Old days

BillFritsch

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1994





1994: (Film was still dominant)





• 2 (Nikon) 35mm SLR cameras


• lenses (20,24,55macro,105 135 180 300 mm)


• 20 rolls of film (b&w, color negative and slide film), 110, 120 and large format)


• Lens cleaning kit


• 1 Polaroid camera with Polaroid film (to review shot set-up with client)


• demonic Light meter


• soft boxes for inside lighting


• Electronic flash with cables


• Tripods


• Extension cords for lighting


• camera bags with anything that might be needed


• Filters -polarizer,81,8a.b.d 85, 30 magenta, 82a


• Spare batteries


We also carried 2 hassleblad cameras in three lenses for people photography and 4x5 view camera for architectural or product photography.


In 1994 the equipment was heavy, making remote shoots physically demanding often requiring an assistant.








2004





In 2004, digital photography was rapidly gaining ground, but film was still a significant player.





• Digital SLR Cameras: These were becoming increasingly popular for their immediate image review and potential for post-processing. Brands like Canon were leading the market.


• Film Cameras: Many professionals still relied on film for specific projects or personal


• 1 Polaroid camera with Polaroid film (to review shot set-up with client when using film


• Lenses: A variety of lenses was essential, similar to the 1994 setup,


• Flash: Electronic flash units were still widely used, both on-camera and off-camera.


• Light Meters: While digital cameras had built-in light meters, many photographers still preferred handheld ones for precision.


• Tripods: For stability, especially in low-light conditions or when using long exposures.


•Laptop: This was becoming essential for reviewing images, basic editing, and potentially transferring files.


• Memory Cards: The backbone of digital photography, with increasing capacities. (Usually 1GB to 2GB cards).


• Battery Packs and Chargers: For digital cameras, flash units, and laptop.


• Film Canisters and Holders: For those still using film.


• Filters: For both film and digital photography.


• Lens Cleaning Kit: Essential for maintaining image quality.


• Hard Drives: For storing large image files.


• Portable Power Stations: For charging equipment on location.


• Extension cords for lighting








2014





In 2014, digital photography was the norm, and equipment had become significantly more compact and efficient compared to previous decades. We were amazed to find digital images reveling our 4x5 film resolutions. However, the demands of remote shoots still required a substantial kit.





• DSLR Cameras: These were the workhorses for most professionals, offering high image quality, interchangeable lenses, and robust build.


• Lenses: A variety of lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto, depending on the type of shoot.


• Memory Cards: With higher capacities, such as 32GB and 64GB becoming common, reducing the need to carry multiple cards.


• Laptop or Tablet: For image review, basic editing, and transferring files.


• External Hard Drives: To back up images securely.


• Batteries and Chargers: For cameras, flash units, and other electronic devices.


• Tripod: For stability, especially in low-light conditions or when using long exposures.


• Flash: While natural light was often preferred, professional-grade flash units were still used for specific scenarios.


• Light Meters: While camera meters were improved, dedicated light meters were still used by many professionals.


• Sensor cleaning kit (although I do not like exposing my sensor to possible contaminates in the field)


• Lens Cleaning Kit: Essential for maintaining image quality.


• Remote Shutter Release: For precise control over camera settings.


• Portable Power Stations: For charging equipment on location.





Key differences included:





• Smaller and Lighter Equipment: The overall weight of the gear had reduced significantly compared to film era.


• Higher Resolution Images: Larger sensor sizes and improved technology led to higher image quality.


• Video Capability: Many cameras offered video recording, expanding creative possibilities.











2024





In 2024, digital photography was the norm, and equipment had become significantly more compact and efficient compared to previous decades. However, the demands of remote shoots still required a substantial kit.





• I still use a DSLR Camera: These were the workhorses for most professionals, offering high image quality, interchangeable lenses, and robust build.


• Mirrorless Cameras: These have largely replaced DSLRs due to their smaller size, faster autofocus, and advanced features.


• Lenses: A selection of prime and zoom lenses based on the specific shoot.


• Memory Cards: High-capacity cards, often 64GB or 128GB, are standard.


• Laptop or Tablet: For image review, basic editing, and transferring files.


• External Hard Drive: For backing up images securely.


• Batteries and Chargers: Compact and efficient options are essential.


• Tripod: Lightweight and versatile models are preferred.


• Drone: For aerial photography and videography.


• Gimbal Stabilizer: For smooth video footage.


• Flash: While natural light is often preferred, professional-grade flash units are still used in specific situations.


• Lens Cleaning Kit: Essential for maintaining image quality.


• Sensor cleaning kit (although I still I do not like exposing my sensor to possible contaminates in the field)


• Portable Power Station: For charging equipment on location.








Smaller and Lighter Gear: The emphasis on portability has led to smaller cameras, lenses, and accessories.


Increased Reliance on Technology: Image processing and editing often happen in the field, reducing the need for extensive post-production.





While the core equipment for a professional photographer might seem minimal compared to previous years, the technology packed into these items is incredibly advanced. This allows for high-quality images and videos to be captured and processed efficiently, even in remote locations.
 
Hmm - My film days were using Olympus, very compact cameras and very very compact lenses.

My current Sony FF kit dwarfs my Olympus gear from the 80’s. (Though not the F5 and it’s equally huge lenses!)
 
Funny...Whenever I've shot with a pretty old black Nikon F Photomic Ftn in downtown Toronto, I'm pestered by strangers offering to buy it on the spot for cash--lots of it. Meters? Still use 'em for film and digital--Sekonic 308 and 558 for its 1 degree spot. Adapted, some old Nikkors are true gems. Fact is, it's 2024 and options abound for hooking up old with new. Hardly a raw deal...
 
I can do more with a tripod and a camera than I ever could with film -but that was commercial photography back then
 
I guess I'm stuck in 1994. Oh well, my clients come to me because I shoot film.
 
1994

Wista 45DX 65mm, 80mm, 150mm, & 300mm lenses

Leica M3 50mm Summicron

Mamiya 645 1000S & secind body. 45mm & 80mm lenses

Various K mount SLR cameras and power winders, 17mm, 28mm, 50mm, & 70-210mm, mostly used to shoot rock bands for a record company.


2004

Sill using the Wista & lenses, and the Mamiya's

10x8 Agfa Commercial View 165mm Super Angulon, 12" Dagor

Bought a De Vere 5108 enlarger.

Canon 300D with 17-35mm, & 28-75mm lenses, Used mostly to shoot rock bands and illustrative work, replacing the M3 as a diary camera as well

2007 added aYashicamat 124, and ca Super Graphic as well as a dedicated 6x17 panoramic camera with a 75mm lens, for use in Turkey/Greece. The Super Graphic allowed me to shoot LF hand held. Began using a Rolleiflex 3.5 E2 when in the UK.


2024

Added a Toyo Half Plate Field camera, with 5x4 back. Have Half plate (7x5) & 5x4) reducing backs for the 10x8 Commercial View. Now using an 1864 Dallmeyer 2B Quick Acting Portrait Petzval, and other similar lens, have Gitzo shutter with flash sync.

Still use other LF cameras, the 617, & TLRs

Had upgraded from a Canon 300D to a 50D in 2009, and finally a 5D MkIV in 2021, my existing 17-35mm & 28-75mm lenses were full frame, and I added Canon 50mm f1.8 & 85mm f1.8, as well as a 75-300mm lenses

Meanwhile, I have numerous other large format field cameras from Quarter plate to 12"x10", and SLRs from 6x9 to Half plate.


Flash equipment is almost all Elinchrom now varying in powerfrom 125 to 1200 watt. But I mostly use the 500/600 heads with two light boxes.

Ian
 
1994

Wista 45DX 65mm, 80mm, 150mm, & 300mm lenses

Leica M3 50mm Summicron

Mamiya 645 1000S & secind body. 45mm & 80mm lenses

Various K mount SLR cameras and power winders, 17mm, 28mm, 50mm, & 70-210mm, mostly used to shoot rock bands for a record company.


2004

Sill using the Wista & lenses, and the Mamiya's

10x8 Agfa Commercial View 165mm Super Angulon, 12" Dagor

Bought a De Vere 5108 enlarger.

Canon 300D with 17-35mm, & 28-75mm lenses, Used mostly to shoot rock bands and illustrative work, replacing the M3 as a diary camera as well

2007 added aYashicamat 124, and ca Super Graphic as well as a dedicated 6x17 panoramic camera with a 75mm lens, for use in Turkey/Greece. The Super Graphic allowed me to shoot LF hand held. Began using a Rolleiflex 3.5 E2 when in the UK.


2024

Added a Toyo Half Plate Field camera, with 5x4 back. Have Half plate (7x5) & 5x4) reducing backs for the 10x8 Commercial View. Now using an 1864 Dallmeyer 2B Quick Acting Portrait Petzval, and other similar lens, have Gitzo shutter with flash sync.

Still use other LF cameras, the 617, & TLRs

Had upgraded from a Canon 300D to a 50D in 2009, and finally a 5D MkIV in 2021, my existing 17-35mm & 28-75mm lenses were full frame, and I added Canon 50mm f1.8 & 85mm f1.8, as well as a 75-300mm lenses

Meanwhile, I have numerous other large format field cameras from Quarter plate to 12"x10", and SLRs from 6x9 to Half plate.


Flash equipment is almost all Elinchrom now varying in powerfrom 125 to 1200 watt. But I mostly use the 500/600 heads with two light boxes.

Ian
My 35mm digitalcamera outperforms my old sonar view camera imho
 

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