[nbzso]

Actually, today the quickest way is to start with a digital camera, but the caveat is that you must have discipline not to fall into the technography trap. Technography is not photography.

I can take a photo without a light meter. Zone focusing and the zone system are a thing, even today.

https://petapixel.com/how-to-use-the-zone-system/

https://petapixel.com/sunny-16-rule/

The idea behind making things hard for yourself is to develop a discipline and way of seeing the world without assistance. When you get this superpower, you will use the digital aids in a completely different manner.

The instant feedback is so bad for the development of photographers mind, that some brands like Leica and Fujifilm have a digital camera without screen on their back.

https://yewtu.be/watch?v=z-u3AoSV5e4

P.S. Not every debate is a generational war. I have learned plenty from the young, but in my view ignoring the knowledge of the past is not a good thing. In photography and the arts in genereal, slowing down is a feature, not a bug.:)