About

Hi there,

I'm Michael, a 47 year old aspiring photographer from Newcastle upon Tyne.

I've been into photography for a long time and received my first SLR camera for my 21st birthday. After dropping and breaking it beyond repair, I was left camera-less for a very long time.

Back then, all cameras were film cameras. I don't think digital was around in those days. However, I managed to take some decent photos with my gear and also process and print them in my own darkroom.

The camera I had back then was a Yashica FX-D Quartz Click for a full review

My First Camera

SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: 35 mm single-lens reflex with aperture preferred automatic exposure.

Image size: 24 x 36 mm.

Lens mount: Contax/Yashica large-diameter bayonet mount.

Shutter: Electronically controlled vertical-running, all-metal focal plane shutter.

Shutter speeds: Quartz-timed electronically-controlled shutter with speeds semi-continuously variable on AUTO from 1/1000 to 1 seconds. Manual shutter speeds from 1/1000 sec. to 1 sec., plus X (1/100 sec.) and "B" Synchro contact: X contact (1/100 sec.).

Auto flash control: When used with CS-201 Auto Flash Unit, shutter speed automatically set at 1/100 sec. upon full charging of the flash unit.

Self-timer: Quartz-timed electronic self-timer with 10 sec. delay. LED flashes and audible warning device sounds during operation, simultaneously accelerating 2 sec. before shutter release.

Shutter release: Electromagnetic release system; auxiliary remote release via "Release socket".

Exposure control: Through-the-lens (TTL), center-weighted metering at full aperture using SPD (Silicon Photo Diode) cell. Aperture-preferred automatic exposure (LED matching type on Manual). EV 1 to EV 18 sensitivity range at ASA 100 with f/1.4 lens. ASA range 25-1600.

Exposure check button: Pressing button activates LED indicators for ten sec.

AE lock: Setting AE lock lever locks in shutter speed in effect at time of setting.

Exposure compensation: + 2 EV (Doubles as film speed dial).

Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism type; field shows 95% of picture area; 0.86 magnification (with 50 mm lens)

Focusing screen: Horizontal split-image spot, surrounded by a microprism collar and an outer matte field.

Viewfinder display: Shutter speeds indicated by 16-indicator LEDs (correct exposure on AUTO; exposure selected on Manuals; over- and under-exposure indications; special mark shows when flash is fully charged; battery check warning.

Film advance: With rapid advance lever; 130° setting angle; 20° standoff position.

Winder: Accepts Contax 139 Winder II.

Film rewind: Film rewind crank and film rewind release button (automatic resetting type).

Exposure counter: Automatic resetting type.

Accessory shoe: Direct X contact, and terminal for coupling CS-201 Auto Flash Unit.

Camera back: Opens by lifting film rewind knob; with memo holder.

Power source: Two 1.5 V silver-oxide batteries (Eveready S76, Ucar S76, Mallory MS-76 or equivalent); or alkaline-manganese batteries (LR44 or equivalent).

Battery check: Indicated via lighting or flashing of LEDs inside the viewfinder.

Dimensions: 135 x 86 x 50 mm.

Weight: 460 grams with batteries.

For the last couple of years, I've been using a compact camera, but I'm becoming more and more frustrated at the limitations. I can't change lenses for a start. I'm very limited when it comes to exposures, shutter speeds, etc. Don't get me wrong though. The Canon Powershot A430 is a really good camera if you are happy with not having total control over every aspect of your photography. The picture quality is very good, but it's now time for me to upgrade.

Here's a review of the Canon Powershot A430.

In November, I finally got a digital SLR. I originally wanted a Canon EOS 40D, but my finances wouldn't allow it, so I bought a Canon EOS 450D. I'm really happy with it and it is good enough for now, but who knows? I may upgrade sometime in the future.

Here are some specs from the Canon UK website:

The EOS 450D blends uncompromising performance with ease of use in a lightweight, ergonomic body. Capture your world with a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor and the very latest Canon technologies.

Features
12.2 MP CMOS sensor 3.5fps 9-point wide-area AF EOS Integrated Cleaning System 3.0” LCD with Live View mode DIGIC III processor Large, bright viewfinder Total image control Compact and lightweight Compatible with EF/EF-S lenses and EX Speedlites

Let’s play.

12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor The 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor gives you plenty of detail for poster-size prints and extra flexibility when cropping. Sensitive in low light and virtually noise-free, Canon’s CMOS sensors are also remarkably power-efficient. 3.5 fps shooting The EOS 450D captures up to 3.5 frames per second for a continuous burst of up to 53 large JPEG images (6 in RAW). 9-point wide-area AF The 9 AF points are spread out across the frame to better accommodate off-centre subjects. The central AF point is a high sensitivity cross type sensor for quick, accurate focusing with f/2.8 and faster lenses. EOS Integrated Cleaning System Canon’s built-in dust prevention system uses three methods to keep images blemish-free. (1) Specialised materials reduce dust generation within the camera. (2) A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit shakes dust from the sensor each time the camera is turned on or off. (3) Stubborn dust spots are mapped for easy removal in Digital Photo Professional. 3.0” LCD with Live View mode The bright 3.0” LCD provides sharp definition for checking focus and composition, with 10x magnification for finer details. When shooting from awkward positions, Live View mode gives you the option of framing the image from the LCD, and a choice of focussing modes. DIGIC III processor Renowned for its white balance accuracy, DIGIC III renders colours with brilliant, true-to-life precision. Captured images are processed in 14-bit colour depth for finer tonal gradations. DIGIC III works efficiently to minimise power consumption while maintaining ultra-fast response times. Large, bright viewfinder A large viewfinder gives a bright and clear view for easy composition of the scene. Total image control Gain easy control over image processing parameters with Picture Style presets. Contrast, sharpness and saturation can be customized in-camera or through the supplied Picture Style Editor software. After the shoot, Canon’s RAW processing software Digital Photo Professional provides everything you need to manage and process your RAW images. Compact and lightweight Ergonomically designed for natural and intuitive handling, the EOS 450 is housed in a compact body that weighs in at just 475 grams. EF lenses and accessories The EOS 450D is compatible with over 60 EF/EF-S lenses and all EX Series Speedlite flash units.

Author

Hi! I'm Michael, a Tarot Reading Aspiring Photographer from Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England.

As I'm just starting out and have just bought a new camera, I'm still struggling to buy more lenses and equipment. These don't come cheap. If you feel you could help me to get started in my new business, please click the donate button below. Anything, no matter how small would be gratefully received. Thank you.