My first "real" camera, in 1962, was a used Kodak 35mm. A very basic camera, it helped me learn the basics. Six years later I received a Nikkormat SLR for Christmas and really started exploring photography. Extensive B&W darkroom work, experimentation with lighting, dozens of rolls of slide film on every trip. In the late 70's I switched to an Olympus camera, both for the smaller size and in hopes of a more reliable light meter. In the early 1980's I switched again, to a Pentax ME-Super, and I have owned and used Pentax gear every since. Currently the K20D.