Any film camera is not a future purchase at this point in time. The MX is a wonderful camera, reminds me a lot of the Nikon FM I used for 20 years, but it's not something for which to consider a future.
That said, if you enjoy working with film, stock up on your favorite emulsions and go for it. Be aware that at some point, you'll likely *need* do learn how to do your own processing as film and photofinishers start disappearing. > If I buy extra lenses, will they have > any market value in the near future? The good news is that nearly any lenses you buy for the MX will also work on a Pentax DSLR. Try to buy Pentax-A series or later lenses, the DSLRs can use them with more options/features. > Anyway, I am mostly interested in trying street photography and macro. > Currently I have a basic 50mm lens (f1.7), which is not especially > suited for neither... Not true, a 50mm lens is very good for both. The Pentax 50/1.7 is a very good lens for macro with extension tubes, and is also great at street work. My favorite for street work is a 35mm or 40mm lens. The Pentax-M 40mm f/2.8 is a very compact pancake design that works very well for this, and the current series Pentax-FA35/2 is superb. For me, 28 was never a great lens on 35mm ... a little too wide in one case, not quite wide enough in another. I preferred a large step between 35 and, say, a 20-24mm for ultrawide. > As for macro, I must say I'm somewhat confused. I want to take > close up > pictures of bugs and flowers and that sort of stuff, and I know I > need a > macro lens to be able to focus real close, but what kind of focal > distance do I need? I really have a difficult time picturing the field > of view at such close distances. Get a copy of the book "Closeups In Nature" by John Shaw. Until you know more specifically what you want to shoot and what's required, use extension tubes and your 50mm lens to learn with. Godfrey -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
