From: utzoo!utcsrgv!donald
Newsgroups: net.rec.photo
Title: Re: reply on novice camera request
Article-I.D.: utcsrgv.444
Posted: Wed Jun 30 13:08:46 1982
Received: Wed Jun 30 13:30:34 1982
References: rabbit.576


I would like to comment on Jon Shapiro's opinions on cameras for novices.
First of all, I think that people beginning photography should completely
ignore his article because it is grossly inaccurate and contains a lot
of hearsay, most of which is also wrong.  I don't mind a photographer
having biases towards certain brands or types of equipment, but spreading
inaccurate information is inexcusable.

The claimed "high breakdown" rates of Konica cameras and "unreliable"
Vivitar flashes is one example of hearsay which is totally unsubstantiated
and vicious.  I have used both types of equipment with satisfactory
results.  Granted Konicas are not built like Leicas, but they are certainly
on a par with the Pentaxes that Jon thinks so much of.  Vivitar flashes
include some of the most technologically advanced and flexible flashes
available and I know many a pro and amateur which use them and like them.

Jon's comments on cameras were a mixture of half-truths and ignorance.
The Nikons and Canons are NOT battery-dependent in general.  Only the
Nikon EM, Nikon FE, and Nikon F3 are battery-dependent.  Every other
Nikon, including the venerable F and F2 (the mainstay of most Pro
photographers in the world) are completely workable without battery
power (albeit sans metering).  ALL incarnations of the Canon F-1 work
without batteries, as do the old FT's, FTb's, and EF.  The Canon AE
series, and A-1, however, do depend on batteries.
The Olympus OM-1 is not overpriced as Jon claims, it is a reasonably-
priced, well-made, and reliable camera. It is also light and quiet
(as SLR's go) and a pleasure to use if you lean towards austerity.

Sorry about the length of this and the flames, but really, I'm not
in league with the camera manufacturers, just a concerned photographer.

					Don Chan