Just who am I, and why did I put this site together? To be honest, that's a question I often ask myself. My name is Peter Williams, and I consider myself a serious amateur photographer. While I have no plans for shooting professionally, I have remained active with photography since high school, and the darkroom was a second home in college. I occasionally shoot professionally, but the vast majority of my work is for personal use and much of my "professional" work has been for non-profit organizations (and very little compensation). I find immense joy in photography and playing with all sorts of cameras, to the point where one person I know is convinced that I'm an equipment junkie. Unfortunately, there's more truth to that statement than I care to admit...
In terms of equipment, I have either handled, used, or read the literature on most cameras available, both new and used (although I do not tend to keep up with point and shoot cameras - too many out there, and too many model changes every 6-12 months). I currently own a variety of cameras in formats ranging from 35mm up to 4x5, with an old 8x10 field camera in the process of restoration. My other photo project is a book on medium format cameras for Amherst Media, a publisher from Buffalo, NY specializing in photo books. The book was published in January 2001 and is gnerally available at photo stores, most major booksellers such as Barnes and Noble, and directlly from Amherst Media.
With my photography, I'm finding that I use medium format the most, with my 35mm AF equipment also finding a good deal of use. I occasionally use large format, but I am still not very adept at using 4x5 equipment (hence my constant use of outdated film to keep costs down while I figure out these beasts). My subjects vary widely, though I am currently placing an emphasis on landscapes due to my proximity to the Rocky Mountains. I also enjoy photojouralism and shots of people in action (sports and so forth).
My aim with this web site is not only to help people find information on cameras, but also to learn more about photography and cameras. Thus I encourage people to send me e-mail with questions or comments. Even if I don't know the answer to your question, I'll try to find some information to help you out. I also welcome suggestions on items to add to the site, and corrections on any errors.
I hope you enjoy the site, and find the information useful. Good luck with your photography, and don't forget to carry a camera with you at all times!
-Peter Williams
sambarasimba@hotmail.com
Primary intrerests in Photography:
Landscapes, portraits, straight photography, documenting historical buildings, and photojournalism. Living in Colorado, I have also become a bit more interested in nature photography and field work.
Current camera equipment:
35mm:
Canon Eos A2, Rollei 35-SE
Medium Format:
Bronica ETRSi, Zeiss Ikonta 6x9, Kowa Six, Rolleicord V
Various box cameras and folders also in use when I get bored. ;-)
Large Format:
Busch Pressman 4x5 Press/field camera