DSLR Cameras?

[WildBill]

One of the lessons that I learned from the NYIP course is the importance of using a tripod. If know that it isn't practical all of the time, but it does result in better pictures such as the cave picture posted by KD5NRH.

In addition to my full-size Bogen tripod I own on of these:

[KD5NRH]

In addition to my full-size Bogen tripod I own on of these:

Another thing that helped with the cave photos and some other shots I've done is learning to be creative with the tripod. In areas where there just wasn't enough room, I would leave it folded, but with the legs extended to full length, so it basically became an awkward monopod. Set the bottom against the trail edge and use a foot against it to hold it there, and a hip pinning it against the rail, and shots up to 10 seconds become possible with very little setup time.

Buy more than one tripod too; the $30 WalMart one is handy for times when you won't drag out a much more expensive one, and you're more likely to just let it live in the trunk so you'll have it when you need it.

[Divided Attention]

I have a monopod and it has proven to be a great asset! Lives in the car usually, and doesn't get in the way like a tripod can - especially at crowded events with a lot of parental paprazzi (or however you spell that) running around with eyes only for Jr. Also hangs from a belt loop with a small caribiner leaving hands free when needed like is often necessary at livestock events. JMPHO

[RPB]

I have a monopod and it has proven to be a great asset! Lives in the car usually, and doesn't get in the way like a tripod can - especially at crowded events with a lot of parental paprazzi (or however you spell that) running around with eyes only for Jr. Also hangs from a belt loop with a small caribiner leaving hands free when needed like is often necessary at livestock events. JMPHO

Pretty cool feature, but I'd be worried someone might see a bulge under my untucked shirt from that hanging off my belt.
(sorry, couldn't resist)


I have, or had several late 1800s/early 1900s cameras, inherited from grandparents, know I have several large boxes of old high-end Canon and Minolta SLRs, lenses and accessories, including infra-red flashes and photocell remote slaves, and had a Fresnel lens megaphone type setup to aim an infrared flash about 2-blocks away; which I used 35 years ago as a licensed Private Investigator, but when digital arrived, my hobbies changed and I just got a waterproof capable of underwater pics/movies type camera for kayak fishing .. I'll admit I prefer "Manually" setting everything, shutter speed/F-stop though. I never have cared for the auto programmed settings. I understand what image I want as a result from a given instant/situation, better than the programmer does. Like sometimes I may want to overexpose the film slightly, and underexpose the paper .... I guess I could throw out/sell my old stuff and get back into photography, buy all new equipment and editing programs... but I haven't.

Right now I just have a bunch of very large boxes of equipment in a shed; I sold a few "oldies" on e-bay several years back, but the majority didn't attract buyers/collectors because most people are shopping for "new" stuff.

[KD5NRH]

I guess I could throw out/sell my old stuff and get back into photography, buy all new equipment and editing programs... but I haven't.

If you do decide to go that route, I'd be interested in some of the old stuff. Particularly certain Minolta AF lenses and 120 gear. http://www.texasphotoforum.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and http://www/apug.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; would also be good places to look for buyers.

Hybrid processing (process the negs and scan them in at high res) has really expanded the horizons for film. You can still get the classic look, with all the editing/archiving/printing advantages of digital.