Christmas 1966. I was 13 and finally old enough to be trusted with a "real" camera, a used Exakta VX and 50-ish mm lens I convinced my dad to buy for $15 (if memory serves). This picture of a younger cousin was a rare occasion for color, probably because we didn't have any B+W film in the house over the holidays. Fifty years on, I can't recall whether we had a strobe by that point or if I was using a flashgun and M3 bulbs.
My memory of the Exakta is that it was somewhat of a beast to use, but that I had (very) occasional success with it. I was mostly afraid of forgetting to wind the film and shutter after making an exposure, and burning the shutter. (I have the same fear today when using the Leicas, but so far have been lucky.)
Best wishes and happy Filmwasting to all.