Fully manual mode (Page 3): I learned that way in the 1960s, and still use full manual mode for situations where I need full control. HOWEVER, modern cameras have such awesome...

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Jim Bianco wrote:

I have a Nikon D5200 and I use all manual mode.I use all vintage lenses one nikon 50mm lens from the 80's the rest other brands with adapters,I can not afford those expensive nikon lenses.What I am trying to say is that when I take a pic and it looks great, I say to myself I took that pic ,setting the Ap,shutter sp,and ISO. It just makes me feel good that I am learning photography the right way,like in the old days.Thats just me.What do you guys think.Thanks Jim Bianco

I learned that way in the 1960s, and still use full manual mode for situations where I need full control. HOWEVER, modern cameras have such awesome computers in them, and such great meters in them, that under many conditions, you can use the automation with confidence. Yes, the 430 page manual to my camera is a bit intimidating at first glance, and takes about 30 minutes of study to FULLY grasp what's on each page, even for an old pro like me. BUT, knowing that I have a broad and deep range of controls, both manual and automatic, and having a sense of when to use what, I can proceed to photograph anything with enough confidence to bring home a decent image.

I guess what I'm saying is that there is no ONE right way to learn photography. There are many paths that lead to making a great image, and many ways to navigate those paths.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Jim Bianco wrote:

I have a Nikon D5200 and I use all manual mode.I use all vintage lenses one nikon 50mm lens from the 80's the rest other brands with adapters,I can not afford those expensive nikon lenses.What I am trying to say is that when I take a pic and it looks great, I say to myself I took that pic ,setting the Ap,shutter sp,and ISO. It just makes me feel good that I am learning photography the right way,like in the old days.Thats just me.What do you guys think.Thanks Jim Bianco

I have discovered since being a member of this forum, that many of the vintage manual lenses are still sought after. Although, I remember using one when I borrowed my father's film SLR, it was the best and only thing available then. I've seen advertised, brand new very expensive manual only Zeiss lenses on websites. So, it appears that manual focus lenses ain't dead yet. I've seen many inexpensive vintage manual focus lenses on eBay. I'm tempted to buy one or two now.

Csilva7

One that is truly great in photography uses manual all the time.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

Csilva7 wrote:

One that is truly great in photography uses manual all the time.

One that is truly great in photography does not limit his options.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

That is exactly what we did when we had to use all manual film cameras. Nothing wrong with it although at times the technique can slow you down.
Modern Auto modes are very good and convenient at times.

DavidJon Loc: Ada, Oklahoma

JohnSwanda wrote:

One that is truly great in photography does not limit his options.

Good point. More than one road leads to Rome.

cthahn

If you shoot manual, that is great. If you think Nikon lenses are expensive, then compare Zeiss and you will in for a shock..

Debbie Gomila Loc: Long Beach, Mississippi

I'm trying so hard to shoot manual. It's like I have a mental block when I start trying to remember everything. I have great cameras and lens and I love trying. I've taken some good pictures. Manual is just a real challenge!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Jim, with the majority of my cameras being vintage, everything is manual. I view the photographic process as system management. It's a constant evaluation and trade off situation. Manual is the best way to control the final outcome of the pressing the shutter release.
--Bob

Jim Bianco wrote:

I have a Nikon D5200 and I use all manual mode.I use all vintage lenses one nikon 50mm lens from the 80's the rest other brands with adapters,I can not afford those expensive nikon lenses.What I am trying to say is that when I take a pic and it looks great, I say to myself I took that pic ,setting the Ap,shutter sp,and ISO. It just makes me feel good that I am learning photography the right way,like in the old days.Thats just me.What do you guys think.Thanks Jim Bianco

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

There are times when other priorities such as shutter speed or aperture are better served than manual. I mostly use manual but I do use shutter speed and aperture and don't feel less as a photographer for using them.

Jim Bianco wrote:

I have a Nikon D5200 and I use all manual mode.I use all vintage lenses one nikon 50mm lens from the 80's the rest other brands with adapters,I can not afford those expensive nikon lenses.What I am trying to say is that when I take a pic and it looks great, I say to myself I took that pic ,setting the Ap,shutter sp,and ISO. It just makes me feel good that I am learning photography the right way,like in the old days.Thats just me.What do you guys think.Thanks Jim Bianco

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Jim Bianco wrote:

I have a Nikon D5200 and I use all manual mode.I use all vintage lenses one nikon 50mm lens from the 80's the rest other brands with adapters,I can not afford those expensive nikon lenses.What I am trying to say is that when I take a pic and it looks great, I say to myself I took that pic ,setting the Ap,shutter sp,and ISO. It just makes me feel good that I am learning photography the right way,like in the old days.Thats just me.What do you guys think.Thanks Jim Bianco

The best way to go. In fact the only way one can intelligently use all the automatic modes is to know what they are doing, and that can only be learned by doing it all yourself and making mistakes. A little like Will Rogers old saying: "Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment."

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

Jim Bianco wrote:

I have a Nikon D5200 and I use all manual mode.I use all vintage lenses one nikon 50mm lens from the 80's the rest other brands with adapters,I can not afford those expensive nikon lenses.What I am trying to say is that when I take a pic and it looks great, I say to myself I took that pic ,setting the Ap,shutter sp,and ISO. It just makes me feel good that I am learning photography the right way,like in the old days.Thats just me.What do you guys think.Thanks Jim Bianco

Anyone can pick up a camera and take many pictures whether manual or using the camera features. The real question? "Are you able to create exceptional photography?"

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Jim Bianco wrote:

I have a Nikon D5200 and I use all manual mode.I use all vintage lenses one nikon 50mm lens from the 80's the rest other brands with adapters,I can not afford those expensive nikon lenses.What I am trying to say is that when I take a pic and it looks great, I say to myself I took that pic ,setting the Ap,shutter sp,and ISO. It just makes me feel good that I am learning photography the right way,like in the old days.Thats just me.What do you guys think.Thanks Jim Bianco

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

Full Manual operation = Always when I use "Legacy Lenses". I have various lenses from my past cameras what have adapters on them for my Canon 5D Mark II. Any digital camera make can support any lens with these adapters - I choose a mid priced adapter. They work really well.

photonutt1970

I've been into photography for almost 25 years and have usually used A or T (S on my Nikon D7100) and only recently have I got into M I Know at times its advantageous to have a digital camera because you can tweek the Aperture or shutter speed to achieve just the right balance of dynamic range without the waiting of film being wasted