Fujifilm Australia’s People with Cameras, Darling Island Wharf, Sydney, September 7, 2019

I always try to attend Fujifilm’s annual People with Cameras in Sydney each year and was able to be there for much of this year’s event held at Doltone House on Darling Island Wharf in Pyrmont on Saturday the 7th September 2019. 

More female photographers seem to attend each year, a welcome trend given the low numbers of female photographers and moviemakers who manage to make it professionally in Australia in particular and globally in general. 

Those low numbers are not from want of talent but from systemic issues favouring male practitioners and thus the peculiarities of the male gaze and the male power structure, but I am hopeful that female representation in all aspects of photography and moviemaking will continue increasing to the point of parity, rapidly rather than slowly. 

Gentleman behind the Fujifilm Australia table, photographed with Fujifilm X-H1 and Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR telephoto zoom lens as raw file processed with Adobe Photoshop and Alien Skin Exposure X4 using a modified Polaroid Type 55 preset. I borrowed the lens to make this shot then returned it, but would love to try it out extensively before considering buying one.

Attendee trying out Fujifilm GFX 100 medium format camera, photographed with Fujifilm X-T3 and Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR standard zoom lens.

Fujifilm X-H1 with Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Red Badge professional zoom lens.

I carried a Think Tank Photo MindShift Gear BackLight 26L backpack containing my Fujifilm X-Pro2, a borrowed Fujifilm X-H1, a Fujinon XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR and a Fujinon XF 18mm f/2.0 R lens both of which were also borrowed, and my own Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4 R, Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 and Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R lenses.

I managed to very briefly borrow a Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR and a pre-production model of the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR standard zoom lens which is due for release later this year.

I ended up swapping between my 56mm lens and the borrowed 18mm lens for this event but wondered if I might have been better served by the 50-140mm zoom lens or the 50mm f/2.0 prime in conjunction with the 16mm lens or the reportedly excellent Fujinon XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR.

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SLR Magic MicroPrime Cinema 18mm T2.8 Fujifilm X-Mount.

Clicking on the links and purchasing through them for our affiliate accounts at Adorama, Alien Skin, B&H Photo Video, Skylum, SmallRig or Think Tank Photo helps us continue our work for ‘Unititled’.

• FUJIFILM XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR – B&H
• FUJIFILM XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR – B&H
• FUJIFILM XF 18mm f/2 R Lens – B&H
• FUJIFILM XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR Lens – B&H
• FUJIFILM XF 50mm f/2 R WR Lens – B&H
• FUJIFILM XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Lens – B&H
• FUJIFILM XF 56mm f/1.2 R Lens – B&H
• FUJIFILM X-H1 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body with Battery Grip Kit – B&H
• FUJIFILM X-Pro2 Mirrorless Digital Camera – B&H
• MindShift Gear BackLight 26L Backpack – B&H

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MindShift Gear: MindShift Gear Updates Classic Moose Peterson Outdoor Photography Backpacks – Updated

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/blogs/news-events/mindshift-gear-updates-classic-moose-peterson-outdoor-photography-backpacks

“Working in partnership with renowned wildlife photographer Moose Peterson, MindShift designers have updated the original Moose Peterson Photopacks. Initially designed for wildlife and safari photographers, all photographers will find the three-compartment layout protects their gear from the elements.

The compartment doors are built to close automatically, keeping dust and particulates out of your bag and away from your camera sensor. As a workflow solution, the layout provides quick access to up to three camera bodies with lenses attached and at the ready….”

Wildlife photographer Moose Peterson with Moose Peterson Backpack made by Think Tank Photo sister company MindShift Gear.

MindShift Gear Moose Peterson Backpack Series version 2.0

MindShift Gear Moose Peterson MP-1 V2.0

MindShift Gear Moose Peterson MP-3 V2.0

MindShift Gear Moose Peterson MP-7 V2.0

Commentary

Classy innovation. On the Moose Peterson Mp-1 V2.0 and MP-3 V2.0 backpacks the waist belts can be removed and the harnesses can be tucked away to safely streamline them when stowing for travel on trains, planes or automobiles.

Once upon a time I worked in some of the most adverse conditions for photography anywhere in the deserts above ground and down deep inside gold mines in Western Australia, carting my cameras, lenses, lights, light stands and tripods about in a motley collection of shoulder bags, tripod bags and Zero Halliburton hard cases.

You had to be ready to dismantle gear and pack up in seconds and failure to do so could have disastrous consequences.

Dust, particulate matter, water and chemical spray, extremes of heat and cold, giant dump trucks taking sudden dives over the edge of open cuts or swerving out of control, anything could happen and frequently did so.

US wildlife photographer Moose Peterson may well be accustomed to some of these sorts of conditions, judging by the unique features found in the second generation of his collaboration with MindShift Gear, sister company of Think Tank Photo.

Standout features of the Moose Peterson Series for me are their separation of gear into three compartments to reduce potential cross-contamination, allowance for up to three ready-rigged cameras plus lenses to reduce dust on sensors, automatically-closing compartment doors, and the choice of three different sizes from customary neck-to-coccyx long through mid-size to the not-so-long MP-7 brilliantly allowing for wearing one of Think Tank Photo’s unique modular component belt systems lower down.

MindShift Gear Moose Peterson MP-7 V2.0

Right now the short but sexy Moose Peterson MP-7 V2.0 looks very appealing for the times I want to keep a camera at my side in a waist-belt pack for rapid access but also need to have just enough and not too many lenses and other items at the ready on my back.

Think Tank Photo belt system plus MindShift Gear Moose Peterson backpack may just be exactly the right solution for documentary photographers always on the go, especially in the hot, dusty and windy conditions we have been experiencing in this country just lately, thanks to extreme weather conditions making their way across to the south-east of this continent all the way from my old stamping ground in northern Western Australia.

Links:

• MindShift Gear – Moose Peterson Backpack Series
• Think Tank Photo – Belt Systems

Help support ‘Untitled’

Clicking on these affiliate links and purchasing through them helps us continue our work for ‘Untitled: Stories of Creativity, Innovation, Success’.

• MindShift Gear Moose Peterson MP-1 V2.0 Three-Compartment Backpack (Black) – B&H
• MindShift Gear Moose Peterson MP-3 V2.0 Three-Compartment Backpack (Black) – B&H
• MindShift Gear Moose Peterson MP-7 V2.0 Three-Compartment Backpack (Black) – B&H
• Think Tank Photo – please use this affiliate account link when browsing the Think Tank Photo and MindShift gear websites and if purchasing direct from them.

MindShift Gear: MindShift Gear’s “Exposure” Shoulder Bags Offer the Ultimate in Durability and Weather Protection for Outdoor Photographers

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/blogs/news-events/mindshift-gear-s-exposure-shoulder-bags-offer-the-ultimate-in-durability-and-weather-protection-for-outdoor-photographers

“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. MindShift Gear’s new Exposure shoulder bags are storm-resistant carrying solutions for the active photographer in virtually any outdoor environment. Built with high performance waterproof sailcloth panels, strategically placed storm flaps, water-repellent DWR fabric, and a sturdy Tarpaulin bottom; the Exposure protects camera gear from the elements and withstands the rigors of adventure photography. And, with its cross-body stabilizer strap, the Exposure moves with you while you’re active or is removable for more causal environments.  A waterproof rain cover is included when it’s time to put the camera away and hunker down….”

MindShift Gear Exposure 13 and Exposure 15 storm-resistant shoulder bags for outdoor photographers and moviemakers using mirrorless and DSLR gear.

MindShift Gear Exposure 15

Wide enough for Blackmagic Design’s 7 inch wide Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC 4K)?

Commentary

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC 4K) with Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro zoom lens with manual clutch focus, great for manual focussing. I like the longer image-stabilized Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4.0 IS Pro travel zoom for available light daytime walkabout for video and stills supplemented with faster M.Zuiko Pro f/1.2 prime lenses for available darkness work.

Just when I was contemplating what lenses and accessories might be needed to effectively carry and operate the amazing new Blackmagic Design Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K aka BMPCC 4K, this press release arrived from camera bag and backpack maker Think Tank Photo.

Think Tank’s MindShift Gear brand is specially intended for outdoor adventurers who photograph and make movies in all sorts of weather and all kinds of locations, through thick or thin, whether in natural or in my case urban environments.

The game-changing, to use an already overused cliché, BMPCC 4K portable cinema camera does not appear to be weather-resistant so may need transporting in the field in weather-resistant, storm-resistant bags and backpacks along with the equally sensitive equipment needed to make the most of its high end video production capabilities.

Røde NT-SF1 Soundfield microphone, core of Røde’s ambisonic hardware and software system and potentially great supplementary audio-recording and post-production solution for shooting video with the BMPCC 4K. Will the final version of this microphone be mountable on top of the BMPCC 4K?

Shooting and carrying out initial post-production or DIT (digital imaging technician) duties on BMPCC 4K video footage in the field has certain workflow and hardware demands, and if choosing a shoulder bag rather than backpack then the bag itself should be large enough and protective enough for 15-inch portable computer, SSD or HDD drives and other media, audio recorders and microphones, lenses, color checker or grey card for white balance, small grip items and a portable video tripod as needed.

Accordingly, it would appear that the MindShift Gear 15 may be the best choice of the two MindShift Gear Exposure shoulder bags when using the BMPCC 4K.

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC 4K) dimensions, imperial, camera only.

At 7 inches wide and with a sloping 5-inch rear touchscreen display, the BMPCC 4K has an unusual shape and size as well as accessory demands, so I will be putting that hypothesis to the test in another article where I look at its actual dimensions as well as an ideal kit of accessories, supplies and lenses for mobile indie documentary work in the field.

Links

• MindShift Gear –  Exposure 13 Shoulder Bag
• MindShift Gear –  Exposure 15 Shoulder Bag

Help support ‘Untitled’

Clicking on these affiliate links and purchasing through them helps us continue our work for ‘Untitled: Stories of Creativity, Innovation, Success’.

• Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K – B&H
• MindShift Gear Exposure 15 Shoulder Bag – B&H
• Think Tank Photo – please use this affiliate account link when browsing the Think Tank Photo and MindShift gear websites and if purchasing direct from them.

Think Tank Photo: Modular Belt System V3.0 Improves Photography Gear Access Speed While Sized to Accommodate Today’s Gear

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/blogs/news-events/modular-belt-system-v3-0-improves-photography-gear-access-speed-while-sized-to-accommodate-today-s-gear

“We have just released Version 3.0 of our popular Modular Belt System, with improved access speed and ease while accommodating for today’s gear. The Modular Belt System moves weight from your shoulders to your waists for more comfortable all-day carry. Many of the new pouches are expandable to fit pro-sized lenses with hoods in the shooting position….”

Camera Clip Adapter v3.0, the new essential accessory in Think Tank Photo’s new Modular Belt System V3.0.

Commentary

Think Tank Photo’s radically innovative though sadly now long-discontinued Multimedia Wired Up belt and bag system was my practical introduction into the many benefits of modular belt and bag solutions for carrying photography and video equipment in the field. I bought every Multimedia Wired Up product over several years after the system was discontinued from retailers all over the world, so useful is this system even today.

The news earlier this month that Think Tank Photo has updated its Modular Belt System to version 3.0 is welcome indeed here at ‘Untitled: Stories of Creativity, Innovation, Success’ as we are in the throes of refining our equipment carrying system for transporting gear in the field and on planes, trains and automobiles.

I chose Think Tank Photo products some years ago on discovering its Wired Up Multimedia system when getting back into photography and video production while needing an integrated system for carrying audio equipment, cameras, lenses and accessories of all sorts and sizes.

I went on a quest to buy every bag in the Wired Up Multimedia system after it suddenly vanished from Think Tank Photo’s website and the retailers stocking it here, and use its components still, but I have long needed to expand it with newer offerings better designed for more contemporary mirrorless cameras, lenses, audio equipment and other many and various accessories by other equally innovative brands such as 3 Legged Thing, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, Peak Design, Røde Microphones, Rotolight, Tascam, Zoom and more.

I am seeking to combine elements from Think Tank Photo’s new Modular Belt System V3.0 with elements from the Wired Up Multimedia system in order to make on-location photography and videography easier, faster and more productive.

The core of the broader integrated production system I am putting together for my documentary photography and video work now may well be Think Tank Photo’s Modular Belt System V3.0 along with the company’s Naked Shape Shifter 17 V2.0 (or its possible V3.0 successor).

Integration seems to be name of the game as production gear makers in different countries partner with each other in making their gear work together in ways that never occurred before.

I will be poring over the components within Think Tank Photo’s Modular Belt System V3.0 via its PDF and website in order to work out the best combination for me, in the absence of a local stockist with plenty of Think Tank Photo product on its shelves for a good try before you buy now that professional suppliers L&P Photographics in Artarmon and Foto Riesel in Sydney are sadly no more.

Think Tank Photo Modular Belt System V3.0 and related items

Think Tank Photo’s Modular Essentials Set V3.0 from the new Think Tank Photo Modular Belt System V3.0 can make a good starter set of Speed Belt-mounted camera bags for cameras, lenses, accessories, personal items and hydration supplies.

Think Tank Photo Pro Speed Belt V3.0 is the core of the Think Tank Photo Modular Component System.

Think Tank Photo Pixel Racing Harness V3.0 attaches to the Think Tank Photo Pro Speed Belt V3.0 for even more fatigue relief and attachment points for bags, camera straps and other items.

Think Tank Photo modular bags attach to speed belts and camera bag side rails with this tongue and flap system so they stay in one place on the belt or rail or are able to be moved into place as needed. To anchor the bag in one spot for the duration, place the tongue into a loop like this. For free movement, place the tongue over the loop.

Think Tank Photo Naked Shape Shifter 17 V2.0 is specially designed with internal rails for attaching Modular Components System pouches and belts. Use it to carry your system onsite, belt up then keep the Naked Shape Shifter on your back to carry personal items and rain jacket, or for rapid packing when your shoot is completed.

Think Tank Photo Speed Belt and Modular Belt System V3.0 components make for fast, easy access to all your gear on location instead of fiddling with shoulder bags or backpacks.

Think Tank Photo Little Stuff It! V3.0 can be attached to a belt, bag rail or vertical straps such as Think Tank Photo Pixel Racing Harness V3.0 or straps on other camera bags and backpacks. I want one so I can keep my mobile phone and other small daily necessities in it then swap from bag to bag at speed.

Think Tank Photo Camera Clip Adapter V3.0 enables you to hang cameras off your Speed Belt or camera bag rail via camera clips made by Peak Design or the Spider brand’s Spider Light or Spider Pro.

Think Tank Photo Stuff It! V3.0 can hold a wide variety of small items. I have two of its predecessor, Stuff It! V2.0, and use them attached to backpacks and waist packs. One always holds my personal items for easy transfer between bags.

Think Tank Photo Stuff It! V3.0 can hold keys, reporters’ notebooks, pens, pencils, mobile phones, business cards and plenty more besides. I have two version 2.0 Stuff It! bags.

Think Tank Photo Credential Holder Tall v2.0 for holding press passes, credentials papers, business cards, mobile phones, pens, pencils and more. I have one small and one tall, ready-packed for when I need to dash off to cover an event.

Instead of leaving your water bottle in the side pocket of your Think Tank backpack, carry it with you at all times on your Think Tank Speed Belt. Think Tank Photo R U Thirsty V3.0 can also make a good holder for mini umbrellas.

Think Tank Photo Hubba Hubba Hiney V3.0 may have started life as a camera bum bag concept but it can be so much more than that, the core bag component of your modular belt system for carrying gear while shooting.

Think Tank Photo Lens Changer 25 with cover over the lens for better protection. Think Tank Photo’s Modular Component System V3.0 contains six version 3.0 Lens Changer bags.

Think Tank Photo Speed Changer V3.0 can hold one battery grip-equipped DSLR or mirrorless camera, or several lenses or a myriad of small items of various sorts.

Think Tank Photo Speed Changer V3.0 can carry several small lenses, SSD or hard drives, batteries, SD card holders or other accessories.

Think Tank Photo Speed Changer V3.0 can also carry a range of smaller items in its two front compartments.

Think Tank Photo Slim Changer V3.0 can carry lenses, a non-gripped DSLR or mirrorless camera or other small accessories and production equipment.

Links

• MindShift Gear – website – Think Tank Photo’s companion brand for outdoor adventure bags and accessories.
• Peak Design – website – many Peak Design products work in synergy with Think Tank Photo and Mindshift Gear products.
• Think Tank Photo – Modular Belt System V3.0 – movie at the company’s Vimeo account.
• Think Tank Photo – website
• Think Tank Photo – Building Your Complete Modular System – PDF
• Think Tank Photo – Modular Belt System V3.0 Improves Photography Gear Access Speed While Sized to Accommodate Today’s Gear

Help support ‘Untitled’

Clicking on and purchasing through these affiliate links helps us continue our work for ‘Untitled: Stories of Creativity, Innovation, Success’.

• MindShift Gear – B&H – Think Tank Photo’s range of outdoor adventure backpacks and accessories. Items in both ranges can be used with each other.
• Peak Design – B&H – The entire range of Peak Design camera clip, strap and Everyday bag products at B&H.
• Think Tank Photo – Click on this link to purchase direct from Think Tank Photo via my affiliate account.
• Think Tank Photo – B&H – The entire range of Think Tank Photo products at B&H.

Think Tank Photo: Award-Winning Shape Shifter® Expandable Backpack Updated and “Naked” Option Added – UPDATED with COMMENTARY

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/blogs/news-events/award-winning-shape-shifter-expandable-backpack-updated-and-naked-option-added

“A revolution in backpack design when it first released, the Shape Shifter expanded and contracted to hold gripped camera bodies and a laptop. In response to input from professional photographers, we have  released the Shape Shifter in three new configurations. The Shape Shifter 15 V2.0 is designed to hold a 15” laptop and the Shape Shifter 17 is designed to hold a 17” laptop. The new Naked Shape Shifter 17 allows photographers to attach Skin Pouches or Lens Changers inside to create a totally customized modular backpack….

… Shape Shifter® 15 V2.0 Gear Capacity

• Holds a 15” laptop, tablet up to a 12” or 13”, plus one DSLR (gripped or un-gripped) and three lenses (detached) and personal items

Shape Shifter® 17 V2.0 Gear Capacity

• Holds a 17” laptop, tablet up to a 12” or 13”, plus one to two DSLRs (gripped or un-gripped) and three to four lenses (detached) and personal items

Naked Shape Shifter 17 V2.0 Gear Capacity

• Holds a 17” laptop, tablet up to a 12” or 13”, plus four to seven modular pouches or lens changers and personal items…”

Commentary:

As a longtime owner of all of Think Tank Photo’s highly innovative Multimedia Wired Up belt packs and belt system components series for hybrid stills and video production, I am already half-persuaded of the utility of waist-belt-mounted camera carrying systems when shooting intensive documentary stills and video on location.

The Multimedia Wired Up series is now sadly long defunct despite mirrorless hybrid stills/video cameras like those from Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic and Sony really hitting their stride in recent years, so I have supplemented my kit of seven Wired Up modular components with a couple of Think Tank StuffIt! belt touches for personal items.

The only thing preventing me from adding even more pouches and upgrading to a Pro Speed Belt V2.0 or Steroid Speed Belt V2.0 is that I have been at a loss as to how best to carry them all on a typical day’s outing.

The last thing I want to do, after all, is chuck them into a bulky gym bag or the like in order to carry them onto the location.

Think Tank Photo’s Naked Shape Shifter 17 V2.0 might just be the answer to this long-perplexing question.

I have yet to see one turn up in any of our local camera stores though so have not had a chance to put the concept to the test – the one camera store in this neck of the woods that had a reasonable cross-section of Think Tank Photo gear has now gone into liquidation.

There are questions. Can a backpack like this one really hold a speed belt plus a stack of pouches to carry everything I have need of on a typical all-day documentary stills or video shoot?

Will the Naked Shape Shifter hold the specific pouches that I need? Or should I consider Think Tank Photo’s Modular Component Set V2.0 or Modular Skin Set V2.0?

Do I need to add the intriguingly named Hubba Hubba Hiney to either of the above to carry much of my APS-C/Super 35 kit or M43/Super 16 kit and will it fit into the Naked Shape Shifter?

Or will one or two Speed Changer V2.0 or Slim Changer pouches do the job and fit better inside the Naked Shape Shifter?

How fast can everything be placed inside The Naked Shape Shifter then removed as needed while travelling about suburb, town and city and suddenly spotting photo opportunities?

Is the Naked Shape Shifter capable of carrying the personal items I also need to go along with my cameras, lenses, accessories, tripod and more?

Plenty of questions that can only be answered with a see-and-try-out of the backpack and a selection of old and new pouches and modular belt system components.

I hope we will see another camera store step up and stock a good cross-section of Think Tank Photo and MindShift Gear products now that L&P Digital has closed its doors and Paxtons has shut down its local branch as well as its big Sydney city store.

Links:

• Think Tank Photo – Belt Systems
• Think Tank Photo – Naked Shape Shifter 17
• Think Tank Photo – Shape Shifter 15 V2.0
• Think Tank Photo – Shape Shifter 17

Think Tank Photo: Spectral™ Series Shoulder Bags – with COMMENTARY

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/spectral-series-shoulder-bags

“Remain inconspicuous while shooting with Think Tank’s new Spectral Shoulder Bag. A magnetic Fidlock clasp enables quiet, one-handed access your gear — then locks automatically when closing the flap. An additional zippered closure gives you piece of mind while traveling and can be tucked away when you’re actively shooting. Constructed with durable yet stylish materials, the Spectral Shoulder Bag offers Think Tank quality and ingenuity at a reasonable price.”

Commentary:

Think Tank Photo’s new 3-strong leather-free Spectral line of shoulder bags is a refreshing change from the leather-trimmed product revisions it has released in recent years.

Think Tank Spectral 8

The Spectral 8 model in Think Tank Photo’s Spectral shoulder bag line-up appears to be aimed at mirrorless camera users and can apparently hold one Fujifilm X-T2 or X-Pro2 camera, two fast prime lenses such as the popular Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4 R and Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R with one attached to the camera, as well as the Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Red Badge professional zoom lens.

It is unknown how many “Fujicron” f/2.0 R WR lenses and similar smaller primes the Spectral 8 accommodates, such as the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2.0 R WR, Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8, Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR, Fujinon XF 50mm f/2.0 R WR and the coming Fujinon 18mm f/2.0 R WR.

Based on Think Tank Photo’s information about the Spectral 8, it may prove to be a useful one-camera, several-lenses option for slow and steady documentary photography or cinematography with, say, a Røde VideoMic Pro+ in place of the 50-140mm zoom lens.

Think Tank Photo Spectral 8 shoulder bag with Fujifilm camera and lenses.

Think Tank Photo Spectral 8 shoulder bag with Fujifilm camera and lenses.

Think Tank Photo Spectral 8 shoulder bag with 3 Legged Thing Albert travel tripod.

An Evolving Focus

The company’s marketing email and website product shots are increasingly featuring mirrorless cameras and lenses in addition to its tradition emphasis on DSLRs, with focus on Fujifilm APS-C and Sony digital 35mm mirrorless camera though Panasonic’s increasingly popular Lumix M43/Super 16 hybrid stills/video cameras have yet to make an appearance so far as I can tell.

Both moves are welcome and I would love to see Think Tank Photo add Panasonic’s GH5 and professional lenses for video and stills, for example, to its product shot scheduling.

I note that 3 Legged Thing’s also increasingly popular tripods are also starting to feature in TTP marketing material.

Seeing gear that one actually uses being featured in emails and web pages helps make better-informed purchasing decisions given many of us often do not live near a good bricks-and-mortar stockist where one can try-before-buy and so must rely on sight-unseen purchases at online retailers in other countries.

Not all mirrorless cameras and lenses have the same dimensions nor do they fit in the same bags, I have often discovered, so photographic evidence of good fit is incredibly useful and helps avoid purchases one soon comes to regret.

The Ever-growing Scourge of Mould

Leather, and certain plastics, are susceptible to the growing epidemics of mould infection popping up in places like Sydney with the onset of major climate change.

Although it has proven possible to chemically remove mould from the surface of leather and some synthetic materials, mould spores remain beneath the surface ready to spring into action should the weather change yet again.

As a result, we have had to throw out many leather and leather-trimmed products including camera bags to avoid the risk of mould and mould spores spreading to our photographic equipment.

We have been shocked to discover expensive bags made of synthetic fabrics infected with mould and mould spores too, though not all woven plastics are susceptible.

There are two other considerations in the use of leather in constructing and decoratively trimming camera bags, cruelty and environmental responsibility.

My Plea for Leather-Free

Industrial agriculture’s animal husbandry practices are inherently cruel, and contribute huge amounts of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, apparently to a greater extent than emission from motor cars.

I wish to see camera bag and accessories makers take up the challenge to go 100% leather-free and pro-vegan from now onwards.

Link:

• Think Tank Photo – New Spectral Shoulder Bags Feature One-Handed Gear Access and Increased Protection from Theft and the Elements

MindShift Gear: rotation180° Travel Away® 22L (travel backpack)

https://www.mindshiftgear.com/products/rotation180-travel-away

“When traveling abroad, you need quick access to essential items like your camera, passport, guidebook, phone and tablet — but protecting these items is a must. With MindShift’s patented rotation180° technology, the Travel Away backpack allows you to rotate the concealed beltpack to the front of your body for instantaneous access to your travel essentials. You’ll also enjoy peace of mind knowing your most necessary and valuable items are stowed away securely and inaccessible to others….

… Large belt-wing pockets fit a large point and shoot camera…

… Backpack rear pocket provides quick access to camera, AC adapters, large sunglasses, books or other large items, passport, currency, etc….”

Links:

• MindShift Gear – rotation180° Travel Away® 22L
• MindShift Gear – rotation180º Travel Away® Rain Cover

Think Tank Photo: Production Manager 50 rolling photography equipment case honored as one of the featured selections in Professional Photographer magazine’s 2017 Hot Ones

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/blogs/news-events/production-manager-50-rolling-photography-equipment-case-honored-as-one-of-the-featured-selections-in-professional-photographer-magazine-s-2017-hot-ones

“Our largest rolling photography equipment case, the Production Manager 50, has been honored by Professional Photographer magazine as a 2017 Hot Ones.  The Production Manager 50 is designed to hold an immense amount of gear, including lighting equipment and large light modifiers.

It features stabilizing, wide-set, shock-absorbing wheels that roll smoothly and hold up under the toughest conditions, the ability to lock the main compartment and secure the bag with the included lock and cable, and a fully customizable interior with dividers to protect small and large lighting equipment including c-stands and large modifiers….”

Commentary:

During my magazine editorial photographer days I used to cart a large format camera, a medium format camera and my Leicas about the city and suburbs with the addition of a big tripod, light stands, cables and a three-head monobloc flash light kit with all the light-shaper and filtration accessories for shooting environmental portraits.

If Think Tank Photo’s Production Manager 50 had existed back then, I would have had fewer assorted bags and cases to drag in and out of taxis and up and down narrow inner city office stairways. My back would been happier too.

Link:

• Think Tank Photo – Production Manager 50

Zack Arias: My Bag of Cameras

“In my last video I went through my bag of lights. For this video I walk you through my bag of cameras and lenses. I’ve spent a lot of time streamlining my gear to the essentials and it has really helped clear my head and make life easier for me. I was constantly moving from bag to bag and one set up to another depending on the job at hand. I wanted to simplify my photographic life to a bag of cameras and a bag of lights.

While I feel my bag of lights is complete, I’m not so sure yet about my bag of cameras. I’d really like to add the Fuji GFX to this kit to be a back up to the Phase One and to be my run-n-gun camera. I’m still trying to decide if that will be the best option for me and the work I do….”