my first film slr

[rootrider]

I of course used some film cameras when I was younger, but they were always point & shoot cameras.. usually Canon. I had a 120 camera in there somewhere and my last film camera was a Canon Owl. I had no idea what I was doing with those things

I got into photography through the digital world.. starting with the fairly nice Minolta S414 and then moving to the Minolta Z2. I learned to love photography with these cameras, and have enjoyed it even more since I picked up my D70 over a year ago.

I've been watching craigslist looking for a Nikon film camera I might want to buy for a while now. I wasn't sure if I wanted something that more closely resembled the functionality of my D70 or a body that was mostly (or all) manual.. something that is essentially the opposite of what I shoot with right now. I kind of just decided to buy whatever deal looked good to me first.

So today I picked this Nikon FA up. For those not in the know, it's the first SLR with matrix metering, and it has program ae, aperture priority, and shutter priority for manual and autofocus lenses. And of course it'll do TTL flash, normal center weighted metering, and it has a few other cool features. I don't have any film yet but so far I love it



Of my four lenses only two will work properly on the camera. There's little sense in using the DX G lenses. I might just pick up a cheap 35-70 2.8 at some point, but until then I think I'll be okay with my 50mm and the 80-200. I'm looking forward to being able to manually focus with this camera since the viewfinder is actually usable compared to my D70's dark & small viewfinder.

Film costs a lot of money so I'll probably just stick to taking a few shots here & there. The FA's previous owner took really nice care of the body so I'll have to try and continue that legacy. I might just stick some b&w film in and snap away with the 50mm for a while.... something that's extremely different from what I normally do with my D70. It'd be fun.

I'm looking forward to using this.. even if it means paying for film and having to go through a lot of extra work just to get a copy onto the computer

I suppose I should pick up a couple of those colored filters everyone seems to be offloading for almost nothing these days

[kevin_c]

Looks like a good example you got there - Welcome to the world of real photography

Hurry up and get yourself a couple of rolls of film, and just learn to be selctive about what you shoot.

Enjoy!

[Tusker]

Joel -- I have had a F2A for30 some years. Use isn't like it should be, but I am not about to give it up CONGRATS!!!!!!

[D.Rodgers]

Great find I would have bought it myself.
Sounds like the perfect chance to try developing your own B&W ,if you feel up to it.
Theres a few non chemical choices available.
Google Folgers processing this is a recently reinvented technique using coffee grounds for developing .
It leave a wonderful hue to the negatives and of course there are other cost effective choices.

[badpickev]

i love the smell of film

[Tom Swaman]

I heard that if you use pure Kona coffee, the film develops a watermark of hula dancers.....Is this true?

Tom

[D.Rodgers]

Originally Posted by Tom Swaman

I heard that if you use pure Kona coffee, the film develops a watermark of hula dancers.....Is this true?

Tom

Maybe

[cyclohexane]

I heard that if you use pure Kona coffee, the film develops a watermark of hula dancers.....Is this true?

No idea, but if you put film through the wash with your laundry it'll come out nice and zesty, depending on what detergent you prefer.

[Bonner]

You guys have way too much time on your hands!

[kevin_c]

Don't forget to fix the film in salt water...

Shutterbug: Coffee, Tea, Or Vitamin C

[rootrider]

I don't know if I'll ever be able to develop my own film. I certainly wish I could though

Still haven't bought any film yet.. haven't had time to make it to a shop yet.

[D.Rodgers]

Originally Posted by kevin_c

Don't forget to fix the film in salt water...

Shutterbug: Coffee, Tea, Or Vitamin C

Thats a good link..

[Latinbob]

Originally Posted by rootrider

I don't know if I'll ever be able to develop my own film. I certainly wish I could though ...

It is easier than you think. I've developed B&W and print and slide film. All you need is a changing bag, a daylight tank and some chemistry. You have to watch out for the developing chemicals though, as they can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.

Always wear gloves too. I didn't last time I developed at home, and I've had a skin rash on my hands for over a month

Bob

[Latinbob]

Originally Posted by kevin_c

Don't forget to fix the film in salt water...

Shutterbug: Coffee, Tea, Or Vitamin C

Awesome link. I need to try that.

Bob

[cyclohexane]

What Bob said on developing film. You're not going to be able to develop or print your own C-41 color negative though, unless you invest in the big machine(s)....

[JDArt]

Boy, oh boy. I sure do not miss film. Good luck with that, though.

[D.Rodgers]

Originally Posted by JDArt

Boy, oh boy. I sure do not miss film. Good luck with that, though.

Me either it was only a couple years back I was paying to devolope a hundred rolls plus a month.