Re: [Leica] 1st camera for a 10 year old

["Roland Smith" <roland@dnai.com>]

When my daughter was twelve:
    I bought her a used Edixa reflex and a hand
    held meter,

    I converted her play house into a darkroom and
    showed her how to develop and print, and

    I showed her how to load cassettes with film.

She learned these things very easily and, now at age 33, has a wedding
photography business.

When I was at that age, I remember a neighbor kid the same age had a
darkroom and knew all about photography.   I was envious and mystified.

Roland Smith
Oakland, California
- --- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Reid" <reid@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2001 5:18 PM
Subject: Re: [Leica] 1st camera for a 10 year old


> I've participated in the "first camera" ritual for easily 50
> children, including my own siblings (I'm the oldest of 6), my
> children, my nieces and nephews, etc.
>
> The summary of my advice is, if possible, build up to something. A
> camera is more than just a camera; it's a milestone along the
> journey to adulthood. The ritual of taking or sending film in for
> development is important. You need to look at why this person wants
> a camera, rather than at why you want them to have a camera.
>
> I bought my brothers Argus C3's. I bought my older daughter a
> Stylus Epic and my younger daughter a Nikon FM. I keep my step-son
> supplied with Kodak Fun Savers, and I got his sister (my
> step-daughter) a Canon Sure Shot 105.
>
> I have not yet found a digital camera that I would recommend for a
> child. The operational models are too complex, in terms of getting
> the pictures out, keeping the battery charged, getting prints that
> you can hold in your hand, and becoming confident in your ability
> as a photographer.
>
> If the person has a real knack for mechnical things, and you think
> they have a good eye, and aren't ready for a rangefinder, you can't
> beat the Nikon M line. FM. FM10. Lots of choices.
>
> If the person is clueless mechanically but has a good eye, I'd get
> them an Olympus Stylus Epic. Great camera, and when it breaks you
> throw it away and buy another one.
>
> If the person is good with mechanical things and is also trying to
> impress their friends, the Rollei 35 is a fine choice. Fabulous
> lens, small simple camera, and usually pretty cheap on the used
> market because it's not automatic.
>
> One of my friends has a 14-year old daughter who dresses in black,
> wears white makeup and white lipstick, has bells sewn to her
> clothing, and calls herself a Goth. I guided him to buying that
> daughter a Mamiya 6, and it was such a hit that they actualy talk
> to each other again. Another jewel of a camera for young'uns who
> can be careful with delicate stuff is the Kodak Retina IIIc; there
> are a lot of them out there for sale cheap.
>