A photographer had to have true skill to end up with good photos in those "old days" With today's automated photography even a monkey could get a good picture now and then.
That's a true statement, as todays cameras has made it so simple. Every one is a want to be a pro. photographer, as soon a they receive the camera in the mail. I have a relation that did, and still takes s@#t photos. I told him he needs to look at other peoples photos and at least try to learn something, he said NO I want to look at my photos. OH well that's the way it is.
I don't think those were the good old days, just the old days. however they were fun days and always interesting what you would end up with your photo's. trash can would fill up very fast in the good old days.
The same thing with me. I stopped to soon , we had a little overcast, not enough to worry about, I did get the shot of a eclipse. it came out O.K. nothing outstanding.