Help!
I've just been away for a couple of days and have come to some sort of epiphany: I don't like SLRs.
Since moving to London in February I've done very little with my cameras, making a range of excuses for not taking them out. After a couple of days in Cornwall, I've come to realise the the problem really is my equipment - I don't like the bulk of it.
Currently I have 3 cameras, a Ricoh GR1 (I use it a lot - and break it a lot - and get really frustrated that it takes 2 mths to get repaired) a Canonet QL17 and an EOS 30D with lenses from 10-135mm.
In Cornwall I took out both the EOS and the Canonet and I shot >95% of the pics on the Canonet. I came to realise that my problem was that I don't like the SLR experience - whether it is TTL viewing, the weight, the VF, all of the buttons or something else, I'm yet to work out. What I confirmed is that I LOVE shooting with rangefinders.
Now digital: I love digital, I really do. I plug a flash card in, do the work and output to an Epson 2200 prints that I could never have made in the darkroom. I am also used to routinely printing 12x16 and I could never manage this with 35mm whilst maintaining the quality that my 8mp files have.
The ideal solution would be the Leica M8. The problem is that if I sold all of my cameras - and my car - I still could not afford an M8 and a Tri Elmar. Therefore, it is a non-starter.
I'm unaware of anything that might suit my main system better that is digital and I'm therefore considering moving back to film. Here I have a dilemma; do I go 35mm or 120 - or both? I've never used MF gear before but feel that it might be the best option if I want to continue making large prints. If I were to go 35mm, I would be looking at anything vaguely affordable with an "M" mount - Bessas, an M2, maybe a Hexar RF or Minolta CLE. I also hear people raving about Contax G cameras and would have a look - though it sounds too automated for me.
With 120, the Mamiya 7 has huge appeal but is expensive. I am considering Bronica and Fuji 645 RFs but worry about the portait format being suitable. Were I to buy a 35mm system, I would likely sell the QL17 and buy either a TLR or a folding camera to supliment it when I needed quality.
Finally, I have the issue of input to deal with. If I have to plump for a Nikon Coolscan then so be it. However, is anyone aware of any places in London where I can rent an Imacon by the day and how much this costs? My living arrangements do not allow for a permenant office to be kept a scrupulously clean as I have found necessary for scanning.
I look forward to your input. Many thanks
Charly