Favorite non-photo gear?

[Maretzo]

My laptop, to read the LF forum and buy lenses from ebay and Keh.com

Ah, this is photo gear! Sorry!

[lenser]

A very small goose neck led flashlight from the sporting goods section at Walmart and in some hardware stores. Very useful for setting speeds and f stops when the camera is either in a darkened area or set too high on the tripod and the scales are in harsh shadow. It has a pocket clip that can actually attach to the bellows for hands free use.

Tim

[John Powers]

The electronic compass in my car, showing me all the time in which geographical position I'm heading. Very useful for the mental planning of views for photography. Knowing where you are and where the sun is/will be means knowing what is the good time to return to take pics. Also, being constantly aware of the North/South coordination brings a new dimension into your nature awareness.

Is there one of these you recommend? The cheap ones at auto parts stores seem to die after a short time. Mine is currently reading north regardless of where the car is pointing.

John

[John Powers]

Portable weather radio in the glove box of an SUV.

Performance baby jogger with 20” bicycle wheels and 100 pound shock absorbers allowing a 68 year old to carry a 7x17 on big Ries tripod with a bag of lenses and six film holders. On Cuyahoga National Park trails this gives me about a two mile range out from the SUV. http://babyjogger.com/performancesingle.htm

John

[Hollis]

I use a small travel bag from eagle creek. It is large enough to fit a polaroid back, some film (pola.), holders (non pola), my loupe and light meter. Otherwise I strat fumbling around and look stupid (slightly more so than my fancy fanny pack but oh well).

[Kirk Gittings]

I use a small travel bag from eagle creek. It is large enough to fit a polaroid back, some film (pola.), holders (non pola), my loupe and light meter. Otherwise I strat fumbling around and look stupid (slightly more so than my fancy fanny pack but oh well).

Same goes for the reel cases from Orvis or Fishpond. I use three for various odds and ends to back up my camera case, extra readyload holder, extra film, air can, lenses like a macro that I don't use often, extra ground glass, extra shutter release, lens nut wrench etc.

[Tom Conway]

An old-fashioned thermos with either coffee or soup. Didn't some one say "A full-bellied photographer is a more creative photographer."

[jenn wilson]

ipod - gotta have it (music, audiobooks and a stopwatch all in one!)
neoprene booties
towels
extra socks - nothin' worse than wet, sandy socks

[jnantz]

a small step stool

[David Karp]

A machinist's inspection mirror. These are great for checking lens apertures and shutter speeds when you are on a ledge or somewhere similar where you can't step out in front of the camera. It will also enable you to confirm that the shutter is closed after you've loaded a holder, but before you pull the slide.

An even less expensive option to get a similar benefit is a cheap plastic dental mirror available at many drugstores. Pros: cheaper and lighter. Cons: Smaller mirror.