This has been my favorite UA-cam channel find of 2024, and I cannot wait to see how it morphs and compounds in 2025! Thank you for being brave enough to make the kind of videos you want to make at the expense of "the algorithm."
I think a video explaining the 15 cameras you will be committed to this year and why would be a great way to introduce your journey for the upcoming year (and also give the curious bunch what they want as well - a breakdown of the 15 that ‘made it’. Happy new year and cheers to 2025. Hopefully it’s a _lot_ better than 2024 🤞
Really love what you’re doing on this channel. You are so brave in willing to be vulnerable sharing your journey with us. Thank you for your inspiration! It doesn’t hurt that you are beautiful too 🤩.
In my quest to stop buying the next thing... I watch reviews/thoughts/usage of cameras and gear I already own. It's validating, informative, and sometimes people create things with things you own you hadn't thought or or hadn't thought possible. It's really helped to cure my G.A.S. Highly rec if you still enjoy watching UA-cam gear things.
I do a similar thing too! It does help keep me excited about current gear! 😊 This is helpful as well. Watch YT demos on a new piece of gear and weigh the pros/cons of it. The research helps slow me down long enough to decide whether or not it will fit my needs/preferences. There's been at least four cameras I can think of that I didn't buy because I researched first. 😁🎉
Let me be among those of us offering all our support and encouragement. Hearing from other artists about their journeys can be so necessary. I've become deliberate about limiting my YT consumption, but this channel is always an exception and has really opened up doors for me. We all plow the sands looking for a camera that feels like home, but I love the way you've reframed the relationship between photographer and camera from a position of genuine love and knowledge. Maybe a year ago now, I did end up moving to a system you had shared and haven't looked back. Honestly, without this channel, I don't think it would've occurred to me. Best wishes in 2025.
You don't need a dedicated / large space to develop. I develop several rolls / sheets a week and my setup is really small. I have a large stainless bowl that keep the containers of chemistry (2 for C41, 1 for B&W, 1 photoflo,) measuring cups, stirrers, etc in - this keeps it from escaping in case of a leak - then when I develop I take them out and it is what I fill with water to warm my C41 chemicals. I have a small organizer that holds my reels/tanks/etc (jobo tanks/reels) that I can put on top of the bowl for storage. I use a Adorama "popup" small darkbag tent thing - it is so much better than the flat bagstyle darkbags and when Adorama has them in stock they are only ~60 bucks. When I develop the whole thing fits on my small oven's stove top with room to spare. I can do several rolls in less than an hour - then clean up and put back in storage on a small shelf in a cabinet. I shoot and develop a wide variety with this setup (110, 35mm, 120 (645, 6x6, 6x12,) and 4x5.)
Can't wait for a video that start with "Ok, I know I said I won't buy a new camera but..." 😂 Thanks for the video, as always good stuff. It's a great idea with the dry January with social media I might do that. All the best in the upcoming year and thanks for your videos!
Margaret is such an incredible photographer. I have a photo book of hers and now want to go back and review it. Would love to see the remaining 15 cameras! Happy New Year!
I literally just bought a leica Q2 so it should be easy now for me to join you on your resolution for 2025 :)! Thank you for the incredible content. It feels so authentic and special when a new video drops.
Eveytime I think I need a new camera I pick up Koudelka’s Gyspsies and remember he achieved that with an Exacta camera and a single 25mm Flektogon f4 lens. Thank you for all your vids as usual. A breath of fresh air.
I literally got an email last night about a refurbished full frame Canon I have had on my list for a while, and this morning you release this video, and now... I'm thinking very strongly that I might adopt your resolution and continue to ride it out with my Rebel! Love and look forward to your videos every time. Happy 2025!
Dry January here as well. For a couple of years now I stop using social media, youtube and Ebay fort one month. So a lot of reading, photgraphing and just staring out of the window of the (commuting) train, this month. Good luck to you and hopefully a great year ahead! greetings ;-)
Return of the A-mount!!! ☺ I have the film Minolta 7, but can never find the glass I need to have the photos compare to my F3/Voigt pairing. Excited to see. Enjoy your Jan detox. Look forward to your insights!
Thank you for the reviews and sharing this year. It looks like 2025 will be interesting and I look forward to seeing your new presentations. In the meantime I will finish catching up on your back catalogue, nearly there but something to do in January. Enjoy the New Year and Dry January and I look forward to seeing the new approach in February ish.
good for you - i am in the same position with my camera collection. i need to figure which ones to keep or to sell. the time has come. also no more buying gear. thanks for helping me add another new year's resolution to my list. i enjoy your channel.
That Minolta looks nice, it’s the one brand I haven’t tried. I’ve currently settled on a Canon A1 and a Nikon F80 for my main cameras with a Fuji XT30 for digital. Film developing and printing at home is brilliant and the main reason I shoot film. You don’t need much space. Just a plastic box big enough to hold some bottles and a sous vide to get the right temp. For printing or scanning an intrepid enlarger is quite compact on a small copy stand. I fit that and three chemical trays on a small desk for black and white, and colour just needs a Chibachrome tube which is even more compact. I manage the printing without running water in my garage, but I am planning on converting it to a real darkroom with a sink soon. The chemicals are no worse than household cleaning products. Ventilation and gloves are a good idea, but my kids have helped me develop and print without any issues. Good luck with your own plans.
What a great set of goals for 2025, very brave on the no new camera decision too 😂. The no sponsorship thing is also really cool, I totally agree I think it keeps things cleaner and allows you to focus on the stuff you want to make, without any distractions or deadlines.
Happy New Year to you!!! Your projects and ideas for 2025 sound amazing and fun!!!! Enjoy your little break. If you do decide to share what your final line-up of cameras are, I would be interested in that video! Really, though, I just love your videos, photography, and to see what you're creating, so anything you want to share is great! 2025 will be a great year!!!
Happy new year to you and your family and best of luck with your January away from socials and YT! This video has come at a poignant time for me, as I got back a few days ago from a 2 week holiday, and immediately purchased new camera gear 😅 (it’s a sickness) so I am determined to join you in your no new cameras for 2025. I almost got myself my first Sony mirrorless camera but have resisted thus far (looks like they have sorted out their colour in the new cameras) - and they look to be the camera brand to beat for specs and sheer a a availability of 1st and 3rd party lenses. Have a great January detoxing from socials and see you in Feb!
Running water in the darkroom is nice, but you don't need it. For 25 years I did ok with my darkroom without running water, just had the prints in containers with water and when I was finished took them out to my bathroom and rinsed them in my tub. The copys still look good. The films I always developed in my kitchen.
Love the idea of the historic photo projects and the focus on creation rather than gear. I get too obsessed with gear so trying to push myself more on craft in 2025. I think I’ll create some wildlife photo challenges for myself. I loved having my own darkroom when I was a teenager. But I don’t miss the chemicals. The darkroom in my parent’s loft still smells of the chemicals 30 years later. 😢 My normally tolerant wife says I’m not allowed to do my own processing.
Sigma 50 1.4 the non-art is popular for beautiful bokeh in those times in its class, although it would be hard to find one that autofocus properly on any platforms. Its not as sharp as the art version, but you decent sharpness is all you need for portrait any way. The Zeiss 24 to 70 2.8 is very affordable now, but that with the A900/a850 combo is ultra heavy.
2024 was a year of realization for me, I did accomplish things I have not thought I would have done. I got involved in more group projects which helped when work was slow. Also broke the gear trap. Though I was given s Ricoh GRX as a surprise Christmas gift. As for any new gear, I am just going to see if I can get my Pentax KP fixed. Other than that going to shoot more film and re-visit my all too forgotten UA-cam channel. Love your channel and content! Not going to make any resolutions, but I know I need to work on organizational skills...time management and re-evaluate internet consumption. Love looking back at photographic history and using older gear. Happy 2025!
Have a great new year with your family! A couple of suggestions... love, love, love your travel videos. The sharing of shots of your family in beautiful locations is always a favorite of mine. Also what kit you decide to bring on the road is always of keen interest. Looking forward to learning how you are going to navigate this revisiting of film developing thing. Are you going to just develop the film and then scan? Or are you going to go all in and set up a wet darkroom in one of your bathrooms?
Combined with this huge resolution of yours, I'm ok with your dry January. I'm obsessed with gear, enamoured with your reviews, but it's the work that garners my eternal fascination. How does this gear lend itself to the stories you're telling? Take this month to reformulate your process of both photography and the videos you make about it. Oh wow, Montana! I've always wanted to go. Bring us there. With this month, may I suggest spending time editing your previous work? Look at how the sequencing of images contributes to the documentary. Kudos to your historical reference to 'the new deal', as well.
As a hobby photographer I have a two camera rule. Main (Fujifilm X-S20) and 'daily' (Fujifilm X30) but I did break the rule over Christmas and the camera I was supposed to sell I re-gifted to myself, an X-M1 so I've failed again! Looking forward to your 2025 content.
In just my jeep alone I keep a medium format film camera (and a few interchangeable backs), my nikon digital, and a 35mm film camera. I feel naked if I can't choose exactly how I want a certain shot to look.
Will miss your content in January! Good luck with the new year resolution. It will be a tough one. I would love to see the list of 15 cameras that you have narrowed down!
Thank you for the support! I'll be sure to share the updated camera list, most likely as a community post rather than a video so keep your eyes out for that!
just when I got a 7C2, it turns out to be one of your favorites. coincidence! happy new year! ps: awaiting that in-depth report on the FF-Foveon Sigma. let’s hope it ever comes to life
In eager anticipation of the Pentax K1 Mk.III, I can't make any resolution like this lol. Maybe for me it will be nothing Leica for a year. (In which case I'll need to pick up that tri-elmar 21-24-28 soon)
@@OneMonthTwoCameras I love mine - such a feature packed camera. I really like how similar the controls / handling is to my Minolta 7D. The Maxxum/Dynax/Alpha 7 and my Contax RX are my two favorite 35mm cameras I own. The nice thing about both - is you can set them to leave the film leader exposed which is really handy when self-developing your film
Approach the A7 with caution and knowledge. I am a Minolta Fan Boy and I have many Minolta models. I bought 3 A7’s and none work. Earlier versions have an aperture control problem due to a loose polymer gear. It’s major major surgery to repair. I’m not brave enough or desperate enough to try to fix em. Also be aware that the A7 is available as a Japanese only language camera. This means than to use the back LCD effectively you need to be able to read Japanese. To my knowledge there is no way to change the language. My favorite Minoltas are the 800si, 70, and 9xi (with the H/S function card). I only use B&W film with the Minoltas, develop my own and scan with a digital camera on a converted enlarger stand with a 1:1 macro setup (90mm Minolta macro lens on a Sony A7ii). I develop in basement using 6ft folding table, dark bag, Paterson tank, a plastic bankers box with a wire rack and several gallons of water as my water bath. I use a modified Ilford washing technique with a gallon of water (for each roll) and a 5 gallon bucket for waste. The only need I have for running water is for cleanup. There’s more but this is my current film setup FWIW😀
Sony a850???!! I did not see that coming. Very happy. I love the early Sony/Minolta alpha cameras. Good luck to you on the Dry January! That sounds refreshing
Okay, I come with you 😊 there is also to much gear in my cupboard. No reason to increase the amount, especially since I just have reduced it drastically and want to reduce even more to get to a core setup. Just deleted my Ebay filters and make projects out of what I have. 😊
Three excellent choices! Covers most basses. They're all rather large though. Even a7cII is probably nearly 800 grams with lens. Feels like you may have space in your line up for something a bit more pocket friendly. Overall, I like the goal and think it will increase your output because you will learn each camera to a greater extent.
I discovered your channel because of your videos on some cool old cameras, but the reason I’m still here is your photography journey. At some point new cameras just become distractions. Take/share more photos!
Wow, what a challenge! This is harrd. But that makes me overthinking my obsession with gear...🙈 Btw, the Sony is a great camera, have fun! Good Luck for 2025!
Nice! The A mount Sony cameras are really good. I shot Canon during those years and didnt know what I was missing until I recently picked up an a300 and a350 dirt cheap from a pawn shop. Im sure the 850 is even better. The really great thing is those old Minolta primes cost next to nothing but are very good IMO. They just have a really nice character to them, even the cheap ones.
Looking forward to the change of content and more focus on your photography journey, maybe with a few new cameras thrown in - we know yo won’t be able to resist! :-) Will miss your content in January as your channel is one of the few I eagerly await new videos. Will you do a BTS video at some point? Maybe a day in the life? Also, it would be great if you would consider Patreon - would love to contribute! Keep up the great work - love it!
Have a Happy New Year in 2025. I found your channel when I was looking about the Nikon 700. I have a few Nikon lens from my film cameras thought I would try the 700. I been using the Sony A7M4, waiting for the shutter to fail. Also, have the A7R. working but got wet and one of the dials are not working. I have the A6000 mostly use that for an auto snap shot shooting of family. I try to get back into film with my first camera I bought new Canon A-1 just taking pictures no developing. Did not go the way I liked. Sticking to digital for now.
I saw the a850 in your video with Omar. I’ve not brought myself to part with mine yet because I love using it with my Minolta A-mount lenses. With the beer can (70-210 f4) it’s really fantastic.
For film development if you are worried about toxicity, Kodak X-tol is basically vitamin c and phenidone. Film scanning can be done fairly easily with a mirrorless camera and a macro lens.
Odds are you will innocently stumble across the camera deal of a lifetime before two months are up. But good luck with your resolution. Hope you have a great 2025.
FYI: Ember is terribly anti right to repair. The battery in my Ember thermos died. It's stupidly easy to disassemble and get to the battery, but Ember insisted it wasn't user-serviceable (despite me showing them it was) and wouldn't sell me a battery (which is a unique form factor with a proprietary battery management system). Instead, they told me to buy a whole new thermos. Awful company.
I hope you can do it ( no new camera’s) although I I think it will be really hard! All the best for you and your family in 2025! I’m already looking forward to your video in Februari!
The A9 is awesome but even more beastly! I like the lightweight nature of the 7 but would never say no to a 9 if it magically happened into my life. Such awesome cameras.
You will love the RX - I have one and it is a magical camera. Combine that with lenses like the Contax Zeiss 50mmF1.4 and it is such a fantastic thing.
@@Austinite333 The first roll I shot with the Contax Zeiss 50mm F1.4 (portra 800) was in a musical instrument museum - so most of it was "wide open" at 1.4 of things with intricate detail. Soon as I pulled the negatives out of the tank and looked at them closely I was blown away. I pretty much immediately bought several other of the Contax Zeiss lenses. They are worth the money!
I would print out the picture of your daughter at 2:01, like poster size, if I were you. That Minolta sure is sweet, I've always said advanced 35mm auto focus cameras are the best film cameras in my opinion. Who needs a 1/1000th shutter speed off centered non through the lens viewing! Happy holidays and happy new year, continue to age backwards while I speedrun forwards.
I just did get a new camera. An Olympus/OM System OM1 with 7-14 and 12-40 f2.8 pro lenses. I sold my Lumix S5 to replace with this. The smaller body and significantly smaller lenses was the factor for me and better AF performance. A “workhorse” camera and will stand by me for planned safari trips in the future. Generally my Leica and GR3x are the usual suspects but grab for a trip
I just saw your blog by accident I usually don't do blogs, but ha. I saw/shot the A900 in early 2007, maybe late 2006 just before PMA and the A850 in 2008 after there were complaints about the A900. The A900 was going to be the 9D. Same cameras just different FPS and a couple of other small things, and the A850 cost less as the A900 wasn't selling to well. I was still with Minolta at that time as Minolta was very much into the development of the Sony A900 do to their agreement. Sony keep a lot of people on until the A900 camera out then fired them. After that I swore I'd never buy a Sony, but the A900 and A850 isn't a Sony it's a Minolta through and through. I still have my 9000 (with a split image screen in it as I total Minolta I didn't trust the AF so they put in a split image screen before they gave me the camera) 9xi, 9 and my Minolta White G lenses. Every time I see a "Sony White G lens" I laugh as it's just a rebadged Minolta. If you know what lenses to buy you can get a Leica design lens with the same glass only with the Minolta name on it. After Minolta was gone Nikon invited me to join their NPS program and Sigma ask me to work on the Foveon project, I said yes to both, but after seeing your blog I may entertain a A900 or A850 and pull my Minolta G glass, my 9000, 9xi and 9 out of storage, although I'm shooting film right now with my Olympus OM1n. Back to basics. Good Luck
My 2025 trinity is D700, A7C and Nikon FA with occasional special guests: XT1, D610 and F100 :-). So no new cameras here either. However, what about new lenses :-).
Could we have an updated OMTCs version of the Olympus E-300. Fall in love with the camera again, would ya? And give us a modern video with all your new content creator lessons [since then]. ❤
I literally just sold my a850 and e500 to get a gfx 50s ii or gfx 100....whichever i feel like lmao. The a850 is such a good camera, i haven't even shipped it yet and im already regretting it...but i really want a gfx camera.
No on both the last sensor minolta made was a 6mp and I've read before when sony bought minolta some weirdness went on they didn't get the color portion.
Hoping I can do something similar. I have loads of gear and I really need to focus on making use of what I already have. Maybe we'll fail and buy more cameras but if we never try, we'll never succeed. I haven't written off more lenses though ;)
I deleted Facebook and Instagram earlier this year, so UA-cam and web forums is pretty much all that’s left of my social media diet, but a month of total disconnect still sounds appealing. I think I’ll might just do that. See you in February 😊
About developing film. Keep it simple! The old way still works. Running water is nice but not a real dealbreaker. Since I have no dedicated room (have no darkroom anymore where I also did develop my films) I use the bathroom or kitchen. You only need water for washing your film. I even use a watertank for that if the situation is there.
I’m curious to your final 15, heh. Also why having a blog is nice, it’s not social media 😛 I’ve been on and off with my photography and am trying to resist buying anything. Need to make more with what I have!
I have the Sony A900, same as your A850, it's the digital version of Minolta A9 if Minolta had survived. If you have some of the Minolta glasses, you could still see the Minolta colors from these Sony DSLR
This has been my favorite UA-cam channel find of 2024, and I cannot wait to see how it morphs and compounds in 2025! Thank you for being brave enough to make the kind of videos you want to make at the expense of "the algorithm."
I think a video explaining the 15 cameras you will be committed to this year and why would be a great way to introduce your journey for the upcoming year (and also give the curious bunch what they want as well - a breakdown of the 15 that ‘made it’. Happy new year and cheers to 2025. Hopefully it’s a _lot_ better than 2024 🤞
Really love what you’re doing on this channel. You are so brave in willing to be vulnerable sharing your journey with us. Thank you for your inspiration! It doesn’t hurt that you are beautiful too 🤩.
In my quest to stop buying the next thing... I watch reviews/thoughts/usage of cameras and gear I already own. It's validating, informative, and sometimes people create things with things you own you hadn't thought or or hadn't thought possible. It's really helped to cure my G.A.S. Highly rec if you still enjoy watching UA-cam gear things.
I do a similar thing too! It does help keep me excited about current gear! 😊
This is helpful as well. Watch YT demos on a new piece of gear and weigh the pros/cons of it. The research helps slow me down long enough to decide whether or not it will fit my needs/preferences. There's been at least four cameras I can think of that I didn't buy because I researched first. 😁🎉
Let me be among those of us offering all our support and encouragement. Hearing from other artists about their journeys can be so necessary. I've become deliberate about limiting my YT consumption, but this channel is always an exception and has really opened up doors for me. We all plow the sands looking for a camera that feels like home, but I love the way you've reframed the relationship between photographer and camera from a position of genuine love and knowledge. Maybe a year ago now, I did end up moving to a system you had shared and haven't looked back. Honestly, without this channel, I don't think it would've occurred to me. Best wishes in 2025.
I can't tell you how much this comment means to me. Thank you so much for the support and sharing a bit of your own journey!
You don't need a dedicated / large space to develop. I develop several rolls / sheets a week and my setup is really small. I have a large stainless bowl that keep the containers of chemistry (2 for C41, 1 for B&W, 1 photoflo,) measuring cups, stirrers, etc in - this keeps it from escaping in case of a leak - then when I develop I take them out and it is what I fill with water to warm my C41 chemicals. I have a small organizer that holds my reels/tanks/etc (jobo tanks/reels) that I can put on top of the bowl for storage. I use a Adorama "popup" small darkbag tent thing - it is so much better than the flat bagstyle darkbags and when Adorama has them in stock they are only ~60 bucks. When I develop the whole thing fits on my small oven's stove top with room to spare. I can do several rolls in less than an hour - then clean up and put back in storage on a small shelf in a cabinet. I shoot and develop a wide variety with this setup (110, 35mm, 120 (645, 6x6, 6x12,) and 4x5.)
Love this! Thank you for sharing.
Can't wait for a video that start with "Ok, I know I said I won't buy a new camera but..." 😂 Thanks for the video, as always good stuff. It's a great idea with the dry January with social media I might do that. All the best in the upcoming year and thanks for your videos!
I encourage you to try this version of Dry January with me!
@OneMonthTwoCameras considering! I do use UA-cam to fall asleep over the tinnitus l, maybe stick to downloaded podcasts for a few weeks.
These resolutions are really inspiring and exciting! I can’t wait until February now!!!
UA-cam algorithm is brutal for anyone halting posts, it takes some guts! But it is the healthiest thing to do.
Margaret is such an incredible photographer. I have a photo book of hers and now want to go back and review it.
Would love to see the remaining 15 cameras! Happy New Year!
She’s a true icon! The full list of cameras will be up soon, keep your eyes peeled!
I literally just bought a leica Q2 so it should be easy now for me to join you on your resolution for 2025 :)! Thank you for the incredible content. It feels so authentic and special when a new video drops.
Thank you! And bravo on your purchase; enjoy 2025 with it!
Eveytime I think I need a new camera I pick up Koudelka’s Gyspsies and remember he achieved that with an Exacta camera and a single 25mm Flektogon f4 lens. Thank you for all your vids as usual. A breath of fresh air.
1000%! One of my favorite books and a factual detail I think of a lot
I literally got an email last night about a refurbished full frame Canon I have had on my list for a while, and this morning you release this video, and now... I'm thinking very strongly that I might adopt your resolution and continue to ride it out with my Rebel! Love and look forward to your videos every time. Happy 2025!
That's the spirit!
Dry January here as well. For a couple of years now I stop using social media, youtube and Ebay fort one month. So a lot of reading, photgraphing and just staring out of the window of the (commuting) train, this month. Good luck to you and hopefully a great year ahead! greetings ;-)
That’s wonderful! Taking a digital break is so rewarding.
Return of the A-mount!!! ☺ I have the film Minolta 7, but can never find the glass I need to have the photos compare to my F3/Voigt pairing. Excited to see. Enjoy your Jan detox. Look forward to your insights!
Happy 2025 to you and yours. Thanks for all of the entertaining content you’ve shared with us.
Thank you and happy new year to you as well!
Thank you for avoiding sponsherships, I appreciate you for this and am looking forward to seeing what 2025 will bring.
I can totally relate to your Dry January!! Cheers to 2025!!
Happy New Year to you as well!
Thank you for the reviews and sharing this year. It looks like 2025 will be interesting and I look forward to seeing your new presentations. In the meantime I will finish catching up on your back catalogue, nearly there but something to do in January.
Enjoy the New Year and Dry January and I look forward to seeing the new approach in February ish.
May the New Year be a positive one for you and yours!
I am here for this new year continuing your journey!
good for you - i am in the same position with my camera collection. i need to figure which ones to keep or to sell. the time has come. also no more buying gear. thanks for helping me add another new year's resolution to my list. i enjoy your channel.
That Minolta looks nice, it’s the one brand I haven’t tried. I’ve currently settled on a Canon A1 and a Nikon F80 for my main cameras with a Fuji XT30 for digital. Film developing and printing at home is brilliant and the main reason I shoot film. You don’t need much space. Just a plastic box big enough to hold some bottles and a sous vide to get the right temp. For printing or scanning an intrepid enlarger is quite compact on a small copy stand. I fit that and three chemical trays on a small desk for black and white, and colour just needs a Chibachrome tube which is even more compact. I manage the printing without running water in my garage, but I am planning on converting it to a real darkroom with a sink soon. The chemicals are no worse than household cleaning products. Ventilation and gloves are a good idea, but my kids have helped me develop and print without any issues. Good luck with your own plans.
I will try doing this with you!!! I’m happy with my current kit and will focus on creating more
Wonderful!!
Just wanna say the combination of light, bokeh and colours in this talking head = stupendously beautiful
Oh thank you!!
What a great set of goals for 2025, very brave on the no new camera decision too 😂. The no sponsorship thing is also really cool, I totally agree I think it keeps things cleaner and allows you to focus on the stuff you want to make, without any distractions or deadlines.
My Dry January is setting down my iPad and start reading the stacks of books I have waiting.
So look forward to following your journey in 2025. Thanks for creating so much fantastic photography content in 2024.
Thank you Jon!
“I know that is shocking to both you and my husband” 😂 My significant other roll on the floor with laughter!
❤ your videos & will gladly wait till February to watch you again! Happy New Year 🎉
Appreciate you so much ❤️ Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you!!! Your projects and ideas for 2025 sound amazing and fun!!!! Enjoy your little break. If you do decide to share what your final line-up of cameras are, I would be interested in that video! Really, though, I just love your videos, photography, and to see what you're creating, so anything you want to share is great! 2025 will be a great year!!!
Thank you Kary! HNY!!
Happy new year to you and your family and best of luck with your January away from socials and YT! This video has come at a poignant time for me, as I got back a few days ago from a 2 week holiday, and immediately purchased new camera gear 😅 (it’s a sickness) so I am determined to join you in your no new cameras for 2025. I almost got myself my first Sony mirrorless camera but have resisted thus far (looks like they have sorted out their colour in the new cameras) - and they look to be the camera brand to beat for specs and sheer a a availability of 1st and 3rd party lenses. Have a great January detoxing from socials and see you in Feb!
Running water in the darkroom is nice, but you don't need it. For 25 years I did ok with my darkroom without running water, just had the prints in containers with water and when I was finished took them out to my bathroom and rinsed them in my tub. The copys still look good. The films I always developed in my kitchen.
Love the idea of the historic photo projects and the focus on creation rather than gear. I get too obsessed with gear so trying to push myself more on craft in 2025. I think I’ll create some wildlife photo challenges for myself.
I loved having my own darkroom when I was a teenager. But I don’t miss the chemicals. The darkroom in my parent’s loft still smells of the chemicals 30 years later. 😢 My normally tolerant wife says I’m not allowed to do my own processing.
Sigma 50 1.4 the non-art is popular for beautiful bokeh in those times in its class, although it would be hard to find one that autofocus properly on any platforms. Its not as sharp as the art version, but you decent sharpness is all you need for portrait any way. The Zeiss 24 to 70 2.8 is very affordable now, but that with the A900/a850 combo is ultra heavy.
2024 was a year of realization for me, I did accomplish things I have not thought I would have done. I got involved in more group projects which helped when work was slow. Also broke the gear trap. Though I was given s Ricoh GRX as a surprise Christmas gift. As for any new gear, I am just going to see if I can get my Pentax KP fixed. Other than that going to shoot more film and re-visit my all too forgotten UA-cam channel. Love your channel and content! Not going to make any resolutions, but I know I need to work on organizational skills...time management and re-evaluate internet consumption. Love looking back at photographic history and using older gear. Happy 2025!
This is wonderful! Looking forward to your future posts.
Have a great new year with your family! A couple of suggestions... love, love, love your travel videos. The sharing of shots of your family in beautiful locations is always a favorite of mine. Also what kit you decide to bring on the road is always of keen interest.
Looking forward to learning how you are going to navigate this revisiting of film developing thing. Are you going to just develop the film and then scan? Or are you going to go all in and set up a wet darkroom in one of your bathrooms?
Combined with this huge resolution of yours, I'm ok with your dry January. I'm obsessed with gear, enamoured with your reviews, but it's the work that garners my eternal fascination. How does this gear lend itself to the stories you're telling? Take this month to reformulate your process of both photography and the videos you make about it. Oh wow, Montana! I've always wanted to go. Bring us there. With this month, may I suggest spending time editing your previous work? Look at how the sequencing of images contributes to the documentary. Kudos to your historical reference to 'the new deal', as well.
Yes love that suggestion and thank you for the kind words and support
Happy and healthy new year ❤
To you as well!
As a hobby photographer I have a two camera rule. Main (Fujifilm X-S20) and 'daily' (Fujifilm X30) but I did break the rule over Christmas and the camera I was supposed to sell I re-gifted to myself, an X-M1 so I've failed again! Looking forward to your 2025 content.
In just my jeep alone I keep a medium format film camera (and a few interchangeable backs), my nikon digital, and a 35mm film camera. I feel naked if I can't choose exactly how I want a certain shot to look.
Bought a GR3 thanks to your video, and I’m so glad I did!!! Have a wonderful year!
Love that! Enjoy!!
@ Thanks it’s really my new love ❤️
Will miss your content in January! Good luck with the new year resolution. It will be a tough one. I would love to see the list of 15 cameras that you have narrowed down!
Thank you for the support! I'll be sure to share the updated camera list, most likely as a community post rather than a video so keep your eyes out for that!
just when I got a 7C2, it turns out to be one of your favorites. coincidence! happy new year!
ps: awaiting that in-depth report on the FF-Foveon Sigma. let’s hope it ever comes to life
It's a brilliant camera. And I hope the Sigma will one day arrive as well!
In eager anticipation of the Pentax K1 Mk.III, I can't make any resolution like this lol.
Maybe for me it will be nothing Leica for a year. (In which case I'll need to pick up that tri-elmar 21-24-28 soon)
Minolta a7 is such a beast!!
It is AMAZING!!
@@OneMonthTwoCameras I love mine - such a feature packed camera. I really like how similar the controls / handling is to my Minolta 7D. The Maxxum/Dynax/Alpha 7 and my Contax RX are my two favorite 35mm cameras I own. The nice thing about both - is you can set them to leave the film leader exposed which is really handy when self-developing your film
Approach the A7 with caution and knowledge. I am a Minolta Fan Boy and I have many Minolta models. I bought 3 A7’s and none work. Earlier versions have an aperture control problem due to a loose polymer gear. It’s major major surgery to repair. I’m not brave enough or desperate enough to try to fix em.
Also be aware that the A7 is available as a Japanese only language camera. This means than to use the back LCD effectively you need to be able to read Japanese. To my knowledge there is no way to change the language.
My favorite Minoltas are the 800si, 70, and 9xi (with the H/S function card).
I only use B&W film with the Minoltas, develop my own and scan with a digital camera on a converted enlarger stand with a 1:1 macro setup (90mm Minolta macro lens on a Sony A7ii).
I develop in basement using 6ft folding table, dark bag, Paterson tank, a plastic bankers box with a wire rack and several gallons of water as my water bath.
I use a modified Ilford washing technique with a gallon of water (for each roll) and a 5 gallon bucket for waste.
The only need I have for running water is for cleanup.
There’s more but this is my current film setup FWIW😀
I went through a Sony/ Minolta Alpha Mount phase a few years ago. You’re gonna love it.
Sony a850???!! I did not see that coming. Very happy. I love the early Sony/Minolta alpha cameras.
Good luck to you on the Dry January! That sounds refreshing
Okay, I come with you 😊 there is also to much gear in my cupboard. No reason to increase the amount, especially since I just have reduced it drastically and want to reduce even more to get to a core setup.
Just deleted my Ebay filters and make projects out of what I have. 😊
Three excellent choices! Covers most basses. They're all rather large though. Even a7cII is probably nearly 800 grams with lens. Feels like you may have space in your line up for something a bit more pocket friendly. Overall, I like the goal and think it will increase your output because you will learn each camera to a greater extent.
I discovered your channel because of your videos on some cool old cameras, but the reason I’m still here is your photography journey. At some point new cameras just become distractions. Take/share more photos!
Thank you! Love hearing how you got here and what keeps you here.
Wow, what a challenge! This is harrd. But that makes me overthinking my obsession with gear...🙈
Btw, the Sony is a great camera, have fun!
Good Luck for 2025!
Nice! The A mount Sony cameras are really good. I shot Canon during those years and didnt know what I was missing until I recently picked up an a300 and a350 dirt cheap from a pawn shop. Im sure the 850 is even better. The really great thing is those old Minolta primes cost next to nothing but are very good IMO. They just have a really nice character to them, even the cheap ones.
Looking forward to the change of content and more focus on your photography journey, maybe with a few new cameras thrown in - we know yo won’t be able to resist! :-) Will miss your content in January as your channel is one of the few I eagerly await new videos. Will you do a BTS video at some point? Maybe a day in the life? Also, it would be great if you would consider Patreon - would love to contribute! Keep up the great work - love it!
Hope the M8 is still somewhere in your list….. here in Aus we do dry July…..
Have a Happy New Year in 2025. I found your channel when I was looking about the Nikon 700. I have a few Nikon lens from my film cameras thought I would try the 700. I been using the Sony A7M4, waiting for the shutter to fail. Also, have the A7R. working but got wet and one of the dials are not working. I have the A6000 mostly use that for an auto snap shot shooting of family. I try to get back into film with my first camera I bought new Canon A-1 just taking pictures no developing. Did not go the way I liked. Sticking to digital for now.
I love digital. Makes everything so easy :)
happy new year!
No new cameras because you bought them all already. 😂 jk, kinda. Happy New Year!
Like I said, I have 15 so more than enough for well over a year! But down from over 100 :P
@@OneMonthTwoCameras - 🙃
I saw the a850 in your video with Omar. I’ve not brought myself to part with mine yet because I love using it with my Minolta A-mount lenses. With the beer can (70-210 f4) it’s really fantastic.
That combo is a classic and always a winner!
After all these years, still appreciate you!
🙏🏻😍💕✨
I think Ali is going into GAS re-hab! I am so going to miss those lovely long American long ‘R’ s during January ❤ See you in February
I agree, maybe some new lenses to me but no new cameras
Have a great new year!
You as well!
For film development if you are worried about toxicity, Kodak X-tol is basically vitamin c and phenidone. Film scanning can be done fairly easily with a mirrorless camera and a macro lens.
how do you edit the Sony A850 files? They look incredible filmic!!
The Maxxum 7 is probably the best SLR I've ever used. it's my goto in 35mm film
Odds are you will innocently stumble across the camera deal of a lifetime before two months are up. But good luck with your resolution. Hope you have a great 2025.
The best deal of a lifetime is literally around the next block.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Haha! Very possible, but helps if I am not looking.
FYI: Ember is terribly anti right to repair. The battery in my Ember thermos died. It's stupidly easy to disassemble and get to the battery, but Ember insisted it wasn't user-serviceable (despite me showing them it was) and wouldn't sell me a battery (which is a unique form factor with a proprietary battery management system). Instead, they told me to buy a whole new thermos.
Awful company.
I hope you can do it ( no new camera’s) although I I think it will be really hard!
All the best for you and your family in 2025! I’m already looking forward to your video in Februari!
Thank you! To you and yours as well!
I'll join you for Dry January!! I am trying to decide on my camera for 2025 - it will likely be a Lumix S1 but I'm not totally sure.
That's a great option!
A7 was wonderful, but the A9 was my last and favorite 35mm camera.
The A9 is awesome but even more beastly! I like the lightweight nature of the 7 but would never say no to a 9 if it magically happened into my life. Such awesome cameras.
I wish, I could do the same, but I hope to pick up an OM-System OM-5 in 2025 to complete my M4/3 kit.
As a Minolta fan, I like your choices though.
I totally agree. My Contax RX arrives on the 30th and after that NO NEW CAMERAS! (Maybe)😅
LOL yes!!! We can do it!
You will love the RX - I have one and it is a magical camera. Combine that with lenses like the Contax Zeiss 50mmF1.4 and it is such a fantastic thing.
@ I have a Yashica 50 1.7 arriving with the camera. I might want a better 50.
@@Austinite333 The first roll I shot with the Contax Zeiss 50mm F1.4 (portra 800) was in a musical instrument museum - so most of it was "wide open" at 1.4 of things with intricate detail. Soon as I pulled the negatives out of the tank and looked at them closely I was blown away. I pretty much immediately bought several other of the Contax Zeiss lenses. They are worth the money!
@@theangrymarmot8336 the camera arrived a day early. Amazingly beautiful. 👍
I love the a850/a900, but I’m shocked that one of your core cameras isn’t something pocketable.
I would print out the picture of your daughter at 2:01, like poster size, if I were you. That Minolta sure is sweet, I've always said advanced 35mm auto focus cameras are the best film cameras in my opinion. Who needs a 1/1000th shutter speed off centered non through the lens viewing! Happy holidays and happy new year, continue to age backwards while I speedrun forwards.
Haha happy holidays!!!
I just did get a new camera. An Olympus/OM System OM1 with 7-14 and 12-40 f2.8 pro lenses. I sold my Lumix S5 to replace with this. The smaller body and significantly smaller lenses was the factor for me and better AF performance. A “workhorse” camera and will stand by me for planned safari trips in the future. Generally my Leica and GR3x are the usual suspects but grab for a trip
I just want to say I really like your lisp.. hahaha. I hope that’s okay to say!
Are you still using the lumix S5iix for video?
Hopefully someone someday will make a movie about Margaret Bourke White like the movie Lee. Maybe it has already been made. But, I'm not aware of it.
I'm not aware of one either and I couldn't agree more! It is well overdue.
#minoltagang ;)
10000%!! I don’t talk about it in this video, but it will be in my in-depth review: Minolta glasses at the core of all of this 💥
I just purchased a Nikon D800E from KEH who has a great after Christmas Sale. First FF camera for me. 😊
I just saw your blog by accident I usually don't do blogs, but ha. I saw/shot the A900 in early 2007, maybe late 2006 just before PMA and the A850 in 2008 after there were complaints about the A900. The A900 was going to be the 9D. Same cameras just different FPS and a couple of other small things, and the A850 cost less as the A900 wasn't selling to well. I was still with Minolta at that time as Minolta was very much into the development of the Sony A900 do to their agreement. Sony keep a lot of people on until the A900 camera out then fired them. After that I swore I'd never buy a Sony, but the A900 and A850 isn't a Sony it's a Minolta through and through. I still have my 9000 (with a split image screen in it as I total Minolta I didn't trust the AF so they put in a split image screen before they gave me the camera) 9xi, 9 and my Minolta White G lenses. Every time I see a "Sony White G lens" I laugh as it's just a rebadged Minolta. If you know what lenses to buy you can get a Leica design lens with the same glass only with the Minolta name on it. After Minolta was gone Nikon invited me to join their NPS program and Sigma ask me to work on the Foveon project, I said yes to both, but after seeing your blog I may entertain a A900 or A850 and pull my Minolta G glass, my 9000, 9xi and 9 out of storage, although I'm shooting film right now with my Olympus OM1n. Back to basics. Good Luck
My 2025 trinity is D700, A7C and Nikon FA with occasional special guests: XT1, D610 and F100 :-). So no new cameras here either. However, what about new lenses :-).
So 2025 will be the year of lenses :)
Could we have an updated OMTCs version of the Olympus E-300. Fall in love with the camera again, would ya? And give us a modern video with all your new content creator lessons [since then]. ❤
I literally just sold my a850 and e500 to get a gfx 50s ii or gfx 100....whichever i feel like lmao. The a850 is such a good camera, i haven't even shipped it yet and im already regretting it...but i really want a gfx camera.
Isn't the a850 still heavily relying on Minolta sensor and color tech? Maybe doesn't count as Sony as much 😊
No on both the last sensor minolta made was a 6mp and I've read before when sony bought minolta some weirdness went on they didn't get the color portion.
I never heard your reaction to the GF 100 F2?
Hoping I can do something similar. I have loads of gear and I really need to focus on making use of what I already have. Maybe we'll fail and buy more cameras but if we never try, we'll never succeed.
I haven't written off more lenses though ;)
Amen :)
Yes you have to jump on Sigma full frame Foveon the second it becomes reality, sponsorship or not!
Here's to a great 2025! 🙂
To you as well!! Sending all the best
I deleted Facebook and Instagram earlier this year, so UA-cam and web forums is pretty much all that’s left of my social media diet, but a month of total disconnect still sounds appealing. I think I’ll might just do that. See you in February 😊
I think your battle against gear acquisition syndrome is noble and much-needed! Did you ever use the a7c ii?
Absolutely! This video was shot with it!
About developing film. Keep it simple! The old way still works. Running water is nice but not a real dealbreaker. Since I have no dedicated room (have no darkroom anymore where I also did develop my films) I use the bathroom or kitchen. You only need water for washing your film. I even use a watertank for that if the situation is there.
Good point!
@ It is so simple and so much fun. Just do it🙌
Love your channel btw🤗
@@ferv5470 TY!!
I’m curious to your final 15, heh. Also why having a blog is nice, it’s not social media 😛
I’ve been on and off with my photography and am trying to resist buying anything. Need to make more with what I have!
I’ve actually been considering Substack as a new means of communicating in place of or in combination with YT as well!
Perhaps one month no cameras? UA-cam is such a minefield. It’s refreshing to hear/see, regular although unique perspectives
If it makes you feel better, that Sony is basically a Minolta!
Exactly! Precisely why I love it so much :)
we would love to see these 15 cameras
No new cameras is the reality for most people…
Very true, which is why I’ve tried to highlight old and historically unwanted cameras are as usable as any other.
Omg ... it's camera perimenopause! ✌🏼
I have the Sony A900, same as your A850, it's the digital version of Minolta A9 if Minolta had survived. If you have some of the Minolta glasses, you could still see the Minolta colors from these Sony DSLR
Yes! Minolta is at the core of this decision for me.
What happened to the canon m6, did you keep it as an edc?
It's staying with me! Still my EDC. :)