PeterL
04-15-2006, 02:39 PM
Hi,
I've always used Olympus OM cameras & I still love them. Very small and high quality (but buy your lenses selectively). I've been thinking about going digital for a few years, but prices always stopped me. Getting a DSLR system that rivals the build quality of the OM range would cost me €3000 (including memory cards and a portable backup system).
In February, I was visiting Poland and I read up a bit on Former Soviet Union RF cameras. I ended up buying a Zorki with an Industar-22 lens for the equivalent of €50. Add a light meter for €6 and I was out on the street with a fresh start in a fascinating system. This was the first RF camera I ever used, and I'm loving the even higher build quality, the portability (collapsible lenses are the best invention since film) and the fact the VF doesn't black out, which effectively helps in staying with the surroundings instead of disappearing into the photographical process. Strange, I never felt that when using my OMs, but now I do.
In the meantime, I've expanded my "brand new" LTM system with a 35/f3.5 Summaron lens, which feels even better than the Zorki+I-22. I'm waiting for my first roll with this lens to be developed. Just over a week ago, I won a Leica iiic + Summitar on yaBe. I wanted the Summitar, I got the body with it at a ridiculous price, but obviously, both are in a condition that they better be repaired rather than used. That's life, it's my first old camera that isn't in brilliant condition, and frankly, getting both gems and crap from time to time keeps life interesting :)
So instead of just having a new camera for €50, I bought into a "new" system, and now I'm trying out the excuse that the Zorki was just a test to see if I liked the way of working :) It doesn't work, people realise I'm just an addict, if so, that's life, I don't care, I'm having fun :)
If you have time, feel free to check out my gallery (http://peterleyssens.zoto.com/galleries). The 4 B&W galleries (Rangefinder, BKGo, Straatfotografie, Passages) are done with the Zorki & Industar-22. The other ones are OM. Do click on the "comments" button to see an explanation of the picture & to leave comments :)
Peter.
I've always used Olympus OM cameras & I still love them. Very small and high quality (but buy your lenses selectively). I've been thinking about going digital for a few years, but prices always stopped me. Getting a DSLR system that rivals the build quality of the OM range would cost me €3000 (including memory cards and a portable backup system).
In February, I was visiting Poland and I read up a bit on Former Soviet Union RF cameras. I ended up buying a Zorki with an Industar-22 lens for the equivalent of €50. Add a light meter for €6 and I was out on the street with a fresh start in a fascinating system. This was the first RF camera I ever used, and I'm loving the even higher build quality, the portability (collapsible lenses are the best invention since film) and the fact the VF doesn't black out, which effectively helps in staying with the surroundings instead of disappearing into the photographical process. Strange, I never felt that when using my OMs, but now I do.
In the meantime, I've expanded my "brand new" LTM system with a 35/f3.5 Summaron lens, which feels even better than the Zorki+I-22. I'm waiting for my first roll with this lens to be developed. Just over a week ago, I won a Leica iiic + Summitar on yaBe. I wanted the Summitar, I got the body with it at a ridiculous price, but obviously, both are in a condition that they better be repaired rather than used. That's life, it's my first old camera that isn't in brilliant condition, and frankly, getting both gems and crap from time to time keeps life interesting :)
So instead of just having a new camera for €50, I bought into a "new" system, and now I'm trying out the excuse that the Zorki was just a test to see if I liked the way of working :) It doesn't work, people realise I'm just an addict, if so, that's life, I don't care, I'm having fun :)
If you have time, feel free to check out my gallery (http://peterleyssens.zoto.com/galleries). The 4 B&W galleries (Rangefinder, BKGo, Straatfotografie, Passages) are done with the Zorki & Industar-22. The other ones are OM. Do click on the "comments" button to see an explanation of the picture & to leave comments :)
Peter.