John Gerlach Loc: Island Park, Idaho

Think of manual or automatic for flash exposure, ambient exposure, and focusing. Each could be set individually to auto or manual. I can think of situations where every possible combination of the three works best. Anyone who thinks only one way is best for everything either won't admit the obvious or simple doesn't see the opportunity for the various options. For example, I prefer manual flash for hummingbirds and landscapes, but it isn't effective at all for macro shots where you are handholding the flash to light the subject. Accidently holding a flash at four inches instead of 5.6 inches which is generating the optimum exposure will overexpose by one stop (Inverse Square Law). This should not be a problem for TTL flash as the flash will shorten the flash duration to maintain the ideal exposure should you hold the TTL flash a little closer, or further away and the flash duration gets longer. I am a big fan of manual exposure too, but if the ambient light is steadily changing, manual exposure does not adjust for it, so an auto exposure mode makes more sense. And when fighting dim light where shutter speed is critical for sharp images, the incredibly useful Auto ISO/shutter priority combination is wonderful and effective. Thanks for starting this thread! I will create a future article out of it.

Good to see you hogs are going strong. I have been recovering for the past month from a severe accident on a photo trip that I was most fortunate to survive!

Don Steele Loc: Massachusetts

I am still learning after many years of shooting. I used auto for years then the various priorities and finally manual. I guess it depends on your goals but for me photography is an exercise in stretching my mind and creativity. Having to think about what I want and finding a way to get it makes me use manual when I aam not rushed. My photography has improved since i learned the various benefits of varied f stops and shutter speeds and more recently adding iso to the mix. But letting the computer do it also is great if rushed or if I want to be absolutely sure I get a good , but maybe not perfect shot

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

I learned (as so many here have) on fully manual cameras, without an on board light meter. If you want to use your camera that way, go for it. But ignoring the electronic stuff will limit your results. Unless you get familliar with all the settings and their limits, you will never know what your camera can do.

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

I guess that you are RIGHT with that......Photography is indeed like life And the logical jump-to-conclusion is LIFE is like a box of PICTURES>. You never know what you're going to get. In fact, take a close look at my last ACCIDENTAL acquisition. Look closely and you will see the photographer(that's me) in the eye of "A BEHOLDER". See the camera brand, almost.

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Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Pentax you mean?

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

Doesn't it just drive you nuts when you realize shifting your aperture could have greatly improved your shot?

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digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

Promise??

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

I haft a admit, your version was certainly BETTER. Pentax. A guy here in Dana Point offered me a glimpse through his "big-league" spotting scope.. Fantastic. He inquired about my camera and lens. I said I would get a good picture of his eye. I didn't consider Settings, I just shot, Auto everything. You got the best of it.. Pentax is "in-there". RJM

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Thank you for you second my posting!