Equipment

A current and complete listing of my tools of the trade.


Cameras

  • Nikon D7000- Currently my primary camera after upgrading from the D90, I’ve found to add greater flexibility in terms of high ISO performance and carries some ergonomical and practical features from more professional bodies.
  • Nikon FM2- One of the best built full mechanical Nikon cameras, and the last. An original all back titanium shutter FM2 where the battery was only needed to power the LED meter, this otherwise mechnical unit was capable of readhing 1/4000 sec.
  • Nikon F2A- A professional level film camera that allowed for interchangeable heads. This unit has the ability to read Ai lens to avoid the need to stop down. Feels like a tank and can probably stop a bullet, or catch it at 1/2000th second.
  • Nikon F3- Another professional level film camera that allowed for interchangeable heads. The only downside to this one is the electronically controlled shutter, but an awesome camera nonetheless.
  • FujiFilm Finepix X100- A baby that has now superseded my D7000 and WB2000 as an everyday camera. The bright 35mm (FX Equivalent) f/2.0 lens is a perfect match with the APS-C sized sensor, producing DSLR quality images in a rangefinder sized body. What makes this camera a joy to use is the film simulation modes and the hybrid viewfinder.
  • Samsung WB2000- A compact camera bought for overseas travel, it takes relatively sharp photos with an impressive (albeit lower resolution) high speed video function up to 1000 fps. A cool aesthetic is the inclusion of analogue dials a la fuel gauges to show you how much battery/ memory is remaining.
  • FujiFilm Instax Mini 25- An instant camera using Polaroid developed technology that spits out wallet sized prints. Automated fill flash and macro lens, its brings the element of surprise and joy at parties and functions.
  • Pentax P30- My first film camera, in pristine condition. Electronically controlled shutter hence unable to be used without batteries, however has a responsive LED meter and all basic functions that you would come to expect of a typical SLR.
  • Zorki 4k - A Russian Leica rangefinder equivalent that is of solid construction. Full manual exposure and focus with no inbuilt meter. However a strange design feature was to omit strap lugs included in the original Zorki 4.
  • FirstFlex First TLR- A Japanese copy of a Rolleicord, I was lucky to find this medium-format twin lens reflex in good condition and still operational.
  • Kiev 4M- Definately a better camera than the Russian Zorki with a larger rangefinder. This camera is a Russian clone of a Zeiss Contax with a Sonnar lens (albeit single coated). Its my film counterpart to the Fuji X100 on a good day where I have the bagspace.
  • Mamiya RB67- a waist-level medium format TANK that has a rotating back so I can get a portrait orientation whilst shooting 6×7′s. I have 2 polaroid backs for this camera and enjoy shooting with such a large bright viewfinder. Terrible to carry around though!
  • Kiev 88- AKA the Hasselbladski, a Russian clone of the renowned Hasselblad, I was fortunate enough to get a good copy that was brand new since 1987, this set comes with TTL prism, WLF and two backs. For a compact 6×6 body, this seems like the way to go!
  • Nikonos V- The world renowned underwater film camera due to the way the optics are compensated for distortion in teh water, the shutter is smooth and dampened as well as my copy being relatively minty as a second hand from the Australian Navy. This one comes with a 35mm f/2.5 in which the wideness is great at offsetting any parallax error from the viewing window.

Lenses

  • Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f1.8G- My first lens, it was well suited for portraiture with the combination of its sharpness, focal length, large aperture and smooth bokeh due to the curved aperture blades, I happily spent one whole year using this lens alone.
  • Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f2.8 XR Di-II LD- This lens became the successor to the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G as my primary lens. After a recommendation and a loan from Cameron at Scout-Images, it was evident that this was a very sharp lens that spans from a wide angle to a normal range adding to its versatility.
  • Nikon AF 85mm f1.8D- An excellent portrait and telephoto lens, with a remarkable resolution, it’s only hindrance is the chromatic aberration when wide open, which is of no concern when shooting subjects such as people.
  • Lensbaby Composer- A spontaneous purchase which I have not regretted, its double glass optics proves to be sharp in the sweetspot, and the effects are unlike any other, however, I have yet to fully embrace this lens because of such. Now I have a Sweet 35 Optic to accompany this, no regrets at all!
  • Nikon Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 AI- A great addition to the kit, a lightweight and inconspicuous telephoto that handles well in low light, has well controlled chroma that is virtually gone by f/4. It’s characteristic is a low contrast, perfect for portraiture lens.
  • Avanar 28mm f/2.8 M42 Mount- Has been used on my Pentax P30 with an M42 adapter, produces sharp images with a unique distortion. Unable to focus to infinity when used on an adapter.
  • Jupiter 8 50mm f/2.0- For use on the Zorki 4k.
  • Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D- A screwdriver driven lens that retains an aperture ring, this lens is perfectly sharp and produces clear and spectacular macros. With little to no chromatic aberration, the range allows it for a good portrait and FX lens.
  • Helios 103 58mm f/1.8- a multicoated Zeiss Sonnar copy used on my Kiev 4M.
  • Helios 44M 58mm f/2- A Zeiss Biotar copy with psychadelic bokeh, mounted with an optically corrected M42 to Nikon adapter.
  • Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL-II- A great addition to my arsenal. This manual focus lens was a definite buy after a very brief trial due to its unparalleled sharpness and resolution, rendition of bokeh and chroma being well controlled at large apertures. I see it taking the place of the Nikon 85mm f/1.8D for portraiture and even for DSLR film-making.
  • Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D IF-ED SWM- The most recent version of the 80-200mm, this one has the added bonus of faster focusing speeds, as well as better corner sharpness than the first generation 70-200, its successor. The only downside is the lack of VR which is needed at a range such as this.
  • Mamiya 90mm 3.5L- The standard lens on my RB67, its sharp and contrasty, the L series is the way to go for quality in Mamiya lens.
  • Mamiya Sekor 180mm 4.5- The second lens on my RB67, being longer and thus more normal on a medium format camera this one is optimal for portraits.

Speedlights

  • Nikon SB-600- My primary flash, its off camera TTL capabilities has allowed me to explore lighting as well as offering more ease of control than the Nissin.
  • Nikon SB-700 (2)- Two SB-700 flashes that are lightweight and compact upgrades to the SB-600 whilst taking the form and features of the SB-900. The choice of two was to have accurate power matching when it is critically needed.
  • Nikon SB-800- Still an awesome flash due to its fast recycle time with the added battery module and seemingly none of the overheating issues that are present in the SB-900, although discontinued for quite some time, its still possible to pick one up second hand for a bargain.
  • Nikon SB-900- The current flagship Nikon flash, powerful outdoors and more features than you can poke a stick at, the extra power makes it useful inside a softbox without losing too much light.

Bags

  • Lowepro Pro Runner 450 AW- My bag for intensive shoots, it allows me to carry close to all of my equipment, contains a laptop compartment and tripod holder. The harness has proper weight distribution allows me to carry all this comfortably.
  • Lowepro Flipside 400 AW- A cleverly designed backpack that does not require you to remove it from your body to access gear. The front compartment fits accessories and a 32″ 5in1 reflector perfectly, whilst the internal compartment can fit up to 2 camera bodies and an assortment of flashes/ lens.
  • Tenba Messenger Photo/ Laptop Daypack- This is quite a versatile everyday bag, due to its inconspicuous nature, and being able to carry a body and two lenses and a flash in the camera compartment, as well as having a central compartment to store other items like a normal bag, such a a jacket or lunch. The laptop compartment makes it optimal as an overseas travel bag as well.
  • Maratac Satcom- Whilst strictly not a camera bag (primarily designed for military satellite communications), I use it as such with a small housing for my body and 2 lens, it allows me to travel exceptionally lightly.
  • Manfrotto UNICA V Messenger Bag- Now this is an awesome everyday bag, fitting a laptop, rangefinder style camera, or SLR if necessary. There’s a nifty tripod compartment at the bottom which I use to store an umbrella and loose cables for chargers etc.

Accessories

  • Manfrotto 190X PRO B- My trusty tripod, light to carry yet sturdy and doubles as a lightstand when need be.
  • Manfrotto 496 RC2- A simple ballhead with a quick release plate and friction control, no problems thus far.
  • LumOz 250P Lightstands (2)- 2.5m tall 5kg capacity stands that are downright sturdy and of good build, the drawback is that even collapsed they are quite large (85cm). However I do have a carry case for them.
  • Phottix P200 Lightstand- A lightweight 2m lightstand that is almost a replica of the Manfrotto Nanostand, it is sturdy and extremely portable.
  • Phottix Varos Umbrella Holders- Versatile adapters for my lightstands of solid construction.
  • Phottix Duo TTL Cord 1.5m- Allows me to fire up to two flashes from my camera whilst retaining TTL function.
  • Dell Wasabi PZ310- A portable printer that utilizes Zink zero-ink thermal paper, photos are sent via bluetooth or Pictbridge, always a party pleaser.
  • Lee Filters Quick Location Pack- An assortment of colours for gelling purposes when it comes to strobing.
  • Apurture Combo Remote- Allows me to trigger my camera either wirelessly or with the MC-DC2 in the GPS port.
  • Umbrellas- A range from translucent to silver reflective, even a softbox umbrella, here I have opted for the cheaper unbranded eBay options due to their lifespan.
  • 43″ 5in1 Reflector- Infinitely useful and fits in a laptop compartment.
  • Bokeh Masters Kit- An interesting modifier that I plan to use to subtly expand my creative photography.
  • Maha Powerex MH-C9000 Charger- An intelligent charger that keeps all my flash batteries conditioned and in top shape.
  • Phottix Strato II Triggers and Receivers- 4 groups on 4 channels working over 100m. Yes please! Backwards compatible with the first gen Strato receivers and fires off PC sync ports as well. Simplicity and good value at its best.
  • Sekonic L358 Flashmeter- Now this is definitely a handy tool for those who shoot with an unmetered film camera or want to do some strobist, gives accurate readings every time and fires in conjunction with a PC sync to get a flash reading.


UPDATE: 16/11/2010 Tenba Messenger Photo/ Laptop Daypack added
UPDATE: 24/11/2010 Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL-II added
UPDATE: 03/12/2010 LumOz 250P Lightstands added
UPDATE: 21/12/2010 Bokeh Masters Kit added
UPDATE: 21/12/2010 Phottix P200 Lightstand and Varos Umbrella Holder added
UPDATE: 30/12/2010 Nikon SB-700 (2) added
UPDATE: 31/12/2010 Nissin Di622 retired
UPDATE: 04/01/2011 Nikon SB-900 added
UPDATE: 08/01/2011 Maha Powerex MH-C9000 Charger added
UPDATE: 14/01/2011 Nikon Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 AI  added
UPDATE: 25/02/2011 FujiFilm Instax Mini 25 added
UPDATE: 16/03/2011 FujiFilm Finepix X100 added
UPDATE: 01/04/2011 Zorki 4k added
UPDATE: 07/10/2011 Kiev 88 added