Fully manual

[monkeykoder]

You know what I'd accept it just as automatic as it is with 3 changes
#1 focusing screen
#2 Change aperture on lens and change shutter via ring.
#3 TTL metering on old lenses.

 

[Bifurcator]

What on Earth are you guys talking about??? Every manufacturer puts out a fully manual ONLY camera.

They just all neglect to provide the proper instructions. But any dummy can figure out how to superglue the mode wheel in the M position so I guess I don't blame them.

 

[monkeykoder]

My whole argument is that they're awkward to use in manual mode.

 

[Bifurcator]

You must have a d40 or an XTi then?

 

[monkeykoder]

D50

 

[Dubious Drewski]

Maybe I'm missing something, but I find it quite easy to work in full manual with the K10. I've got a K1000 and another old Canon film SLR, which I use now and then for the novelty and thrill of it, so I've got a basic sense of what it's like. As far as I can tell, the K10 works in manual just as smoothly as those old things. (Although I've installed a focusing screen, and I've got a few good oldschool manual focus KMount primes(Not listed in my sig), which might be a big part of it)

 

[icassell]

The Canon AE-1 is not an all manual camera. It has shutter priority mode. It's recognized as the first camera with a microprocessor and was completely electronically controlled, making it the great grand daddy of all the fully electronic, gizmo laden cameras to come.

Didn't the Minolta XD-11 come first? I might be wrong ...

 

[bhop]

D50

There's your problem. Only one control wheel on the D50. DSLRs with two wheels (f/stop and shutter speed) are almost as easy as a fully manual "old" camera. I do find that I can switch f/stops faster on my FE by rotating the lens compared to the d70 wheel, but other than that, it's not that difficult or awkward to use in fully manual mode.

...also, the whole 'machine gun' argument doesn't really mean much to me. You can be just as careful with your shots with a digital camera as you can with film. Just use some self control, and if you can't do that, get a smaller memory card

 

[ksmattfish]

#1 focusing screen

You mean a focus screen with manual focus assist such as micro-beads or a split ring? So buy one, and install it. I don't know about the other brands, but after market companies offer manual focus screens for the Nikon and Canon DSLRs that aren't covered by the manufacturer. All of my Canon DSLRs have splt ring screens and split cross screens, and none are Canon brand screens.

#2 Change aperture on lens and change shutter via ring.

This was dropped long before digital.

#3 TTL metering on old lenses.

What! Then you wouldn't have to buy a bunch of new expensive Nikannon lenses! Besides, get a hand held light meter, Mr. All-Manual. Besides, you probably can get TTL metering with the old lenses if you can activate the DOF preview. Or just memorize the aperture scale in 1 stop increments, and calculate stops in your head from wide open.

 

[ksmattfish]

My whole argument is that they're awkward to use in manual mode.

All my Canon DSLRs can be operated one handed in manual mode. None of my mechanical 35mm SLRs can.

 

[Bifurcator]

There's your problem. Only one control wheel on the D50.

Yup, that's what I assumed as well. The d50 and d40 are not really very well thought out cameras at all IMO - for any kind of photography. That's just my opinion tho and I reserve the right to have it as my opinion.

 

[John_Olexa]

Why is it that we don't see fully manual DSLRs? It seems like they're trying to pack a bunch of features in there that frankly I'd rather not pay for.

My guess is it simply wouldn't be a big seller.

 

[Joves]

Yup, that's what I assumed as well. The d50 and d40 are really very well thought out cameras at all IMO - for any kind of photography. That my opinion tho and I reserve the right to have it as my opinion.

I agree on the D50 but to me the D40 was a neutered 50. THere is really no suck thing as a fully manual camera in the digital world. If you want it go to an older film camera. I wouldnt mind a fully manual one but, one thing that would need to be changed is the focusing screens. Also the camera would have to allow you to set your f-stops on the lens. Dslrs even in the manual modes dont allow for it.

 

[Battou]

The Canon AE-1 is not an all manual camera. It has shutter priority mode. It's recognized as the first camera with a microprocessor and was completely electronically controlled, making it the great grand daddy of all the fully electronic, gizmo laden cameras to come.

I know that, The AE-1 was a bad example. I had the AE-1 on my mind all day....just kindof happened.

 

[Garbz]

That is not the point, MK is asking why a lineup of dSLRs are not made where M is not an option, but all there is. Like a digital AE-1 so to speak.

If a dSLR like that where made I might almost buy one. I personally feel the easy way is seldom the right way, I can't stand having all those dumbass options at my fingertips.

Because blowing an R&D budget to alienate 99% of your customer base just to satisfy users who could simply use features, or rather ignore the additional features, in every other model of camera in your current line up is just poor business practice?