Advice for re-entering hobbyist...

[Bender]

In my Introduction thread, I mentioned that I used to be involved with the hobby, but have been out of it for over 20 years. Back in my younger days, around 1977 to 1983, I was kind of an amateur hobbyist (had a couple 35mm SLRs, developed my own pics (B&W), read all the books, etc).
Since those days, I have been doing the "point & shoot" thing, and have gotten lazy.

Now I'm looking at what I have and am interested in getting in the hobby again...
At home I have a Pentax SP1000, which is from 1973 or 1974 I think. I tried shooting a practice roll of film yesterday with my dog in my back yard... Man, what a pain! First you switch on the meter, then try to focus, and observe the needle in the viewfinder for "+" or "-" exposure probs and change the shutter speed and/or the aperture accordingly... by the time I was ready for a shot, my dog was 30 feet away...
The lens on it is an SMC Takumar 55mm f2. I'd like to get a faster normal lens, say a 50mm 1.8 or faster, but the pickings on ebay aren't too good right now (its the old screw mount type).
But another camera I bought many years ago is a Canon Elan II. It's an AF, and came with a 28-85 AF USM lens. I'm thinking about "re-learning" the hobby with that camera instead of my older cameras (I also have a rangefinder - a Minolta Hi-Matic 7s from 1966).

What are members' opinions on the Elan II ? I'm debating spending time & effort & money on accessories for it... OR instead, getting an entry-level digital SLR such as the Nikon D40.

Before I joined this forum the other day, I would have liked to browse around a while, but I was not able to as a 'guest'... This is the first forum I wasn't able to read anything unless registered. However, after registering, I like the forum and everyone seems friendly and knowledgeable... On the other hand, I'm a little intimidated by the "pro" or "pro-am" status of many members, compared to my noobiness. I have forgotten lots of stuff over the 20 years, so I seem like a noob now, but some things will come back to me quickly.

Anyway, any comments appreciated regarding keeping and using the old Elan II for learning purposes... or getting an entry-level digital SLR....

Thanks, and sorry for all the blabbing!

[LDB]

I don't think you'd see enough change in a 1.8 from your 2.0 to make it worthwhile. If you found a 1.4 that would give you some more speed. I am not familiar with the Elan but I know Pentax is good gear. My first was a Spotmatic F in the early 70's. One nice thing with digital is you can shoot as many as you want and there's no real cost other than your time, unless you print some. The D40 is a good camera HOWEVER, (notice it's a big however) it will not autofocus an awful lot of good lenses. You have to move up to the D80 to use most all lenses. Good luck with your decisions.

[kenw]

The Elan is a fabulous film body, I had the Elan (or I) for many years. Alas, I sold it when someone offered me $100.....

If you get a Canon dSLR that 28-85 lens will still work just fine. In fact, I had a moderate selection of Canon EF lens with my Elan, and when I got my 10d they're all good to go. 20 years later I still have them all...and a few more....

I would highly recommend plunging into the dSLR world. You will be surprised how much will come back to you. The basics of composition, metering, etc are the same for the most part. The only thing you'll need to learn is the "digital darkroom" part and that's something you can take in steps. And you will find plenty of help here to do it.

[Bender]

I don't think you'd see enough change in a 1.8 from your 2.0 to make it worthwhile.

yeah, I was looking at some 1.4's on ebay. I also don't like the 55mm focal length for a normal lens. Rather have 45 or 50mm. Not sure visually how big a diff it would be though.

Regarding the lens compatability on modern cameras and older lenses, I'm kind of out of touch on that also. I did not know my EF Canon USM lens on my Elan II would work with the newer Canon dSLR's.... that would be great.

I regret trading in my old Canon A-1 way back on my Elan II... wish I had kept that A-1. I still have some old manual Canon FD lenses.

I'd like to get into the digital SLR world, just to get my feet wet. From what I've read on the D40, it seems (for the price) to be the way to go, at least for trying out the hobby. Is the Rebel XTi fairly comparable? I notice it is a bit more expensive...

Pros & Cons ?

[dartlrt]

Donn,

Before you decide which brand to go with go to a camera store and handle both brands and go several different times. The model doesn't matter so much. If you wan't to go either Nikon or Canon they are set up quite differently. Also check out the selection of lens you will want and what you will pay for them. You can always look for used gear also.

It's a great hobby whether you go Pentax, Nikon, or Canon. Get out, shoot and have fun.

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by Bender

On the other hand, I'm a little intimidated by the "pro" or "pro-am" status of many members, compared to my noobiness.

That's really one of the best reasons to hang out here. Lots of talented people to learn from.

[hurricane]

You can use your screwmount lenses on new digital Canon bodies with adapters. I've got two 50 f1.4's, a 28 f2.8, a 35 f2, a 105 f2.8, and a 135 f2.5 (all Super-Tak, not SMC) that I use with my canon 30d and 20d. The adapters from ebay seller big_IS have 'focus confirmation chips' in them that will signal the camera (and you) when you're in focus, which helps since the newer digital SLR's don't have focusing screens anything like older film cameras did.

KEH is the place to go for used equipment: http://www.keh.com

Their prices actually end up either right at or a little lower than ebay auctions, and you can be sure the quality/condition is exactly as advertised. Takes a while to ship, but smooth business.

[toverman]

Welcome back! Photography is kind of like riding a bike, except the bikes cost a lot more and have many new features.

I still have my Elan II, and it is an awesome camera. If you become proficient again using it, the jump to a digital SLR (of any brand) will be much easier. As mentioned, your 28-85 EF lens will fit on Canon digital SLRs (but the focal length will get longer unless you go with a more expensive "full frame" digital sensor, usually by a factor of 1.6x or 1.3x). So when the time comes, I recommend looking at several brands and models (entry level and above). Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Olympus make nice systems.

[tdent1]

I have an Elan II and love it, although i use my 40D most of the time now. The Elan II is a fantastic 35mm camera. Any EF lenses that you have or buy to use with it will work on any Canon Digital EOS body so you can continue shooting with the Elan and then upgrade to a Canon digital any time you want to. With film prices and development costs now i happen to think it is better to go digital at this point, especially since you can pick up a decent DSLR for not that much money(unless you have access to darkroom facilities). If you do stick with film, you can try going to any local community college and sign up for their continuing ed Photography classes so that you can get access to their darkroom. It is usually around $100 or so and you don't do any assingments, it is just for the darkroom cost and access, so you can do your own thing in there. I know a few guys that do this here in Dallas. This is a great way to get access to and use a darkroom for not much money.

[rfortson]

Your Pentax/Takumar lenses will work with the Pentax dSLRs. I wasn't sure about the Canon lenses but I see someone else answered that (yes).

Pentax touts their K-mount heritage, but I know Nikon and Canon retain some old lens compatibility as well (as does Sony via Minolta). How come the other companies don't use it in their marketing? Just wondering...

Any dSLR out there will take great images and you'll have fun with all the free film! Get back out there and snap away.

[PIC]

Originally Posted by toverman

Welcome back! Photography is kind of like riding a bike, except the bikes cost a lot more and have many new features ....

... and you are older so expect to fall and it now takes longer to heal !!

I keep an Old Film 35mm camera on my bookshelf to remind me.
Get up on Digital and either use film camera for fun or as a item on your bookshelf
next to your phonograph and 45's {33's ... 78's}.

EL

[hurricane]

Originally Posted by rfortson

Your Pentax/Takumar lenses will work with the Pentax dSLRs. I wasn't sure about the Canon lenses but I see someone else answered that (yes).

Pentax touts their K-mount heritage, but I know Nikon and Canon retain some old lens compatibility as well (as does Sony via Minolta). How come the other companies don't use it in their marketing? Just wondering...

Any dSLR out there will take great images and you'll have fun with all the free film! Get back out there and snap away.

Not sure the screwmounts will work on the latest Pentax dSLR's...probably need an adapter.

Canon FD lenses don't mount to the EF dSLR's without a lens-based adapter and the results are sub-par based on reviews I've seen.

Bender: if you do go with a dSLR, note that they all have a 'crop factor' (except the Canon 5D, which as a hobbyist, I don't think you'll be in the market for) which means a 50mm isn't a 50mm. The sensor is smaller than 35mm film, so a 50mm lens actually ends up as a 50mm x 1.6 = 80mm on Canon dSLR's. Normal is closer to 30mm on these cameras. Lots to learn if you jump to digital, but that's half the fun!

[Bender]

thanks for the info & advice! I think I'll refamiliarize myself with my Elan II tonight, and shoot a couple rolls this weekend for practice.
Been reading some web reviews of the D40 and the Canon XTi, man, I can't wait to get one of these dSLRs... The XTi seems a little more higher end, but what do I know... it costs more too. I guess comparing the D40 and the XTi may not be fair to the D40.

Your Pentax/Takumar lenses will work with the Pentax dSLRs.

my pentax is from before the K-mount, it's screw mount (42mm), aka "M42". When I see an old SMC Takumar lens on ebay I'd like to get, it usually turns out to be a K mount...doh!!

edit: sorry hurricane... I was posting this before I saw your post...

[toverman]

One thing to note about the XTi (I've got one of those, too) and the D40 is that they are smaller than the "standard" camera. That makes them more accessible for the point-and-shoot crowd and easier to tote around. But they're not necessarily for the beefy-handed, either.

When you're ready, you might also look at decent, slightly used cameras to get more bang for your buck. There are some on this forum who are serial upgraders, so they're all but happy to sell their old stuff to fund new stuff.

[Bender]

what's a good book for the basics of digital photography... up to and including semi-advanced users...? (ie, not a "For Dummies book, lol)