I have a Nikon D3100. For Macro, I use a Bronica 105mm micro lens--it's a medium format camera lens for which I have a strong sturdy adapter made for any Nikon to Bronica lens. I bought this lens as part of a package of a Bronica camera, several lenses and filters--for $600.00 I also use the 250 and 2x extender that was in the deal. These were, obviously used but even more apparent was the fact they were definetly cared for and probably graded at E- at the least. None of these lenses has not given me a bad shot (I can do that myself)!

So the message is don't forget there are deals out there; brand new is is not always best IMO.

Not only do I use an occasional old lens on my D3100, I attach medium format lenses quite often. I purchased an adapter from Photodiox (about $80) to interface my Bronica lenses (including a macro and a 250 with a 2x). Medium format cameras and lenses are relatively inexpensive now. I love having the equivalent of a 150 macro!

Oh! S%$#! I just dropped my lens on the floor. Cant change lenses now unless someone e-mails or faxes me some super glue (prefer made THAT German lens, lense, company). Please be quick.

I bought 2 small oriental rugs at the end of the 2nd day of a yard sale w/e in Rhode Island. They wanted 10 bucks. I paid $4 total. sold them both at an audtion for 1500 and 2000 dollars. For 25 cents, I bought a 2-volume set about Texas. including maps, all in very good condition, and publushed the year Texas became a state. Gave them to my youngest daughter and she sold them to pay for an entire semester at Quinnipeac (Ct.)! I have bought a lot of junk too but I'm way ahead.

right on

I have purchased 2 Bronicas (gently used--like incredibly new looking and function like new), several lenses,extenders, macro lens, spacers, pelican bags, film backs. All together 1100 dollars. For $80 I purchased a well construct all ,metal adapter so my Nikon D3100 can use those beautiful Bronica lenses. I have to shoot manually but what the heck. photographs are awesome unless my eye-sight fails/

Head down to Walmart's for a model to photograph as Rufie's spouse.

15 minutes after reading the above, I am still chuckling. I hope she didn't get to his PM's. She must have PMS.

Dirt, grime, pollution. I would clean the glass and blow the innards that you can safely get to, using a hair dryer without heat. Then if it works ok after all the cleaning, keep it covered with anything lint free.

Alibaba sells only wholesale. You would have to purchase a minimum of 20 double=strap carriers. Probably at the high end (11.00). Add insurance, freight, etc , You want it when )will have to pass through Customs). Your unit cost will be less than the retail markup but the cashflow is NEGATIVE. That's the global economy we are all in. Best of luck.

P.S. You will probably have to prove that you are going to resell the products from Alibaba.

If so, it must have been in the South America. Our men and women in the USA services have more class. Unless, perhaps it was wild boar huntin' season.

ERV:

Why carry collision insurance for old (but not antique) automobile. It is an expense that outlasts the value. Similarly, photography equipment such as film-based cameras and lenses and "doodads" have zero or very little replacement value. Unless it is a Leica or Hasse (heck, a Hasse costing 5,000 dollars in 1990 dollars can be bought for a 1200 dollars today). Other brands,except for an unusually rare camera, haven't held their value at all.

A couple of other points re:insurance. Be sure you have receipts or written appraisals to make a claim for equipment (photos, tools, wife's jewelry,etc.). Photograph or video-tape such items as well. All insurance companies are For Profit or else they become Out-of-Business!

Great shots. That's what it is all about. Terrific.

SeaChelle,

Best wishes for your continued success.
Ray

Don't wear white or the same color as the bride's maids or the mother-of-the-bride. If you are asking this question, I am assuming (I know...) that you are new to this aspect of photography. So...best of luck. But be prepared even with hand-written notes of who to definitely photograph.