Some Thoughts for Today from Joe Farace
First some context: vis-à-vis my recent film camera purchases: In a recent Q&A post I said, “But I have little money invested in any of these purchases. By comparison, Mary’s Nikon Z fc cost $1,100 with the 15-50mm kit lens. The total dollar amount that I’ve invested in all of these cameras, lenses, winders and a motor drive, plus some accessories was less than the cost of her Z fc with lens.” Much less, actually.
All of the cameras and lenses used to make the photographs appearing on this blog, my books or social media accounts were bought and paid for with my own money. Exceptions are images that were captured using equipment on loan from manufacturers, such as the Lumix S1R camera and Sigma L-mount lenses used to write reviews for this blog. You may be surprised to learn that after completing these reviews, all this equipment must be returned to the manufacturer. There are no freebies for me, although I suspect that is not the case with other photographers that you might see on other blogs and social media posts.
How I made this shot: I made the photograph at right in Anaheim, California at the very last standalone PMA trade show. It was shot with the then-new Olympus Pen E-P3 Micro Four-thirds camera and Olympus M.17mm f/2.8 lens both of which I still have and use today. In fact a recent infrared image that I posted on Instagram (follow me @joefrace) was made using this same lens, so “old” doesn’t necessarily always translate into “bad.” If a piece of gear works; it works.
Here’s some of my personal photography equipment history: My first SLR was a used film-based Minolta SR-1 that I bought from my friend Ed Lohmeyer. This was not the company’s SRT-101 but a simpler model that preceded it and one that lacked through-the-lens metering, a big deal at the time. Then I began shooting Nikon SLRs for most of my professional career before later switching to Contax film cameras and finally Canon DSLRs. I always regretted selling my Contax SLRs and G-series rangefinder cameras and last year purchased a 167MT but have not been able to acquire any Zeiss lenses for it yet because I am taking my own advice. When mirrorless cameras came along I waited, trying not to be an early adopter before settling on Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four-thirds equipment.
Want details? I think all of the cameras that I currently own and use are listed in the Gear section but a list of my new film gear is missing. Look for an update to that page real soon now. My wife shoots Nikon mirrorless cameras and seems happy with that aforementioned Z fc model that I gave her for Christmas. I’ll let you know how that plays out.
Not only do I still own and use that “old” Olympus E-P3 but a few years ago Mary reskinned it using leather coverings from Aki-Asahi to give it a retro look. (Sadly, Aki-Asahi is not currently shipping products to the USA because of the pandemic.)
I believe you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on equipment to make good photographs. Although many professionals choose to shoot with expensive cameras you don’t have to do the same thing, especiall. There are plenty of really good cameras offering interchangeable lenses and sophisticated electronics available that are reasonably priced. (Look for a new video on my YouTube channel about this very subject, real soon now.) Instead of the top-of-the line cameras, take time to check out some of the many competent entry-level and mid-priced models. And don’t overlook used equipment and refurbs; they offer some great values. After all, you’re going to use the camera anyway.
If you’re a happy user of a specific company’s products it’s not my intention to convince you to switch. Switching camera systems can be hazardous to your financial and emotional health. If your camera and lenses work for you and you’re happy with them, keep on truckin’.
Along with photographer Barry Staver, I’m co-author of Better Available Light Digital Photography that’s available from Amazon for $21.50 with used copies starting at giveaway prices—around eight bucks, as I write this.