rachael_fox1

I've been thinking about this subject for a few days now. I used to

own a Nikon FE2 with some nice prime lenses. However, the cost of b&w

film and processing at the time was getting to be prohibitively

expensive. Eventually I sold my Nikon and bought one of the new

prosumer level D-SLR's. It's nice, but there are some definite drawbacks:

1. Bulky - Yes, I realize SLR's are never small, but the DSLR is a

monster.

2. Slow - It takes forever to write a RAW or TIFF image to my CF

card. I've missed a ton of shots waiting for the blasted thing to

write the previous image.

3. Expensive - I like to travel, and I cringe every time I have to

pull out my camera in the middle of some 3rd world city street. It

reeks of high-priced, valuable electronics which I'm sure someone

would love to relieve me of.

4. Fragile - Rain = bad; cold weather = bad; jarring impact = bad;

heat = bad. If I wanted to stay inside all day and baby my camera, I

wouldn't be able to actually photograph much.

So, is there something wrong with me for wanting to make the switch

back to a manual film camera? Does anyone else feel the same way, or

am in the definite minority? Thanks for your insight.

-Rachael

Well, I went searching today for a Nikon FM and a prime lens or two. However, I ended up

with a gorgeous Nikon FE2 and a 50mm f/1.8 for just over $250. Seems like it should

hold up pretty well in the enviroment I'll be using it in. Maybe I'll even be able to get a

zoom lens before I leave. Thanks again for all your responses.

Any recommendations on a rather inexpensive (<$300 for body and lenses) MF camera

and one to two lenses to go along with it? I'm heading to Afghanistan in February and will

be photographing mostly distant objects and landscapes with the occasional portrait. I

thank you for any help you can provide.