My Fotographer Fanatic

I think I have created a monster! About a year ago, I decided to surprise my wife with a gift that she had been wanting for a long time..... a DSLR camera! Little did I realize that this was going to launch her into a hobby that had just been waiting for her to get into. Now, by no means am I complaining, on the contrary, I am very glad that she has found an interest in which she can submerge herself into and thoroughly enjoy. I know what you are thinking.... those cameras are expensive! Yes....the NEW ones are, but let me tell you about the sweet deal I got on this used one via Ebay.


First of all, it pays to do your research when you are planning a purchase of anything with significant value but this is especially true when buying an electronic device. I tend to overkill on research but I want to make sure that what I'm planning to get is what I want. That's what I really love about the internet. But also, lucky for me, I have an older cousin who has many, many years of experience with 35mm, SLR's and now DSLR cameras. I tapped into his knowledge which helped me narrow my choice down to a Pentax K100D. I began patiently shopping on Ebay and after a few fails in winning an auction, I stumbled on a used model that was in new condition. Needless to say, I was extremely happy when I won the camera and at about a third of the cost of a new model. My wife loves it and has shot over a couple of thousand pictures so far and the camera has worked flawlessly.

Some of the best features of this Pentax camera are:

• ANY Pentax lens (old or new) will attach and work on this camera. The screw mount lenses need an inexpensive adapter ring. My son had a handful of screw mount lenses, including a macro and 300mm zoom, that he acquired at a garage sale at a great price and never used them so he gave them to his mom and she has been loving them!
• The "shake reduction" function is a very nice feature that is very useful when you just can't keep the camera as still as you would like.
• Pentax DSLR cameras do NOT take special batteries like most other models do. Those AA batteries are all that's needed and with the camera only sipping power from them, they work great. For even longer life, get those lithium versions. I can't believe how long those things last in this DSLR.
• The user interface LCD screen on the back of this camera is very easy to use and follow when looking for settings to change.

Since my cousin is a pro, he has given my wife a few quick lessons on how to shoot great pictures plus you really have to just go out and start shooting. Don't limit your shots to subject matter that you like....shoot pictures of everything. Practice is the key here. Remember, when using a digital camera, it doesn't cost you anything to take a picture until you decide to make a print of what you like. Also, a tripod is a necessary accessory to help keep camera perfectly still and get the effects you want in those long exposure shots. Consider taking a summer or night class on digital photography. Many of those type of classes include outings where the students are taken to a site to practice shooting.


My wife is an amazing amateur photographer, is quickly improving and has shot many AMAZING pictures already! She is having so much fun with it and that makes me happy! Here are only a few of my favorites that she has taken.

Don't you just love 'em!