So, how often do you really use your camera's movements?

[C. D. Keth]

Well, that's the way my kit is set up. All the lenses, filters, compendium shade, accessories, plus the Zone VI camera in one backpack.

I carry that same backpack when I'm using the Sinar F2 or Plaubel monorails (in their own cases), or the Tachihara, or the Toko.

No reason I should remove any of the lenses or other items from the backpack. That's where they're stored when not in use.

- Leigh

I'd love to see a photo of your backpack all packed up but open so we can see everything. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around 18 lenses plus a camera, plus holders, plus other sundries in a backpack that's reasonable to carry at least a few miles.

[C. D. Keth]

I think your “always-carry-18-lenses” strategy would make an entertaining (perhaps contentious) thread!

“How many lenses in your bag will ensure that you have the right one for the shot?”

A poll would help illustrate our preferences – and I’d predict “3” would be the most common response, but the “1” and “more than 10” options would certainly generate the most interesting posts.

Heroique, from your idea I just posted a thread with a poll on this subject. I think it will indeed prompt lively discussion.

[Leigh]

I never claimed to carry it "a few miles". I carry it from the office to the van, and back again.

Here's an earlier shot with about 13 lenses.


I re-arranged it, moving the accessories shown here at the sides into the upper compartment to make room for the remaining lenses.

The camera is in the pouch folded forward in the shot above.

- Leigh

[Michael_4514]

I don't usually use a lot of movements, but when I need them I'm very glad they're there. Also, my Norma makes me smile every time I use it—I don't think a Crown would have that same effect.

+1.

Like a lot of others here, I use movements almost all the time, but not all the movements most of the time. Usually, just rise and a little tilt. I have a Crown Graphic and I have a Norma, and I just like using the Norma better, whether I use the movements or not.

[Michael_4514]

I use them all every time -- though sometimes I use them in the null position.

And I use all my brain all the time, sometimes in the null position.

[Michael_4514]

For the record, the island where I stayed is 100% privately owned, and landing there requires permission.

Rick "not saying where it was" Denney

Actually, that's not true. By law, all beaches and banks of navigable waters are public property, to the high water mark, which is essentially the highest point that any tide or wave ever reaches. Think big storms. So it's certainly within one's rights to land on the island, although one could not venture inland without permission.

[Michael_4514]

It's completely backwards to seek inspiration from the tool. . . . shouldn't the composition have been at least partly formed before the camera was set up?

Yes, absolutely, but I do think that the capabilities of the tool can be a source of inspiration, in the sense that if one doesn't know what a tool can do, the inspiration is not likely to be there. Give an artist new tools, and he or she is bound to put them to new, creative uses.

[jnantz]

sounds good .. if it works, it works ..


i'd rather not have to worry about if i had the right lens ..
i only have 1 or 2 for the slr ( only really use 1 )
and a few more for the speed and rail ...
i find that having less is more for me at least
so i can concentrate on the subject, not the other "stuff" ...

i was with someone once who had so many lenses that he
missed his golden opportunity because he couldn't decide on
the optics ... i was done before he even unzipped his satchel ...
(it didn't work for him, but he hasn't changed his ways )

There is no substitute for preparation.

That's why I carry 18 lenses with me for the 4x5. I like to have the right one for any particular shot.

Knowing I have the right one with me is less frustrating than knowing the right one is back at the office.

- Leigh

[Pawlowski6132]

For portraits, I use movements 100% of the time.

Huh? Why??

[Frank Petronio]

Huh? Why??

Ever notice that 90% of large format portraits are square to the camera? Maybe it's appropriate. But maybe it's just lazy?

If you shoot wide open and your subject is not facing you head on, you want to swing to keep both eyes in focus.

I usually decide where I want to center the lens - eyes, chest, belly button, or crotch? - then rise/fall for composition.

Shooting down onto Playmate centerfolds or dead bodies... Tilt.

Of course a lot of hipsters use movements the "wrong" way to make things look dreamy or cool. Not counting those doofuses.