What's in my bag?

A lot of people have been asking (since the recent and sudden change to film) what equipment I've been using. Well, here it is:

 

In an earlier post (not much earlier than this one) I explained why I switched from my digital EOS system to film, and I have been using nothing other than film ever since.

 

Nowadays this is what I take with me, everywhere I shoot;

 

-Contax 645 body

-Zeiss 3.5/35

-Zeiss 2/80

-Zeiss 2.8/140

-Contax 220 vacuum insert

-Contax 120/220 insert

-various 120 C-41 films

-various 220 C-41 films

-various 120 E6 films

 

For my body, I'm shooting a Contax 645. Important? No. This is just what I need to use the lenses I need to use. And the lenses I use, are the lenses I need to use, and the reason my body is a Contax 645.

 

For my lenses, I'm using mainly the 80mm Zeiss f/2 lens. I also use the 35mm (equal to a 21mm) and the 140mm, (equal to a 90mm) and I can say a few things about this lens setup; it covers what I need, it's performance is unmatched from wide to telephotos, from slow to fast, the optics are incredible. My only wish is that I had the Zeiss 45mm (equal to a 28mm in 35mm format) and I would also love a macro lens, and the 55mm lens. (equal to a 35mm lens in 35mm format) But, that's another $2k in the future. For now, a wide lens mixed with a fast 50mm equivalent is good enough for me, and having the 140mm makes it so no matter what, I can get the shot. 90% of the time I'm using the 80mm, but if I had the 45mm it would be half and half since I love the wide angle and lifestyle approach.

 

For my accessories, I'm using a 120/220 insert for my 120 film, and a 220 vacuum insert for my 220 film. The 120/220 insert is very sharp for 120 film, and if I'm in a pinch it works for 220 -but the vacuum insert is best for 220 film. Luckily I rarely use 220, so this isn't a big deal. Other than that, accessories aren't important, but if you must know I have a regular prism viewfinder (soon to be fitted with a Hi-Lux focusing screen) and I use all original Contax accessories. They are VERY expensive, so I am as minimal as possible here. For my meter I use a Sekonic L-608 and it's an amazing meter that I recommend to everyone; it meters incident, spot, and flash.

 

 

For my film, I'm usually shooting with a Fuji stock, unless I absolutely need to use Kodak. Again, this is just me. My current stocks are Fuji 160C, 400H, and 800Z... and Kodak Portra 400, Portra 400VC, Portra 800, and T-Max 400 along with Ilford. I use the Fuji when I can, as much as I can, unless I want less saturation (in which case I'll use Kodak) or unless I'm using slide film (in which case I'll opt for Velvia 50 or 100, or Provia 100 or 400). I have 400H in both 120 and 220 because this is my major "go-to" film, as I love how it reacts to light and over-exposure. I'll typically use Fuji for artistic colors, and Kodak for a more natural and less vivid look; keeping in mind the two films require different metering, and have different exposure latitudes. I love the 800Z and Portra 800 just as much for darker situations, or whenever an extra stop or two of light is needed. I think the 800 speed Portra looks much better than the Portra 400 in a lot of cases. For black and white I use T-Max when i can, and I don't really like Ilford but when the lighting is at very high contrast, it works.

 

As far as what I'm lacking... besides a super solid tripod, and some more black and white film... not much. I'd like another film back, and I'd like some more slide film. but for the most part, all i need is a camera, lens, meter, film, and patience. And I love it. The only thing setting me apart from the photographers who inspire me are money, time, and patience. Sure there's probably a skill difference but who am I to judge that?

 

This shot was taken with Fujifilm Superia 200. Processed at Walgreens.

 

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