oldfujifan Loc: Pennsylvania, USA

Hi -- I'm a guy who still carries a camera in spite of myself. As my user name suggests, I began with film a number of years ago. Now, mainly for convenience, I sometimes use digital. I do see that format's artistic advantages; maybe someday I will find a DSLR I can afford and manipulate. (Most seem rather cumbersome.) Oh well, photography's still fun.

Me, myself

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PhotoPhred Loc: Cheyney, Pa

Greetings from another Pennsylvanian. I was a slow convert from film, but I got over it. I am on my 4th Nikon DSLR. I started with a d40x, used it for 3 years, moved up to a d3100, then d5100 and now I use a d7100. I hope this my last camera body. I sold the d40x and the d3100 and both are still going strong and their owners are happy. This is a great site for advice on all aspects of photography. Enjoy.

HowardPepper Loc: Palm Coast, FL

Greetings Rog, and welcome to the UHH!

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the site Rog.

oldfujifan Loc: Pennsylvania, USA

Hi --

Thanks for writing. I'm obviously new at using this website, and it is not quite like others I've encountered. Bottom line: I hope this reply goes to PhotoPhred, who was so kind as to read my post and to write me.

I'm interested in what you've written about DSLRs. One of my major reasons for wanting one, as opposed to a mirror less camera, is the availability of an optical viewfinder. On the other hand, since I have an autoimmune condition that has hung around for a number of years, I seem to have problems using a camera that has any weight. Catch-22. Do you know of any viable alternatives? The optical viewfinder seems to be the main issue, if I am going to compose a photograph. That's a major reason why I still use my Canon F1N and Canon 2000.

oldfujifan Loc: Pennsylvania, USA

Hi Howard. Thanks for writing.

Must be great to photograph in Florida!

I'm interested in your list of cameras. One reason I continue to use my Canon F1N and Canon Rebel 2000 is the clarity of the optical viewfinder when I am composing a photo, not to mention when I am focusing and checking depth of field. A mirrorless camera, read Sony NEX-7, doesn't come close in situations with questionable light. The light weight is wonderful, and I appreciate it, since I have an autoimmune issue that has hung on for a number of years and will probably be with me until I pass. It saps my strength, making use of a full sized DSLR problematic.

If you have any suggestions or ideas about a camera that might work in place of a full blown DSLR, I'd appreciate receiving them. I figure a decent sized sensor, some opportunity for variable lens lengths, and, most importantly, an optical viewfinder would be great.

Thanks a bunch!

Rog

JoeB Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY

Hello, welcome to UHH.

oldfujifan Loc: Pennsylvania, USA

Wow! We must have started shooting about the same time.

I got into photography pretty seriously when my father gave me the Zeiss Ikon he had "liberated" during WWII. Anyway, I took care of it and learned a great deal, since the camera has only manual settings and no meter. (You can still get film from B&H, but I haven't for quite a while because uncoated lenses are quirky at best and I've been hooked by SLRs.)

My favorite cameras are a Canon F1N and, for easy shots while walking, since I use a cane, a Canon Rebel 2000 (hence the reference to Fuji, wise Velvia is a great outdoors film.)

I'm looking for a DSLR or a digital substitute therefore that would allow me to view things through an optical viewer, but that would not have the weight of most full-sized DSLRs. The issue with which I'm dealing is an autoimmune disorder that has weakened my large muscles and reduced my energy. I'm not greatly enthused by mirrorless cameras (for example, the Sony NEX-7), despite the decreased weight of that model, which is a positive. They do not seem to permit accurate manual focusing or adjustment of depth of field in situations having tricky lighting.

Oh well, I will have to go to the suggestions section, as i am sure there is one. Certainly someone makes a good bridge camera, or something similar.

Thanks for writing, and best wishes,

Rog

oldfujifan Loc: Pennsylvania, USA

Hi Joe,

I has been years since I was in your part of the country. Beautiful up there! And you folks know how to keep it that way.

I'd like to talk cameras for a minute, if you don't mind. I have a Canon F1N that I have used since 1990, and a Rebel 2000 that works well when I want a lightweight camera for walking, since I use a cane. I'm coming up short with good ideas regarding a digital, though. A full-blown DSLR is too much for me, since I have an autoimmune disorder that has progressed rather far. I guess I'm looking for a decent bridge camera or something with a sensor of around 1", a variable length lens, and an optical viewfinder if possible. Any ideas? (No, I don't want a unicorn. It only sounds like it.)

Thanks for writing.

Rog

daddybear Loc: Brunswick, NY

I understand, I had a STX and AX3, both great cameras. My son
still does film . He likes the STX & AX3 for his black and white shots. Has a Nikon for digital.

Welcome to the Hog.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Welcome to UHH oldfujifan, glad you joined us. I started with film many years ago, Nikon FTN's. When I went digital I started with a Nikon D80 and recently upgraded to the Nikon D7100. Best advice I can give you is do your research on several brands and models that interest you. Go to your local camera store and handled these models. How do they feel in your hands, the controls layout, ease of use, etc.
Then you can make your choice. Also the mighty budget comes into play. Don't rush into a purchase, unless of course you have unlimited funds. Keep us advised of your journey and your final choice. Have fun and enjoy the forum.
Don

oldfujifan Loc: Pennsylvania, USA

Don, thanks for the description of your procedure. It's the one I followed when I bought my F1N, many moons ago. Now, would you believe we don't have a local camera store anywhere in the Harrisburg, PA metropolitan area? I believe Philadelphia has a few, but I'm not sure I want to go that far. Williamsport used to have a wonderful store that did repairs; no longer. It's the old economy.

I do believe I can see something at a store like Best Buy, but it won't be a point and shoot with a large sensor. Probably I'll get a sense of what a Rebel T3 can do and how it feels. That will be better than nothing.

Regardless, I do plan to take my time. Prices generally drop around Christmas.

Thanks again,

Rog

oldfujifan Loc: Pennsylvania, USA

Hi, and thanks for writing.

How do you do that small-print thing? I appreciate the list of cameras and lenses. I'd been wondering about the T3i, and I'm a fan of Tamron.

Rog

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

Aloha Rog and welcome to UHH. Many here started with film and now doing digital. You have the right idea in finding a camera that feels right for you. Keep looking and may God bless. Keep on enjoying this great hobby/profession and above all have fun.

oldfujifan Loc: Pennsylvania, USA

Thanks for your kind thoughts, Joanne, and may God bless you also.

Rog