have been liking it so far. I have Canon rebel SLR. On the digital side -- I have a lx3.

I shoot everyday stuff -- family, friends and city life.

I'd like to take my photography to the next step -- and am not sure where to go next. Here are 3 options I am trying to decide between....

Option 1: Stick with film, and invest in a good rangefinder + lens. Perhaps a leica m6 and a 35mm. I am also a bit bummed by the high cost of scanning, and would it be a good option to buy flatbed scanner? Where and how do you scan your film? I mostly share my pics on websites, and rarely print them.

Option 2: Move into a better digital camera -- most likely a m4/3, perhaps an Olympus Pen. A more rational option perhaps?

Option 3: Digital rangefinder. Leica M9 is too expensive for me, and leica m8 seems to be a problematic camera to deal with. Perhaps wait a few years to save and buy an M9.

As you can see, I am stuck between 2 worlds. I love the feel and look of film, but I wonder if the love is strong enough (in my case) to spend a few thousand dollars.

What would you suggest? More than advise on equipment, I am looking for your views on how to enjoy your photography. Thanks!

 

[sinned79]

get fuji X-100 when its out :x or Olympus pen (they have builtin filter to give old film photo look)

 

[anerjee]

Interesting option, but I want to start building a system

get fuji X-100 when its out :x or Olympus pen (they have builtin filter to give old film photo look)

 

[Royale With Cheese]

Get a M6 & build a system like what you stated above.

Flat bed scanner is a must if you are going to shoot films in the long run.

 

[anerjee]

Thanks. Is the canon 9000f a good scanner for negatives? I looked at the epson v700, and it is very very big -- will eat up all the space on my table.

Get a M6 & build a system like what you stated above.

Flat bed scanner is a must if you are going to shoot films in the long run.

 

[NazgulKing]

Thanks. Is the canon 9000f a good scanner for negatives? I looked at the epson v700, and it is very very big -- will eat up all the space on my table.

If you can afford a scanner that cost as much as a camera yeah... the Epson v700 is pretty good I hear. About 915SGD last I checked.

 

[Akatsuki]

M4/3 system make sense, more choices for expansion. Alternatively you can try advance compact like Leica X1/Fuji X100 or affordable RF like Bessa series.

Personally i'm looking into this area as well

 

[newghost]

Option 1: Stick with film, and invest in a good rangefinder + lens. Perhaps a leica m6 and a 35mm. I am also a bit bummed by the high cost of scanning, and would it be a good option to buy flatbed scanner? Where and how do you scan your film? I mostly share my pics on websites, and rarely print them.

Option 2: Move into a better digital camera -- most likely a m4/3, perhaps an Olympus Pen. A more rational option perhaps?

Option 3: Digital rangefinder. Leica M9 is too expensive for me, and leica m8 seems to be a problematic camera to deal with. Perhaps wait a few years to save and buy an M9.

Replace the word "option" with "step" and you're there... just need to insert a timeline! :devil:

To start off, get the film RF and pick up a few m mount lenses. Shooting RF is fun! Along the way, if you need a digital body for convenience and practicality, you can still pick up a m43 and continue to adapt those existing m lenses....

 

[Royale With Cheese]

Thanks. Is the canon 9000f a good scanner for negatives? I looked at the epson v700, and it is very very big -- will eat up all the space on my table.

no choice dude, all the flat bed scanners are rather bulky.

I'm using the older version of the 9000f, using 8800F, does the job well.

Basically, the 8800f/9000f scans 12 frames of film at once. V700 does 24frames at once.

so for 36 frames on the canon, you gotta load the films 3 times, V700 2 times.

9000F should cost less than 400, V700, last I remembered was 800++ & price is climbing :sweat:

 

[Cactus jACK]

I have been shooting with film for the last few months, and have been liking it so far. I have Canon rebel SLR. On the digital side -- I have a lx3.

...

What would you suggest? More than advise on equipment, I am looking for your views on how to enjoy your photography. Thanks!

when you say "shooting film", i'd assume that it's with your konica auto s2...

as you alluded to, enjoying photography more need not nec entail buying more gear... although i'm also guilty in that respect... but the key is to continuously learn, discover, develop and hone your own photography... either by doing (shooting more), attending workshops / classes, or participate in photography activities.

challenge yourself - be excited about photography and take on opportunities, e.g. festivals, weddings, birthdays, etc. choose a theme and shoot it. join photo competitions even if there isn’t a prize, it can stretch your imagination and make you look out for that photography, rather than just being a spectator and hoping for the shot to come to you.

engage others – while photography is quite an individual activity, it is always more fun with others. chat with others and mingle, share and discuss.

this is by no means limited to RF photography only. but here in the RF and compact section, RFSG organise month themed competitions and outings... that can be good starting point.

as for gear... my $0.02 would be to use your current gear first and find how it is "limiting" you, then you would have a better idea of what you need.

 

[zk-diq]

when you say "shooting film", i'd assume that it's with your konica auto s2...

as you alluded to, enjoying photography more need not nec entail buying more gear... although i'm also guilty in that respect... but the key is to continuously learn, discover, develop and hone your own photography... either by doing (shooting more), attending workshops / classes, or participate in photography activities.

challenge yourself - be excited about photography and take on opportunities, e.g. festivals, weddings, birthdays, etc. choose a theme and shoot it. join photo competitions even if there isn’t a prize, it can stretch your imagination and make you look out for that photography, rather than just being a spectator and hoping for the shot to come to you.

engage others – while photography is quite an individual activity, it is always more fun with others. chat with others and mingle, share and discuss.

this is by no means limited to RF photography only. but here in the RF and compact section, RFSG organise month themed competitions and outings... that can be good starting point.

as for gear... my $0.02 would be to use your current gear first and find how it is "limiting" you, then you would have a better idea of what you need.

You are right.:thumbsup:

 

[Royale With Cheese]

, RFSG organise month themed competitions and outings... that can be good starting point.

Yes yes, please do join. Would like to stress that we are pretty much a public group, as long as you have interest in RF. You can join us, come for outings even without RF! :thumbsup:

 

[anerjee]

Yes yes, please do join. Would like to stress that we are pretty much a public group, as long as you have interest in RF. You can join us, come for outings even without RF! :thumbsup:

yes, I do plan to show up at La Salle!

 

[anerjee]

I have had problems with the Konica, it needs repairs. So am sticking with my canon dslr for now.

I just have one lens, a 50mm F/1.8 for my dslr. It is great for indoors stuff, but too long for regular street shooting. The combination is very light, though.

Maybe just add another 35mm lens for the SLR

when you say "shooting film", i'd assume that it's with your konica auto s2...

as you alluded to, enjoying photography more need not nec entail buying more gear... although i'm also guilty in that respect... but the key is to continuously learn, discover, develop and hone your own photography... either by doing (shooting more), attending workshops / classes, or participate in photography activities.

challenge yourself - be excited about photography and take on opportunities, e.g. festivals, weddings, birthdays, etc. choose a theme and shoot it. join photo competitions even if there isn’t a prize, it can stretch your imagination and make you look out for that photography, rather than just being a spectator and hoping for the shot to come to you.

engage others – while photography is quite an individual activity, it is always more fun with others. chat with others and mingle, share and discuss.

this is by no means limited to RF photography only. but here in the RF and compact section, RFSG organise month themed competitions and outings... that can be good starting point.

as for gear... my $0.02 would be to use your current gear first and find how it is "limiting" you, then you would have a better idea of what you need.

I agree, I think I am under gas attack now. Your advise will make the wife happy

 

[Yoricko]

I have been shooting with film for the last few months, and have been liking it so far. I have Canon rebel SLR. On the digital side -- I have a lx3.

I shoot everyday stuff -- family, friends and city life.

I'd like to take my photography to the next step -- and am not sure where to go next. Here are 3 options I am trying to decide between....

Option 1: Stick with film, and invest in a good rangefinder + lens. Perhaps a leica m6 and a 35mm. I am also a bit bummed by the high cost of scanning, and would it be a good option to buy flatbed scanner? Where and how do you scan your film? I mostly share my pics on websites, and rarely print them.

Option 2: Move into a better digital camera -- most likely a m4/3, perhaps an Olympus Pen. A more rational option perhaps?

Option 3: Digital rangefinder. Leica M9 is too expensive for me, and leica m8 seems to be a problematic camera to deal with. Perhaps wait a few years to save and buy an M9.

As you can see, I am stuck between 2 worlds. I love the feel and look of film, but I wonder if the love is strong enough (in my case) to spend a few thousand dollars.

What would you suggest? More than advise on equipment, I am looking for your views on how to enjoy your photography. Thanks!

Hi Anerjee,

As for improving your photography, only you know what works best for you. But a digital camera will help in the learning process. You can do it with film; but, the cost, time, and handling will slow you down slightly (or a lot, depending on how you shoot)

As long as you're shooting and proofing your pictures, it's much better than saving money (option 3) and not shooting at all because you do not like your equipment or believe your equipment is not capable enough.

I'd suggest you to read some reviews online, and get a first-hand experience with the equipments by any means. Buy the equipment, and if you don't like it, sell it. Sure you might lose some money here and there, but you will understand what are your needs and get the gear that works best for YOU. Do not blindly believe whatever the reviewers say, you must get first-hand experience.

-

For option (1) -
It is a viable option to get a M6+Lens+Flatbed scanner. But I must let you know that flatbed photo scanners have their limitations. Even with the Epson V700, the you will not be able to capture all the wonderful resolution-ey stuff on film. It is great for web and viewing. But, if you want to print your pictures one day, you'll need to get it scanned using a dedicated film scanner like a Nikon Coolscan V.

Do you like to handle film? If you're thinking of option (1) just because of the your budget, don't even think about getting an M6. After time, you will hate sending your rolls to get developed. You will feel impatient about digitizing your film on the computer. You will be annoying with changing rolls of film on the street. And with all these negative thoughts on your process, you won't be bothered to bring yourself out to shoot with this troublesome mechanical brick. In that case, if budget is a REAL constraint (don't sell your kidneys), get a RD-1 or M8.

 

[Yoricko]

Since you've been shooting with a Rebel for quite a while now. I ebeliev you appreciate the process of shooting film.

A suggestion from me is to get an M6 classic/M6TTL/M7 + one good lens (or two if you really must) + a basic photo flatbed.
After time, if you really like the set-up, you can get a dedicated film scanner to ease your process.
If you don't like it, you can sell the camera for minimal loss, same goes for the lens (if it was bought used and kept in the same condition), and you will only lose that much money on the scanner (it's pretty useful anyways).

If you go by the film route. Do not limit your amount of pictures taken by budget. Shoot as much as you would shoot on digital, with a bit of forethought of course. Basically, shoot as you would with your digital camera, minus away the test shots and random 'bokeh' nonsense shots. OVer time, this set-up will cost more than a spanking new M9, but I believe it is well worth it.

All the best,
Yoricko

 

[anerjee]

Here is the math I did. It costs me about $20 per roll -- film cost + develop + scan (16 base). If I shoot 1 roll per week (average), thats about $1000 per year. Relatively high, I would say.

But then again, I got back the scans from my brother's wedding pics. I took a big chance, and just had Porta 400 with me at the wedding. It came out fabulous, far better to my eyes than the digital files from the official photographer. So I love the look of film. If I could take out $10 from the cost above by scanning myself, it would be sweeter still!

I think I can take an intermediate step by investing in another canon ef lens, perhaps a wider 24 or 35mm, for street shooting. The leica can come with the yearly bonus. ;p

Since you've been shooting with a Rebel for quite a while now. I ebeliev you appreciate the process of shooting film.

A suggestion from me is to get an M6 classic/M6TTL/M7 + one good lens (or two if you really must) + a basic photo flatbed.
After time, if you really like the set-up, you can get a dedicated film scanner to ease your process.
If you don't like it, you can sell the camera for minimal loss, same goes for the lens (if it was bought used and kept in the same condition), and you will only lose that much money on the scanner (it's pretty useful anyways).

If you go by the film route. Do not limit your amount of pictures taken by budget. Shoot as much as you would shoot on digital, with a bit of forethought of course. Basically, shoot as you would with your digital camera, minus away the test shots and random 'bokeh' nonsense shots. OVer time, this set-up will cost more than a spanking new M9, but I believe it is well worth it.

All the best,
Yoricko

 

[anerjee]

Thanks a lot for the insight!

Since you've been shooting with a Rebel for quite a while now. I ebeliev you appreciate the process of shooting film.

A suggestion from me is to get an M6 classic/M6TTL/M7 + one good lens (or two if you really must) + a basic photo flatbed.
After time, if you really like the set-up, you can get a dedicated film scanner to ease your process.
If you don't like it, you can sell the camera for minimal loss, same goes for the lens (if it was bought used and kept in the same condition), and you will only lose that much money on the scanner (it's pretty useful anyways).

If you go by the film route. Do not limit your amount of pictures taken by budget. Shoot as much as you would shoot on digital, with a bit of forethought of course. Basically, shoot as you would with your digital camera, minus away the test shots and random 'bokeh' nonsense shots. OVer time, this set-up will cost more than a spanking new M9, but I believe it is well worth it.

All the best,
Yoricko

 

[Royale With Cheese]

Here is the math I did. It costs me about $20 per roll -- film cost + develop + scan (16 base). If I shoot 1 roll per week (average), thats about $1000 per year. Relatively high, I would say.

But then again, I got back the scans from my brother's wedding pics. I took a big chance, and just had Porta 400 with me at the wedding. It came out fabulous, far better to my eyes than the digital files from the official photographer. So I love the look of film. If I could take out $10 from the cost above by scanning myself, it would be sweeter still!

I think I can take an intermediate step by investing in another canon ef lens, perhaps a wider 24 or 35mm, for street shooting. The leica can come with the yearly bonus. ;p

my B&W film from film cost to development + scanning all $8

 

[dtohs]

I have been shooting with film for the last few months, and have been liking it so far. I have Canon rebel SLR. On the digital side -- I have a lx3.

I shoot everyday stuff -- family, friends and city life.

I'd like to take my photography to the next step -- and am not sure where to go next. Here are 3 options I am trying to decide between....

Option 1: Stick with film, and invest in a good rangefinder + lens. Perhaps a leica m6 and a 35mm. I am also a bit bummed by the high cost of scanning, and would it be a good option to buy flatbed scanner? Where and how do you scan your film? I mostly share my pics on websites, and rarely print them.

Option 2: Move into a better digital camera -- most likely a m4/3, perhaps an Olympus Pen. A more rational option perhaps?

Option 3: Digital rangefinder. Leica M9 is too expensive for me, and leica m8 seems to be a problematic camera to deal with. Perhaps wait a few years to save and buy an M9.

As you can see, I am stuck between 2 worlds. I love the feel and look of film, but I wonder if the love is strong enough (in my case) to spend a few thousand dollars.

What would you suggest? More than advise on equipment, I am looking for your views on how to enjoy your photography. Thanks!

Option 1: Stick with film, and invest in a good rangefinder + lens. Perhaps a leica m6 and a 35mm. I am also a bit bummed by the high cost of scanning, and would it be a good option to buy flatbed scanner? Where and how do you scan your film? I mostly share my pics on websites, and rarely print them.

If you ever contemplated about buying a leica, , my advice is just get it if you are ready to part with the cash. You know you will eventually buy it, by then they usually become more expensive.

Option 2: Move into a better digital camera -- most likely a m4/3, perhaps an Olympus Pen. A more rational option perhaps?

I feel m4/3 is diff from rf, then again, olympus pen is nice.. BTW your lx3 is a pretty decent cam too.

Option 3: Digital rangefinder. Leica M9 is too expensive for me, and leica m8 seems to be a problematic camera to deal with. Perhaps wait a few years to save and buy an M9.

Not all m8 have problems. If you are talking about the UVIR, I am sure you can work around it.

As you can see, I am stuck between 2 worlds. I love the feel and look of film, but I wonder if the love is strong enough (in my case) to spend a few thousand dollars.

The expectation for a ‘certain look’ changes as we progress (for me atleast). It's a irony I wish my film shots were sharper while I wish my digital shots were more film-like. My point is you have to try it to know.. you asked a genuine question, i gave you my genuine answer..am not poisoning you..

While most of us do not own our "dream-gear", i believe we are relatively happy with what we are shooting with. I feel one has to like his/her gears before liking to shoot. I feel shooting with film has its own charm; I like the slowness of it, from choosing film, to film loading and unloading, to cranking the level (if that’s what it’s called). One thing that I do not enjoy about shooting film is the scanning process. While I am too cheap to have my shots scanned professionally, I do not enjoy the DIY scanning part too, plus I do not like the scanned result of my v700, maybe it’s my scanner setting. And I can’t afford a higher range scanner. So in some way, I feel I missed out the enjoyment of shooting film.