Although, I have had the chance of using several cameras till date, I feel that Nikon cameras are my best companions.

I started with simple aim-and-shoot compact cameras, dabbled with Polaroid cameras and finally moved to SLRs.

All of a sudden, with SLRs. there were no limitations. I was free to compose, shoot and create my own photographs rather than the camera doing all the work.

F301 from Nikon was my first camera. It was like a dream come true. I would have loved to have a camera that was more flexible or versatile as I was not crazy about the motorised function. It had an in-built motor capable of taking 2.5 frames per second! It was then that I learnt that I had to be very rich to afford Nikon lenses. I bought Tamron lenses with Nikon mount rings. A good substitute and valuable advice from the retailer, I thought.

I started work with a zoom lens rather than fixed focus. This was a wise move as I could use one lens instead of multiple lenses. It also meant that I did not have a lot of gear to carry around and change lenses depending on the composition. A 28-70 mm zoom lens was a good start as it provided a decent range from wide-angle 28 mm to telephoto 70 mm.

I liked the quality of photographs that my first camera produced. I was happy to see the results. I would have been delighted to see just a couple of good photographs from a set of twenty four or thirty six exposures. But, the results were amazing. I was only disappointed with a couple. Some of my friends called photographs ‘picture perfect’ or ‘picture post cards’.

Soon, I discovered the joy of shooting on slide rather than on paper. The discovery of third dimension (the depth) made me make this switch. I prefer Fujichrome Velvia film as opposed to Kodak chrome as it gives warmer tones.

To view the slides, I got myself a good quality slide projector with a zoom lens. Once again, it was the possibility of looking at details pushed me to purchase a zoom lens rather than a fixed focus lens.

Then came the time for an upgrade! I found FM2 from Nikon. It was a simpler and more versatile camera as it does not have any motorised function. It is just powered by a button cell. This may not appeal as an upgrade to some. Thanks to the initial advice on Tamron lenses, I could use the same set of lenses. I could manipulate the film and get twenty eight pictures out of twenty four exposure film and near forty from thirty six exposure film.

Then dawned the Digital Age. I never thought I would switch to this new medium. I always believed there was some joy and an element of surprise by purchasing film and getting the slides and photos developed. I was wrong. I got attracted to this new technology.

The very idea of not lugging multiple lenses, flashlight, batteries, camera body and the added angst of waiting for the results of the shots was very appealing. I was not willing to give up the gear altogether. Once again, I bought a compact digital camera from Nikon - Coolpix 5200.

A wonderful compact camera to have, I think. It provides a very accurate image and represents well the conditions. There is also some room for manipulation. It is very handy, performs well and easy to use. It is just great to use it as a back up to your SLR camera.

Quest for versatility gave me a chance to explore the possibility of using my Tamron adapt all lenses with Nikon mount rings on digital format. I was not willing to trade-in my lenses and SLR camera to re-start the collection in the new format. It made sense to invest in a digital SLR body only. The thought itself was revolting for I had invested a lot in all the accessories such as lenses, flashlight and SLR camera itself. I knew, if at all this was possible, I had to count on Nikon once again. After a lot of search, I found the answer in Nikon D200.

A patient wait for prices to come down paid off. I have one dedicated lens - an 18-135 mm zoom lens, this time am a proud owner of Nikon lens! The retailer assured me that I could use my lens collection. I have tried out all of them, and believe me, it works like a charm. I have yet to see and experience something as versatile and flexible.

An addition of 70-210 mm lens, 17mm wide-angle lens and 135-400 mm lens over the years has completed the lens collection for my photographic needs.

I have never believed in using filters. The result, in some ways, is either manipulated or artificial. I believe in composing and capturing photographs under natural light or conditions. As a matter of fact, I seldom use the flashlight.

In case of action or night photography, situations where the shutter speeds are high such as in sports or when trying to capture images under low light, like capturing monuments or buildings lit by artificial light, it will pay to think of tripod or a monopod.

These accessories are useful as they can support the weight of the camera and the various lenses used during the course of shooting. It makes it a little easier on the photographer. Although bulky, a tripod is strongly recommended for photography where slow shutter speeds are used. When shots are taken under 1/30 sec or when the camera cannot be held steady due to the weight it is preferable to use a tripod.

Do note that a tripod is more stable and versatile than a monopod.

Well now, that I’ve written my opinion, it’s time for yours. So feel free to comment on this blog. Cheers!