My first 35mm SLR was a used Miranda, bought in 1968 with a couple of lenses. I took it with me to college, and shot for the University of Washington yearbook and the school newspaper. In my junior year, I went to work at the Kirsten Windtunnel facility at the UW Aeronautics Laboratory in the Operations section, testing aircraft, trucks, buildings, and spacecraft designs. Part of my duties included technical photography to document the testing. Over 100+ tests during the three years I worked there, I shot with 4X5 Graphics, 6X6cm Rolleis, and a brace of Pentax Spotmatics. I adored the Pentaxes, and sold my Miranda to buy into a Spotmatic SP system, which I've shot for the past 35+ years.
My first digital camera (purchased in 2004 after shooting several manufacturers' early digital P&S and DSLRs at work) was a N***n, which I shot for three years. Did some good work, but wasn't pleased with some of the limitations of that system. Last December, I gave the N***n to a friend and moved on (and UP!) to a K10D. Happy, happy; joy joy! I now trade between the K10D and my Spottie as a satisfied and exclusive Pentaxian.
