If I'm on a specific assignment the equipment is selected for that specific
set of needs. Over the years some standards have evolved though.
If I'm backpacking, and not primarily there for photography, I usually take
an OM-1N with a 24mm f-2 and either an 85mm f-2 or a 135mm f-2.8. My mini
car kit or boat kit is an OM-2N with a 28-85mm f-2.8 and either a 60-300 or
a 100-500mm zoom.
My normal car kit is a fully stuffed LowePro OmniPro bag containing:
OM-4t or OM-3
OM-2N or OM-1
21mm f-3.5
24mm f-2
50mm f-1.2
85mm f-2
2XA
1.4X
28-48mm zoom
35-105mm zoom or 90mm f-2 macro
85-250 Zoom
T20 flash head
8X mini binoculars
Tape Recorder
This kit also has a LowePro Lens Case 5 with either a Zeiss 100-500 zoom or
a Vivitar 120-600 zoom. All this gear sits between the bucket seats or in
the passenger seat and is readily available for snap shooting. If long
distance critter shots are expected on short notice the 650-1300mm Exacta
zoom with its dedicated OM-1 and its special case go along too.
If I'm going to someplace where some serious photo opportunities can be
expected, the 350mm f2.8 and its special aluminum case go along in the back
of the van with another aluminum case usually containing the following:
OM-1 body with long telephoto compatible screen
17mm f-3.5
28mm f-2.8
35mm f-2
135mm f-2.8
180mm f-2.8
300mm f-4.5
1000mm f-11
2XA
1.4X
If I'm planning on doing field macro work a special bag containing the
following is added:
Variable extension tube
Extension tube set
20mm f-3.5 (usually stays home)
38mm f-2.8 macro
50mm f-3.5 macro (usually stays home on the slide duplicator)
80mm f-4 (if I had one but don't yet)
90mm f-2 macro
135mm f-3.5 macro
Ring flash
If significant flash photography is needed, another aluminum case is added
with:
2 T32 flash heads and attachments
2 Bounce-Grip 2 assemblies and cables
1 F280 flash and remote cable
I have a bag that the studio flashes and umbrellas fit in but they usually
stay home since I no longer do weddings.
If fast action or remote photography is anticipated another bag with motor
drives and remote actuators is added. Then, of course, there are the
tripods, monopods, groofwin pod, bean bags, reflectors, folding blind,
shoulder pods, some other camera supports and a cooler of beverage. This is
why I drive a full-size 4x4 van much of the time. I am embarrassed to admit
how often I take most of this stuff and use very little of it.
If I'm going for a walk in the park I take an OM2N with a 35-70 f-3.6.
/jim
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of John A. Lind
Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2002 9:45 PM
To: olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: What's your standard setup? (was [OM] Mind Bender)
At 21:18 12/2/02, Rob asked:
>This brings up a question, though (and one that has probably been
>discussed to death, so forgive me). What do most of you carry as a
>"standard" compact setup and for what kind of photography? I'm just
curious.
>
>-Rob
I try to plan for what I'm most likely to encounter and make the lenses and
other gear most likely to be used easiest to access. Used to try a
"standard kit" but gave up. There's too much variation in light levels and
desired perspectives. Currently I put the 35mm small format gear into a
Tamrac 608 if I need to carry gear around on my shoulder continuously, or
don't want to cart in a large bag. The rest of the small format gear, if
it can at least make the trip to the general destination, is put into a
much larger bag and stays in the car trunk (just in case).
Wedding (for reception and other candids, and similar events):
The 35mm gear, medium format gear, studio lights, stands and umbrellas add
up to a good size load, so I keep the OM stuff carried in to a
minimum. OM-4 with 50/1.2 and OM-2S with 50/1.4 standard "body caps." In
addition, I typically pack the 35-105/3.5~4.5, 85/2 and 135/2.8, although
the 50mm lenses receive the brunt of the workload. I use the 85/2 and
occasionally the 135/2.8 for available light shots during the ceremony from
the back. The zoom can be tough to use for reception work after the lights
go down for dancing as it is a slower lens that creates a dimmer viewfinder
making focusing more difficult in low light. Have used it in brightly lit
receptions though (mid-afternoon stuff in rooms with enormous
windows). The bag also holds a Metz 40 MZ flash head with OM and generic
SCA modules. Items such as the flash bracket and spare mondo potato-masher
flash handles go into a separate bag. All the rest of the OM system is in
a Tamrac Superlight 9 in the car trunk for even more backup. The entire
load of camera gear is on site, but I carry in only what I need with a
first line of backup. The M645, two lenses and film inserts for it are in
yet another small bag, and the lighting stuff is in yet another bag, but
they're only used for altar returns.
Blues concerts in small, dimly lit clubs:
This demands fast lenses for shooting "available darkness" in spite of
using TMax P3200 or Delta 3200 at EI 1600. Even though the bands are
typically on a riser they are lit by about a dozen standard floods with
colored filters and the dimmer control for them is usually put at about
half power by the light/sound guy. He has a penchant for very low lighting
which requires prodding him occasionally to crank up the lights just a
little. Favored aperture is f/2.8 for a little more DOF, as long as
shutter speed is at least 1/30th. I pack the OM-4 with 50/1.2 and OM-2S
with 50/1.4 standard "body caps." The 85/2 is packed and receives the
brunt of the workload with a few shots done using the 50mm. The 35/2 is
also thrown in just in case I want a fast wide, but have yet to use
it. The OM-2S is the backup body.
General daytime, outdoor "walk-around" stuff (no architecturals or night
shooting):
OM-4 with 50/1.2 "body cap" loaded with Kodachrome 64, and OM-2S with
50/1.4 "body cap" loaded with Scala 200X (or Plus-X Pan, Ilford FP4 or
Delta 100). Additional lenses: 24/2, 35-105/3.5~4.5 and 135/2.8. Included
are a Metz 40 MZ with G15 flash handle (similar to BG-2), and a Winder 2,
plus extra film in the side pockets. Add the 2X-A TC to use with the
135/2.8 for something like an airshow. In severe cold, the OM-4 is
sometimes replaced with the OM-1n.
Urban night street shooting:
Same as daytime load, except ditch the 35-105 slower zoom and heave in the
24/2 and 35/2 fast lenses. Also load the bodies up with ISO 200 to ISO 400
Ektachrome or Fujichrome and Tri-X.
Architecturals (day and night):
Same as daytime load, but add the 35/2.8 Shift in place of the Winder 2,
ensure cable release is on board, and sling the tripod over the shoulder
too. Sometimes throw in a roll of Ektachrome 160T for night stuff; been
known to use Portra 160 NC at night too. In severe cold, the OM-2S is
replaced with the mechanical OM-1n.
-- John
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