Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I see a view camera in your future. That is if you are ready for the "full stick shift, no power brakes no power steering, engine with points and spark plugs that had to be set and gapped every 3,000 miles, valves that had to be adjusted every 6,000 miles, brakes that had to be replaced every 12,000 miles" version of photography.

I did that for 33 yrs, often commercially, stopping after getting my first digital camera in 2000, when I gave away (or sold for a pitance) my 4x5 shooting and processing equipment, enlarging lenses, view camera and lenses, Besseler 5x7 diffusion enlarger with motorized carriage and focus stage, Graylab darkroom timer, Delta water filtration system, Intellifaucet temp control system, etc etc etc.

I don't miss that old stuff at all. Much prefer and fully embrace the creative capabilities of the "new stuff" - both cameras and post processing.

zonedoc

I love my 4x5 view camera. It is the backpack with 3 lenses, a light meter, film holders, filters reading glasses note pad etc. then a separate bag with extra film holders ( 36 or so ) and a tripod .
At 88 it has become bit much.
I am thinking of selling the whole shebang.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

There is too much AGEISM in the world. There are enough younger folks out there that think just because you are an old guy with a gray beard, like me, you are "senile, or suffering from some form of dementia. That's bad enough and extremely ill-informed and disrespectful, so why say or even think that that about yourself? When young people make mistakes, forget something, blurt out an inappropriate remark, or change their mind, they are said to be inept, forgetful, careless, impetuous, fickle or somewhat immature. Do any of that when you are old and right away you are perceived as "senile, demented, and on your way to the long-term care facility or the undertakers" What a crock of BS!

If you keep your mind active, stay at your job, continue your interests hobbies and maintain your physical health, you can keep your mental faculties at a level of high performance. I am no doctor, neurologist, or psychologist but I believe that your brain is like your muscles- if you don't use it, you loose it. When you don't move around enough your muscles fail- it's called atrophy. Why you don't think and use your brain, it too can malfunction! Well- I suppose excessive drinking, smoking and eating junk food doesn't help either!

I am 77-years old and still work full time in photography. Sometimes I have to tell my young cohorts that I forgot what they haven't learned as yet and don't forget much of anything.

As for photography, the art and creative aspects have little to do with equipment or the medium you prefer. If you are creative, inventive, artistic, and a half-decent technician, you can make outstanding images with film or by electronic/digital means with any reasonable camera. Whether you manually operate a camera or use its automation has little to do with the art. Some folks tinker endlessly with equipment and can't make an impactful image to save their lives. If you are a true visual artist, can you say that oil painting is better than watercolours, or charcoal or pastels or etching or pen and ink graphics? Film and digital have different "looks" methodologies, and certain distinctive charismatics, so choose your weapons and get on with it.

The only disadvantage of being old is that you might die sooner than some younger folks, so stop wasting your time arguing, vacillating, obsessing and talking about whether or not you still like photoghay. Instead, pick up whatever camera you have, operate it as you see fit, and go out and make some pictures. If you like in the darkroom, find a space, set up the gear, turn off the lights and have at it. If you prefer digital, plug in your computer and do your thing and stop fussing about what you did 50 years ago.

If you are disenchanted or just plain fed up with photography, pack it in and find another hobby, there's always stamp collecting, archery, sky diving, wine-making, sports, firearms, tropical fish, music, amateur radio, and literally millions of other endeavours.

If are too lazy to go out and shoot or stay in and shoot, inspire yourself by teaching others the photographic skills you have. You can do that right here on the forum instead of complaining!

And stop bandying about terms like "senile' or "dementia". God, or whatever power you believe in, forbid! Yes, there are unfortunate people who suffer from Alzheimer's syndrome, stroke, and other diseases that have seriously affected their brain function through no fault of their own. Be thankful for yo mental health and use your head- it may be an "oldie but a goodie"!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Everyone has a photographic memory. Most don't have any film loaded.

expilot37 Loc: Oak Ridge, TN

There are no photo stores in Maryville, TN. All people do here is a point-and-shoot with digital. I'm a retired pilot and would work with a group in Maryville, but don't think kids nowadays would be interested in it.

richard74account

Obeone,
IMHO after having been involved in general photography and darkroom work for institutions and one commercial
lab from 1971-2008, I feel that in doing photography for oneself, it should be a fun and harmless activity.
The capture medium is secondary. Enjoy!.

BebuLamar

I hope he can afford to pay for the film with a view camera. The high cost of film is due to people like him, abadonning film for digital.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

I agree with your "Other aspects include..." but, like you, my other aspects list does not include developing the film, a been there done that thing.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Nonsense. That’s like saying the high cost of parts for a mint condition Ford Model-T is because people buy new technology in the new cars.

BebuLamar

I don't say which is better ok.
So if most people don't move over to digital then today film is still plenty and cheap. So it's the people that determine the cost of things. Remember how much digital cost in the beginning. It's cheaper now because most people are using it.
So not using something will make the cost higher. However, it could be something you don't care to use. But in the OP case he wanted to use film and yet he went digital and he was part of the reason for the cost of film.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

The major reason I have no desire to become a professional photographer:

I want to do what is most fun for me, not what is most cost and time efficient.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Life is like a camera. Just focus on what’s important and capture the good times, develop the negatives and wish you'd brought the digital camera instead.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Been there, done that, my asthma doesn't miss the chemicals at all.
I often think that if I could have had digital cameras and computers when I taught basic photography for one year in the mid-70's it would have allowed those kids to learn a lot more, a lot faster.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

If you carry this to its ultimate:
Carve the wood, collect the hairs and make brushes.
Grind rocks, dried plants etc and make your own paint, in a zillion colors.
Spin your own thread, weave your own canvas.
Cut the wood and make your own frames and easel (don't forget to refine and forge your own nails to hold it together)

Now, paint your own pictures and you can brag that you did it all. Oh, wait, you didn't. God made you and all that stuff you are painting.

DJon41 Loc: Utah

Boy, you could be telling my story word for word! Except...I still shoot my Canons...plus a Fuji...plus a Pentax...plus...