In 1977 when I was about to be discharged from the USAF I enquired to several photography schools. At the time I owned a Ricoh SLR which I had bought because of the price and its reliability. The schools I contacted suggested I invest in better equipment. I was aware at the time that Alfred Stieglitz photographed mostly with a box camera and it wasn't the equipment that was important but the person behind the lens. I later invested in more equipment including Pentax, Hasselblad, Yashica, and Minolta. I could notice a difference between the Hasselblad / Yashica and the others but that was because of the larger negatives. I still think it's the photographer and not the equipment that makes good photos.
I bought a new Pentax K30 a year ago from Galloway Photo in Terre Haute, In. Its been there since the 70's. I'm sure they can find anything you need. They aren't a big store, but provide good service. (I know...I worked there 25 years ago!) you can find them online at
Galloway Camera 3175 S. 3rd Place Terre Haute, IN 812-235-7111
I find that the Cotton Carrier hand strap is an exceptional item. It's easy to attach and adjust. I'm not sure if you can order them separate but you get one almost everytime you order from them.
Oh! I'm sorry! I just noticed you're Canadian. My brother-in-law is Canadian living in the U.S. His father died in Toronto while on a waiting list. In the U.S. he could have had the surgery within a week.
This is right wing crap. How do you explain the enviable lifestyles of Sweden. Norway and even Germany, all of which have extensive social benefits, strong labour unions and healthy economies?
I'm sorry, but the United States is not Sweden, Norway or Germany!
Thanks! Same with my K30. I guess I'll try a regular web cam to monitor the scene, then shoot the photo with the K30. Kind of complicated but it might work.
It's common advice that has been going around a long time. When I grew up mom always made sure the sun was directly in our faces when she took pictures. Mom liked to take pictures of our family with her Brownie Hawkeye camera. Mom had a lot of pictures with well exposed but squinty eyed subjects.
She was probably using the 'Sunny 16 Rule' with the Brownie. It was printed on the piece of paper that was packed with every roll of film.