----- Original Message -----
From: "Moose" <olymoose@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> I also don't see how learning the effects of shutter speeds by taking
> the ones I see in the viewfinder and setting them on a ring is any
> better than seeing the speeds in the viewfinder and knowing that's what
> I'm using. In fact, it seems to me it would more distracting to a novice
> to have to set it than to be aware what is being set. Of course I
> learned the other way, hand held meter and hand set apeture and shutter
> speed, 'cause that's all there was. I don't think that means it's the
> best way to learn. May or may not be, probably depends on the person
> learning. Kids growing up today are quite aware of the relationship
> between readouts and results.
>
Yes, and yes. I began photography 20+ years ago as a hobby using my dad's
old Argus C3 and a handheld lightmeter. After some practice, I could set
the camera without using the lightmeter, and get good (better than good!)
results. I have taken the camera out over the last several years just to
shoot a roll through it, mainly for the memories it brings. While I was
scouring ebay for accessories for it, I developed the desire to take the
next step, into SLR photography. I thought about it, and talked to several
local photogs, and decided a manual SLR was the ticket. I researched, and
decided on the Nikon FM series.
While on a trip, I found the OM-G in a pawn shop with flash and fisheye for
$75. (My research is good, but results are often unpredctable!) I found
the old "eyeball" habits work real well with the G and manual mode; I've
thought about springing for a lightmeter, but most of the time a little
thinking solves the rare problem I have with metering. I recently bought
the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. A little pre-knowledge
of how the camera settings work and affect the result helps more than having
the "right" equipment.
So, right now I'm happy with my "beginner" camera. (I'll always be a
"beginner", always something new to learn.) I'm currently learning more
about lenses than cameras... And like Mr. Scales, I will have two cameras
for my budding photographers if I step up to another "beginner" camera.
- Tom
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