Archive for Gear Talk

A Long Look at a Widelux (Part 2)

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

In this, Part 2 of my lengthy look at the classic Widelux F7 panoramic swing lens camera, I discuss the anatomy of the camera, its various eccentricities, and my ultimate delight with its unique view of the world around it. | Read the article.

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A Long Look at a Widelux (Part 1)

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

The Widelux F7 takes WIDE photographs. It delivers DEEP focus. And, apparently, writing about it requires LONG articles. In this, Part 1 of my look at this classic camera, I discuss the various photographic needs that drove me to consider panoramic cameras, and my rationale for choosing this particular model. | Read the article.

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I Heart Rangefinders

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011

I used to think concert photography went with SLR cameras like eggs went with ham. Well, cancel that side of ham and bring me some of that rangefinder bacon. In this article I confront life after SLRs, and schlep a couple of Leica rangefinder cameras to a Heart concert. | Read the article.

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The Pious Lens (Part 2)

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

This is the second half of a two-part article in which I moan extensively (but cathartically) about 135mm lenses. I’ve received a fair bit of mail since posting Part 1 on The Leica Blog — apparently misery loves company. | Read the article.

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The Pious Lens (Part 1)

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

This is the first of a two-part article about life, love, mourning, failure, blackouts, silliness and sin. Yes, you guessed right: it’s an article all about 135mm lenses. | Read the article.

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Don’t Feed the Ostrich

Saturday, February 5th, 2011

Short of taking photographs, few things excite a photographer more than planning their next major camera purchase. Conversely, short of a trip to the dentist, few things excite a photographer less than contemplating a backup camera strategy. But all it takes is a single camera failure to nullify the years of hard work you spent building your reputation. Clients don’t want to hear “Sorry, my camera broke.” They’re not paying for excuses — they’re paying for images. But here’s the thing — backup cameras don’t have to be boring. In fact, choosing the right backup camera may actually unlock a world of previously untapped photographic possibilities, while simultaneously helping you avoid the potential pitfalls of the single camera gamble. | Read the article.

Categories : Gear Talk, Techniques
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Rock ‘n’ Roll(ei)

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

Unless one’s soul is carved from stone, the Rollei 35 is the sort of camera that will infect both photographers and non-photographers with a powerful case of gear lust. I first saw this marvellous mini in the late 1970′s — before I had even the slightest hint of an interest in photography — and I remember thinking “now that’s the camera I’d have if I had a camera!” Flash forward 35 years (and at least that many cameras) later, and one of those funky little beauties is finally mine. In this article, I discuss how logic — not madness — drove my decision to purchase one, and how the Rollei functions in comparison to the superfluity of digital compacts on the market today. | Read the article.

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Ruminations on a 50mm f/1.1 Nokton

Monday, August 30th, 2010

I’m in love with the night. I enjoy the mysteries that lurk in the darkness, the enigmatic shapes, and the cavernous infinity of a bottomless shadow. In fact, I love the night so much that I want to photograph night itself — and not flood it with artificial daylight. As any photographer knows, the solution to such a requirement is spelled f-a-s-t-l-e-n-s. For M-mount shooters, this has historically meant choosing between an account-draining Leica Noctilux, or the gamble of an older, adapted lens. Now, however, we have a third option — the Voigtlander 50mm f/1.1 Nokton. It’s (relatively) inexpensive. It’s new. It’s built for M-mount cameras. But is it any good? | Read the article to learn all the answers.

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