Looking to start in photography

Exit

I've just got two questions:

1. Can anyone recommend a decent 35mm SLR camera for a beginner, either online or in Dublin? I assume this would be the right camera to go for?

2. Are there places that will develop your photos for you rather than spending time in a dark room? Just wondering, as I've had some experience in college processing photos, and while I understand you obviously have more control over how your photos turn out if you do it yourself, I'd prefer the other option at the moment.

davej

Are there places that will develop your photos for you rather than spending time in a dark room?

Wow, I didn't expect people to be asking this question for at least a few more years (when digital has completly taken over. You can get your B+W processed in lots of places in town. Including Conns (Hibernian off Grafton St.) and Gunne's on Camden steet.

This thread (from a while back) may help you in your choice of an slr:

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=77010

davej

Gonzorex

Exit wrote:

I've just got two questions:

1. Can anyone recommend a decent 35mm SLR camera for a beginner, either online or in Dublin? I assume this would be the right camera to go for?

2. Are there places that will develop your photos for you rather than spending time in a dark room? Just wondering, as I've had some experience in college processing photos, and while I understand you obviously have more control over how your photos turn out if you do it yourself, I'd prefer the other option at the moment.

Exit,

1. I reckon you could start of with a very basic mechanical SLR like a Pentax K1000 or Olympus OM10. When I say basic I don't necessarily mean easy to use, just that everything is manual so you have to think before taking each shot. I've been using a K1000 for a while now and it makes a welcome change from the instant nature of digital. You become more choosy about what you shoot with film and take more care in getting your shot right first time. These cameras can be picked up second hand for about £50 with a decent 50mm lens on ebay and as well as that other lenses are cheap also. I picked up a 70-210mm zoom for the K1000 last month for £20, I'm not saying its pro quality or anything but the results are decent on standard print sizes (6 x 4, 7 x 5)
2. One option would be to shoot on C41 process black and white film. This is film which can be developed using colour processes, and therefore can be developed in any high street shop. The most popular brand is Ilford XP2, though I'm not sure about its availability now that Ilford has been in financial trouble following the dominence of digital.

Flankerb

Firstly you should join a club and figure out what sort of photography you're into. Then get advice from people in the club. You might even be able to buy gear from somebody in the club who is switching to digital. Maybe even consider going digital yourself. You print the photo's you want to print and not the dodgy one's on a roll. Plus you have the option to print A4. This is just my opinion I started about 4 months ago after getting a Canon 300D as a present. Nikon or Canon would be my first choice for a camera a lot of people have them. Remember the best equipment does'nt always give you the best photo's. The one thing however you should spend money on is a good tripod at least 100 euro's more if you can afford it. Good tripod will last you a lifetime plus using a tripod slows down the photographic process ensuring you take a better photo. I am new to this myself and am just sharing my personal exp.

Exit

Cheers for the replies people! Much appreciated.