Started off with a couple of 35mm film slrs, Nikon mount variety, and a pair of 55mm Micro Nikkors. When I asked them what they wanted to take pictures of, they both said 'birds, animals, fish, flowers, and beetles, Daddy'. Hence the lens choice.

I particularly wanted them to experience the tactile nature of the film cameras, with the focusing, winding on, and so on. What little boy didn't want to go to the Science Museum in London if only to press every button going?

Focusing is a big hit. Winding on less so. Perhaps it was my Hobbs' Choice of Kenko KF-1 bodies. In any case, we've now abandoned film and gone straight to digital. Daddy also had be to continually reminded to take the latest adventures to the DPE shop......I had no idea it was going to be this expensive.....JPY1500 (about twelve quid) for 24 exposures dev & print, with a CD.

So now Daddy's discarded (but working perfectly - sometimes) D70, and a second D70 donated by a colleague, along with the Micro lenses, do excellent service. It would be better if we had either chipped lenses (as the D70 doesn't meter at all with rom-less glass), or ideally D200 bodies, but those may have to wait for another day.

The teaching aspect has only really taken shape in respect of holding the camera, focusing, viewing images. But those 7-year olds are little sponges.

Cool project. The kids will remember it a long long time.

Peter - I know what you mean about the price of d&p!

Sounds like the perfect age - I think I had my first twin lens reflex by that age - and I never looked back

Originally Posted by Chris Dodkin

I think I had my first twin lens reflex by that age - and I never looked back

Just down Eh Chris!!

What a great idea Peter. Maybe they will want to share their favourites. Let's hope it's the start of a lifelong passion.

Originally Posted by Pete Askew

Just down Eh Chris!!

I'll set 'em up, you hit 'em Pete!

Originally Posted by Pete Askew

Let's hope it's the start of a lifelong passion.

Amen to that!!

Sounds like a lot of fun Peter!
I can't wait to get a camera into the hands of my Littlun ... While to go yet though, she's only 7 months!
I did get her to press the shoot button on the screen of the iPhone the other day though ...

whilst my daughter is into photography I hope she never starts doing landscape stuff, because then she'd want to come out with me and that would ruin the whole peace and quiet aspect completely hahahaha

Fair play Peter, they'll be snapping away like pro's in no time!
Most certainly getting my girls into photography! My almost 3 year old has her own Canon powershot A430.
She's a demon on the thing!

Eventually, and hopefully she'll show more interest as she's getting older and will want to go down the film road too...... That'll cost me more money!