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Well, it seems that the Luddites aren't just a footnote in the history
books, but are still walking around sneering at whatever seems unfamiliar!
Here's something to think about: the main difference between humans and
animals is that humans make and use tools. However, some anthropologists
believe that tools made humans, in that more advanced tools required more
advanced brains to use and improve those tools. So, therefore, tools and
brains have evolved in a leapfrog fashion, each new generation of tools
stimulating the next generation of brains, and vice versa.
In effect, those who hold on mindlessly to the "old ways" are holding back
human development, in their own small way. Before anybody completely loses
it, though, I agree that a simple tool is best for a simple job. Last year
my MZ-5n was in for repairs (broken flash arm spring), and, rather than being
without a camera (couldn't handle that!), I bought a Fuji single-use
camera. I had so much fun with it that I always have one in my car.
I even contacted Fuji for the specs: 32mm f/10, two element, 1/125 shutter
speed, focusing distance: over Im, weight 103gm. Does it come more
basic than that? Well, I did go for the one with the flash, as I use
fill-flash most of the time, and I used a little slave flash from Ritz Camera
for a few "studio" shots.
Point is, more automation doesn't have to make you more stupid and lazy, it
can have the opposite effect. Plus, snapshooters (who will always
outnumber us "serious" folk) will get better pictures and won't annoy us by
showing us as many out-of-focus, ill-exposed snaps as they used to. See,
everyone benefits. Also, you'll notice most pros are using the latest
equipment, not to impress anyone, but to get the shot, which is what it's
all about. Keep in mind that any high-end or competition equipment,
whether cameras, stereos, or motorcycles, has a multitude of adjustments and
settings, for use by the knowledgeable users they're aimed at.
To sum up, you don't have to
use a pinhole camera to be a real photographer, and yes, I'm planning to get an
MZ-S, once I hear that they're bug-free, and available in
silver.
Pat White
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