I was always taught that if you put a cheap filter out front of an expensive lens, you now have a cheap lens. I personally use Nikon, Hoya, Promaster, and Tiffen filters.

I'd like to make 2 points here. First off, personally, when I go out to photograph, I decide beforehand whether color or black and white. I don't shoot in color then decide to change it to B&W. I usually have 2 cameras with me. One digital set for color and one loaded with B&W film. If I do decide to do digital in B&W I set it accordingly. Secondly, back in Adam's day, color materials were few and far between and quality was limited at best. I don't believe Adams, Weston, and Dieglitz had anything but B&W in mind. Just an old photographer spewing his opinion. Thanks for the ears.

A quick and simple suggestion; do an online search for "Exposure Triangle". This will give you a basic understanding of the 3 way relationship between ISO/Shutter speed/F-Stop.

does a 1900s Gundlach Korona count? How about a 1947 Pacemaker spped graphic?

If you are limited to Providence, anywhere you go when you step out of the station is a photo op. Right across the street from the front entrance is the Statehouse. About 1/2 mile away as the crow flies is the east side, architecture spanning 3 centuries, RISD, Brown U. Good luck.

I don't have parkinsons but a recent bout with cancer and radiation has left me with a visible shake. Unless i'm in bright lighting with a fast shutter i use a tripod exclusively now. If anything it has helped my work as the time it takes to setup and shoot gets me to concentrate on what i'm doing and set up the shot properly. Good luck and don't let it stop you.

I have 2 of these lenses. That iis definitely a good buy in my opinion. Even with manual focus only, its relatively fast and sharp.

I've done that so many times, now if I see a spot I automatically wipe at the screen first.

I purchase NPhoto every month at Barnes and Noble. Have been for a few years now. Its a very well done publication. I am a nikon user and have been for many years. Well worth the price.

Personally, I do as little post production as possible. If I'm looking for a certain look I'll use optical filters to get the job done. I guess you could call me a purist. I must admit though, I have seen some effects that I find pleasing yet haven't tried.

Hi Valerie,
I've been a Nikon owner since 1976, so i'm prtial to Nikon. My daughter just bought a very nice Nikon D3400 kit with 18-55 and 70-300 lenses for Under $600 at B&H. Good luck

Ed