jwest... Great response. Right along with my thinking.
Tom Daniels... I mostly agree with your comment Tom. I'm new to this forum and just getting back into photography. Some of the comments I see makes me hesitant to comment here let alone display any of my pics. Yes, I am learning new things, a great help, but some of the nastiness and sarcasm make me want to just stay behind the curtain. BTW, I'm in the US and it aggravates me too!
Acountry330...Don't know your health problems. Me, low back/right leg FUBAR. Mostly numb from the knee down. I keep trudging along. A lot of my shooting requires some hiking, desert/mountains. When I feel like dragging my butt I just recall a poster I have: an old dude holding a pair of dumbbells. Caption... "Growing Old Is Not for Sissies". It's a battle at times but I do my best to not let my disability slow me down. Especially now that the PhotoBug has re-bit me. Just push on the best you can as long as you keep fighting.
Digital doesn't make you a better photographer. I can't afford the digital gear I want so, after a looong sabbatical, I'm shooting with my old Minolta Maxxum 7000(two bodies) & three lenses; 50mm prime, 35-70, and 70-210. Plus various filters. I shoot exclusively in Manual mode since I want to control all parameters myself. Old knowledge is resurfacing in my prefrontal cortex and my "eye" is starting to come back. I take notes on exposure settings to review when I get my pics back. Personally, I love the anticipation during the wait time for developing/return. Would digital help speed up my relearning? Could be but I am currently enjoying using film. May even dig out my first, Minolta SRT 101, and give her a go. Since I'm essentially starting over I'm content with film for now. Digital, for me, will probably come eventually but my brain is boggled by all the options out there. As I get more comfortable & competent, and have the $$, I will make my quest to DigitalLand.
Been looking at this forum for a bit and enjoy it alot. USN & NV Army Natl Guard Veteran. Living in southern NV since 1982. Just getting back into photography...was very avid in the past but took a long hiatus. Have been researching dslrs but now my brain hurts...TMI! Since it's been a while, I'll just stick with my Minoltas for a bit. Anyway, alot of great info here that is helping me "catch up"/refresh my knowledge.