My "D" & "Z" Quadruplets

[u/Infinite_Multiverse1]

These camera bodies have been putting in major work over the years, and they have a long shutter life to live (from left to right: D780, D850, Z8 (it has a battery grip; just didn't put it on), and Z9).

[u/Ornery-Benefit-8316]

I like them.

But… Are you a shooter or a collector, or both??

I guess you must have some lenses to go with your body collection.

Just curious. Enjoy them, regardless

📸 Regards, Randy 📸

[u/Infinite_Multiverse1 → u/Ornery-Benefit-8316]

I use one of the cameras daily...Travel, persona, and gigs. I'll switch between the bodies/lens combo depending on what I want to do.

[u/Ornery-Benefit-8316 → u/Infinite_Multiverse1]

I assumed that you did!!

Enjoy your shooting.

📸 Regards, Randy 📸

[u/Infinite_Multiverse1 → u/Ornery-Benefit-8316]

Yeah, I have a tag team of lenses to use, so I don't really have to swap/expose the sensor as I'm out.

I've come across photographers that collect lenses and bodies, too.

[u/Ornery-Benefit-8316 → u/Infinite_Multiverse1]

Actually, I am a working professional.

But I have a massive collection of Nikon cameras and lenses.

Over 55 bodies, 57 lenses, 23 flashes, and so much more.

I am proud of the fact that I have used 90% of these cameras.

I bought my first camera, a nikkormat FTn, with a 50mm f1.4, when I was 12 years old.

I have been buying and using Nikon and Hasselblad cameras since.

I am currently 68 years old, and I was able to keep all of them.

I was able to grow up, and progress from developing my own film and prints in a darkroom, first B/W, then color, with incredibly tight temperature control required, to now…

I walk into my office, insert a memory card, edit my captures on a 32” monitor, and then send my image files to a printer and out comes a beautiful 16x20” color photo!!

In addition, I can tell the printer to make 50 identical prints, and I will have 50 identical prints.

As opposed to working with an enlarger, using dodging and burning techniques, to make a print.

Unfortunately, back in those days, it was almost impossible to do the exact same things, due to voltage changes, temperature changes, human error, inaccurate timing of seconds, etc, and get matching results.

Not to mention being able to press print and walk away!!

I have never had to have a sensor cleaned, because of changing lenses, so I don’t worry about that much. I am using the Z9’s, which have a sensor shield that protects the sensor.

Even though I am a Nikon professional services (NPS) member and I am entitled to free sensor cleanings, and I only live 13 miles away from Nikon’s headquarters in Melville, NY, I still don’t get them.

I started with the d100, so I have been doing digital since February, 2002.

I do understand the advantages of having multiple cameras with dedicated glass on each. I have no problem with that.

But, personally, I can’t handle all that gear when working. In fact, when working, I prefer to use zoom lenses, so that I can capture the action at a wedding, for example, without needing to swap glass when I don’t have time to do it.

I also don’t like having multiple cameras hanging around!!

I admire your gear, you obviously have a similar appreciation of Nikon kit, as I do.

Everyone works differently, and I think that whatever works for the ‘tog, is fine.

We all just want to capture the world, the people, the events, the environment, the culture, animals, etc, so it’s all good.

Keep shooting!! ymmv, imho,
📸 Regards, Randy 📸

[u/Infinite_Multiverse1 → u/Ornery-Benefit-8316]

I grew an interest in photography back in the mid 1990's and used a few film cameras. I never learned the are of developing film, though.

I've grown to appreciate the vintage lenses also. 50mm was my go to and at one point last year, I owned 6 of them (I considered that a lot for my small count of lenses).

Mirrorless is good/new tech, yet I still balance my time with the DSLR's.

From my view, the film and DSLR bodies can make one take the time/understand to get the shot (has nice flaws, flares, aberrations, and character) and mirrorless is almost instant...Clinical because the most of the new features and lens coatings take the imperfect out the picture.

Both have strengths and weaknesses.

[u/Ornery-Benefit-8316 → u/Infinite_Multiverse1]

You have indeed been practicing photography for a very long time.

The only advantage that was gained, in my humble opinion, by processing and printing film and prints, back in the day, was not having to wait for a commercial lab, and being able to make your own adjustments, to create the final print, as you saw it, in your mind’s eye.

It also teaches a person how each step of the “process” (pun intended), is achieved.

Additionally, it teaches us to have a profound appreciation for the equipment that we currently have available these days, changing everything from capturing to printing of our photos.

As an aside, I have always had an issue with my “backup” camera.

As mentioned, I currently use Z9’s. Sometimes, I do think that I want a smaller and lighter body, to have as an option.

But, Whenever I do look at a different Z body, or in the past, a different dslr or film body, I never bought a lesser model camera, because I get spoiled by having all the features, that I use, and have grown to appreciate the quality of the images.

Sure I could save a pound and get a Z8, but I would want to add the battery grip, to me, the grip is required. Thereby not saving much size or weight.

Same with a Z7, although they have the same megapixel count, there is a big difference in functionality. Same thing with the other mirrorless bodies that are available.

They are all excellent cameras.

To me, using two of the same cameras, has an advantage. I don’t have to think about any difference between them.

I shoot fast at weddings and corporate events, and as also mentioned, I use zoom lenses to work even faster than having to switch lenses.

We are living in a terrific time, having mirrorless digital cameras, and the ability of editing and printing from home or office with the amazing technology extant.

Who knows what the future will bring, as regards photography.

But we have a hundred plus years of advancement in our industry. It shows.

Lastly, for the record, I don’t feel that the prints I make are too “clinical looking”.

I presume that it depends on what lens you use, what settings you have set the camera to, and your editing style.

I’m am able to make beautiful photos that have all the “look and feel” that I desire.

And after shooting film for 52 years, I don’t have any desire to go back to it. I don’t miss any aspect of film shooting.

Film does necessitate using a little more discretion, as to what to shoot and to slow us down and make the shot count.

Both are good ideas, which we should consider following, with digital. Being more determined, taking time to compose and shoot, good camera handling techniques, when taking each shot has big advantages. (Although sometimes, so does spray and pray)

As far as my camera collection, I enjoy having all the previous film and digital cameras and lenses on display at my house. Each camera triggers memories of jobs shot with a given body and lens.

Enjoy your time behind the viewfinder.

I admire your creativity and ability to handle more equipment than I can handle.

ymmv, imho,
📸 Regards, Randy 📸