If you have doubts about owning a second body...

...I'm here to make the case as to why you should try to have one on you, even if it's not an SLR. Point and shoots will get the job done exceptionally well in a crunch.

I was in Rochester, NY this past weekend when I spotted some guys throwing up some murals on a wall in an alleyway. The entire scene was ripe for great captures of urban life, and of course I didn't want to pass up this opportunity for good old fashion street photojournalism. I asked the guys if they won't mind if I took a few shots of them performing their art, and they were very open to it. So I go back to the truck, pull out the trusty 1D2N and the 16-35 and start shooting. Unfortunately, I got an Err 01 message right off the bat, which translates to a miscommunication between the lens and the body at the contact points. I spent about 10 minutes going over several procedures to remedy the issue to no avail. I was stuck. No back up body, and my wife had the Point and Shoot (she was somewhere else and my camera phone was with her as well). Needless to say I was pretty ticked off. I've never been so upset to miss a great photo op as I was then. I've always preached about having a second body handy in the event something like this happens, and here I was stuck without one. Looks like the body will be taking a trip to the service center.

Lesson learned. Don't make the same mistake.

Lord_Malone wrote in post #3647423
...I'm here to make the case as to why you should try to have one on you, even if it's not an SLR. Point and shoots will get the job done exceptionally well in a crunch.

I was in Rochester, NY this past weekend when I spotted some guys throwing up some murals on a wall in an alleyway. The entire scene was ripe for great captures of urban life, and of course I didn't want to pass up this opportunity for good old fashion street photojournalism. I asked the guys if they won't mind if I took a few shots of them performing their art, and they were very open to it. So I go back to the truck, pull out the trusty 1D2N and the 16-35 and start shooting. Unfortunately, I got an Err 01 message right off the bat, which translates to a miscommunication between the lens and the body at the contact points. I spent about 10 minutes going over several procedures to remedy the issue to no avail. I was stuck. No back up body, and my wife had the Point and Shoot (she was somewhere else and my camera phone was with her as well). Needless to say I was pretty ticked off. I've never been so upset to miss a great photo op as I was then. I've always preached about having a second body handy in the event something like this happens, and here I was stuck without one. Looks like the body will be taking a trip to the service center.

Lesson learned. Don't make the same mistake.

Aw that sucks. Yeah Im gonna tuck the Xt back in the bag now

I always have a canon SD450 in my bag, been in plenty sitops that I need to draw this piece. Once I used it on a bike thief, that was great, thief caught.
on another note regarding Err01, has you tried all power off, then taking everything apart, including batteries/CF/grip/lens​? seperate for 2 minutes then reassemble, last to put in the batteries, see red light blips then turn on. Works for me every time.

rollee wrote in post #3647472
I always have a canon SD450 in my bag, been in plenty sitops that I need to draw this piece. Once I used it on a bike thief, that was great, thief caught.
on another note regarding Err01, has you tried all power off, then taking everything apart, including batteries/CF/grip/lens? seperate for 2 minutes then reassemble, last to put in the batteries, see red light blips then turn on. Works for me every time.

Tried all that. No joy. And if I could separate the grip from the body of a 1D2N I would've tried that as well.

Yoooo knowz Tha LAWD tried that:p

so what will be your backup?

battery is low in charge, blame it on the battery.

I need my wife to read this. She isn't buying my sales pitch for the need of a second body....

I so feel your frustration. I feel so much more "ready" to go out and shoot now that I have two dSLRs and can work the way I'm used to. Wide/Long, Color/B&W, Low ISO/High ISO, etc.

I know much of this can be done in PP now, but nothing beats being able to jump from 10mm to 400mm without having to stop and change lenses...

Sorry you missed the photo op but kudos for looking at your surroundings and being aware of the world.

Lord_Malone wrote in post #3647423
Lesson learned. Don't make the same mistake.

But think of all the good memories you have of that scene huh! No-one can take that away from ya


I've had similar issues at a critical point (read: always at the start of a shoot goddamit) with my 20D - usually battery issue (despite 2x fully charged in the grip) or Err99. One time it was 3 frames into the morning shoot of my sister's wedding in June . Managed to sort it out though, with clammy hands and an anxious bride-to-be looking on.

Hanyways, yes. Second body. Am thinking of upgrading and was asking myself whether to sell the 20D, there seem to be plenty of takers. Your post has prompted me to remember the times my primary (and only body at this time) let me down and re-think the choice I'm making here.

Thanks

Lord_Malone wrote in post #3647423
...I'm here to make the case as to why you should try to have one on you, even if it's not an SLR.

I have always carried my G5 with my DSLR gear.It has it's own place in the bag. BTW, did you ever try the George Dickel White Label and Schweppes Bitter Lemon.

My son has the little A530 and that is a trusty little thing. But I have never had an error message with my 20D or 5D. They are very reliable. But seriously, at an event I have both and the little A530. I don't like to be caught unprepared. Glad to hear you got a few, Ed. Post some for us.

jr_senator wrote in post #3648609
I have always carried my G5 with my DSLR gear.It has it's own place in the bag. BTW, did you ever try the George Dickel White Label and Schweppes Bitter Lemon.

Hmmm... I wonder what ever happened to old "jjonsalt" from Florida. Says "User is banned" from the forums...

SuzyView wrote in post #3648616
Glad to hear you got a few, Ed. Post some for us.

That's just it. I didn't get any!

I always have backup with me - more a case of lazyness with me

I can't be bothered to change lenses between my 10-22 and 100-400.

Man sorry to hear about that. Perhaps I need to start carrying something extra with me.

I'll be at the mercy of one body for another year or so, till I can back up my 1D MK II with a 1D MK III