graeme (04/02/83)
#R:rlgvax:-13300:zinfandel:10200006:000:673 zinfandel!graeme Mar 30 11:31:00 1983 I've done a little whitewater stuff, and found it was great to take a good camera PLUS a cheap little one that is no sweat if you lose it. You can get some neat shots with some luck, if you don't mind possible loss of your camera. For example, a little 8mm camera can be found at flea markets for $5; an instamatic for less. Even if you only get 10% good shots, they may turn out to be the ones you treasure. Last trip, people were startled when I BROUGHT OUT a camera as everyone else was putting theirs away, in preparation for a rapid. Add a neck strap and/or Velcro to your jacket and camera back, to help hold things together when the going gets interesting...
tw (04/03/83)
#R:rlgvax:-13300:hp-pcd:7800015:000:1026 hp-pcd!tw Apr 2 22:41:00 1983 The idea of having a spare, cheap camera is a good one. Some years back, I got a Canonet 28, used, which I use for things like taking pictures in rapids, etc. It has turned out to have several features which are actually advantages in such situations. It is automatic, for one. I don't really *believe* in automatic cameras (although I own a Canon A-1 and use it that way often), but for tight situations it is great. Also, the focusing ring turns only about 90 degrees from lock to lock. This means that you can shoot with one hand, because you can focus by rubbing a finger across the focusing ring. I have several great shots from bicycling, canoeing, etc. that I wouldn't have if the camera had taken both hands to operate. Also, the thing is small enough to stick in a hip pocket, or the like. The other handy thing about it is that it normally lives under the seat of my car. I figure it is expendable enough that I don't have to worry about it, and this way, I have a camera along 'most everywhere I go. Tw