From the Professional...
I am a big fan of old cameras:
Landcameras, SLR, and TLR.
But for individuals who wants to
take up photography in the more
serious way: I recommend 35 mm
cameras where you can remove
lens and where you can also add
on additional lens (such as filters,
UV, Special Effects, Macros, etc).
In addition, it does pay off to have
a Light Meter and rely on using that
than the light Meter that's built inside
of the camera - especially helpful for
B & W (Black and White) and Studio
Shots - as well as Dusk & Dawn shots.
Then I also recommend a tri-pod with
a what you call, extension shutter lock.
As for Flash - most of them have self-mount
bracket on there, but you can always purchase
an accessory to separate the flash away from
the lens where it can be a hand-held. And here's
one hint: You can always diffuse the strobe flash
by using a silk white hankie or Kleenex over it.
In fact, I have an orange old fashioned toilet
paper for that reason (I no longer have all my
equipment anymore which also includes the
darkroom equipment) - and WHY ORANGE?
Because in daytime - flash comes in handy
in shade, but orange on the strobe (strobes
are naturally blue hued) - actually tones it down.
This helps a lot for extended opening of
lens and you don't touch the camera -
especially for night shots, eclipse, special
effects (like fireworks), dusk and dawn
shots, waterfalls, rivers, etc ...
It does help tremendously to take up
a class or course; or grab some good
books in photography.
Believe it or not - B & W photography is
far more difficult than Color photography,
it's really awesome and a big challenge;
because a lot more is involved, especially
with F-stops and lighting.
Start small first, with the basics and a
simple zoom lens with maybe a polarized
lens that can be used on both the standard
and zoom lens - and learn from there.
Every Photographer has their own personalized
touches and tastes as well as preferences. But
one KEY POINT IN MIND IS - never have your
subject in the DEAD CENTER ... knock it off in
an angle, it's more attractive this way, like you
see a squirrel peering out from a tree, instead
of having the squirrel in the middle, knock him
down to the lower bottom right where the tree
trunk denominates the parallel line upwards,
so that one's eyes will shift the focus elsewhere.
Also pay attention to the BARK of the tree as
well - sharp fine details play important roles, it
doesn't matter if the background is dark or
fading out - since the "SUBJECT" is the Squirrel,
however, you're defining the entire "WORK" with
that photography - not just the Squirrel but also
the tree. You will be surprised how much can be
done. And likewise, learn to shift things around
before you "shoot", even if you have to wait ...
be patient and wait ---> it will pay for itself!
There are many contests you can enter in and WIN!
I am a Professional Photographer, with many awards,
including Gold Award, Outstanding Award, Blue Ribbons,
and much more. Many of my work have been sold, and
I specialize in all fields of photography from the very old
fashioned landcamera (just like the old days) to the
modernized digital.
I do not like digital cameras at all - I loathe them! But
I have one - they're just great for eBay or some online
auctions - that's about it (my own personal opinion here).
Film cameras are better, but as you master the 35 mm,
you can then dare move forward to TLR (Twin Lens
Reflex Camera) which are bigger negatives but more
challenging ---> but produces better images and
photos - tricky to use because of the style and design
they are built.
My all time favorite?
Pentax 35 mm - she was my baby! Bought it new in
1975, and killed her in 1994 ... (well, I wore her to death
actually) and I also had a Canon 35 mm but didn't like
the performance of it (purchased in 1982 or 83). But
in 1995 - I sold out everything, except for the rare
lightbulb for the darkroom.
I did have TLR's and Landcameras - but however, I have
a rare 1st Edition LandCamera (billow) from Polaroid with
all the works, including cold clips (not for sale) which I have
it displayed with the 1940s Radio (both Radio and Camera
work).
I'm interested in hearing what Shutterbabe has to post!