Back in the 70's I cobbled one together from surplus chemistry lab parts. It wasn't much to look at but it did the job I needed it to do.

Now I'm looking for a motorized one with bluetooth control.

When I used to go to camera shows there was always someone there that had a machine and often tested for free.

I like watching those shows, they make me laugh.

"One gets such wholesale returns of conjecture out of such a trifling investment of fact."

Mark Twain

Personally I have no use for a coal fueled car.

Love my Mamiya Universal Pro with its moving back, three lenses and a lens extender. It works well for landscapes and architectural photography. I bought it without the film mask which is ok since I prefer to shoot in 6x9.

if you are willing to do a little research you can probably decode it from the serial number.

You might consider joining Dark Sky https://darksky.org

Iv'e tried GIMP and did not consider it ready for prime time.

I only use film for 120 6x9 format. I use a Mamiya universal for its back movements. It's more about the function of the camera than the film.

Disposing of the spent batteries is also a major issue.

Rangeƒinder is good if you want the business side more than the creative side. I was getting the printed version but have switch to the e version to conserve space in my library.

Using the wrist strap is a worthwhile habit.

Way back in the 70s, when I went to school in Tampa some of my friends and I went to Sarasota to see the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Jimmy opened for them. He was not the right person for the crowd and he was booed off the stage. I guess you can't mix Margaritas with Moonshine.

I live in northern Lake County Illinois. If you are close perhaps we could get together.


MIke

I've got a Lumix DC-ZS80 which sounds like what you are describing. It has a Leica designed 24-720 equivalent lens. It shoots RAW, JPG and I think TIFF. I always use RAW. ISO 200-3200. It has P (Program mode), S (Shutter priority), A (Aperture mode) and M (Manual mode). It has several programing modes and you can make your own custom programs, It has video and a live viewfinder option (you will get much more steady images holding it to your face instead of arms length). you can also use it remotely with a downloadable app. There is no filter holder but you can use a JJC RN-RX100VI on it for that purpose. There are also a variety focus grids for it. It and its smaller brother the DMC-ZS-100 are my day to day cameras fitting together nicely in a cargo pocket on my pants. I've printed up to 24 x 30 images from both of these cameras and more routinely print 11x14 and 16x20s. The only drawbacks to me are the harsh flash and no sync port. I put a couple of layers of clear frosted tape over the flash and the unit easily fires my slave flashes. As for price please do your own research. I highly recommend both of these cameras.