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Urgon
 
location:
Lublin, Polish Republic of Ducks...
Gender: Male
Te audire no possum, musa sapientum fixa est in aure...
 |  | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 20 on 6/13/2007 3:19 PM >
|  | | | AVE...
13. When you're going to dangerous place with many hazards for your equipment, such as water, dust, thiefs, fire, heights, etc, the best method to protect it is LEAVE IT AT HOME. Sure, it's cool to take shoots with your 10Mpix new, ultra-expensive camera, but really, sometimes cheaper one will also do it's job. And you won't be swearing so much, when your cheap camera with cheap tripod falls from 30ft. into water.
14. Good camera with good film is better, than digital camera. And sometimes it's cheaper. The downside is that, you have to replace film often. But it's more water resistant than digital one, because of natural lack of electronics... Someone would ask about quality of pictures. The best digital camera I had in my hands had 10 MPix. matrix. Cheap Agfa color film has circa 25MPix in each frame...
This is one of the best Russian cameras, ZENITH... I have Zenith TTL and I would use it, of course if I wasn't sand-blind... New ZENITH TTL in Poland, with additional lenses, carrying bag, light meter and other stuff, all in nice suitcase, costs circa 100-200$. And you get really fine piece of photographic equipment... In fact this camera was one of the best things made in USSR. And it's still popular in western Europe.
[last edit 6/13/2007 6:38 PM by Urgon - edited 2 times]
Living in Poland is like searching for a key in a pool full of used syringes.
You never know, what you get... |
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nohbdy
    
Gender: Male
| | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 21 on 6/13/2007 6:25 PM >
| | | | it cost me $65 to remove shit form a ccd chip and $150 to replace the outer element on a lens, UV filters and not changing lenses in dusty areas is good advice
[last edit 6/13/2007 6:59 PM by nohbdy - edited 1 times]
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imprezawrxsti
 
location:
Portland, OR
Gender: Male
nothing is true; everything is permitted
| |  | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 22 on 6/13/2007 6:57 PM >
| | | | those Russian cameras are built like tanks.
if you have the money, and the justification, invest in professional glass. it'll take more of a beating and as a fringe benefit, your pictures will be sharper, too.
other than that, the most important thing is to be aware when you're shooting. use your strap, it's not just there for looks. make sure your tripod mount is tight, and check to be sure that your tripod head is locked off before you move your camera. oh, and be sure your tripod legs are locked off, too. i almost lost my newspaper's D2H that way.
do you know how to waltz? |
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blackhawk
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
location:
Mission Control
UER newbie
| | | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 23 on 6/14/2007 2:01 AM >
| | | | Buy a good camera bag, and never carry lenses "loose" when dismounted.
Spend some bucks and get a good tripod like a Gitzo, and a quality head.
Buy and configure your gear so you wear it; it becomes part of you, rather than a drag along.
Stowe away equipment, including camera, when not in use; keep your hands free.
Don't wear the bleeding camera like it's a necklace.
Be ready to crawl through dirt and muck if need be; make sure your gear is protected and secured. If shit goes to hell you don't have time to keep things from falling out, or to pick them up.
Never carry CF cards loose.
Make sure all extra batteries are covered so they can't be shorted out.
Clean all lenses, cases and cameras thoroughly after each dirtfest.
If your around water where the camera/lenses can fall in, make sure you can afford to lose it! Otherwise don't bring it!
Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
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spidey
location:
Maryland
Gender: Male
Retired Cat-Burglary
| | | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 24 on 6/15/2007 4:37 AM >
| | | | but a gallon plastic bag and a UV filter, cut a hole in the bag a little smaller than the filter and fit it over your lens. screw the filter on with the bag as close to inside of the threads as possible and tape up the outside connector with black electrical tape.
this renders your camera almost waterproof and also it will still get a clear image. i have a friend that would do this and take it into his swimming pool for pictures because it was actually that waterproof.
take care of it but dont leave any camera at home hah
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systemx29
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
location:
Long Island/Buffalo
Gender: Male
If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense.
| |  | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 25 on 6/16/2007 1:25 AM >
| | | | Posted by desmet
People ask me how I can lug around all the shit I do...I do because it allows me to take the kind of pictures I wanna take.
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dude,thats an understatement.
just be careful with your stuff.
its not hard,dont let your camera swing freely,change lenses carefully,dont carry your camera while climbing etc.
its common sense.
[last edit 6/16/2007 1:32 AM by systemx29 - edited 1 times]
"Patient delusional-Is inventing space ships for a scientist." |
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mr india
location:
Adelaide Nikon:801s/F4/F5
Gender: Male
Adelaide C/C - go on road trips ;)
| | | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 26 on 6/19/2007 6:46 AM >
| | | |
hmmmmm
1) buy a camera that was designed to be beaten up - like a pro body 35mm etc they handle moisture and dust far better than pro-am gear
2) yes - invest in a sacrificial uv filter for all of your lenses
3) don't worry - if your camera wants to get itself wet and smashed it will leap out of your hands while you're still at your car and throw itself into a puddle, no matter how hard you try to stop it - i.e. don't stress too hard about your expensive gear getting rooted and it probably won't happen.
4) get insurance get insurance get insurance
5) the one i always forget - use the neck strap ;)
india
[35mm urbex since 2002 - 0% casualties. Nikon F5]
---<india>----------- |
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Air
location:
Canada
| | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 27 on 6/21/2007 4:43 AM >
| | | | Having used a rebelXT and now an AE-1....I'd say I'm with Mr.India -- pro level bodies are the shit! I recently bought a 1n and loved it, and now I have a T90 (last pro level body made for the FD series lenses). If buying a film camera the cheaper pro-sumer camera bodies are close in price to the pro bodies so you might as well fork out the money seeing as how they are hardier, more robust, better designed and weather/moisture proofed then anything else.
"The extraordinary beauty of things that fail." - Heinrich von Kleist |
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Air
location:
Canada
| | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 28 on 6/21/2007 4:46 AM >
| | | | Posted by systemx29
dude,thats an understatement.
just be careful with your stuff.
its not hard,dont let your camera swing freely,change lenses carefully,dont carry your camera while climbing etc.
its common sense.
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Yeah and don't wear your camera around your neck in crack-head neighborhoods. I once hung out with someone who did and it was a nerve wracking experience. Using a regular backpack or a crumpler bag would help too so your not calling too much attention to yourself.
"The extraordinary beauty of things that fail." - Heinrich von Kleist |
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Air
location:
Canada
| | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 29 on 6/21/2007 4:50 AM >
| | | | Posted by 508explore
yea this is what i have for my xt. most camera stores offer this when your buy a camerafrom them, for like $100-150. also they will clean you mirrors if your get dust in them. i would suggest everyone to invest in one.
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Canon will clean your camera for free in Canada (or at least Toronto)>
"The extraordinary beauty of things that fail." - Heinrich von Kleist |
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Air
location:
Canada
| | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 30 on 6/21/2007 4:51 AM >
| | | | Posted by Urgon
AVE...
13. When you're going to dangerous place with many hazards for your equipment, such as water, dust, thiefs, fire, heights, etc, the best method to protect it is LEAVE IT AT HOME. Sure, it's cool to take shoots with your 10Mpix new, ultra-expensive camera, but really, sometimes cheaper one will also do it's job. And you won't be swearing so much, when your cheap camera with cheap tripod falls from 30ft. into water.
14. Good camera with good film is better, than digital camera. And sometimes it's cheaper. The downside is that, you have to replace film often. But it's more water resistant than digital one, because of natural lack of electronics... Someone would ask about quality of pictures. The best digital camera I had in my hands had 10 MPix. matrix. Cheap Agfa color film has circa 25MPix in each frame...
This is one of the best Russian cameras, ZENITH... I have Zenith TTL and I would use it, of course if I wasn't sand-blind... New ZENITH TTL in Poland, with additional lenses, carrying bag, light meter and other stuff, all in nice suitcase, costs circa 100-200$. And you get really fine piece of photographic equipment... In fact this camera was one of the best things made in USSR. And it's still popular in western Europe.
http://upload.wiki...s/4/4e/Zenit12.jpg
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You do know you can get a 1n for $200 without a lens, and buy cheaper lenses like a nifty fifty for little to no $$ either? People just don't want to buy older cameras, which is a shame, they have gone down in price and have very good value now.
"The extraordinary beauty of things that fail." - Heinrich von Kleist |
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imprezawrxsti
location:
Portland, OR
Gender: Male
nothing is true; everything is permitted
| | | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 31 on 6/21/2007 6:19 AM >
| | | | Posted by Air 33
Having used a rebelXT and now an AE-1....I'd say I'm with Mr.India -- pro level bodies are the shit! I recently bought a 1n and loved it, and now I have a T90 (last pro level body made for the FD series lenses). If buying a film camera the cheaper pro-sumer camera bodies are close in price to the pro bodies so you might as well fork out the money seeing as how they are hardier, more robust, better designed and weather/moisture proofed then anything else.
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Nikon F3 FTW!!!
do you know how to waltz? |
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303villain
location:
Denver, CO
Gender: Male
| | | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 32 on 6/28/2007 7:08 PM >
| | | | Posted by Air 33
Canon will clean your camera for free in Canada (or at least Toronto)>
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I was told that they are changing this policy for their consumer/prosumer bodies and will be charging for cleanings because people were abusing the free cleanings. That's just what I've heard, so until its confirmed, who knows.
Even if it does, thank god ive got a 1series!
If you do HAVE to change lenses in the field, turn your camera off to do it. That way theres less chance of any dust or particles being attracted to your charged sensor, you could also do it under your shirt or a towel or something. The best policy is to stick with one lens though if at all possible.
Cheapo tripods are not a way I would choose to save money either. They often crack around the head and you might not notice it until your camera is laying on the ground 
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blackhawk
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
location:
Mission Control
UER newbie
| | | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 33 on 6/29/2007 2:16 AM >
| | | | Posted by 303villain
I was told that they are changing this policy for their consumer/prosumer bodies and will be charging for cleanings because people were abusing the free cleanings. That's just what I've heard, so until its confirmed, who knows.
Even if it does, thank god ive got a 1series!
If you do HAVE to change lenses in the field, turn your camera off to do it. That way theres less chance of any dust or particles being attracted to your charged sensor, you could also do it under your shirt or a towel or something. The best policy is to stick with one lens though if at all possible.
Cheapo tripods are not a way I would choose to save money either. They often crack around the head and you might not notice it until your camera is laying on the ground
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First ask Canon, most times they will make exceptions.
Rarely is a shop cleaning needed if you use common sense.
Never use a piece of cloth to stop dust; it's a dust source.
Never change lenses on a camera body that's colder than than the room temp.
Don't do it in high dust areas, but change them as much as you need to; that's why you got a DSLR.
Relax; dust is everywhere, but it's not that big a deal.
Moisture is; protect the camera (and lenses) from sharp temp changes from cold to warm with a good camera bag.
Use teflon tape to help seal the lense at the mounting flange.
Do however clean the camera body after each outing, and keep the sensor free of dust. I use filtered low pressure air, every 1-3 outings, never had to wet clean any sensors since, but use care; excessive pressure or contaminated air can cause serious damage. Avoid pointing air stream at the prism box assembly too.
I can't agree more about the tripod though; a cheap tripod is never a bargain.
Get one good tripod, the right size for your height, and it will last 10+ years.
Gitzo makes some of the best, the carbon fiber ones are sweet.
Don't forget to get a head for it that fits your shooting style and the cable release for the camera.
Don't skimp on the weight rating for the tripod and head, smashed lenses and cameras aren't fun.
Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
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303villain
location:
Denver, CO
Gender: Male
| | | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 34 on 6/29/2007 2:36 AM >
| | | | Ya im sure they would do it if you hounded them. However, there are also several very good kits that will allow you to clean your sensors yourself. I guess i should have re-worded what I said though about changing lenses. The point i should have made is to have the ability to chose the right lens for the job. My studio professor always yells at people who use their DSLR over a 4x5 because they dont want to do the extra work.
If you know youre going to be shooting a lot, pick the lens that best fits. If you know most of your shots are going to be wide, dont walk in with a 300mm lens! It just saves time and the hassle of changing and the possibility of dust. I think one of my favorite walk around/exploring lenses is the 24-105L, its a great/versatile focal range.
+1 for Gitzo too!
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wheezyjeff
Gender: Female
Bzzzzzzz........ ..
| | | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 35 on 6/29/2007 3:19 AM >
| | | | I recommend a hand strap instead of a neck-strap. if you're climbing or doing anything that requires two hands, your camera should probably be put away in a bag anyways so it doesnt swing and break. handstraps are good for one-handed shooting without the fear of dropping it.
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imprezawrxsti
location:
Portland, OR
Gender: Male
nothing is true; everything is permitted
| | | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 36 on 6/29/2007 7:14 PM >
| | | | Posted by blackhawk
First ask Canon, most times they will make exceptions.
Rarely is a shop cleaning needed if you use common sense.
Never use a piece of cloth to stop dust; it's a dust source.
Never change lenses on a camera body that's colder than than the room temp.
Don't do it in high dust areas, but change them as much as you need to; that's why you got a DSLR.
Relax; dust is everywhere, but it's not that big a deal.
Moisture is; protect the camera (and lenses) from sharp temp changes from cold to warm with a good camera bag.
Use teflon tape to help seal the lense at the mounting flange.
Do however clean the camera body after each outing, and keep the sensor free of dust. I use filtered low pressure air, every 1-3 outings, never had to wet clean any sensors since, but use care; excessive pressure or contaminated air can cause serious damage. Avoid pointing air stream at the prism box assembly too.
I can't agree more about the tripod though; a cheap tripod is never a bargain.
Get one good tripod, the right size for your height, and it will last 10+ years.
Gitzo makes some of the best, the carbon fiber ones are sweet.
Don't forget to get a head for it that fits your shooting style and the cable release for the camera.
Don't skimp on the weight rating for the tripod and head, smashed lenses and cameras aren't fun.
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Most Nikkor AF lenses have an o-ring at the bayonet to help keep out dust. It's the little things...
I'll agree with the Gitzo CF comment, their tripods are sweet, but DAMN expensive. I have a Manfrotto 190XB, aluminum and weighs as much as the CF version of the 190. I'll never buy a cheap tripos again, I overtightened a lock on the plastic head of my last tripod, ended up causing a nice big crack right down the middle of the head. No bueno.
do you know how to waltz? |
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blackhawk
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
location:
Mission Control
UER newbie
| | | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 37 on 6/29/2007 8:41 PM >
| | | | Posted by imprezawrxsti
Most Nikkor AF lenses have an o-ring at the bayonet to help keep out dust. It's the little things...
I'll agree with the Gitzo CF comment, their tripods are sweet, but DAMN expensive. I have a Manfrotto 190XB, aluminum and weighs as much as the CF version of the 190. I'll never buy a cheap tripos again, I overtightened a lock on the plastic head of my last tripod, ended up causing a nice big crack right down the middle of the head. No bueno.
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I haven't worked with any Nikon equipment as I started off the get go with Canon.
That is a thoughtful feature.
Canon lenses do have a small rubber "skirt", bur for a full seal you need one of their weather resistant pro models.
I prefer the Nikon o-ring method because o-rings are generic, easy to come by, and easy to replace; damn Canon for that!
The teflon tape trick is cool because the tape also picks up dirt and grit, and keeps the mating surfaces spotless; no flange cleaning is ever needed.
You simply replace the tape as needed; I always carry a roll of it in my kit.
It works like a charm, and really keeps the interior of the optic chamber free of contamination.
I've been in some of the worst hell holes with my 5D with no problems with the grit/dust.
Another reason I prefer L lenses if you shoot with Canon; they have superior environmental sealing on these verses canon's standard lenses.
I was lucky because I listened to what the seasoned pros said about tripods before I bought one.
Otherwise I'm sure I wouldn't have made a wise purchase!
A lot of factors have to be weighed, two of the biggest things are folded size and weight.
That' s why I favored Gitzo, and carbon fiber.
MagFiber is also an excellent tripod material; light weight, strong, with excellent vibration damping characteristics.
Wood is excellent for damping vibrations, but very heavy.
Aluminum is sturdy and good material, but readily transmits vibrations to the camera.
I sometimes like to shoot trains and in other high vibration environments making CF the better choice for myself.
I lucked out and picked one up at B&H on a discontinued model.
For a good CF tripod and head, expect to pay $500+.
It is worth it!
Pay attention to the tripods set up features.
You want fool proof, easy, quick set up and take down ability. Time and effort is everything in the field.
I prefer twist locks as they fail predictable, and don't catch on things that can lead to tripod tip overs
On better tripods these twist locks are smooth and easy to use, easy to clean, and do well in dirty conditions.
Better tripods have replaceable parts which greatly expands the tripod's service life.
Gitzo's even come with a complete parts manifest; thoughtful bastards!
Remember to get a good quick release camera mount such as this one:
http://www.bhphoto..._System_Quick.html
 You can't see it, but it has a release lock, a very important feature.
B&H has an excellent online catalog, an excellent sales staff that understands their products, and a huge, diverse inventory of tripos and accessories.
They are the best.
Consider what your needs are, and will be in the future as to the best construction material.
Buy the right size tripod for your height.
Get one you like the way it feels, that's easy for you to use.
Do it right one time, and you won't have to do it again!
[last edit 6/29/2007 8:47 PM by blackhawk - edited 1 times]
Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
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303villain
location:
Denver, CO
Gender: Male
| | | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 38 on 6/30/2007 3:40 PM >
| | | | Posted by imprezawrxsti
Most Nikkor AF lenses have an o-ring at the bayonet to help keep out dust. It's the little things...
I'll agree with the Gitzo CF comment, their tripods are sweet, but DAMN expensive. I have a Manfrotto 190XB, aluminum and weighs as much as the CF version of the 190. I'll never buy a cheap tripos again, I overtightened a lock on the plastic head of my last tripod, ended up causing a nice big crack right down the middle of the head. No bueno.
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I agree, the price is a little ridiculous, but for some reason I really love the Gitzo, maybe its because im a car guy and carbon fiber makes me smile. But for now ill stick with my Manfrotto, I have no complaints.
The O-ring thing is pretty cool. Stupid canon. Ive always liked Nikon lenses, just not their bodies.
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imprezawrxsti
location:
Portland, OR
Gender: Male
nothing is true; everything is permitted
| | | Re: Expensive Cameras and Sketchy Situations
<Reply # 39 on 6/30/2007 6:02 PM >
| | | | Posted by 303villain
maybe its because im a car guy and carbon fiber makes me smile.
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yeah, me too. my next tripod will be an 055MF3. For the size of tripod i have, i couldn't justify spending an extra $200 to save half a pound. the 055 is sturdier and the CF version weighs as much as my tripod does now.
do you know how to waltz? |
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