View Full Version : Daily User
The luxury of having several cameras is that one can choose the best camera for different applications. I've hit on a particular combination of camera and lens that (for now) is my daily user, the one I schlepp to and from work, when photography is not a priority and I just want to have a camera with me just in case a photo op. arises. My criteria are: ease of use (this means built-in meter), small size and light weight, not so valuable that it would kill me to lose it or have it stolen, and fully capable. For me, this means my Bessa R with I-22 collapsible lens. (50mm, f3.5, Elmar copy)
It's a bit odd that my daily user is not my favourite camera or lens. For favourite 35mm, I'd select the M3 with 50mm M-mount collapsible Summicron.
Are there others with multiple cameras who do this too?
back alley
03-29-2005, 06:40
i carry my digital canon g2 mostly.
joe
wlewisiii
03-29-2005, 06:54
Well, I carry my favorite just about everywhere I go - my bag with my Kiev 5 kit and lenses. I do keep my Agfa Karat 36 in my glove compartment though so that I always have some camera along. I need to find another camera to stash in the glove compartment of my wife's car as well; perhaps another folding 35... hmm... or that Fed 5 I broke down and got for $9.99...
One of the reasons I love my Kievs so much is that I can have them be my daily users without any significant worry. Yes, I'd be deeply bummed if the 5 were lost/stolen/broken, but it wouldn't break the bank to replace it unlike a Leica or other such camera.
William
I like small fixed-lens RF's for schlepping cameras. The one I currently use for this is the Oly 35RC I picked up from Joe.
Gene
i carry my digital canon g2 mostly.
joe
Oh, Joe! Say it isn't so! How about your rc35 like Gene?
back alley
03-29-2005, 07:48
the problem i have with carrying a film camera for daily use is that i rarely actually take a pic, so the film sits in the camera forever.
with digital, i can see & process it when i get in at night.
joe
impact07
03-29-2005, 07:49
I usually carry a beater camera with me, "just in case". Maybe my Kiev, or a Zorki, but more often something different; a holga, my Pentacon, Rolleicord (when it worked), Zero Pinhole, Lubitel, etc. My favorite combo is my MP, with the collapsable Elmar, and my Zorki C with the collapsable Industar as a backup. I just don't feel comfortable having my main bag sitting in my office for someone to steal all day.
Frank, you should not have sold me your Canonet!
It fits the bill perfectly :)
Just two days ago rain caught me in the woods, and boy, was I glad I had the Canonet with me, and not the M6 ;)
No, the Canonet DID NOT get wet. I did, though...
Denis
Today I have an Olympus XA with me, an Olympus 35SP (w/B&W film) in the car and a small digital P&S (Pentax Optio S)
-Nick
Denis, I'm glad the Canonet went to you. I could never have shown it those lovely European vineyards that you take it to. (pic from Camera and Coffee) Fixed lens RF cameras don't do it for me for some reason.
Frank, does the Industar clear the innards of the Bessa R when it collapses?
This Spring my daily schlepper has been a FED 2 with a collapsible Industar 50 with color film. On special occasions I run a roll or two through Zorki 3, which is my other daily driver. A daily driver is something that can be readily replaced.
Previous daily drivers include an Oly 35RC and before that an XA.
Most often I haul around my Contax II and a Gossen meter almost as big as the camera. Once in a while I carry a Nikon FM. Recently, I've been keeping a Mamiya C220 within reach -- not really a "pocket" camera.
Andrew, the I-22 (FED) lens is collapsible and it does clear the innards of the Bessa. Larger collapsible lenses like the 50mm Summicron and Canon F1.9 get hung up.
My 50 Cron barely, just barely squeezes into my Bessa R, but alas I'm not bringing that rig to my work place. I'd never see a pay raise again, if I did. It's better to humour the muckity mucks with Russian range finder and a sprinkling of Oly 35's.
Andrew, my Summicron fits too, but with a slight bump or hitch. I don't want to keep doing that because the damage would be cummulative and the camera's light meter sensor is right there.
Like Joe, my daily camera is a little Canon A70 digicam (when my sister isn't borrowing it). Small, easy to use and I don't have to wait till I shoot the whole roll first.
I do keep a Minolta SLR kit in the car, and I'm usually shooting a different RF each week or two.
Even then, all three serve completely different functions. The digicam is a p&s, and the zoom range is limited. The SLR has a wider range and I usually have colour film in it. The RF's almost always have b&w film only, so my shooting style is different.
the problem i have with carrying a film camera for daily use is that i rarely actually take a pic, so the film sits in the camera forever.
with digital, i can see & process it when i get in at night.
I have that problem with my carry-around cams as well. You got me thinking.
Bulk loaded short 12exp rolls of Tri-X would be perfect. The light switched on! :rolleyes:
Gene
Are there others with multiple cameras who do this too?I only wish. :( Maybe I should invest in a daily user...
Andrew, the I-22 (FED) lens is collapsible and it does clear the innards of the Bessa. Larger collapsible lenses like the 50mm Summicron and Canon F1.9 get hung up.
That is great news!
Since the J-12 does not fit, I never even though about trying the I-22 on the R - which I will do right away!
Roman
OK, just tried - does your I-22 collapse all the way on your R? Mine hits a ledge inside the body a few mm before being completely collapsed...
Roman
Roman, I just tried. There is some play in the I22 lens as it slides back. I can tilt the sliding lens so the back part tips down and it will hit the camera. If I tilt the front of the lens down, or if I keep it level, the back of the lens slides in without contact.
Hmm, mine does not have any play...
I tried again - it does collapse if the lens is close-focussed, but not with the lens at infinity!
Roman
Krasnaya_Zvezda
03-29-2005, 11:27
I keep an Ansco Anscoset under the front seat of the car, and I schlepp various shooters around at different times, depending on mood and whatever I anticipate shooting. Alot of the time I carry a small bag with a FED 5C with a J8 on it, in the bag I have a J12 and a flash unit. I've lately taken to carrying my Praktica MTL3 loaded with Fuji 800, since there have been instances of being asked to take some shots at work, and I'd rather not use the flash there if I can get away with it.
Most of the time, it depends on my mood, and which camera I feel that I've neglected the most. Starting next Monday, I'm determined it's gonna be Holga Week---
For non-photography-specific outings, when I remember to bring a camera with me it's usually my Olympus XA.
I'm actually considering ditching most of my "big" cameras since I've found I grab the small-and-light cameras in my collection more frequently even for photo outings. I just don't like carting around a camera bag with several lenses anymore nor do I particularly care to stand out from the crowd while I'm taking pictures.
Roman, push down on the front part of the lens really hard as you slide it back. This will tip up the back end and clear the camera. (Of course this may also wreck your lens.)
Well, I think I'd rather not try that... ;)
Roman
jan normandale
03-29-2005, 11:51
Hi daily cam users.
I have a banged up Olympus 35 RC as a shooter. It has no lens cap and I keep it in a ziplock bag in my pocket. Shooting a variant Sunny 16 because I don't like the metering in the camera. I like the camera though. Tough enough to drive a spike into a 2x4. As Paul Hogan might say .. " now that's a camera"
If anyone has an aftermarket lens cap "for cheap" for this tough little camera, please send me a note.
Jan
back alley
03-29-2005, 12:03
what don't you like about the metering jan?
i still have the original lens cap and original uv filter for my rc.
joe
Brian Sweeney
03-29-2005, 12:16
Joe! A Digital!!! Just Bulk Load your own cassettes! Make a 5 or 10 exposure roll!! Take more pictures!!! If film goes away, I'm going to blame you!!!
I have not decided what the "user" is. It shifts around. I keep a user Nikon SLR around, although Todd has my last one. I fell into a pre-production Nikon F2 for $75 that fills that void. I have many fixed-lens RF's to choose from, but have whittled them down a bit. The camera that I grab the most is a Canon 7. I've got "users" in a couple of mounts: The Canon 7; Nikon S3, Leica M3, Nikon F2, Canon F1... I tend to rotate them. For the "Pool-Cam" I stick to a fixed-lens RF, one that usually ran under $10.
back alley
03-29-2005, 12:43
that's a great idea brian.
i have 2 bulk rolls in my freezer and about 10 cassettes ready to go.
i have never loaded my own film and am hesitant to give it that first try. so far i have been using up the xp2 in the fridge.
joe
Penguin_101
03-29-2005, 12:45
I almost always have a Canon A60.
Modified Argus C3 (early C3 body mated to late Standard lens, strap lugs added, retimed for electronic flash and recovered in green vinyl). Usually loaded with 12 exp. Fuji SuperHQ 100 from Ritz.
sockeyed
03-29-2005, 14:27
I toss an Oly Stylus Epic in my bag sometimes, and other times its my Canonet GIII. Loaded with Superia 800 or Tri-X, either is ready for anything.
I have a Canon A70 digital too, but I only use it for snapshots, pictures of my gear, and videos.
...My criteria are: ease of use (this means built-in meter), small size and light weight, not so valuable that it would kill me to lose it or have it stolen, and fully capable. For me, this means my Bessa R with I-22 collapsible lens. (50mm, f3.5, Elmar copy)...
I admit I chuckled a bit at your choice. My Bessa R is my *top* RF and I'd feel awful
if something happened to it :D
Ah, the joys of FSU cheapies ...
Gene
Gene, I would have chosen my FED2 camera, but it doesn't have built-in metering. (I suggest you get a Leica.)
CleverName
03-29-2005, 15:09
I keep a GSN in the car, and usually a roll or two of the cheapest color film I can find. My general non-photography-specific-outing camera is my Canonet GIII, appropriate speed film, and maybe the canolite flash. I even bring the Canonet along for photography specific outings.
My daily shooter used to be a Rollei 35TE but now it's the Contax TVS, slow lens and dim viewfinder don't matter much while there's still daylight.
My nightly shooter is a Contax G2 :-)
I have a small bag with the G2 and 28, 45, 90 as well as three rolls Tri-X and Fuji Sensia 100 packed all the time and a rucksack with a Canon D60, 17-35, 24-85 and flash.
So when I go to work and the weather looks like shooting I grab one of the bags.
I like my Rollei 35S for carrying around in my travels vs the M6 which is my favorite.
Zoltan
I almost always have the MP, but I've been known to carry around the Prominent (with the Nokton).
If I'm feeling up to it, I bring the Mamiya Universal. I'm pretty tall, it doesn't look so huge when I carry it... Good for Polaroids.
jan normandale
03-30-2005, 07:02
what don't you like about the metering jan?
i still have the original lens cap and original uv filter for my rc.
joe
Hi Joe
I find the RC meter is too slow for my style. I literally shoot as I walk. The meter on the RC seems to need the photographer to be still for a second or so, at least mine does.
I haven't used the AF for more that about 6 shots; that's shots not rolls. I just set the speed , f-stop and start shooting. If the light changes I change the speed or the stop or both.
I lost my cap down a sewer grate as I lifted it off to take a shot, If you know of a source I'd be interested. Henry's in Toronto is a large shop. No luck for me. So I'm still looking
regards, Jan
Hello Jan,
B&H Photo Video, just type in 45mm lens cap. The offer two varieties, a Schneider and a Kaiser. Go for the Schneider. Maybe Henry's could do a special order.
The other thing about 35RC light meter is it helps to point it down or towards the back of your hand when metering.
jan normandale
03-30-2005, 08:02
Gentlemen (Solinar; Greyhoundman)
the help is appreciated, I'm on it now!
best regards, Jan
Wayne R. Scott
03-30-2005, 12:57
For my shirt pocket I have a Chinon Bellami. I normally have a Canon QL-17 GIII and/or a Yashica GSN riding in the vehicle with me.
If I am serous about shooting "stuff" I take my Contax IIa and IIIa, Koni-Omega Rapid 200, and my Crown Graphic 4x5. (Plus Bronica ETRS and Nikon F3HP).
Wayne
nikon_sam
03-30-2005, 13:05
I mostly carry around a Nikon F2A with a 50mm 1.4 lens & hood attached. I know it's not a Rangefinder but along with that camera I will also carry an Olympus 35-S with a 4.2cm 1.8 lens (fixed lens rangefinder) or an Aires 35 III-C with a 4.5cm 1.9 lens also a fixed lens rangefinder.
All three cameras have B&W film in them and I have no problems with just burning film on just about anything that catches my eye. Also my kids will pick up one of these cameras and take a few fun shots for themselves.
I try to take care not to hurt these cameras as I schlepp them around...I know they aren't perfect and are subject to wear and tear, I also know that they are tools and someday will need to be replaced.
I love cameras and never feel out of place with one hanging off my shoulder even if I don't use it at the time...you never know when that "Pull-It Surprise" shot will appear.
2maneekameras
03-30-2005, 14:43
When I want a really small 35mm, mechanical, I use a rollei 35. When I want small, light weight and cheap: XA2. When I want cheap, no batteries, easy replacement, sorta small: Fed2+J8. When I want small medium format: Ikonta. When I want really, really small:(16mm film) stecky or minolta. When I want digital: olympus C3000(3.3mpx manual setting possible for all camera fx, external flash possible. rangefinder like styling, supplemental lens options)
surlysimon
03-30-2005, 15:31
traveling i carry an XA in one pocket and a XA4 in the other with my bessar R in hand.
for daily stuff it's what ever has film in it but if i had to choose something i won't miss it would be one of my three olympus trips. they are simple and require no batteries the zone focusing is simple and for the most part pretty good, if i want accuracy i pop a rangefinder on to it and away we go. the 40mm lens is amazinly good for such a cheap camera (still looks serious though and feels serious) best part of the trip is the AUS$5 replacement cost.
must try bulk loading some film again and see how it goes
Actually it's a Walmart photo album. I think they've changed to a brown, now.
When I head out the door I usually sling a Bronica RF645 over my shoulder.
My just-in-case camera is currently a Lomo LC-A when carrying a small or no bag and a Konica Hexar when the bag is a bit bigger.
jan normandale
03-30-2005, 20:25
Per a request; my C3
JEd, that has to be a very cool camera, I would carry it everywhere just to use it every chance I had. What is the story on the lens?
Jan
sockdaddy
03-30-2005, 22:33
hey - another LC-A fan!
i almost always have that little camera loaded with film and sitting on the dining room table next to my keys. any time i get in the car, i try to grab it and take it with me. good pocket size, no lens sticking out to get in the way, point and shoot but produces some great (imo) images.
if it's not that, i hate to say it, it's either my Sony V1 or Canon SD300. digital makes grab shots so easy, and guilt free.
I always carry my Olympus Stylus Epic/mju:2. Sometimes I carry my GSN or my '65 Nikon F with either the superb 28-50, a 50/1.4 or the 55/2.8.
I have a bag issue right now. Need to get something that I can put a pad of paper, date book and some work stuff, and a camera. My beat up Eddie Bauer $25 briefcase with coffee stains is the perfect anti-white collar bag for me, but has no padding. In the next few weeks I will break down, and not buy something else first, and get one of those Domke Satchel clones so I can start toting my Canonet around.
I only wish. :( Maybe I should invest in a daily user...Hey! Good advice!! A Canonet is on the way! :D
Rover, you could cut a block of foam for the briefcase, to protect the Canonet... Wouldn't have to fill the whole interior, just pad the cam.
back alley
03-31-2005, 12:05
rover,
want that lens pouch back?
joe
JEd, that has to be a very cool camera, I would carry it everywhere just to use it every chance I had. What is the story on the lens?
Jan
It's just a late (1965-66) lens from a C3 Stadard. Tha original lens from this body had been tampered with and was missing the front element. You see the results.
I actually have an Op Tech neoprene case that fits the Canonet very well (the M6 can squeeze in too). Being narrow and not padded at all everything inside the bag takes a good beating though. It is a great bag though.
I have some nice places to shoot too at lunchtime if I get out.
Well this is strange, you make me feel normal, I always carry a camera and I go changing from time to time, but it's always a metered camera. Every time I go out I feel this strange urge of taking a camera just for, in case a photo may come out, the weird thing is that people arround me is not used to old cameras anymore, I feel the strange glances while I take out my camera.
Actually I'm having a romance with my Yashica Electro35 GSN, it's so cheap, fast and it's lense render so creamy images that I can't resist go out with her.
Pablo
I carry my Mir with collapsible Industar if I have a backpack with me and my minolta dimage x if I dont feel like taking a bag.
rover, nice bags:
http://www.crumpler.com.au/home.php
surlysimon
03-31-2005, 18:51
just a quick extra plug for Crumpler (no i don't work for them) i use their courier bags and have to sat they are tough and well designed. i have had a crumpler since they were hand made here in melbourne and got to know the designer and was allways impressed with what they made. sorry i know it's OT but i am a real fan of their stuff
Bertram2
04-01-2005, 04:35
For everyday use i recently bought a Ricoh R35 P&S with a great 4/30mm fixed lens, loaded with Tri-X or BW400CN. The lens is really stunning but prone to flare, the hood is a must.
I can set aperture manually for AE use and switch off AF too which allows me together with a +/- 2f correction more control than a normal P&S does. The camera has a hotshoe for an external flash and especially with Tri-X the results are very pleasing. I can put the camera even in the breastpocket of my shirt.
Often I use it as a sketch-pad, just to check if a certain place would be worth a second session with better equipment. And sometimes it happens that I find the pic good enuff to forget a second appoach with a Bessa :-)) MF is another story of course.
Bertram
The camera was about $ 95.
vBulletin® v3.6.8, Copyright ©2000-2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.