bernardl
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 p.2 #18 · Why I sold all my mirrorless gear and went back to DSLR's | |
RexGig0 wrote:
I could, if necessary, “do work” with an EVF, but, I prefer EVF-less-ness. There is “something about” looking through optical glass that I simply prefer, and, importantly, my photography is not normally about doing “work.” (I did evidentiary/forensic/crime scene photography, during the final 7+ years of my police career, so, have used a camera for “work,” but, retirement released me from my oath of office, thankfully.)
There is something meditative about using optical glass. I loved fine binoculars long before I became serious about photography.
I am aware that some of the mirror-deprived Z cameras have AF that can function in lower light than my D5 and D850 cameras. If it ever becomes truly important enough for me to get those night images, that I am now missing, well, I will, then, buy a Z8 or Z9. “If.”
Even though I said “mirror-deprived” in the preceding paragraph, I am not a fan of the “flapping mirror,” in and of itself. I was simply poking fun at those who use the term “mirrorless.” I do not refer to my Toyota Tundra as a “horseless carriage.” (Folks did, once upon a time, use the term “horseless carriage.”)
I do use cameras without mirrors, when it suits me. I bought a pre-owned Canon EOS M3, about a decade ago, which I liked well enough, but, Hurricane Harvey ruined it. I bought a Nikon 1 V1, mostly to dabble with video, but, its Live View function became inoperative, which limits its continued usefulness. In 2018, after I retired from being a public servant, I acquired a pre-owned Leica lens, known for having considerable “character,” and a new Leica M10 camera, to act as a rear dust cover for that that lens.  After 7+ years of using “perfect” optics to photograph sad, grim things, it seemed appropriate to use a “character’” lens to photograph creatively. No worries about quitting Nikon; I also bought my Zeiss Otus 85 ZF.2, at the same time. (I had been planning to add a 600mm f/4 FL E, for birds, but, a left shoulder injury was keeping me from hefting long, heavy lenses, indefinitely, at the time, so, I used “super telephoto” money for the 50mm Summilux, the M10, and the Zeiss Otus.)
I really do like continuing to use some of my AF lenses. If anyone wants to challenge me on that point, well, please remember that I added a whole new system, in 2018, in order to be able to use a specific film-era Leica lens, with “character.” And, remember, that I did use world-class-best lenses, for 7+ years, when I had a sworn duty to do my best, most “perfect” work*. When the day comes that a specific Z lens becomes THAT important, I will do what it takes to acquire and use it.
To stir the pot, just a bit, my “world-class-best” macro lens, mentioned above, was Canon EF. The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro, with Image Stabilization, may not have had optical elements that were notably superior to other best-quality macro lenses, of the time, but the Image Stabilization was superior, the AF notably FAST and accurate, and the weather-sealing amazingly good. An action/sports lens, that could shoot macro. My “specialty” was photographing living, breathing assault victims, as soon as possible after the incident. I learned to shoot action at very close to macro range, because a tripod was often impossible to use.
To be fair to Nikon, the Micro-Nikkor AF-S 60mm f/2.8G can shoot fast action at close range, but, the working distance at or near 1:1 magnification is just TOO close. Plus, the Canon MR-EX II Macro Ring Lite, which REALLY makes finger pressure marks show, on human skin, had/has no Nikon counterpart, that can shoot I-TTL on a DSLR. (The Nikon SB-29 can be used on Nikon DSLRs, but only in manual mode.)
*I do not claim to be an expert. I do not claim to be anywhere nearly perfect. I did strive to do my best, and was willing to buy best gear, at the time....Show more →
Interesting journey, thanks for sharing.
I can fully relate to the willingness to explore different experiences in contrast to a « utilitarian » application that demands certain equipment to achieve a specific result.
It’s probably a similar desire that drove me to owning two superb 8x10 cameras and developing a finely tuned scanning set up… with in parallel an Arca/Phaseone system. Highly inefficient ways to capture images with only marginally better technical qualities but interesting experiences.
But I guess I just don’t like the idea of « going back » somewhere. I far prefer exploring new areas that my limited abilities to perceive the width of opportunities in the world surrounding me prevented me from understanding and therefore trying until now. I don’t like the idea of going back probably because my memory is good enough to help me remember what caused me to « leave » in the first place. Isn’t life mostly about freeing oneself from those mental blocks that prevent us from dealing with the expanding realities of the world?
I guess it boils down to why we photograph doesn’t it? Is it the destination or the journey? Are we trying to maximize the time spent photographying or to minimize it amidst a busy agenda? Is it product or productivity?
What is a successful photograph? How do we perceive and measure ourselves as photographers?
Cheers,
Bernard
Edited on Oct 03, 2025 at 06:26 PM · View previous versions
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