My old camera, a D80, is failing. There were problems with the shutter release, and then there was a `wave, meet camera, camera meet wave' situation during a cruise while on vacation. Nikon service says they won't repair it since there is water damage. Even though the camera works 90 % of the time if I don't use flash, I effectively can no longer use the camera with the built-in or the external flash. I've had a look at the D7000 which is a very nice upgrade, but basically I don't have that type of cash this time of year. I wanted to upgrade next fall when I start my new job in Japan (which includes a substantial pay raise) and there are obligations that basically make it impossible for me to save that type of money (my best friend is getting married).
In an ideal world I would have upgraded to a used D700 after Nikon has released its successor.
I still have a Sigma DP-1, but that's not really a solution that covers all my needs. Its 28 mm-equivalent focal length isn't ideal for portraits. So I was thinking of getting a stop-gap solution. I'm not quite decided yet so I'd like your input.
I have five lenses, three of which are DX lenses (30 mm f/1.4, 12-24 mm f/4 and 18-70 mm) and two are full-frame lenses (50 mm and 80-200 mm zoom), as well as an SB-600, so at least in the longer term I'd like to stick with Nikon. Here are a few options:
(1) Get an analog slr. The idea of shooting film again has fascinated me for quite a while. I was thinking of an F80 (which I used to own 7-8 years ago). Upsides: teaches me not to waste film, larger viewfinder, acceptable performance, reliable metering. Downsides: film needs to be developed and scanned at high-res. That'll cost me.
(2) Get a cheap used dslr. I was thinking of something like a D70. Upsides: readily available, not too expensive. Downside: going back to a tiny viewfinder.
(3) Try medium format. I see Zenza Bronica and Mamiya bodies pop up on the local photography forum for very little. Every once in a while you see a Mamyia 645 with lens and back for as little as 250 . In terms of photography, this'd be a very interesting step in a new direction. I have zero experience shooting medium format and I'm curious. Upsides: something new, new way of working (perhaps I like it, perhaps I don't). Downsides: not cheap, film and development costs quite a bit.
(4) Getting another D80. The camera is fine, but not without flaws (metering, low-noise behavior not state of the art). Upside: Doesn't break the bank. Downside: I'd be buying into old technology at relatively high cost. Reliability? Plus, I have another one that `works.'
These are just ideas, so if you happen to have any others, I'd be happy if you shared them with me. My budget is ~300 *tops -- unless I sell lenses. I can do away with the 18-70 mm which I haven't used in probably one-and-a-half years. If I'm really motivated, I'm willing to sell some more, but in my experience it's usually better to keep lenses.
In an ideal world I would have upgraded to a used D700 after Nikon has released its successor.
I still have a Sigma DP-1, but that's not really a solution that covers all my needs. Its 28 mm-equivalent focal length isn't ideal for portraits. So I was thinking of getting a stop-gap solution. I'm not quite decided yet so I'd like your input.
I have five lenses, three of which are DX lenses (30 mm f/1.4, 12-24 mm f/4 and 18-70 mm) and two are full-frame lenses (50 mm and 80-200 mm zoom), as well as an SB-600, so at least in the longer term I'd like to stick with Nikon. Here are a few options:
(1) Get an analog slr. The idea of shooting film again has fascinated me for quite a while. I was thinking of an F80 (which I used to own 7-8 years ago). Upsides: teaches me not to waste film, larger viewfinder, acceptable performance, reliable metering. Downsides: film needs to be developed and scanned at high-res. That'll cost me.
(2) Get a cheap used dslr. I was thinking of something like a D70. Upsides: readily available, not too expensive. Downside: going back to a tiny viewfinder.
(3) Try medium format. I see Zenza Bronica and Mamiya bodies pop up on the local photography forum for very little. Every once in a while you see a Mamyia 645 with lens and back for as little as 250 . In terms of photography, this'd be a very interesting step in a new direction. I have zero experience shooting medium format and I'm curious. Upsides: something new, new way of working (perhaps I like it, perhaps I don't). Downsides: not cheap, film and development costs quite a bit.
(4) Getting another D80. The camera is fine, but not without flaws (metering, low-noise behavior not state of the art). Upside: Doesn't break the bank. Downside: I'd be buying into old technology at relatively high cost. Reliability? Plus, I have another one that `works.'
These are just ideas, so if you happen to have any others, I'd be happy if you shared them with me. My budget is ~300 *tops -- unless I sell lenses. I can do away with the 18-70 mm which I haven't used in probably one-and-a-half years. If I'm really motivated, I'm willing to sell some more, but in my experience it's usually better to keep lenses.
