Whats in the bag

[gyelland]

Just posted a review of my well used camera gear, just click on the area in the camera bag for a micro review of the kit in that section

http://www.clownloach.net/Reviews/14022004/index.html

what cheap gadgets have you got that makes you life eaiser ?

Gary

[Laziferous]

Neat idea. Thanks for posting that. I don't think I have any unique gadgets in my bag. I did modify a few though. I modified a CF card case to hold the remote that came with my camera, and also modified a lens cap, so that it's tethered to the camera strap. That's about it... definitely very ordinary.

Question for you... where did you pick up that level that goes in the hotshoe? That would make life SOOO much easier. I'm going to a shop today to grab an 18% gray card, so if that level is something your average shop carries, I'll definitely pick one of those up.

Thanks Gary.

[gyelland]

I am in the UK so I used Jessops
but most good camera shops would be able to get you one,
most of the big shops have their own branded versions for about $15

Gary

[Laziferous]

Thanks for the reply. I'll let you know if my local search ends in success. Thanks again :)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Thats a cool little tour of your camera bag :)

Laz, RE: the buble levels .. Mnafortto actually makes one,. I saw on there site.. so I would not be surprised if B&H Carries them,. I too woll be looking to grab one.

I have found the part here;

http://reallyrightstuff.com/listitems/page01.html

3rd item down on the list for $27.00

and at B&H;

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=263729&is=REG

[neil_r]

I am in the UK so I used Jessops


Gary,

Jessops are everywhere so are dead handy, but they really are expensive. Have you tried

http://www.warehouseexpress.com

or

http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/

They are significantly cheaper (in UK terms (we do seem to pay more than anyone else)).

Not affiliated in any way, but thay have been reliable for me and thay may save you a buck ot two.

N

[gyelland]

I usually use warehouse express but for spirit levels jessops own make is cheaper, wierd I know.

[Laziferous]

I picked one up at Cooper's Camera Mart... my local photography shop in the city (Baltimore, MD. USA). The price on the level was $27.99, but I forgot my wallet, and only had $20.00 on me. The guy there hooked me up for $20.00 :shock: :D

He always gives a good deal. Last time he gave me 15% off on my tripod. He also told me he knows a guy who is getting ready to sell his D60, and could get him to sell it to me for $800.00 :D

Now I just have to convince the wife :wink: Maybe I should hold out for a 10D though... I just don't know :?

[TeraGram93013]

I wonder if going to your local hardware store might not reveal a solution that is even less expensive than those previously quoted.

Of course, you'd have to find a way to afix it, perhaps hotmelt glue?

ps: weeeee. I'm a VAM now.

[Bubber Jones]

ps: weeeee. I'm a VAM now.

VAM? Vampire and Mom? :lol:

[CoolToolGuy]

I picked one up at Cooper's Camera Mart... my local photography shop in the city (Baltimore, MD. USA). The price on the level was $27.99, but I forgot my wallet, and only had $20.00 on me. The guy there hooked me up for $20.00 :shock: :D

He always gives a good deal. Last time he gave me 15% off on my tripod. He also told me he knows a guy who is getting ready to sell his D60, and could get him to sell it to me for $800.00 :D

Now I just have to convince the wife :wink: Maybe I should hold out for a 10D though... I just don't know :?

Cooper's is my favorite store too - They do right by me.

Back to the gadgets - I have a 'chainpod' that I made myself. Sorry I can't post pictures, but a chainpod is an eye bolt with a 1/4 - 20 thread (same as the tripod socket), and attached to the eye is a length of very light chain. You screw the eye bolt into the tripod socket, and when you need to steady the camera you let the chain drop to the ground and step on it to get the length you want. Pull the camera up, and - voila - you have a way to reduce shake. I made the chain around 7 feet long so I can hold the camera over my head (as well as the crowd) to get the picture. I store it in a prescription bottle (patent medicine?) that fits in the pocket of almost any gadget bag.
I just showed it to a coworker who will be vacationing in France in March. She was lamenting that she gets a lot of camera shake when the light gets low, and she does not have room for a tripod or monopod in the tour group she will be going with. As soon as she saw the chainpod she wanted to know where she could get one. 'Lowes or Home Depot' was the reply.
Have Fun
Rick 8)

[Laziferous]

I just started going there recently. I forget the guys name... kind of a big guy, bald head, beard... anyway, he always hooks me up. I've been going to the one on Harford Road. It's in the 5400 block. 5421 or something, right next to CVS. He lets me play with the 10D whenever I go in. Really cool guy.

That "chainpod" sounds like a great idea. I'll have to rig one up 8)

[CoolToolGuy]

I just started going there recently. I forget the guys name... kind of a big guy, bald head, beard... anyway, he always hooks me up. I've been going to the one on Harford Road. It's in the 5400 block. 5421 or something, right next to CVS. He lets me play with the 10D whenever I go in. Really cool guy.

That would be Robert King. He's the resident Canon expert. The other folks are okay, too.
Cooper's is one of a dying breed. They seem to be hanging in there, but its tough to compete with B&H and the other good mail order/Internet houses. :shock:

Have Fun
Rick 8)

[gyelland]

does the chain pod really work
I understand the principal but what is the real life experience
hand held what is the limit speed with and without the chainpod

I think I might make one ?

[CoolToolGuy]

does the chain pod really work
I understand the principal but what is the real life experience
hand held what is the limit speed with and without the chainpod

I think I might make one ?

Yes, it absolutely works. Now, please understand that a monopod can be more stable, and certainly so can a tripod, but the chainpod is always with me. I would never carry either of the others all the time.
The chainpod gives stability by making a stress point against the chain. I have used it at racetracks and other venues to position the camera over my head (provided you make the chain long enough to step on it and reach that far), and in flower conservatories that have a strict policy regarding tripods. In that case, I was concerned when I brought it in, but I showed it to the staff and they were fine with it. They ban tripods during the busy times because of the disruption for the other visitors that occurs when someone sets up a tripod. Not so with the chainpod.
With the chainpod you can quickly position the camera at knee level then overhead level - no need to extend several sections of leg or legs.
I have a tripod, and I'm seriously considering getting a monopod, but you'll never get me to give up my chainpod. :D For the price, it can't be beat. :wink:

Have Fun
Rick 8)

[where1]

Thanks for the chainpod idea. I made one for myself.

I just finished doing several test shots ranging from 1/30 to 1/15, with 1/25 and 1/20 inbetween, using an 85mm lense on my DRebel. First I shot without, then with the chainpod from the same spot of the same thing. I did 3 sets of tests. Then I A/Bed shots of the same speed.

The chainpod did add stability to the camera on just about every shot. The slow end was more noticable.

[CoolToolGuy]

Thanks for the chainpod idea. I made one for myself.

I just finished doing several test shots ranging from 1/30 to 1/15, with 1/25 and 1/20 inbetween, using an 85mm lense on my DRebel. First I shot without, then with the chainpod from the same spot of the same thing. I did 3 sets of tests. Then I A/Bed shots of the same speed.

The chainpod did add stability to the camera on just about every shot. The slow end was more noticable.

Glad it worked out for you. Its been one of my favorites for 20 years. :D

Have Fun
Rick 8)