|
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
08-02-2018, 01:56 PM
|
| |
I am more about being lazy as to selling than I am collector. But I am a collector to an extent. Around 2006, when DSLRs had just advanced to "acceptable" image quality, while overpriced in my view, I was still shooting film mainly with my 2 PZ-1p bodies (one since 1997) or the ZX-5n, or the ZX-L. Film bodies already had become cheap as dirt since they were regarded as outmoded. All the above models had been discontinued, so I had picked up my 2nd PZ-1p new, as well as a 2nd ZX-L, both for very little. I would sometimes work with 2 cameras at events to save time when running out of film.
The MZ-S held its value much better, nonetheless later that year I bought a new one with battery grip at a reduced price from a California dealer. Now here is where my collector self came in. In 2007, a Chinese man who owned a Chinese restaurant was selling his silver (!) MZ-S in a city in Ohio not far from the one most of my cousins live in. It was in virtually mint condition. so I bought it in an e-bay auction at still far less than the USA price for a new black one. So I drove down from Michigan to pick it up and visit relatives. A Silver MZ-S is a rarity in the US, as they were not marketed here. I already had silver FA 77mm f/1.8 and FA 43mm f/1.9 Limiteds. I also had the Tokina 28-70mm ATX f/2.6-2.8 PRO II and a collection of smaller, lighter but very good lenses, including the FA 35mm f/2.
I had given away my beautiful 2 ME Supers, my first Pentax cameras, which served me exclusively for 7 years, and years after as 2nd bodies. So I picked up a used Super Program for next to nothing for use with my small M 40mm lens. I finally acquired the original *ist-D after it was being discontinued for a greatly reduced price. Then a bit later also the K100D. I used them mainly because I could change ISO at will and didn't have to buy film or processing. But for more serious shooting I still used my film gear.
I did not began using a DSLR more than film until around 2009 after I'd gotten my K-200D and also added the FA* 50-135mm lens. I was then satisfied with the image quality I was getting, so I added the K20D along with the DA 12-24mm f/4. As a discontinued model, I picked up a new Sigma EX 24-60mm f/2.8 for under $200.
Now having the K-5 IIs, K-S2, and KP also, I rarely shoot film, and when I do I mainly use an MZ-S or the PZ-1p. The ZX-L is great when I want to go extra light with a lightweight lens.
|
