As previously mentioned, 35mmc is now 3 years old. Whilst the majority of the content – at least if you judge by word count – is still written by me, I now have fairly sizeable chunk of content contributed by readers. I mention this, as quite often I get contacted by people asking me if they can submit a post about some SLR or medium format camera. In fact just yesterday I was asked if I was interested in buying a Mamiya RZ67 so I could review it for 35mmc. The Mamiya is pretty much the polar opposite of the sort of camera I’m interested in, and indeed the niche of the website to date, so the answer was obviously no… But, the question did make me think…
Firstly, it occurs to me that’s it’s not all that obvious to the casual reader that this website is focused on such a niche topic. Secondly, just because I get my kicks out of small cameras, doesn’t mean everyone else who reads, or indeed wants to contribute to this site does. These thought processes were slightly compounded by the fact that when Ray published his review about the wonderful Makina 670, no one seemed to bat an eyelid – in fact if anything the post gleaned more interest than a good deal of the 35mm cameras posted on here.
What this all has made me wonder is whether or not I should just expand the niche of the site a bit. Perhaps there is space for contributors to the site to write more about other types of cameras, or if I should just stick to the niche. The issue is, I feel far to close to the problem to answer this question myself… So I thought I’d ask you, Mr & Mrs Regular Reader; what do you think?
[poll id=”6″]
I must admit, I am inclined toward option 2, and though I don’t want my opinion to sway anyone else’s, since it’s my site I thought I might as well put my gut feeling into black & white.
Let me know any other thoughts in the comments below!
Cheers,
Hamish
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Geoff Radnor on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Keep up the good work!
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Andy cowman on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
But as long as the standard of writing stays as good as it is I don't really mind the outcome.
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Frank Lehnen on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
And more good old manual compacts instead of these whirr whizz clack motorized cameras ;-)
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Blinx on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
As the owner of more than 50 P&S cameras it's fair to say that most function pretty much to type optically, whether that be fixed lens or zoom, and they merely have different flaws and all are fun in their own way.
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Charles Higham on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Damian on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Matt on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
No pun intended.
Alan on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
kodachromeguy on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Comment posted: 07/06/2016
Alex Hakimi on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Hogarth Feguson on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Ian on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Steve P on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Adrian Morgan on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Richard Carr on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
I love your site - so I wouldn't want you to drift too far. I voted 2 because the portability and compactness that excites me ... you weren't specific in the way you worded it, but for me, it's portable and compact FILM cameras that I'd be most interested in
If of any use, I just wanted to say that while I have enjoyed almost everything on 35mmc, the things that I have been really buzzed about are when you are talking about how you are using the cameras, why they are as they are and how that means you work with them - the Rollei 35 post being a perfect example. I have one of these and it really made me think much more clearly about it, why I like it, how it can be used. Terrific
And thanks for what you are doing - I really appreciate it
R
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Lars on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Having said that, I voted for the second option, because there are occasions when it makes perfect sense to review cameras and equipment that perhaps not fall easily into that initial niche. There's no point in being overly rigid, though for selfish reasons I guess I hope the site will stay roughly as it is ;)
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Dexter on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Mitch Zeissler on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
aukje on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Andrew on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
I'm with you on option two. I'm constantly getting places afoot on on a bicycle, and knowing more about all things small and light appeals to me. Plus the occasional bigger negative has an allure as well.
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
JOBY on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
James Johnson on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Jack Baty on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Comment posted: 08/06/2016
Kevin Thomas on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 09/06/2016
Comment posted: 09/06/2016
Stewart Harding on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 09/06/2016
Comment posted: 09/06/2016
Jigar P. on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 09/06/2016
I'm a hobbyist and started shooting with a digital mirrorless camera. The photo quality is amazing and I was, generally, satisfied with how my photos turned out. But, I got to a point where I was seeing so many digital photographs (on social media, etc.) and they began to look "sterile." (I think I read that description from something Benn Murhaaya wrote and I thought it was an apt way to describe my sentiments.) Photos looked over-processed and "too clean." Certainly, I found the images appealing on some level, but, at the same time, they didn't seem real.
It got me thinking more about the roots of photography and film photography, in general. So, I went out and got a Pentax K-1000 and started shooting some film. I liked the process. I liked that it forced me to think about my shots. I liked that it forced me to be patient and, more importantly, separate the act of taking a photograph from seeing the image that was created. And, in some ways, those two things are independent of each other and each part is uniquely satisfying in its own way.
So, how did I end up here? Well, the K-1000 is a monster of a camera. I would find myself on the streets and I would be drawing attention to myself. So, I started looking into compact 35mm cameras and found your blog. In particular, I'd like to mention that I've enjoyed reading the "35mm Compact Shooter" series. I've found it inspiring and I hope that you continue adding to that series. I like the idea of limiting my shooting options with relatively cheap, featureless cameras, because it makes you stop worrying about the equipment and makes you think more about finding interesting shots and working within the bounds of the limitations.
I've bought a few compact shooters (a Fujica DL-20, an Olympus AZ-1 Zoom, and a VivitarUWS) and plan on buying any that I find at a decent price just to see what I can do with them. I like that the focus of your blog has been on 35mm compact cameras and rangefinders and I've enjoyed reading reviews about other cameras that aren't necessarily within those categories (especially from compact film shooters -- I'll echo the comment above about Murhaaya's review of the Fuji X70). I fear if you actively expand the purview of your blog, the content related to 35mm compact cameras and rangefinders will diminish. And, as others before have commented, there are plenty of other websites dedicated to all those other areas.
I hope this comment gives you some insight into the mind of a relatively newcomer to your blog.
Comment posted: 09/06/2016
Francois on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 09/06/2016
Voted option 2, but the essence of your site is compact 35's, my suggestion would be that you keep your focus...can't please everyone.
Gert-Jan on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 09/06/2016
But this is your blog so I would have votes for the missing option 6, "whatever Hamish wants to write about" :-)
jeremy north on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 09/06/2016
Currently I'm trying to get back my Mojo so your site is invaluable for inspiration from your good self as well as your excellent contributors.
dominic on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 10/06/2016
i voted for the 2nd choice, seeing that i would like to know more about others formats (beyond 35mm). i see that some have made comment, that there are other forums already existing towards other formats; however, when one doesn't know of the other formats existence, how is one to know that they exist? for example, i just learnt jeff bridges often takes photographs when he's on set of movies he acts in. in addition to taking photographs, he works with a panoramic format called WIDE-LUX? or something along these lines... i haven't in any way mastered the 35mm format; however, this camera has really piqued my interest and I'm now looking towards the day when i have the funds to acquire one. please note, G.A.S. is the last thing one with no funds is having, if the day comes then cool, i could go this route to acquire one because i have the money. at the moment, i still haven't paid rent to even wish i had G.A.S. its just an interesting thing that i learnt.
at the moment, i have in my possession a hasselblad 501c, that a buddy leant me while he's away on a trip. thanks to youtube, i learnt how to load a roll of film. it was great!!! however, i went ahead of myself and thought beyond just a single exposure of the 12, and wondered if i could actually do double exposures...BIG MISTAKE! needless to say, my 1st roll of film only came out of the magazine, with the help from the guys at freestyle photo, who graciously assisted to release the jam that the film was in. i really thought i had damaged my buddies camera.
i know mistakes like this are rather stupid for one to make. but how is an infant to learn how to walk without ever picking themselves up from a fall?
my brain is still learning about photography. i have yet to see the 2nd roll i just shot from the hasselblad. i have gone through many rolls of b/w film, yet there is no way i would even consider myself an intermediate student. i have however, learnt rather quickly to buy film in bulk, and self develop. i still battle with myself about continuous agitation, pushing or pulling of the film, and rather bummed when a whole roll is damaged because of exposure to light(since i don't have a dark bag). but each process, each line read of interest on a "how to" in film or anything on photography that i am finding new is a great thing learnt.
hamish, and all other (more experienced) photographers, i would like to thank you for sharing with the less knowledgeable of the same interest that brings us somewhat together.
d.
Devlin Cook on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 10/06/2016
Comment posted: 10/06/2016
Anthony on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 10/06/2016
I voted for more than just 35 mm compacts, but only film, please! There are hundreds of sites on the web that tout the latest digital gear.
Comment posted: 10/06/2016
jojonas on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 11/06/2016
I think 35mmc could keep its center on compact cameras with a distinct separation of these other cameras, kind of an another section to the site, or just colorcoding the pages differently, branching out if you will
Wayne P on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 16/06/2016
Nick Clark on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 20/06/2016
Comment posted: 20/06/2016
Bernardo Faria on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 21/06/2016
I voted for option 2 as well, but that doesn't mean that every other theme and type of camera should be completely ruled out. From time to time there could be an article about a medium format camera, or a large format camera, or a photo project, or a photo-book, etc etc. Even digital cameras. What could be nice would be maintain the "portable" as a general theme, allowing, from time to time, exceptions. Nothing would be lost, in my opinion 'cause I think that what brings us here is good info, a nice designed website, generous and informed people commenting....and that's it!
Keep up the good work!
Comment posted: 21/06/2016
Scott on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 25/06/2016
Personally I love 35mmc if your looking to change can I have first dibs on the url? ;)
The reason I found you was due to your reviews of attainable 35mm film cameras. The site is packed with information and indepth reviews that is interesting both to purchasers but also from a photographic history angle too.
All the best.
Comment posted: 25/06/2016
Alan Duncan on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 25/06/2016
Comment posted: 25/06/2016
Cameron Bond on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 10/07/2016
Comment posted: 10/07/2016
ScottP on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 20/11/2017
In fact I'm looking forward to your article on the Sony, particularly if it includes a little about how that camera works with non-standard lenses.
I trust that your review of that camera won't be like DPReview's.
.
(And I'm changing my name just a little, cause there are too many Scotts here, which is odd.)
Picturenaut on The Future of 35mmc – Stick, or Twist? Your thoughts please!
Comment posted: 04/06/2018
Btw I read and like your site since many years, Mr. Gill! I like your attitude and sometimes provocative thoughts e.g. about those full monty digital dad cam monsters in contrast with the simplicity of straight forward classical cameras. For me it's always a joy to spend some time here... Have a good day and good light.