Here is a an opportunity to build a virtual “dream kit” for MF. There is so much incredible information within these threads, plus tons of anecdotal stuff, but it is more than a challenge to sift through things at times. This exercise can be a benefit for all....folks looking to migrate to MF and build a kit (me), folks now working seriously with MF and thinking about what to get/change for their growing needs, manufacturer reps to understand more about needs and directions plus help guide folks a bit, and just for other readers wanting to explore things in greater depth and gain more understanding.
That may be asking a lot from contributors, and there are so many wonderfully experienced and generous folks on this forum, but it could also be a great learning tool for them also. (Yes, a lot of the info may be buried in other threads, but bringing things to one spot in a somewhat concise way may be helpful also.) If this flies, Jack or somebody may want to make this a “sticky” thread.
To keep things from going totally crazy, I offer up some guidelines to consider.
- just a couple of categories (explained below)
- suspend the cost discussions, unless they really are important in choices
- suspend existing gear discussions also, unless a system is important or something
- provide a Target Use, Equipment Selection, and Reasons for Choices
- offer any images or perspectives to keep things interesting and fun
For Categories, a suggestion for a couple, not trying to be restrictive, but simple:
Minimalist Kit - This would be a more “bare bones” configuration to suit several interests, such as entry level, travel/weight, ease of use/set-up, etc. Keep it to a minimum number of components (body, back, lens(es), important accessories). Think about forward planning for growth/diversity if important (Reasons for Choice section).
Heavy Lifting Kit - This would be a more involved selection of things to cover a wider range of work and interest. Trying to avoid the “pro” versus “non-pro” debate, as there are many serious shooters that do a lot of serious work for their own interest. This is about tools to best accomplish a variety of shooting needs.
No Holds Barred Kit - This is pretty much what it sounds like. Assume no limits, but please do explain the reasons for the selections and their target use, rather than just listing everything and the kitchen sink.
An example of a good Minimalist Kit might be something like:
Target Use: all around shooting, available light mostly
Equipment Selection: Mamiya AFDII with 22MP ZD back and 80mm f2.8 AF lens
Reason for Choices: good entry level with room to grow; compact kit; sufficient resolution for most shooting; focal plane shutter for DOF control in bright light shooting with fast lenses; good high ISO performance; large variety of available lens options, etc.
Or another Minimalist Kit:
Target Use: fine art, portrait, travel, and some commercial shooting
Equipment Selection: Sinar Hy6 with eMotion 75LV back, Schneider Super-Angulon 35/4 PQ and HC 110/2 w/adapters
Reason for Choices: versatile, light, fast camera with leaf shutter for higher speed syncs as needed; great studio or location use; option for using film back if needed; high resolution back for commercial or enlargement needs with variety of mounting options to other cameras with adapters; fast, sharp WA lens with low flare and excellent colors for shooting interiors, landscapes and panos; sharp, fast short tele for portraits with excellent bokeh
You get the idea. The above descriptions may be a bit too short, but they get the points across, and could generate some good added side discussions or point to other useful threads/links if they are known. Again, this is not to be definitive, but a chance to work with a clean slate and pull a few thoughts together for the kinds of things that may make for a useful kit for others also. Some folks may be refining their own kits or finding some things that are not quite what they thought. Please feel free to share those thoughts too. Let's see what we can build :toocool:
LJ
That may be asking a lot from contributors, and there are so many wonderfully experienced and generous folks on this forum, but it could also be a great learning tool for them also. (Yes, a lot of the info may be buried in other threads, but bringing things to one spot in a somewhat concise way may be helpful also.) If this flies, Jack or somebody may want to make this a “sticky” thread.
To keep things from going totally crazy, I offer up some guidelines to consider.
- just a couple of categories (explained below)
- suspend the cost discussions, unless they really are important in choices
- suspend existing gear discussions also, unless a system is important or something
- provide a Target Use, Equipment Selection, and Reasons for Choices
- offer any images or perspectives to keep things interesting and fun
For Categories, a suggestion for a couple, not trying to be restrictive, but simple:
Minimalist Kit - This would be a more “bare bones” configuration to suit several interests, such as entry level, travel/weight, ease of use/set-up, etc. Keep it to a minimum number of components (body, back, lens(es), important accessories). Think about forward planning for growth/diversity if important (Reasons for Choice section).
Heavy Lifting Kit - This would be a more involved selection of things to cover a wider range of work and interest. Trying to avoid the “pro” versus “non-pro” debate, as there are many serious shooters that do a lot of serious work for their own interest. This is about tools to best accomplish a variety of shooting needs.
No Holds Barred Kit - This is pretty much what it sounds like. Assume no limits, but please do explain the reasons for the selections and their target use, rather than just listing everything and the kitchen sink.
An example of a good Minimalist Kit might be something like:
Target Use: all around shooting, available light mostly
Equipment Selection: Mamiya AFDII with 22MP ZD back and 80mm f2.8 AF lens
Reason for Choices: good entry level with room to grow; compact kit; sufficient resolution for most shooting; focal plane shutter for DOF control in bright light shooting with fast lenses; good high ISO performance; large variety of available lens options, etc.
Or another Minimalist Kit:
Target Use: fine art, portrait, travel, and some commercial shooting
Equipment Selection: Sinar Hy6 with eMotion 75LV back, Schneider Super-Angulon 35/4 PQ and HC 110/2 w/adapters
Reason for Choices: versatile, light, fast camera with leaf shutter for higher speed syncs as needed; great studio or location use; option for using film back if needed; high resolution back for commercial or enlargement needs with variety of mounting options to other cameras with adapters; fast, sharp WA lens with low flare and excellent colors for shooting interiors, landscapes and panos; sharp, fast short tele for portraits with excellent bokeh
You get the idea. The above descriptions may be a bit too short, but they get the points across, and could generate some good added side discussions or point to other useful threads/links if they are known. Again, this is not to be definitive, but a chance to work with a clean slate and pull a few thoughts together for the kinds of things that may make for a useful kit for others also. Some folks may be refining their own kits or finding some things that are not quite what they thought. Please feel free to share those thoughts too. Let's see what we can build :toocool:
LJ