What was your first camera and current camera

[usonian]

14. I took my P510 out for my walk today.

I was an optical engineer for many years, so cameras are special for me.

And yes, I am still figuring things out years later. I *finally* figured out the "Freeze Focus" button. It was always there, but turning it on took some manual reading and internet searching.

This was (of course) gratis with old cameras. You set the focus, and it stayed there!

View cameras are as complicated as a clothespin, and should last forever, if you keep shutters shutting, and bellows in shape. (You can make them if you are crafty ). Film? Stock up in case it stops bring made, but in recent years it has made a comeback. And there are a few digital backs for view cameras.

If you want to look like a view camera user, take pix with an iPad. It looks weird but the big view is wonderful. And much brighter than a ground glass! The newer ones have optional "1/2" view, which is like a 14mm lens on a full frame camera.

I upgraded when the P510 seemed to freeze up, but that was a one-time glitch.