Discuss Detroit » Archives - Beginning January 2007 » Area camera shops and what to buy « Previous Next »
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Rhymeswithrawk
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Username: Rhymeswithrawk

Post Number: 560
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 7:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm looking at replacing my behemoth of a digital camera in the next few days, and I have two questions:
1) Where are the best places to buy a camera in the metro D.? (And I'm not talking about Best Buy).
2) What does everyone use? I'm not looking for anything uber-fancy. Just something compact that I can carry in my jacket pocket and use to snap photos around town. I don't need 10 million megapixels or anything, but I would like to be able to zoom in on details of buildings.
Thanks, y'all.
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Urbanize
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Username: Urbanize

Post Number: 422
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 7:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

How about Circuit City then (kidding). I did buy a Kodak EasyShare C533 at Wal-Mart for $99.99 and t's works good. I used it to take pictures of the clouds from those storms today. They also have been frequented on and off sale at K-Mart for $109.99. It's small and compatible.
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Flybydon
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Username: Flybydon

Post Number: 91
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 7:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Rhymes, take a look at the Cannon Power Shot. Buy it on line at B&H or JR. Don't bother with the extended warranty
I've been happy.
It's my vacation / always ready camera.

Don
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Mthouston
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Username: Mthouston

Post Number: 789
Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 7:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Unfortunately the days of the mom and pop camera stores are coming to end. :-(
Century Camera in Royal Oak is closing in April :-(

That pretty much leaves Adray's in Dearborn and Troy or Camera Mart in Pontiac.

I deal with Adrays in Dearborn a lot. Good, knowledgeable sales folks, large choice of cameras and other photo goodies.
Adray's is good place to see a lot of different models side by side.
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Viziondetroit
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Username: Viziondetroit

Post Number: 1046
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 7:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I searched a while back for a camera shop in the city and no luck. The one in the Penobscot is a camera film and case store only.

I used a Nikon D80, 50mm f1.8, 18-50mm, 28-300mm, SB600.

Woodward Camera in Royal Oak is good, also Adray in Dearborn is good. Century on Woodward is closing.
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Viziondetroit
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Username: Viziondetroit

Post Number: 1047
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 7:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

BHphoto.com is a good place for cameras too.
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Islandman
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Username: Islandman

Post Number: 398
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 8:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You should always buy a camera online. The price difference alone is worth it. Great place to get some reviews of virtually any digital camera:

http://www.dpreview.com/
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Rhymeswithrawk
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Username: Rhymeswithrawk

Post Number: 561
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 9:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Don, do you use your Cybershot for all of your aerials?
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Sg_creative
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Username: Sg_creative

Post Number: 16
Registered: 01-2007
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 9:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I 2nd B&H. I pretty much only use them.
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Viziondetroit
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Username: Viziondetroit

Post Number: 1048
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 9:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I go to local shops to try before you buy and then go online. I buy certain things in store, but mainly online.
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Rhymeswithrawk
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Username: Rhymeswithrawk

Post Number: 564
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 9:55 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

OK, so what else do people recommend, then? Something that can handle darker environs (like abandoned buildings) is a plus.
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Flybydon
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Username: Flybydon

Post Number: 97
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 9:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Don, do you use your Cybershot for all of your aerials?

Rhymes: No, My main aerial camera now is the new Flagship Nikon D2Xs, 12.4 (effective) megapixel.


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Bulletmagnet
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Username: Bulletmagnet

Post Number: 160
Registered: 01-2007
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 10:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have a ton of cameras, but the EZ (shiny little camera) Share comes along every where. As stated above, Century Camera is closing. Adray's, and Woodward Camera are favorites if you want to buy locally.
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Barnesfoto
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Username: Barnesfoto

Post Number: 3266
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 11:27 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Century was a great store, it joins the list of places that I used to buy stuff at, including
The Fotoshop in Old Redford (first box of paper)
Detroit Camera on Michigan @ Washington Blvd.
City Camera in Dearborn
Michigan Camera Exchange in the John King Book Bldg.

Adray's seems to be the best place in Metro Detroit, but Camera Mart is great if you are up north...
I also like Adorama in NYC
Freestyle in LA
KEH in Atlanta
for obscure chemicals: Photographer's Formulary in Missuoula, Montana.
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Viziondetroit
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Username: Viziondetroit

Post Number: 1049
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 11:37 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

That D2xS is a beast
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Barnesfoto
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Username: Barnesfoto

Post Number: 3267
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 11:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The price of the D2xs is..... excessive.
A better investment would be a mid-19th century Wet Plate camera.
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Newman
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Username: Newman

Post Number: 80
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 8:11 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Barnes,
I shoot a Canon 20D and it brings me more joy than you can ever imagine. I carry the basic lenses (28-55, a standard wide angle and a 75-300) and for sports shots, I use the Canon 70-200 IS. I highly recommend.
Good to see FlybyDon on the board! He is actually the one who gave me my photography bug over 20 years ago.
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Flybydon
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Username: Flybydon

Post Number: 102
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 10:13 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Quote: A better investment would be a mid-19th century Wet Plate camera.


Barns, Wet Plates are great however a bit difficult to change while flying over a congested area at a hundred miles per hour while in slow flight wouldn’t you say?
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Rsa
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Username: Rsa

Post Number: 1075
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 10:28 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

say it ain't so! century camera closing!? that's so sad. first f-stop (another great camera store) closed, then minolta got bought out, now century is closing. i think the transition to online purchasing, digital shooting has won the war. so sad.
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Fareastsider
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Username: Fareastsider

Post Number: 288
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 10:49 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

d2xs is a bit out of my price rane...I would like a new digital Camera with a good zoom and at least 6 megapixels that would be great for pictures of the city or scenery. a $500+/- price would be nice...any suggestions?
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Mike
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Username: Mike

Post Number: 881
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 10:56 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

great website to learn about digital cameras is www.imagingresource.com
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Mike
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Username: Mike

Post Number: 882
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 10:57 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

http://www.imaging-resource.co m/

sorry
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Mike
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Username: Mike

Post Number: 883
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 10:58 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

http://www.imaging-resource.co m/PRODS/S3IS/S3ISA.HTM

good, but not expensive camera, the closest thing you can get to an SLR without the bulk or the price

http://www.imaging-resource.co m/PRODS/S3IS/S3ISA.HTM
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Designerguy24
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Username: Designerguy24

Post Number: 55
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 11:56 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Century Camera in Royal oak on Woodward is going out of business you might wanna look at them
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Johnlodge
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Username: Johnlodge

Post Number: 318
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 12:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I highly recommend a Cannon. I have a Cannon SD-500 Digital Elph and that camera is absolutely fantastic.
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Barnesfoto
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Username: Barnesfoto

Post Number: 3277
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 12:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Flyby: Wet plates are great, but besides being labor intensive, you need a darkroom and a non moving spot for your tripod...So yes, they would be especially impractical for you.
However, digital cameras lose their value rapidly.
The D100 that I bought in 2002 is worth a fraction of what I paid for it.
Wet-Plate cameras continue to rise in value as a revival of interest in the process takes place.
You want convenience? Get a digital cam.
You want craftsmanship and value?
Get a Dallmeyer.
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Islandman
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Username: Islandman

Post Number: 407
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 12:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hey, Johnlodge:

What's the range (in megapixels) of your cannon? :-)

I love the small Canon cameras, but I usually strap my Sony CyberShot DSC-F828 in my bag if I know I'm going to be taking a lot of pictures. It is a bit bulky, but it has 8 megapixels of goodness.
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Corktown_paddy
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Username: Corktown_paddy

Post Number: 7
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 1:49 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You guys who suggest to buy on line can kiss my fat Irish behind. I've been involved with Century long enough watching the place go steadily downhill as the internet slowly takes it over a brick at a time. Soon enough there are publications and some of them locally who even suggest to Joe Consumer to go into camera stores and do some 'brain picking' THEN go buy it on the net.
(This is somewhat devious on the part of the consumer but hey who cares that the poor idiot behind that counter is trying to make a living too right?)
Even better, one finds they can get around that rip-off 6% Michigan sales tax that helps out our already underfunded schools, who cares right?
When the parents kid marches in that store and hustles them the overpriced yearbook/prom/ads, do you even slightly believe the parents of those kids are just champing at the bit to get back to that store and buy a camera from them at Christmas?
The consumer is a take take take what can I get out of the system, and it will come to a bad end.
But who cares when you guys can buy it on line.

(Message edited by corktown_paddy on March 30, 2007)
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Flybydon
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Username: Flybydon

Post Number: 103
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 2:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Perhaps by embracing new technology this location would have endured, rather they chose to shun it. Too bad.

I personally have spent many thousands of dollars in that store, however when local suppliers did not have what was needed one is forced to look elsewhere.

Just last week I walked out of the Woodward location with a smile on my face, I saved bundle on some much needed equipment.

Thanks for all the years of great service.
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Johnlodge
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Username: Johnlodge

Post Number: 319
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 2:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Islandman,

Its 7.1 MegaPixel, extremely small and lightweight, and takes way better pictures than other cameras claiming to be 7 Megapixel. The video on it is pretty decent too. Not a professional photographers camera, but I would say best in its class.
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Corktown_paddy
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Username: Corktown_paddy

Post Number: 8
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 2:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What new technology do you speak of Flyby that wasn't here? What type of equipment do you feel was 'shunned'?
I'd like to hear some specifics there.

Looking elsewhere does not mean the same as buying EVERYTHING on line.

We had most current technology of all digital manufacturers until this past January...

(Message edited by Corktown_paddy on March 29, 2007)

(Message edited by corktown_paddy on March 29, 2007)
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3rdworldcity
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Username: 3rdworldcity

Post Number: 585
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 2:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Adray's. Mike Adray (RIP) was a great civic booster, sponsoring sports leagues for 1000's of kids of all ages throughout the metro area.
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Mthouston
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Username: Mthouston

Post Number: 803
Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 2:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well when all is said and done it ain't the camera, its the person behind it.

Maybe a nice Holga, easy to use....:-)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H olga
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Spiritofdetroit
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Username: Spiritofdetroit

Post Number: 373
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 2:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I've been extremely happy with Panasonic Lumix camera.
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Boo
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Username: Boo

Post Number: 176
Registered: 01-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 3:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

i have two that i really like: cannon powershot (a95, although you can get smaller models) and a pentax ist*dl dslr.

both take great pics.

(shop local!)
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Canuckr
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Username: Canuckr

Post Number: 53
Registered: 02-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 3:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I bought my D50 from Century Camera and couldnt be happier.. Also bought a few other things from them also. Great store, sad to see them go. I need to make a trip up there, since I am looking at getting a D200..
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Mthouston
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Username: Mthouston

Post Number: 804
Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 4:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Interesting post on the Michigan in Pictures blog
about Argus cameras,which were built in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

http://michpics.wordpress.com/ 2007/03/29/the-argus-camera-co mpany-of-ann-arbor-michigan/

I remember my Grandfather gave me his Argus C-3, my first "real" camera. Still have it, sitting on my self next to my F2 and a broken Rolleiflex.
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Corktown_paddy
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Username: Corktown_paddy

Post Number: 9
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 4:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Canuckr:
D200's are gone buddy.
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Canuckr
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Username: Canuckr

Post Number: 54
Registered: 02-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 8:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Corktown_paddy:
Dope!
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Ccbatson
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Username: Ccbatson

Post Number: 242
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 9:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Century is going out!! What a bummer. Woodward camera is still there (I think?). The F-stop recently went out in Novi. BHPhoto and Adorama mail order out of New York are very good. Be very careful though, just about every other mail order operation out of New York will rob you blind (serious con artists).

DSLRs while bulkier are head and shoulders better than anything else. Personally, I like Canon...Digital Rebel XTi, 30D, and, if you are more serious with deeper pockets the 5D. If you have more money than you know what to do with, the tp of the line 1Ds (or something like that) is for you (at $7K without a lens).
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Islandman
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Username: Islandman

Post Number: 408
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 9:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Corktown_paddy,

Maybe you should go get a job at Harmony House next. :-)

Sign of the times, brother.
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Corktown_paddy
Member
Username: Corktown_paddy

Post Number: 11
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 11:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A sign of the times? Pretty sad when some people prefer impersonal interacting to justify saving a few bucks.
I'll pass on it. I enjoy meeting people too much.
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Mattb
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Username: Mattb

Post Number: 20
Registered: 01-2004
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 12:14 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Nikon 8008s for my film photography, and a Canon 6.0 megapixel for the instant stuff. Bought the Nikon at Huron Camera and the digital at Target.

(Message edited by mattb on March 30, 2007)
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Barnesfoto
Member
Username: Barnesfoto

Post Number: 3285
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 12:27 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I too have an Argus C-3..I've yet to find one that is broken, and they are pushing 50 years old...
Perhaps that's why the Argus Camera Corp. of Ann Arbor MI went out of business.
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Mthouston
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Username: Mthouston

Post Number: 807
Registered: 01-2006
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 6:32 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeah the Argus was (is) quite a camera.
Sometimes I miss to "good old days" of the all manual & mechanical cameras. I still have a FM2.
Funny thing, I have not shot 35mm film in almost 10 years.Recently though I've been shooting a lot 6x6 chrome. Those big chromes sure are pretty..:-)
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Island
Member
Username: Island

Post Number: 34
Registered: 01-2005
Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 1:13 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Canon PowerShot S3 IS, 6 mp, 12x (6-72mm) f/2.7-3.5, image stabilization, 4 AA batteries, I paid $320&tax. Nice manual/multiprogram long-zoom point&shoot for the money.
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Bertz
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Username: Bertz

Post Number: 550
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2007 - 11:25 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Roberts photo on ebay has a good deal on new US model Nikon d80 for $899

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