it’s about gear

Looking Through Loupes

Looking Through Loupes

We delve into the world of loupes, the unsung heroes of precision in photography. From the Toyo 3.6x to the Schneider 8x, and the new Chamonix 5x loupe.

Film and Digital with Iconic Hasselblad Cameras

Film and Digital with Iconic Hasselblad Cameras

Discover how to balance between film and digital photography using two unique Hasselblad cameras from the V system. Explore the intricate dance between classic and contemporary methods in capturing artistic expression.

Pinhole Photography: Perfect Exposure Without Gadgets

Pinhole Photography: Perfect Exposure Without Gadgets

A pinhole camera, often called a “camera obscura,” is a lensless camera used for centuries to study light and optics. Today, it is popular in education and art. Photographers craft pinhole cameras from everyday items like cigar boxes and paint cans, or through CNC machining and woodworking. Others opt for ready-made pinholes compatible with existing cameras or those manufactured by others. This timeless device continues to inspire creativity and exploration in the photography world.

Lens Case Recycling: Updating The Labels

Lens Case Recycling: Updating The Labels

Recycle unused lens cases! In this follow-up to *Camera Bag Versatility*, I share how I repurpose cases—like my old Fujifilm 23/2 case—for new gear needs.

4×5 Film Holders: Care & Carry

4×5 Film Holders: Care & Carry

Learn how a simple pastry brush keeps dust out of film holders—a timeless technique I learned in photography school and still use today for clean, sharp images.

DIY Custom Case for Your Digital Back

DIY Custom Case for Your Digital Back

I’ve assembled a collection of photography-related items, such as lens cases, equipment bags, and backpacks. While some of these cases are passed on with gear I’ve sold, I’ve retained a specific type of Tamrac lens case due to its durable and lightweight design, featuring a convenient top handle. The centrally located top handle in lens cases proves highly practical, facilitating easy access when reaching into a backpack from above. In this DIY article, I’ll guide you through how I created a custom case for carrying my digital back and backup batteries on location, using readily available materials. Typically, I store my digital back and batteries in a Pelican case when not shooting. Still, I occasionally leave my gear in its bag after a shoot and leave the digital back and batteries in the DIY case, as it offers excellent protection within my camera bag.

DIY Camera Caddy: Secure Your Gear While On-The-Go

DIY Camera Caddy: Secure Your Gear While On-The-Go

I had an older Stanley Tool Caddy I used on environmental portrait shoots years ago. It held an extra lens, a light meter, film, and other small items I would like to access during a shoot. It was a good size for my needs, easy to carry, and durable enough with a thick waterproof bottom.

Shooting a Rolleiflex with Studio Flash and Rolleinars

Shooting a Rolleiflex with Studio Flash and Rolleinars

In this fast-changing age of digital photography, one ingredient missing is a full frame square format camera or digital back. Yes, you can always crop off for a square, but this is not the same as looking through a dedicated square format camera’s viewfinder and being able to achieve full-resolution files. So, what does a photographer preferring the square format do? My option has always been to shoot square format film cameras.

Camera Bag Versatility

Camera Bag Versatility

While assembling my Fuji X-Pro2 (XP2) kit, I began looking for a lightweight bag to store it all in. I wanted the bag to carry my lenses in cases and be easy to work out of from the back of a vehicle. I also use the XP2 in the studio, so the bag had to offer something. Would it be possible to find such a versatile bag?

Infrared Photography Part 2: Sigma SD1M

Infrared Photography Part 2: Sigma SD1M

In Part 1 of this discussion, I explained my current foray into digital infrared (IR) photography and used the Sigma SD1M as my camera of choice. My reasons for choosing the SD1M are the user-friendly removal of the IR blocking filter, and the fact that I currently use the SD1M in my color art photography work. I like the Foveon sensor of the SD1M very much and if you want to use a Foveon sensor, you will have to use a Sigma camera.

Infrared Photography Part 1: Sigma SD1M

Infrared Photography Part 1: Sigma SD1M

I first tried infrared (IR) photography back in the mid-1990s with a Nikon F3 camera and lenses and the now discontinued Kodak High-Speed Infrared film (Kodak HIE). It was more difficult to shoot IR film when compared to my recent tryout with IR digital because: (1) the film had to be loaded and unloaded in total darkness which made reloading out in the field difficult and (2), you had to wait for the film to be processed to see the results.