I don't know how you did your calculations, and where you go for prints, but here's what I spend:
$6.20 / roll of print film, about 3 rolls/month
$3.00 for processing, each roll
40c/4R or $1.50/5R prints on Fuji Crystal archive paper, typically around 10 prints / month.
That's around $35/month, for the last few years. By your math, that gives me around 6.7 years of shooting with your extra $2850. If I shoot slides, it's $6.5 a roll and $4 for processing. Still around the same.
BTW I don't reckon ever saying that I get free prints. Neither do I reckon saying that I'm "afraid" to buy new stuff and still use a 486. I shoot with my film gear because the economics works out just right. Also, spending $3000-3500 on a camera at one shot makes a bigger impact on my bank balance than spending the same amount over many years. I never said I hate digital. I'd probably sell my film gear when digital becomes as affordable as film and gives me the kind of control I want for my needs.
And you don't have to shoot 1100 frames a month just to learn about photography. *sigh*.
$6.20 / roll of print film, about 3 rolls/month
$3.00 for processing, each roll
40c/4R or $1.50/5R prints on Fuji Crystal archive paper, typically around 10 prints / month.
That's around $35/month, for the last few years. By your math, that gives me around 6.7 years of shooting with your extra $2850. If I shoot slides, it's $6.5 a roll and $4 for processing. Still around the same.
BTW I don't reckon ever saying that I get free prints. Neither do I reckon saying that I'm "afraid" to buy new stuff and still use a 486. I shoot with my film gear because the economics works out just right. Also, spending $3000-3500 on a camera at one shot makes a bigger impact on my bank balance than spending the same amount over many years. I never said I hate digital. I'd probably sell my film gear when digital becomes as affordable as film and gives me the kind of control I want for my needs.
And you don't have to shoot 1100 frames a month just to learn about photography. *sigh*.
Originally posted by Bedpan
I have done the math.. I also have an S2, enjoying th world of Digital, getting better shots everyday, learning as I go. I suppose your also the type who is probably still using a 486 cause something better is coming soon.. To afraid to spend money and enjoy the technology..
You must also have one hell of a prolab to be getting Free prints.... Last time I checked it would be close to $20 to purchase the film and have it printed. Even using your wonderful math provided...
Your Camera will cost you $150 to own
The digital will cost you $3000
The digital will cost you $2850 more then the Film Camera....
Probaly a little high, but at $20 a roll for film and processing thats only about 140 rolls of film. Not sure how much you shoot.. But in the 4 months I have had my s2 I have already taken about 4500 shots.. The true advantage of digital is you never have to be afraid to push the shutter button. It does not cost you anything. Yes I have wasted a lot of shots. Yes I have played around a lot. But doing both of these things teach me about the camera, how it is going to respond and what to expect.
I am new to SLR photography. I am damn glad I went straight to digital; It has given me the freedom to shoot.
DUH?!?
Mike