Off Topic You guys know everything.

[lmcq784]

I bought a D750 a while back. I also have an old DX body I really enjoy: a D200. It seems that everyone is going mirrorless these days but I can't see myself buying anything new. The last thing I needed to upgrade was my tripod. I sold two knives, a small Busse and an an Effingham, IL Blackjack, to finance it. I'm hoping to use the stuff I have 'till the end of my days.

Yes... the Tokina is a surprise. Do a search for the Tokina AT-X PRO D 100mm f/2.8 Macro and read some reviews. It's one of those hidden gems and a real bargain. It's hefty and solid as a brick, too... a pleasant surprise. I got mine used in like-new condition from KEH in Atlanta for cheap. It fills the gap between my Micro-Nikkor 55mm and 200mm lenses (also purchased used many years ago) and does a fine job.

I remember when I had a D200... That was a very competent camera with a BEAUTIFUL sensor. It was on my shoulders all day every day back then. I also miss using my 200/2.0 "cream machine"! Sad they're just sitting on a shelf right now.

Used the 200/2.0 wide open on the new D3 for a secret wedding proposal shoot back then. I was hiding in the bushes for almost 2 hours waiting for my client and his then girlfriend to get to a dark overlook after their dinner. I was wearing all black.... I'm sure my camera kept me from getting arrested as the cops circled and stared at me everytime they passed.

 

[desmobob]

I was an enlisted Navy Journalist in the '80s. My normal weapon was a govt.-issue Nikon F2A and the infamous 43-86mm zoom Nikkor (which wasn't nearly as bad as its reputation). I still have an F2S with a 43-86mm mounted up, for old time's sake. I was never able to part with my Nikon film bodies and also still have a pair of F3s and F4s, as well as a handy little FG. I had one of the F3s and the F2S CLA'd this spring but never shot with them all year. I still have a bunch of Velvia and Provia slide film and color and B+W print film in the freezer. I bought a couple of C-41 kits this spring too, and need to use them up soon developing some color print film.

 

[lmcq784]

I was self taught and started on a cheap plastic point and shoot, then eventually an F90... Saved up and bought myself an F100 when I could, which was a HUGE step up at the time. Still have my F100. I love that thing.

I think my dad had an F2, and my grandfather had and FG. My grandfather was a product illustrationist and basically the creative director for a plastics company. I like looking at his illustrations that were basically photo-realistic hand drawings meant for print ads in the 70's and 80's.

I do have some film that I'll eventually use for fun. Expired film is exciting. I shot for money throughout college and the hobby paid for itself (tripods, lenses, film, etc). People always needed headshots, portfolio slides, etc. The school newspaper always needed good photos and I was one of their main guys. I miss those days. Still remember shooting with film and having to develop and scan the film right away after an event for the newspaper (before I could afford digital). Spending all weekend in the darkroom while others were paying to party and getting drunk... (and not on good stuff).