Re: Neat Stuff in Your Camera Bag?
sojourner
"JeffS" <je...@spam.sux.pobox.com> wrote in message
news:60p7j0dm9l3eq9c5q...@4ax.com...
> Hi,
> Roaming around this newsgroup and several photography boards, I've found
> several items I would never have considered placing in my camera bag but
> are now essentials (at least for myself). Things like velcro tape, bean
> bags, and even a space blanket (folds up to extremely tiny dimensions
> and acts as a great in the field reflector).
>
> Just wondering if the fine members of this newsgroup have any other
> items that one might not consider for inclusion in your bag that have
> proven to be useful?
- Pringles lid makes a great lenscap for setting white balance... Fits well
over a 58mm filter.
- Ear syringe makes a great blower.
- Car windshield reflector ($2.00 @ Walmart)... but I like your Space
blanket idea too.
- Carabiners. I keep one attached to my Tripod so I can clip my camera bag
to it for stability.
I'm up for suggestions too!
- Harrison
Frank ess
> Hi,
> Roaming around this newsgroup and several photography boards, I've
> found several items I would never have considered placing in my
> camera bag but are now essentials (at least for myself). Things like
> velcro tape, bean bags, and even a space blanket (folds up to
> extremely tiny dimensions and acts as a great in the field reflector).
>
> Just wondering if the fine members of this newsgroup have any other
> items that one might not consider for inclusion in your bag that have
> proven to be useful?
>
Seems to me we did this a few months ago. My contribution was:
Yard/leaves-size trashbag. lines the bottom of the camera bag,
waterproofing it to some extent when not needed for protection of self
and equipment from rain or sand storms. They make a nice emergency
overcoat, too.
Recent addition: a version of the Clampette, a 3-inch C-clamp with
attached tripod screw, instant stable platform in many unpredictable
circumstances.
http://mariposa.yosemite.net/hsmc
--
Frank ess
Skip M
> Roaming around this newsgroup and several photography boards, I've found
> several items I would never have considered placing in my camera bag but
> are now essentials (at least for myself). Things like velcro tape, bean
> bags, and even a space blanket (folds up to extremely tiny dimensions
> and acts as a great in the field reflector).
>
> Just wondering if the fine members of this newsgroup have any other
> items that one might not consider for inclusion in your bag that have
> proven to be useful?
>
>
> Jeff
> -----
> http://www.pbase.com/jkseidel
I don't know what you are doing, photographically speaking, but one thing
I've found indispensable are a pair of walkie talkies. They get used to
direct models at a distance, they can put one behind a wall or shrub where
it can't be seen, and I can tell them what I want them to do. Also a set of
small clamps from Home Depot to clamp things like the silver windshield
reflector I got at Target that I use as a light reflector. I've found that
the windshield reflector works better than a space blanket because it has a
semi rigid frame. I've also used the space blanket, because it will cover a
bigger area.
--
Skip Middleton
http://www.shadowcatcherimagery.com
Skip M
news:2pi8idF...@uni-berlin.de...
to my light stands when used outdoors. Weights made from 1 gallon Crystal
Geyser water bottles, the ones with handles that lift up from the necks.
$2.99 for the hooks, .99 ea for the water bottles, the water is free...;-)
Alan Meyer
"JeffS" <je...@spam.sux.pobox.com> wrote in message
news:60p7j0dm9l3eq9c5q...@4ax.com...
> Hi,
> Roaming around this newsgroup and several photography boards, I've found
> several items I would never have considered placing in my camera bag but
> are now essentials (at least for myself). Things like velcro tape, bean
> bags, and even a space blanket (folds up to extremely tiny dimensions
> and acts as a great in the field reflector).
>
> Just wondering if the fine members of this newsgroup have any other
> items that one might not consider for inclusion in your bag that have
> proven to be useful?
I have a quite small Canon S30 in a very small bag that just
accomodates it. This is not a pro setup, but the kind of thing
you can carry with you anywhere.
Anyway, in spite of the tiny bag, there is room in it for
a flat, foldup, table top tripod in addition to the camera.
Alan
Mark M
"JeffS" <je...@spam.sux.pobox.com> wrote in message
news:60p7j0dm9l3eq9c5q...@4ax.com...
> Hi,
> Roaming around this newsgroup and several photography boards, I've found
> several items I would never have considered placing in my camera bag but
> are now essentials (at least for myself). Things like velcro tape, bean
> bags, and even a space blanket (folds up to extremely tiny dimensions
> and acts as a great in the field reflector).
>
> Just wondering if the fine members of this newsgroup have any other
> items that one might not consider for inclusion in your bag that have
> proven to be useful?
There have been many MANY times where my old stand-by freebie Motel-6 (or
other) clear plastic shower cap has saved my camera and lens in a downpour,
and...allowed me to both see see and control my camrea through it's clear
material.
With its elastic opening, it fits perfectly around a camera body, allowing
the end of the lens to stick through the elastic part.
Works like a charm.
JustPassinThru
wrote:
>Hi,
>Roaming around this newsgroup and several photography boards, I've found
>several items I would never have considered placing in my camera bag but
>are now essentials (at least for myself). Things like velcro tape, bean
>bags, and even a space blanket (folds up to extremely tiny dimensions
>and acts as a great in the field reflector).
>
>Just wondering if the fine members of this newsgroup have any other
>items that one might not consider for inclusion in your bag that have
>proven to be useful?
>
>Curious,
>
Nice thread. I'm not sure if I'm one of the "fine" members here, but
I'll see what I can do to contribute...
I do extended remote-location nature and night photography, so my
list may be unique. I have to be really self-sufficent. Plus I have
a medium size back-pack style camera bag, which affords me the room
for my "essentials".
(It's amazing how much my camera-bag's essentials changed when
switching over to digital. But then all that extra room from the now
missing rolls of film easily allows me the room to do so. Aside: I
sent an e-mail to a fellow photographer last night, explaining to
him how I would have had to take along 153, 36-exposure rolls of
film on my last trek to equal the number of digital photos I took. A
cost savings after all is said and done of well beyond $1900. The
price comparison was based on discount films and processing prices
from 2 years ago. The camera and all accessories easily paid for
itself in less than 1 year. But I digress... sorry...)
Along with some of the things others have already mentioned:
One of those kids' toys spring-metal rulers that roll up. (It's
compact with both english and metric units.) To stand or lie beside
some flower, fungus, or animal track to give a size reference in the
photo. Or even a dollar bill, which is often better because everyone
can immediately relate to its size. A coin came in handy when
putting it on one bract of a very large chicken-mushroom, which we
later ate portions of for lunch along with some trout. I take photos
without the size reference included then a couple with it, this way
I have the more pleasing display photo as well as nature-study
reference photos.
Until I obtained a camera that allows me to include voice-notations,
I had a small (cheap garage-sale purchase) digital voice-recorder.
A large heavy-duty zip-lock baggie with a day-light filter embedded
into one of the sides, (the plastic cut away over the clear area of
the filter). So as to provide a quick harsh-environment cover. It
saved my camera from a brief dunking in the bottom of a leaking
crabbing-boat last winter. The camera beside me slid off the seat
and became nearly fully submerged in the 6 inches of water in the
bottom of the leaking boat, but the camera came up unscathed and
fully functional, I just wiped off the filter (and baggie) and kept
on shooting. If you enclose enough air in the bag when you seal it
up the camera will probably even float long enough for any
retrieval.
A compass.
2 compact infra-red illuminators (but that's specific to my camera's
capabilities), for taking extended-range (to 80 feet) wild-life
photos in complete darkness in infra-red.
A folding 5-watt solar-panel that charges my batteries in nearly the
same amount of time as a wall-outlet. Used in conjunction with the
patch-cords and voltage regulators included with a Digipower-9000
battery-pack. (Got the solar-panel for $55, which don't seem to be
available anymore. It's only 1x9x4 inches folded up. Luckily I
bought two at the time, one for me and one for a friend, or he would
have killed me out of envy if he saw mine and found out they are no
longer available. :)
A mini swiss-army style pocket knife that has mini-scissors etc.
A small all-in-1 pocket tool/screw-drivers/long-nose-pliers I found
at a Dollar Store, that also has a white-light LED flashlight. (I
should have bought a dozen of those little wonders, everyone I run
into now wants one. You can use the folding tool itself like a stand
to support the LED light in any angle or direction, making it a
wonderful hands-free positionable fill-light for macros.)
A white-light LED headlamp. How I lived without one of those before
I'll never know. It also doubles as a fill-light for macros in a
pinch.
Small pack of assorted white and tinted papers to set my
white-balance any way I want.
A compact (1x1.5x3 inch) digital volt-ohm meter (for $5 from
www.harborfreighttools.com a couple years ago, where I also got
those folding solar panels that they no longer carry), to track down
which wire or connection might be the one at fault, or to check
battery charges, power source amperage output, or polarities of
unknowns.
A few mini alligator-clip patch cords (for the occasional
broken-wire or power-source emergency).
A circular bubble-level (it's small, about 1" dia.), to set on top
of the camera in the event that whatever make-shift or borrowed
tripod I have at the time doesn't have one, for making panorama
shots. (from www.sciplus.com)
A collection of miscellaneous "fun filters" that I've made out of
various sources (diffraction rainbow glasses, an "insects'-view"
kids' toy optics I found at a ranger-station, a 200 color-filter 1x3
inches plastic sampler pack to hold in front of a lens or flash --
wish I knew where I got those, they are all optically clear, would
like to get some new ones again, some of mine are showing severe
use-damage).
A dark ND filter that I crafted to fit snuggly inside of the EVF
eye-piece cup so my night-vision is not ruined by its brightness.
This has proven very useful many times, especially when trying to
find those dim aurora just at the edge of my night-vision, but which
the camera can see without a problem.
Two 2x4 inch fresnel lenses that I use as a flash-range extender.
(They allow me to take properly exposed telephoto shots with my
camera up to 100 feet away using just the camera's built-in flash.)
I built a compact support for them out of a Lowery's Salt container
that snaps like a C-clip over the lens barrel and correctly
distances/positions them in front of the flash. (lenses from
www.sciplus.com)
Ultra-fine-point "Sharpie" markers in 2 colors (various uses).
8 inch curved hemostats. Used for an ultra-quickie subject
clamp/stand for macros or trying to dislodge/retrieve that thing
that slipped just out of reach somewhere. (Also for the occasional
pot-smoking visitor to my campsite that's grateful for the nice
pass-around roach-clip. I don't smoke pot anymore but don't mind at
all if others do.)
A 12 foot length of 1" wide nylon-webbing with a short 1/4-20 bolt
through the middle of it, to act as a quick di-pod. It rolls up
small. (Attach the bolt to the tripod socket, then stand on each end
of the nylon strap and pull up. This usually takes care of any
tripod needs. Otherwise I have to hike/run back to the van to get
one or improvise with things in the wilds. I keep the usual mini
pocket-tripod in the camera bag though, which can be put atop, taped
to, or otherwise attached to other things if needed for those many
seconds long night-shots.)
A thin pack of duct-tape, spooled off the main roll and wrapped
around a flat piece of thin cardboard. I do the same with some
transparent tape.
A back-up small and inexpensive digital camera, just in case my main
one fails.
2 pairs of cheap, small, reading-glasses, 1.5+ and 3+ powers. For
close inspections and occasional mini-repairs. Sometimes using both
together for high detailed inspections of minute subjects. (From a
Dollar Store.)
Things I carry along but have already been mentioned by others: 2
mini-carabineers, solar-blanket, translucent white plastic lid that
snuggly snaps over the lens, 2 for $10 www.sciplus.com FM-radio
walkie-talky combos, a garbage bag or two to act as a make-shift
rain poncho or other use (the drab-green ones make a quick wild-life
camouflage shelter).
Quite the assortment of digital-photographer's survival tools, but
they all came in handy at one time or another for my more unique
remote nature-photography needs. Don't worry, the amount of typing
here to describe them does not reflect the smaller amount of space
taken up in the camera bag. I have room left over for the usual
essentials of batteries, filters, extender and close-up lenses,
cleaning supplies, etc. But that pack *is* quite full when all is
included. I put every last bit of storage room to good use.
One thing I've thought about including was a whistle of some sort,
to use for emergency calls, but I'm rather independent and
self-sufficient so I'd never have need for it. Yet I do have a very
small, wood, Brazilian cricket-whistle in my camera bag which I
sometimes use to get the attention of some bird or other wild-life
so I can get a better shot. (They turn or come closer to inspect
what odd insect is making that new noise in the woods.) You can
emulate many types of chirping/buzzing insects with it, with
practice. I've never tried it but often wondered if it would help
when fishing. :) I obtained it from www.larkinthemorning.com (item
#SAM006, $16) in case any fellow nature photographers are curious
now and want one of these unique sound-makers. They have ~40 other
whistles to emulate many types of birds and other wild-life. In
their "Samba Whistles" category. That reminds me, I also keep one of
those Audubon Bird-Calls in my bag too. The little wood cylinder
type that you "squeak" around a pewter stem. You can't just yell
"Hey! Look at the camera!" But that method too has worked in a
pinch. It worked on a moose, I was fresh out of moose calls that
day. :) That reminds me too, I also keep one of those small
mouth-reed elk bugle calls in my wallet. A little flat thing that
you put inside your mouth. You can get them from any hunting or
outdoor sports department for a few dollars.
Gene Palmiter
cost a buck and has a lot of uses. Its in the bottom of the bag so it
provides a little moisture protection. Its translucent so it can be used as
shade or reflector. It can be a shelter in a quick storm. Makes a lighting
tent. ...it has to have a million other uses and is cheap enough so that it
can be destroyed without caring.
"JeffS" <je...@spam.sux.pobox.com> wrote in message
news:60p7j0dm9l3eq9c5q...@4ax.com...
> Hi,
> Roaming around this newsgroup and several photography boards, I've found
> several items I would never have considered placing in my camera bag but
> are now essentials (at least for myself). Things like velcro tape, bean
> bags, and even a space blanket (folds up to extremely tiny dimensions
> and acts as a great in the field reflector).
>
> Just wondering if the fine members of this newsgroup have any other
> items that one might not consider for inclusion in your bag that have
> proven to be useful?
>
> Curious,
>
> Jeff
> -----
> http://www.pbase.com/jkseidel
Paul Bartram
"JeffS" <je...@spam.sux.pobox.com> wrote
> Just wondering if the fine members of this newsgroup have any other items
that one might not consider for inclusion in your bag that have proven to be
useful?
Probably fairly obvious, but a ball-point pen and a small notepad has been
very useful on many occasions, for recording details of a shot, or writing
down the name and address of a subject so you can send them a copy of the
photo. Also a few business cards with your own details seems to put people
at ease...
I also carry a pair of plastic ear-plugs, for use when shooting at
rock-concerts, particularly when you stand right in front of those speakers!
Paul
Hunt
.com says...
>
>Hi,
>Roaming around this newsgroup and several photography boards, I've found
>several items I would never have considered placing in my camera bag but
>are now essentials (at least for myself). Things like velcro tape, bean
>bags, and even a space blanket (folds up to extremely tiny dimensions
>and acts as a great in the field reflector).
>
>items that one might not consider for inclusion in your bag that have
>proven to be useful?
>
>
>Jeff
I've a couple of things I cannot live without in my bag:
Leatherman tool (pliers and several blades and drivers, like a Swiss Army
knife (TM) - just have to remember to move it to checked luggage though!!!
9x loupe that covers the display on my digital, and has a black sleeve that
slides down to block light.
Mag-lite (TM) for finding those blasted tiny numbers and such on the camera,
or even for looking into my bag in the dark.
Macbeth color wedge and grey-card
Small roll of gaffers' tape in grey & black (white and yellow/black barricade
tape in "gimcrack" accessory bag, along with clamps, jewelers screwdrivers,
soft iron wire, glue, sticky-wax, various cloths for cleaning/reflecting,
black cloth for background, or blocking light, black camera tape, set of
various pliers/cutters - and a strong assistant to carry this separate box!
And I thought I was the only person who carried ear-plugs!
Last (for me) two pairs of reading glasses, but you younger folk can
substitute something else - just know that one day, you too, will rely on
these. :-)
Hunt
Paul W. Ross
Changing bag (film camera issue) -- serves as pad in bottom of case,
and for dealing with stuck cameras.
Small squirt bottle of lens cleaner, tissues, lens brush..
Charlie Self
>about those Pringle's can lids.
>
>One thing I found was a handy item usually called 'pack towels'. Found
>in most outdoor type stores, these towels are available in many
>different sizes and are amazing. Made with vicose and polypropylene,
>they absorb a ton of water, wring to almost completely dry, fold up into
>a small space, and seem to last forever. I use them for a variety of
>purposes. As a towel (obvious), substitute bean bag, lens
>changing/camera work area (they get almost chamois soft) so nothing gets
>scratched, etc. I found out about them at www.msrgear.com .
>
>
Sounds interesting. One other gadget bag gadget you might consider is a space
blanket. Or t2 or 3.
Fantastic reflectors, available in silver and gold.
Charlie Self
"A judge is a law student who marks his own examination papers." H. L. Mencken
Mark M
news:ml18j09smf73q2m9j...@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 02:44:07 GMT, JeffS <je...@spam.sux.pobox.com>
> wrote:
>
> >Hi,
> >Roaming around this newsgroup and several photography boards, I've found
> >several items I would never have considered placing in my camera bag but
> >are now essentials (at least for myself). Things like velcro tape, bean
> >bags, and even a space blanket (folds up to extremely tiny dimensions
> >and acts as a great in the field reflector).
<Major Snip>
Great item list with good explanations of use!
I don't usually take my full (Lowe-Pro) photo back-pack, but will definitely
hunt for a few of the items you list to squeeze into my smaller Orion bag.
Thanks.
-Mark M
ka...@sonic.net
wrote:
>JeffS notes:
>
>>about those Pringle's can lids.
>>
>>One thing I found was a handy item usually called 'pack towels'. Found
>>in most outdoor type stores, these towels are available in many
>>different sizes and are amazing. Made with vicose and polypropylene,
>>they absorb a ton of water, wring to almost completely dry, fold up into
>>a small space, and seem to last forever. I use them for a variety of
>>purposes. As a towel (obvious), substitute bean bag, lens
>>changing/camera work area (they get almost chamois soft) so nothing gets
>>scratched, etc. I found out about them at www.msrgear.com .
>>
>>
>
>Sounds interesting. One other gadget bag gadget you might consider is a space
>blanket. Or t2 or 3.
>
>Fantastic reflectors, available in silver and gold.
Other cheap, but workable reflectors/absorbers -- car shades
that are black on one side, aluminized on the other, spring rim so
they fold down to about ten inches across. Generally come in 2-packs.
Use one for your car, leave the other intact for a large
reflector/absorber or cut in half for two smaller ones.
In fact, get a couple of sets. If you want to keep sun out of
your car most of the day, put one across the side window and half the
windshield. Same for the other side.
Also handy to unfurl as a cover for equipment you might have
to leave on the floor or in the back seat.
ka...@sonic.net
<spam...@noaddress.com> wrote:
>
>A folding 5-watt solar-panel that charges my batteries in nearly the
>same amount of time as a wall-outlet. Used in conjunction with the
>patch-cords and voltage regulators included with a Digipower-9000
>battery-pack. (Got the solar-panel for $55, which don't seem to be
>available anymore. It's only 1x9x4 inches folded up. Luckily I
>bought two at the time, one for me and one for a friend, or he would
>have killed me out of envy if he saw mine and found out they are no
>longer available. :)
http://www.brunton.com/closeouts.php -- lotsa choices on the Brunton
site or google "solar charger" for other options. Go for a flexible
rollup panel if you just have to get rid of the remainder of your last
check because next payday's right around the corner.
Details of the folding SolarPort 2.2 -- on sale at $50 --
<http://www.brunton.com/closeouts.php?show_detail=12-FSOLARPORT>
I have a Radio Shack branded version of the same thing -- same price
-- even down to the yellow button.
For the terminally lazy:
SolarPort 2.2 Solar Charger
Plug into the Sun! This convenient solar recharging unit efficiently
converts solar energy into electricity where you need it most, in the
field. Designed as a stand-alone system, yet multiple units can also
be joined together, doubling or tripling the wattage output. No matter
the application, the SolarPort 2.2 will certainly keep you in charge.
* 7.25" x 4.5" x 1.25"
* Weighs just 11 oz.
* Max Output: 2.2 watt; 290mA @ 7.6 Volts (6V setting)
* 145mA @ 15.2 Volts (12V setting)
* Charges and operates many devices, including cellular phones,
GPS units, FRS radios, PDAs, MP3 players, handheld games, etc.
* Accessories include suction cups for the window mounting, power
cable, 12V automobile socket adapter, and several small adapters for
various small electronic devices.
Charlie Self
>>Sounds interesting. One other gadget bag gadget you might consider is a
>space
>>blanket. Or t2 or 3.
>>
>>Fantastic reflectors, available in silver and gold.
>
> Other cheap, but workable reflectors/absorbers -- car shades
>that are black on one side, aluminized on the other, spring rim so
>they fold down to about ten inches across. Generally come in 2-packs.
>Use one for your car, leave the other intact for a large
>reflector/absorber or cut in half for two smaller ones.
Great idea! I'll pick up a couple sets today.
The biggest hassle with the space blankets is their lack of shape...I'm always
looking for something to hold them up.
Charlie Self
>>The biggest hassle with the space blankets is their lack of shape...I'm
>always
>>looking for something to hold them up.
>
>I use several methods. Velcro tape is one. The adhesive on the back will
>stick to most surfaces and can be placed along the back of the blanket
>to make it take almost any shape you want. I also have one that I
>punched some metal grommet eyes through, then attach to things with snap
>hooks. Since the blankets are only $3.95 (USD) at my local camping
>store, a few mistakes doesn't really kill my budget.
Parme while I bang my head against the wall. I've got 2-3 of those grommet kits
around here and never once thought of that.
Thanks.
Tom Nelson
The frames-based site doesn't make it easy to find. Click Professional
Products>Viewing Accessories>Digital Magnifier
Note that with a Fuji S2 (and presumably other digicams) the rim of the
loupe tends to press the "Play" button, shutting off the display. A
light touch is the answer.
For other solutions, try:
http://www.screen-shade.com/
http://www.hoodmanusa.com/
Tom Nelson
Tom Nelson Photography
In article <ddocj0t23froibegg...@4ax.com>, schuetzen -
RKBA! <ch...@texas.net> wrote:
> On 31 Aug 2004 16:32:28 GMT, no...@hunt.com (Hunt) wrote:
>
> >
> >9x loupe that covers the display on my digital, and has a black sleeve that
> >slides down to block light.
>
>
> THIS I could use!!
> where did you find it?? Edmunds??
Ken Oaf
> The biggest hassle with the space blankets is their lack of shape...I'm always
> looking for something to hold them up.
macro
it attached to the flash.
Charlie Self
>A diffuser made from bubble pack, which works pretty well. Velcro keeps
>it attached to the flash.
Gotta try that. Sounds interesting and I've got plenty of bubble wrap.
Charlie Self
"I have always felt that a politician is to be judged by the animosities he
excites among his opponents." Sir Winston Churchill
Kimberlee
Gotta try that one, too!
~Kimberlee
Kimberlee
~Kimberlee
JeffS wrote:
> I use 'deli wrap' paper as a diffuser in a pinch. Attached to the
> flash with a rubber band. Available free whenever you buy a sandwich
> to go (ask for an extra sheet, don't use the ones used to actually
> wrap up the sandwich or things get messy). Waxed paper is pretty much
> the same thing.
>
> Jeff