| Photography Forum: Camera Equipment News Forum: |
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Q. Dakota RZ-2000
Asked by Sabrina Kemp
(K=7) on 2/21/2003
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I am a student in Photography. Recently, I bought a supposed student reliable manual camera from Ritz Camera, a Dakota RZ-2000. I've been told that a Nikon F10 would of been a better option, yet I fail to see how since both seem to have the same manual controls. The only difference between the two is Nikon is a popular brand. Has anyone used the Dakota camera? What can I expect from it? As a student in photography, will I get my money's worth with this camera or will I be disappointed?
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David Goldfarb
(K=7611) - Comment Date 2/21/2003
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Since you have it, you might as well use it, but Nikon is a reputable manufacturer of reliable equipment and good lenses, and you can grow with a system, like Nikon or Canon or Minolta or Contax or Yashica, that offers many lenses and accessories. I've been doing photography for over 25 years, and I've never heard of a Dakota RZ-2000, so I would say that you have what you have, and if it works for you, then that's fine, but if you decide you want to try another lens or you need a feature that your camera doesn't have, you will have to buy into a new system anyway.
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Sabrina Kemp
(K=7) - Comment Date 2/21/2003
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well, like I said, I'm just starting out so it was unknown to me at the time. However, there was a selection of lenses and accessories that I also could of purchused (but since I am on a low budget, I passed until next time). I suppose in the future I will retire this camera for a more recommended one, but I just wanted to know if the camera was decent. There are many cameras photographers never know about, from what I learn, since the top brands always overpowers the general ones. I just want to know if I am able to produce the same perfection with this camera as I would with any other simple manual camera for students just starting out.
Not the big flashy ones as I am hardly rich yet to buy any of them yet, but the ones for people like myself, students who are trying to get an understanding of the basic functions of the camera. I believe I can get the same understanding with a Nikon as I can with a store bought one, right? Anyone?
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David Goldfarb
(K=7611) - Comment Date 2/21/2003
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If the camera can focus and allows you to set the aperture and shutter speed manually and reliably and has an accurate meter, that's enough to get you started. The lens may not be of high quality, and the body may not be terribly durable, but you can learn all the basic concepts.
There are many affordable used manual cameras that are of decent quality out there. The Nikon FM10 is just one option. Others would be the Pentax K1000 or Canon AE-1, and there are lots more.
If this is the camera you have, then for now, use it and learn.
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David Goldfarb
(K=7611) - Comment Date 2/21/2003
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I just hunted around on the net to find out a bit about this camera. It is marketed by Quantaray, a company known mostly for budget priced lenses (some are okay, most of low quality) and photo accessories. The body is probably manufactured by Cosina, which makes camera bodies for some of the major brands and even markets a few of its own, some quite good, and some not so good. It seems to come with a 35-70mm zoom lens for about $200 from most dealers. I couldn't find out whether it uses a lens mount that is used by any other camera (which would be an advantage), but it might. It gives you the basic controls that you need to learn with, so it should be fine for your purposes right now.
For about the same price or less you could find a used camera from one of the major brands. If you haven't purchased the Dakota yet, I would recommend going that route, since it will give you a path to upgrade in the future.
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Chris Lauritzen
(K=14949) - Comment Date 2/22/2003
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Just as a side note, the Nikon FM-10 is NOT made by nikon but instead made by Cosina then Nikon puts it's name on it.
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Dennis Gibson
(K=15) - Comment Date 6/8/2003
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This camera uses the Pentax K mount. There are zillions of used lenses available in this mount. Check eBay and you'll find almost any focal length you want.
I agree that it's made by Cosina. The build quality is probably not great so you should be extra careful with it. There's a saying in photography; it's "95% of photography is what's 6 inches behind the lens". In other words it's not so much what equiipment you use, it's your ability to have an eye for what will make a good photo.
If the Dakota doesn't work out find a used Pentax K-1000. It's legendary (and rightly so) and takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Good luck.
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