My Nikon F from the mid-1960s still works fine. I feel sure my F5 will be of use to some student photographer 50 years after I'm dead.
However, my first digital SLR, a D40, died on me at Hicksville this weekend. I turn it on, with fresh batteries, and get a "whir-click-whir-click" cycle but no shutter firing, no mirror flipping. The problem has been getting worse and worse. I have to "reboot" it by turning it off and back on to get it to work. This only succeeds maybe 1 out of 5 tries and then only for a few frames before the cycle begins again.
I realize the D40 was a low-end model. I also know that digital SLRs are more computer than camera. Based on my reading, the consumer-grade models are considered semi-disposable.
I'm having problems with that concept.
Anybody got a suggestion for my next DSLR? I know plenty of you have some very nice kit. I'd like something that is compatible with my SB-28 flash but, according to the NikonUSA web site, it won't do TTL flash metering with any current DSLR. My old lenses cover exactly the ranges I most use...but they would require stepping up to a full-frame sensor. The entry level for a full-frame, recent Nikon is the D600 (discontinued, but available as a refurb for $1500) or a D610 (current model, ~$2000). The cheapest Nikon TTL speedlight for any of these would add ~$120.
It's been over 30 years since I made my living full-time as a photographer so those numbers feel like a big commitment to me, maybe bigger than I'm willing to make.
I'm seeking input from any avid amateurs. A re-furbed and/or low-end Nikon for less than $500? Or have y'all found the bigger iron (especially the ability to shoot video) worth the extra money? Or is there a screaming bargain to be had somewhere out there if I just abandon my lifelong Nikon fixation?
TIA
However, my first digital SLR, a D40, died on me at Hicksville this weekend. I turn it on, with fresh batteries, and get a "whir-click-whir-click" cycle but no shutter firing, no mirror flipping. The problem has been getting worse and worse. I have to "reboot" it by turning it off and back on to get it to work. This only succeeds maybe 1 out of 5 tries and then only for a few frames before the cycle begins again.
I realize the D40 was a low-end model. I also know that digital SLRs are more computer than camera. Based on my reading, the consumer-grade models are considered semi-disposable.
I'm having problems with that concept.
Anybody got a suggestion for my next DSLR? I know plenty of you have some very nice kit. I'd like something that is compatible with my SB-28 flash but, according to the NikonUSA web site, it won't do TTL flash metering with any current DSLR. My old lenses cover exactly the ranges I most use...but they would require stepping up to a full-frame sensor. The entry level for a full-frame, recent Nikon is the D600 (discontinued, but available as a refurb for $1500) or a D610 (current model, ~$2000). The cheapest Nikon TTL speedlight for any of these would add ~$120.
It's been over 30 years since I made my living full-time as a photographer so those numbers feel like a big commitment to me, maybe bigger than I'm willing to make.
I'm seeking input from any avid amateurs. A re-furbed and/or low-end Nikon for less than $500? Or have y'all found the bigger iron (especially the ability to shoot video) worth the extra money? Or is there a screaming bargain to be had somewhere out there if I just abandon my lifelong Nikon fixation?
TIA