Nifty50

Why Nifty50.net?

A nifty 50 is a lens. Specifically, it’s the basic 50mm kit lens that was supplied with nearly every SLR camera sold for several decades, until it was replaced by the 18-55mm zoom. It’s a good design, and most camera manufacturers still offer one or more variants. It’s also the lens we were required to use in my first photography class.

I’ve spent the last few months using it a lot. I wanted to get to “know” the lens, and I was also inspired by an interview with a photographer who said that he will often go out shooting with only one lens. There’s something about limiting your options that forces you to adapt and think creatively.

For me, the nifty 50 (or plastic fantastic, as it’s also called) defines a simple, straightforward approach to photography.  I don’t yet know if that’s me or not, but I like the idea so far, and my wallet is happier for it as well.

Who are you?

My name is Pete. By day, I write for a magazine you’ve never heard of (trust me on that). I also do some part-time work as an audio engineer. The rest of the time, I play in a band, do aikido, and shoot pictures.

My first camera was a Kodak Instamatic 44. I still have it in my basement somewhere. After high school, I splurged and bought a Minolta X370 SLR. That camera served me very well for a very long time. I bought my first digital SLR (a Pentax K200D) in May 2008. The near-instant gratification offered by the digital camera has rekindled my interest in photography.

What kinda gear do you use?

Pentax K200D camera. My nifty 50mm f/1.4, a 28mm f/2.8, and a DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 zoom. Semi-cheap Manfrotto tripod. Apple Aperture. That’s about it right now.

Any shameless plugs you’d like to throw out there?

Actually, yes. I’ve been very happy with my choice of the Pentax camera. I looked around quite a bit before I made a decision. Canon and Nikon both make excellent cameras and they’re far more ubiquitous, but if you’re thinking of getting a digital SLR, I’d suggest at least looking at the Pentaxes. I think you might be surprised.

Aperture and Lightroom. I own Apple Aperture and we use Adobe Lightroom in my photography class. I can honestly say I like them both, so you can consider this a dual plug. I’d definitely suggest one or the other if you want to do a lot of photography. Both programs combine the ability to organize photos and process camera raw images, which is the best way to apply darkroom techniques (and more!) to digital photographs.

Lenswork magazine. Beautiful and inspirational. Seriously. It’s all black and white, and they don’t use up much space discussing gear, but the photos are great and the interviews really give you an insight into the minds of various photographers. Not available on newstands, but you can get a sample copy of the print magazine and the companion expanded DVD from their website for five bucks.