Well… what a Google search journey this has been!
I really had to think about the first couple of cameras. Needless to say there was a lot more excitement from my side of the couch when I managed to find the very first camera I used (thanks Dad for letting me use). In my partner’s defence she was deep in a game of football from the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup.
While photography is not my main career, it is something that has given me much joy and hopefully also to those who have purchased prints from me.
So without further ado, my list of cameras used. Please make sure to leave a comment below, I’d love to hear what cameras have been part of your photographic journey.
This was more than a camera; it was my first step into the world of photography. The Hanimex 35 Micro was my father’s segue from a vintage SLR to something pocket-sized yet powerful. It featured a unique flip up flash which also acted as cover for the lens. My fondest memory is taking it to my high school on the final day of sixth form (Year 11). Each click captured a slice of youthful exuberance, friendships, and awkward teen moments that I knew I’d want to remember. I felt like a time-traveler, freezing moments for the older me. Those prints… well, they are not forgotten treasures tucked away in a storage container, waiting to be rediscovered.
According to Camera Wiki, the Hanimex featured a 32mm 1:2.8 4 zone focus lens and has two shutter speeds. An ingenious flash and a low light system are all juiced up by two AAA batteries, although the camera can function without them.
This sporty wee Pentax compact/autofocus was purchased with the proceeds of my high school A Bursary which from memory was $300. Do they still do this? My version had a bright yellow strip and button. I believe most of my pictures may have been of our Burmese cat patrolling the grounds of our Taupo bach.
Armed with the Pentax PC-700, I felt like an intrepid explorer, albeit within the confines of Auckland University or our holiday house in Taupo. This camera was special not only for its sporty yellow accents but also because it was the first purchase I made with my high school bursary (do they still give you money for bursary?). I remember spending many afternoons capturing our wee Burmese cat’s antics or my fellow university students getting up to no good (usually).
Key specifications for the PC-700
The Minolta Dynax 7xi was my first foray into the world of SLRs. I remember an early project at the Auckland School of Architecture that required us to take macro photos of an abstract model comprising of painted blocks. Needless to say, my Pentax did not give the greatest results (well that’s what I’m blaming for the low grade received).
So after some research, and a good chunk of my student loan, my first SLR was purchased. I cannot remember what lens I had, I guess it would have been pretty standard, but I really enjoyed this camera and learnt a lot of the basics I use today.
Key specifications for the Dynax 7xi
I loved this camera. This was my first Nikon camera and had some really excellent functionality for a film camera. It just looked a really great camera. It became my trusty companion on numerous road trips and camping excursions throughout New Zealand.
Key specifications for the F70
The D70 was a game-changer. It felt like jumping from a bicycle to a Ferrari. This wasn’t just a tool; it was an extension of my creative soul. After experiencing the capabilities of a client’s Sony Cyber-Shot, I knew digital was the frontier I had to explore next. I felt liberated from the constraints of film and elated by the endless possibilities of digital editing. Even today, some of the prints I sell were originally captured through the D70’s lens, each pixel brimming with a piece of my journey.
Key specifications for the D70
The D90 had more features, more power, and definitely more room to play. Its expanded megapixel count allowed me to edit images like never before. I was particularly drawn to its HD movie capabilities, even though getting used to no autofocus during filming was a bit of a learning curve.
Key specifications for the D90
The D750 is more than just my current DSLR; it’s a symbol of how far I’ve come in my photography journey. Its tilting monitor has been a godsend, making low-angle shots and tripod work a breeze. But more importantly, it’s been kind to my eyes, which aren’t what they used to be. There’s something comforting about knowing that as I’ve evolved, so has the technology that enables my passion.
Key specifications for the D750
So there you have it, a chronicle of cameras that have shaped my life behind the lens. Your turn now! Share your camera journey in the comments below.
