Tír Na HiFi

We have quite a similar photographic past Tom! When I entered the digital realm I purchased a Canon 350D which I still have and although I do not indulge in serious photography any more I still take the occasional “snap”. I know that you occasionally come up to Dublin and if you want to hook up for a learning session you are more than welcome to drop in any time if practical help is what you are looking for.
BTW on the 35 D just above the eyepiece on the right hand side is a correction dial for eyesight. I do not know the 400D but it must have something similar too.

ditto here Tom...

Thanks guys for the offers of help. My eyesight failing I'd due to ageing but especially as a result of an inner ear virus. Hence getting the Nikon, it had autofocus. The Rolliflex had nothing, you focused until the image looked in focus. I did try setting the camera as if it is a film camera but the photos are poor to say the least. The Irish Photographic Institute at Lord Edward St run day courses, I will sign up for one and see if there is some light at the end of the tunnel...

what lens are you using?

color or black&white..????

jaybee wrote:what lens are you using?

The standard (supplied with camera) EFS 18-55

jaybee wrote:color or black&white..????

Colour so far

Rocker wrote:

jaybee wrote:what lens are you using?

The standard (supplied with camera) EFS 18-55

Actually Tom, assuming that you are talking about the Canon lens, that is not a great lens at all and perhaps that is part of your problem. It is very "soft" and perhaps you are mistaking that for "out of focus". The first thing that I would do is try to take some images with another lens and your standard one and compare both.

to get closer to your experience with older cameras...

pick up a canon ef50 f1.8

definitely the best value in terms of bang for buck...

will be far sharper than your current kit lens, I sold mine on adverts for 50 quid in mint condition( I upgraded to the ef50 f1.2L)

it will also give you far greater control over depth of field ( the 18-55 if f4.5-5:6 if memory serves)

for a very down to earth view on the world of digital photography try

http://www.kenrockwell.com

Tom,

I've been mulling over your problem a bit. The advice about the 50mm lens is all good (brilliant lens, have one myself) but you should be able to get decent sharp shots with what you have....

I suspect that the issues you mention are partly from the camera and partly from the processing side. You really should consider calling over some night and I can get you started no problems.


Fran

Thanks again guys. Right now I am laid low with a throat infection. The medication has me as weak as a kitten. I will call to you Fran in a couple of weeks - when I am better and sure that I won't bring a dose into your house....