Multiple Systems Users - 35mm

[unohuu]

I am wondering if there are shooters who use two 35mm professional

systems? I am heavily invested in Minolta right now, but want to get

into Nikon so that I can rent lenses for special projects. Since I do

not make money on most of what I do, it would be nice to have the

versatility. Ex, I am one of a couple staff photogs for Mn Marriage

and Family Therapists. I shoot the event and get to attend the

seminar or presentation for free. They want digital so I could rent a

D70 for a day and shoot away with a couple of nice Nikon lenses that I

might already own. Cheaper than investing in a Maxxum 7D when I

really do not want to own one at this time. I think I will wait for

the next Minolta digital SLR. So give me your input about two systems

(or more) shooters.

 

Luke

[franka t.l.]

I am freelanzer and I own and use multiple 35mm, medium & large format system. Most of the PRO I know of have more than one system although they tend to use one in majority of their work.

 

If you can master the difference of them and be able to plan ahead on usage. I see no problem regarding multiple system. In fact in most case, as you've put it, you will be working with only one at the same instance. Its only in situation that demand the photgraphers to actually have multiple system around that's presenting some challenge. One had to be able to pick something up and instantly change operation mode to suite ( say from an AF DSLR to a Hasselblad 500 )

[lee hamiel]

Lucius:

 

I use Leica, Nikon, Mamiya & Linhof - I too was heavily invested in Nikon bodies & lenses like you with Minolta but sold a bit of stuff in order to do more.

 

One option would be to still shoot with your Minolta & have the processing done along with a hi-res CD in order to satisfy the "digital" aspect.

 

I shot recently with my son's Canon 20D & was not all that comfortable shooting. It's a great camera & has a lot to offer.

 

May also want to consider a good film scanner as well - I have a Cano-Scan 9900F & it accommodates multiple formats.

 

Good Luck

[unohuu]

I have Yashica and Mamiya in MF and a Yashica RF as well as an Olympus XA, but the outlay for these is minimal compared to those Nikon lenses. I would really like to have access to some of those, even if they are just rentals or for special occasions. So I guess I have to take the plunge and do it.

[chris_chow]

I find that each system has it strong points and weak points so I have multiple systems. Sometimes image quality is more important. Sometimes weight is important. Sometimes a specialised lens/zoom is a must. Sometimes flash is needed. Sometimes AF speed is king. Sometimes auto everything is essential. Sometimes low light is only option. No one system is perfect on all counts. Or maybe they are just excuses.

[Jochen_S]

Hm, you'll end owning at least 35, 50 & 75-90mm plus backup-body for each system. And there will be a time, when you 'll ask yourself "Why?".

 

I watched a friend with a bit more pocketmoney than I'm earning: Nikon, R, Yashica/Contax, M, LTM, Kiev and ancient M42... + Rollei MF

 

I'm not much better: A whole bunch of Pentax film gear, Russian LTM 4 fun, starting digital and buying AF lenses, maybe picking up M too. And I confess: I just fell in love with the Dynax 7D - crucial...

 

Think about what you are doing! Will a 2nd line of lenses + system flash be cheaper than a own DSLR? When will a roll see the lab if you are using your Minolta only with the 14mm and occasionaly the fisheye?

 

Bottom line: either have fun or get the job done. You 're lucky if you manage both. Use what's needed.

[jonathan_laufersweiler]

If you want to rent Nikon lenses, why not rent a Nikon body? Of course if you find yourself renting something on a regular basis, it's time to look seriously at purchase.

OTOH, what's wong with your Minolta gear? They may sell a bazillion cheapo Maxxum 50's to discount stores, but the Maxxum 7 and 9 are serious tools. Hold a Maxxum 7D, look through the viewfinder, then you won't want a D70 so much anymore.

The Konica buyout seems to have awakenned Minolta from 10-15 years of not being able to tell inovations (Maxxum 7000 == First Modern Camera, Wireless TTL Flash) from dumass ideas (power zooms, picture cards). The Z3/Z5 are best of breed. The 7D is the digital F100/Eos 3 than Nikon and Canon haven't built for some reason.

Multiple systems? Well, I shoot Canon, Leica, and Exakta (yes Exakta!); but of the three, I only really spend money on expanding my Canon gear.

[unohuu]

Jonathan, I hear what you are saying. I love the 7 and 800si that I have, but the turn around for that is expensive when I have to pay for the processing and the digitization of the photos. I am waiting for the KM folks to come out with a 2nd generation DSLR as the folks on the KM list are complaining of back focus, flash synchro problems, and purple fringing, etc. Minolta also does not have the same lens lineup - it has a 600mm f/4 but that lens cost $7000 used. No one in Minnesota rents Minolta lenses, while I can rent a Nikon or Canon lens in at least 3-4 different places. If when, KM does bring out a reliable DSLR w/o the current bugs, I will be happy to plop down my $ and do this. Mean time, the photo opportunity for the Marriage and Family Therapy will require that I have some kind of digital camera. So buy an F4s and a couple wonderful primes and then rent a Nikon D70 when needed or invest in the Maxxum 7D - those are my two real choices.