Remembering How it All Began | My First Film SLR | Nikon F 35mm Film Camera

The First SLR that Started My Passion for Photography

OK, so a couple of posts ago I mentioned that the first camera I remember using was the Kodak Brownie Starflash. After about a year or so, I “found” a very nice sample of the Nikon F 35mm film camera. The camera, like most of the ones that were my grandfather’s, ended up going to his first born son, my dad.  As most fathers know, cool stuff that you own eventually ends up in the hands of your kids. I was probably about nine years old or so when I first started using the Nikon F. I know that sounds young, but back then all you had to do was get those split images to match up, put the needle in the middle and hope for the best. No finicky AF lenses, or crazy 25,600 ISO (like on the D700), or other custom functions to worry about. It really was just all about what you saw, and how you captured it on a piece of chemical film and hopefully the end result was an interesting photograph. It really is kind of nostalgic when I think about it.

The things that I remember about this camera is that it was big, and heavy, and yet, so COOL. I thought it was amazing that you could use this to create such fun projects like, what can you find while walking around in your yard, or interesting things you found while investigating the local park, and sometimes, maybe even some goofy shots of your siblings during a lazy afternoon. All in all, I stated to feel like I was becoming a photographer. Maybe not a fantastic one, but at least one that stated to understand the difference between a great photograph and a snapshot. There is a difference.

All in all, I think using the Nikon F is what made me a die-hard Nikon user today. I have never been swayed by other products from very good companies. I can say that there have been times when I wanted to jump ship to get to the other other side of the fence, but for some reason, I just stuck it out. Today, Nikon is in a strong position and is again just as great at capturing images in digital form as it was back on the film. Although, I have to say, that there is a small sentimental attachment to the old film days since I guess in many ways, photography was a much simpler art.

Seen in the image above is the same Nikon F that I used so many years ago. Along with it is a very interesting find, the Nikon Flash V. It is electronic in that it uses a charge to flash a bulb. I dig that cool umbrella effect that it uses as a diffuser. The diffuser expands and collapses with such fine precision, it is kind of amazing. Once it is put into its most compact size it slips into a small leather case, ready for your camera bag. Are there any other Nikon F users out there? Still using it at all?

The Control Side of the Flash

The Collapsing Aluminum Umbrella Diffuser

All Closed Up and Ready for the Camera Bag