A
Alexander DeVoe
Guest
Hello All, I'm new to posting here!
Let me open by saying that this forum is a phenomenal resource and I truly appreciate the input from everyone. Not only are all the technical discussions amazingly helpful (and found almost nowhere else!), but the work shared on this board is truly inspiring. I mean, to have a positive and friendly group of busy professional and amateur photographers take their time to not only share their own work, but to critique and assist others is really amazing. Thank you all for contributing to this great site! As a photography student, you have genuinely inspired me, and continue to do so as I develop my own skills.
Alright, thank you's aside, here is what has really been plaguing me. I have recently been brought to a rather major crossroads in my life. I have to actually CHOOSE my major in undergraduate studies! Option #1: Transfer to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago to study photography, OR #2: continue my study at the University of Wisconsin and study something else, but continue independent photo study.
Option #1 is extremely attractive, but even with the considerable Merit scholarship they are offering, it would still cost TWICE as much per year as the UW, and I would be tacking on another year of study. SAIC has Phase backs (2 brand new P45+ s, a number of 22mp backs, and I think one or two somewhere in between), all are available for student use. However, for the amount in financial difference between schools in ONE year, I could OWN a MFDB/kit. Going to SAIC, would be a fantastic experience (top 3 art/photo schools in the country!), but I'm having trouble signing my name to $60k+ in undergraduate debt alone. That's WITHOUT the graduate/law school I'm considering. Any SAIC students/graduates that know it's worth it??
Option #2 has recently become a much more attractive offer. I can stay at the UW, graduate a semester early, or on time (3-4 semesters from now) and would have money left over. I am seriously thinking I am going to stay here in Madison, and am going to try to make the best of what they offer. In a university with 40,000 students, it is easy to be marginalized. Luckily I am working with a professor who is a working photographer here, and have a great resource in him. Helps a lot! Photo Study Abroad options are enticing too! UW doesn't offer a straight photo major, but an individualized program is an option.
Note: Major for me doesn't particularly matter for the post-undergrad course I'm on, just so long as I keep my solid GPA.
Now, the reason this is on here and in the Medium format section!
Assuming I am fiscally responsible and stay at Madison, I am going to need to upgrade my equipment considerably to continue progressing as I want too. I am coming from a humbled Nikon kit (D200, and a number of lenses, some good, some not, ALL full frame lenses), and a full Sinar 4x5 kit. Obviously as of now, I have been shooting the 4x5 with film, but my skill with that needs to greatly increase. The problem with shooting film for me is the fact that facilities here at the UW are poor to say the least, regarding large/medium format film. I'm a college kid, so home darkroom = not an option. I am left a bit stymied as to what to do, as I feel I am pushing the limits of my small format digital, but don't have the facilities to continue LF film. Also, local lab costs are a reasonable, but an EXPENSIVE way to experiment with and learn 4x5.
I like to shoot architecture, landscape, and candid portraiture/street photography mostly. Hopefully this is enough to help guide suggestion. I am working on learning more advanced lighting setup's / skills as well. I like to print large! (of course! who doesn't!? haha)
I've come across the fantastic deal that Hasselblad has going with the H3DII - 31, and the gears have begun turning. A decent kit, building on what I already have (good tripod/head, bags, accessories...) is starting to look reasonable. I really like the idea of the Hasselblad, and they offer considerable breaks to students on lenses through their HERO program (http://www.hasselbladusa.com/69426.aspx). I am looking at getting the H3dii-31 kit with the 80mm and adding the 50-110 HCD and the 28mm HCD. What lenses do ya'll with Hassy experience prefer? Is the 50-110 HCD hand-holdable?
I like the integrated-ness of the system. From what I read, it would be the most DSLR-like experience, while offering the superior image quality and glass of MF. The lack of a focal plane shutter isn't deterring to me (actually that high sync speed is a plus!), as ND filters aren't scary to me. I'm not afraid of learning to incorporate Phocus into my workflow, as I use Aperture now, and am thinking of changing things up anyhow. The lack of very long exposure, and the inability to be used on my Sinar are the only major downsides for me (microlenses and chromatic abberation are an issue, no?). This camera seems mostly like a fit, but I'm used to Nikon ergonomics, so that might change once I get it in my hands. I love how my Nikon disappears in my hands, but then again, I also enjoy the slow pace of 4x5. Medium format seems like a good compromise for me. Also, I'm in need of a reputable Hassy dealer preferably in Wisconsin/Milwaukee/Madison, but Chicago is a hop and a skip away. Anybody know someone? Leasing is necessary.
I am forced to consider the many options I have though.
The new Pentax 645D looks very promising. However, any files I have seen from it just don't seem to have the same MF feel that Hassy/Leaf/Mamiya/Phase give. I miss that feeling in the Pentax files, but it is VERY early and tough to tell yet. I've been watching Ed Hurst's thread very patiently.
The Nikon D3x seems to be a great choice as well, but for the price, I'd be dangerously close to the superior (mostly) Hassy. I'd have to invest in mostly new glass anyway, as well. I think the only lenses I have that might survive the transition are my Nikkor Micro 105mm f/2.8 (version right before VR), 50mm f/1.4G, and 24mm f/2.8. and the Wide angle would get dumped for a new ultra wide zoom.
Other MFDB? I need to stay around the $10k mark before lenses. Also, as I mentioned before lease capability is a MUST. That requirement rules out most used gear, unfortunately...
Summary: Looking at new professional grade equipment, it is tough to decide what route to head in when I haven't nailed my style down completely. I like to shoot a number of different things, but high FPS and ultra-fast focusing aren't necessary. I'm going to wait until I've had my hands on a few different things, AND until after Photokina to decide on anything. I've been pondering this for a while, and am starting to take action as prices come down, and quality goes up.
Sorry for the long post, just wanted to explain my situation thoroughly. Thank you for any thoughts, advice, and ideas. I have read a few threads like this, and you guys are by far the best at guiding a newbie!
Thanks again, and I hope I can get this figured out!
-Alexander DeVoe
Let me open by saying that this forum is a phenomenal resource and I truly appreciate the input from everyone. Not only are all the technical discussions amazingly helpful (and found almost nowhere else!), but the work shared on this board is truly inspiring. I mean, to have a positive and friendly group of busy professional and amateur photographers take their time to not only share their own work, but to critique and assist others is really amazing. Thank you all for contributing to this great site! As a photography student, you have genuinely inspired me, and continue to do so as I develop my own skills.
Alright, thank you's aside, here is what has really been plaguing me. I have recently been brought to a rather major crossroads in my life. I have to actually CHOOSE my major in undergraduate studies! Option #1: Transfer to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago to study photography, OR #2: continue my study at the University of Wisconsin and study something else, but continue independent photo study.
Option #1 is extremely attractive, but even with the considerable Merit scholarship they are offering, it would still cost TWICE as much per year as the UW, and I would be tacking on another year of study. SAIC has Phase backs (2 brand new P45+ s, a number of 22mp backs, and I think one or two somewhere in between), all are available for student use. However, for the amount in financial difference between schools in ONE year, I could OWN a MFDB/kit. Going to SAIC, would be a fantastic experience (top 3 art/photo schools in the country!), but I'm having trouble signing my name to $60k+ in undergraduate debt alone. That's WITHOUT the graduate/law school I'm considering. Any SAIC students/graduates that know it's worth it??
Option #2 has recently become a much more attractive offer. I can stay at the UW, graduate a semester early, or on time (3-4 semesters from now) and would have money left over. I am seriously thinking I am going to stay here in Madison, and am going to try to make the best of what they offer. In a university with 40,000 students, it is easy to be marginalized. Luckily I am working with a professor who is a working photographer here, and have a great resource in him. Helps a lot! Photo Study Abroad options are enticing too! UW doesn't offer a straight photo major, but an individualized program is an option.
Note: Major for me doesn't particularly matter for the post-undergrad course I'm on, just so long as I keep my solid GPA.
Now, the reason this is on here and in the Medium format section!
Assuming I am fiscally responsible and stay at Madison, I am going to need to upgrade my equipment considerably to continue progressing as I want too. I am coming from a humbled Nikon kit (D200, and a number of lenses, some good, some not, ALL full frame lenses), and a full Sinar 4x5 kit. Obviously as of now, I have been shooting the 4x5 with film, but my skill with that needs to greatly increase. The problem with shooting film for me is the fact that facilities here at the UW are poor to say the least, regarding large/medium format film. I'm a college kid, so home darkroom = not an option. I am left a bit stymied as to what to do, as I feel I am pushing the limits of my small format digital, but don't have the facilities to continue LF film. Also, local lab costs are a reasonable, but an EXPENSIVE way to experiment with and learn 4x5.
I like to shoot architecture, landscape, and candid portraiture/street photography mostly. Hopefully this is enough to help guide suggestion. I am working on learning more advanced lighting setup's / skills as well. I like to print large! (of course! who doesn't!? haha)
I've come across the fantastic deal that Hasselblad has going with the H3DII - 31, and the gears have begun turning. A decent kit, building on what I already have (good tripod/head, bags, accessories...) is starting to look reasonable. I really like the idea of the Hasselblad, and they offer considerable breaks to students on lenses through their HERO program (http://www.hasselbladusa.com/69426.aspx). I am looking at getting the H3dii-31 kit with the 80mm and adding the 50-110 HCD and the 28mm HCD. What lenses do ya'll with Hassy experience prefer? Is the 50-110 HCD hand-holdable?
I like the integrated-ness of the system. From what I read, it would be the most DSLR-like experience, while offering the superior image quality and glass of MF. The lack of a focal plane shutter isn't deterring to me (actually that high sync speed is a plus!), as ND filters aren't scary to me. I'm not afraid of learning to incorporate Phocus into my workflow, as I use Aperture now, and am thinking of changing things up anyhow. The lack of very long exposure, and the inability to be used on my Sinar are the only major downsides for me (microlenses and chromatic abberation are an issue, no?). This camera seems mostly like a fit, but I'm used to Nikon ergonomics, so that might change once I get it in my hands. I love how my Nikon disappears in my hands, but then again, I also enjoy the slow pace of 4x5. Medium format seems like a good compromise for me. Also, I'm in need of a reputable Hassy dealer preferably in Wisconsin/Milwaukee/Madison, but Chicago is a hop and a skip away. Anybody know someone? Leasing is necessary.
I am forced to consider the many options I have though.
The new Pentax 645D looks very promising. However, any files I have seen from it just don't seem to have the same MF feel that Hassy/Leaf/Mamiya/Phase give. I miss that feeling in the Pentax files, but it is VERY early and tough to tell yet. I've been watching Ed Hurst's thread very patiently.
The Nikon D3x seems to be a great choice as well, but for the price, I'd be dangerously close to the superior (mostly) Hassy. I'd have to invest in mostly new glass anyway, as well. I think the only lenses I have that might survive the transition are my Nikkor Micro 105mm f/2.8 (version right before VR), 50mm f/1.4G, and 24mm f/2.8. and the Wide angle would get dumped for a new ultra wide zoom.
Other MFDB? I need to stay around the $10k mark before lenses. Also, as I mentioned before lease capability is a MUST. That requirement rules out most used gear, unfortunately...
Summary: Looking at new professional grade equipment, it is tough to decide what route to head in when I haven't nailed my style down completely. I like to shoot a number of different things, but high FPS and ultra-fast focusing aren't necessary. I'm going to wait until I've had my hands on a few different things, AND until after Photokina to decide on anything. I've been pondering this for a while, and am starting to take action as prices come down, and quality goes up.
Sorry for the long post, just wanted to explain my situation thoroughly. Thank you for any thoughts, advice, and ideas. I have read a few threads like this, and you guys are by far the best at guiding a newbie!
Thanks again, and I hope I can get this figured out!
-Alexander DeVoe
Don't sweat it because many of us have been there before.
