It’s Been A While….

I wish to apologise for my blogging tardiness. It’s not that I’ve been doing other things but I sort of have with posting a few articles on Substack (trying to mix things up a bit).

Anyway, what’s new ? For me, it’s more a case of what’s old really. I had a thorough look back through my Lightroom and realised something. The images created with older full frame DSLRs have produced the most printed images I create. I realised given that older bodies and lenses are cheap as chips, I could invest in two systems and still come out on top financially. I have bought two old Nikon bodies, the D610 and D750 and revived my Canon 6D from the shadows. All these bodies were described as prosumer bodies in their day but all were used by many professionals as they are smaller and lighter than the big brothers and sisters.

It’s the beginning of summer here in the Calder Valley. Our garden has exploded into life, we’ve had some seriously hot sunny days and some beautiful sunsets. I love having a camera that feels good in my hand. I love the simplicity of DSLRs, their sturdy reliability but above all I adore the cost benefit balance you achieve using older gear. They are built to last, often have a certain look more modern mirrorless cameras have removed. Mirrorless cameras are clinical, efficient and the lenses produce very sharp true images. The 6D and D610 however produce more filmic images, especially when paired with the older dslr lenses. The focusing systems are basic but lightning quick. The Nikon D750 has long been a real favourite of mine. Wonderful image quality and relatively feature packed.

If perfection is not your goal, try older well looked after gear and lean into the technology of 12-15 years ago. I did a whole project last year shooting entirely on a Canon 5D Mkiii and Nikon D750. The results are very impressive and the cameras aren’t so complex as to get in my way when working. Some of the cheapest lenses are absolutely fabulous. The Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 stm and the Nikon af 35mm f/2d are cases in point. Brilliant, small, sharp and lightweight. As some of you may know, my favourite focal lengths are between 35 and 50mm with 40mm my no1.

I have a new book project I’m planning currently and using older DSLRs with character will suit it perfectly. I went into Manchester the other day with my Nikon D750 and a couple of lenses. It was a pleasure to shoot, the gear never once got in the way of the work. That’s the thing, we are told by camera manufacturers that having lots of megapixels and incredible video capabilities are almost essential these days. I understand they want you to buy their latest and best but some of their older models were flagships and top quality in their day. They don’t become rubbish just because a newer shinier model is released. They still are capable of capturing stunning images if you realise 24mp is more than enough and not everyone is a content creator.

Some of us are primarily photographers not particularly interested in creating content. I have an IPhone pro max if I want video but in truth, I’m not that fussed. I realise that puts me in the dinosaur club but I bet you there are many of us, from all age groups and skill levels.