'Barker', our ditzy chook - test shot on Nikon SLR

Being a fickle creature, I've been seduced by the lure of an SLR camera, which is a bit rich after my posting last week in which I pretty much dismissed the idea. I square the blame at my friendly local camera shop, who have kindly loaned me a Nikon T55 (a basic entry-level Nikon film camera) and a rather tasty Nikon micro lens to have a go with for a couple of days. Oooohhh, it's a bit lovely, especially shooting onto film as it adds a layer of trepidation to each frame. The shallow depth of field on this lens is striking too, something I could never capture with a point and shoot.

bamboo plant in the backyard - test shot on Nikon SLR

Seedhead in the garden - test shot on Nikon SLR

Fairy lights - test shot on Nikon SLR

So... the question is should I get the camera? Well, actually I can't afford it at the moment thanks to it being tax-bill time but it is very tempting for when I can. I've also had a lot of fun shooting pictures with my lovely little Diana mini camera. A completely different proposition this one... perfect for atmospheric and slightly wonky shots. Very charming and frustrating in equal measures (the second roll of film snapped in the camera - the winding mechanism is rubbish)

My favourite shot of this batch taken with a Diana mini, a clothes line and pegs

Diana mini - light leak from film snapping and me opening the back of camera - doh!

fir tree taken on Diana mini

Fig tree, taken with Diana mini