paul_dulaney1

<p>The Rebel XTI is a great camera, but if you are doing portrait work, the benefit of full frame is tremendous. When I moved from crop sensor to ff several years ago, the depth of field benefit was one of the most notable differences between the two systems. The original 5D plus a really good lens might be an economical option.</p>

<p>Shipman's books are informative, cheap, and widely available. I see them at the Goodwill from time to time. </p>

<p>Steve, your points are well taken. I actually entertained the idea of having the film processed and scanning the negatives myself but my scanner (Canon 8800F) does not produce very good results with color print film. </p>

 

<p>Steve's post:<br>

"Sorry, but I have to agree with the point made by John H. If you are using such a place as Sams to process your film, I don't see that you would lose anything using a digital camera. I simply cannot understand anyone putting their film in the hands of people pushing buttons at a place like Sams. The reason we use film is for the very special "something" that it gives our photography. Then to turn it over to the lowest common denominator for processing is totally contradictory to the whole point of it all, at least as I see it. I would no more use a place like Sams to process my film than I would use them to make digital prints for a client taken with a high end DSLR. Sorry, but I just cannot fathom anyone who is even aware of this forum using a chain department store to handle their film. It is the tangible, irreplaceable element of our art, and a few extra dollars is well worth it to me to have it in the hands of real pros in a real lab."</p>

<p>Let me comment on this:<br>

I started into photography as a hobby in 1971 and did my own B&W processing for a number of years. I have several Canon DSLR's but like many of you, I just love film photography. I had problems with Sam's Club processing years ago but have been very pleased the past few years. I've done several comparisons with a pro lab in my area and see virtually no difference in quality. I think Sam's actually used the same Fuji processor as the pro lab. I agree that film photogrpaphy is no longer economical and we will have to pay the piper if we want to continue in this hobby. However, I am an amateur on a budget and unable to pass high processing costs along to someone else. One of the reasons I shot Kodachrome for years was the lower processing cost. (I'm now glad I did so) At the end of the day, our skills as photographers are more important than what lab processes our film. </p>

 

<p>My Sam's store just removed the film processor. No more $4.25 film processing. I will now have to pay more than double that to get my film processed and printed!!!!!!!!!!! I would seek professional counseling but I won't be able to afford it. I guess I should have seen this coming. I voiced my complaint to a co-worker who replied, "Why don't you just get a digital camera!??????"</p>

<p>I am often amused by critics on this forum when I think of how far we've come and yet how demanding we still are. Sometimes it seems we must all have the newest and best or we simply can't function. I'm sure a professional photographer needs to keep relatively modern equipment to be competitive in his/her work but I don't think most pros need to be as demanding as many critics on this forum. I have been an amateur since the early 70's, when I happily carried around with a Yahsica TLR and a light meter all over the place. I didn't go digital until 2008, and I still shoot almost as much film as digital. I have a 5D and I can attest this is a fanstastic camera capable of doing much more justice than I can give it. It is a great value in the used market, IMHO. As a musician, I've often said it matters much more who is playing the instrument than what brand or model of instrument is being played. I've have subscribed to Pop Photo since the 70's and still enjoy looking back at the old mags. I don't recall ever thinking the photographers who featured their work in those old magazines were handicapped in any way. </p>

<p>After 40 years of 35mm photography, I would say no slr I have ever used has been more reliable and had a more "quality" feel than the FTb. I've been using the same one my dad purchased new in the mid 70's and it works as good now as the day it was new. I actually prefer it over the original F-1 for casual photography due to the more visible meter needle, ease of battery checking, quick load, and the hot shoe. I used to prefer the split image focusing but the older I get, the more I like the microprism focusing screen. </p>

<p>I think Steve hit the nail on the head. I recall buying 2 EOS A2's a fews years back and subsequently returning both for minor issues. Having only paid about $30 for each camera, it was likely a waste for them to deal with me. I recall they paid the return shipping. At the end of the day, KEH is hard to beat when you can buy a 35-40 year old high end camera for next to nothing and get a return privilege and warranty!!!!!! I know other vendors offer similar warranties but they never seemed to keep the level of inventory.</p>

<p>I noticed the KEH inventory of FD equipment is very low. There are very few bodies and I don't even see a 50mm normal lens listed??! What gives? </p>

<p>For my money, the A2/A2E cameras are hard to beat. I have found the durability to be superior to the Elan series. KEH is a good choice with their warranty. Watch out for command dial issues with this series! I think the main thing to remember is to push the button down before turning the dial.</p>

<p>This is a depressing forum to read. It's like a slow death; the oxygen is being depleted! Maybe I need counseling! </p>

<p>I have my dad's FTBn which he bought new in the 70's. After seals and a CLA, it works like new. I like it better than the original F-1 for general photography if the expansion capabilities are not needed. Match needle and meter switch are easier to use. Also flash mounting is easier. These things are built like tanks. With the 6 month warranty, KEH is hard to beat. </p>

<p>I just got the mirror reinforced on my 5d mki (I am not the original owner) about a month ago. I was not having problems but wanted to get it upgraded. They repaired it very quickly at no charge and paid the shipping both ways. I was not aware the mkii needed this upgrade.</p>

<p>I can't believe Canon won't repair a 430ex. They repaired my 580ex in 2010. If this thing is not serviceable, maybe I should get rid of it while it still works!</p>

<p>I am a casual amateur and finally went digital in 2008 with a 40D. I just purchased a used 5D mki to get into full frame. I was surprised at the difference in depth of field. It's gotten me into trouble a few times but I think it's a real advantage. After shooting 35mm film for so long, I think I am going to like full frame.</p>

<p> <img src="http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll154/pauld40_photos/IMG_6476edit1-Copy.jpg" alt="" /><br>

ISO 1600 / 218mm / f/7.1 / 1/250th / handheld with IS</p>

<p>Giovanni<br>

I just bought a used 5D classic and have been using the 24-85mm with good results. <br>

Paul</p>

<p>This is likely a mirror issue. The mirror hangs in the up position and it sounds like a slow shutter, but is not. It happens intermittently on my 40D and was also reported in the 5D mki. (My 5D mki has never done it) A firmware upgrade did not solve the problem on my 40D. I thought this had been corrected, but apparently not. I recall having done some web research on this issue several years ago. Surely other forum members have experienced this. </p>

<p>I have owned four Elan series cameras and experienced electrical problems with all four. I should add I have no specific experience with 7ne or with the Rebel film cameras. I never owned an EOS 3 but have read alot about it. It is by far the superior camera of the three you mention. I guess that's why it still commands a hefty price, comparitively. I think the A2e and A2 film cameras are a good value but one must be careful as they had some command dial issues. </p>

<p>Retail pricing reflects Fuji film has increased .50 to .75 cents per roll in the last few days. I've not checked WalMart to see if their prices have yet increased. I guess this puts cheap 400 speed color print film at around $2.50-$2.75 per roll. </p>

<p>Dennis<br>

You sound like a voice of reason crying in the wilderness. I've not forgotten where I came from as I just purchased another 50 rolls of film to restock as film prices are on the rise! <br>

Paul</p>

<p>I don't need it and can't afford it anyway. They have a 16x20 enlargement in the store taken with a 5Diii at ISO 12,800. I am amazed at the quality. It looks about like my original 5D at ISO 1600. </p>

<p>Saw a lonely new 5D mkiii the local camera store. Wonder how long it will last? I guess availability will quickly improve.</p>

<p>In watching prices and KEH inventory over the past few years, there seems to be a renewed interest in fast primes, particularly the chrome nose/breech lock versions. I was looking at some KEH fliers from 2008 and 2009 the other day and noticed they used to maintain a much larger inventory of fast wide angle and normal lenses than I've seen lately. Is this due to a resurgence of film photography or the ability to adapt the old lenses to dslr's? <br>

Paul</p>

<p>Barry<br>

Nice job! I like the way you arranged the cameras, with the patriarch elevated at the rear, it's worthy successor at the right hand, and the powerhouse in the center. <br>

Paul</p>

<p>Regarding the often criticized 35mm f/3.5, I have compared my copy to several off brand wide angles and to a plethora of 50mm fd's I have somehow accumulated. The color rendition is excellent on this little lens. Overall, mine is extremely good. I just wish it wasn't so dark!!!! The viewfinder is remarkably dark indoors on my original F-1 but much brighter with my late A-1. (1984) I had no idea how much difference the newer screen made until comparing the two with the 35mm f/3.5. I guess there could also be a slight difference in the mirrors. I have never tried the 35mm f/2.8 or f/2. </p>