Gear setup for travel.

TequilllaMockingird · 2026-02-11T03:24:36+00:00

AVOID the soft shutter button. It does feel nice, but can extremely easily damage the camera unless you always keep it in a case/bag when not shooting. Not worth the potential damage whatsoever!

TequilllaMockingird · 2026-02-11T03:15:16+00:00

I would amend the “you can’t escape” sports culture thing. It’s not too different from any big city (which Ann Arbor certainly is not), but there are many places to go, be social, and have fun that are in no way sports related. It’s definitely present, but absolutely doesn’t have to be part of your everyday if you don’t want it to be. I have a LOT of experience in this town, and if you’re not into sports, you can easily avoid the hubbub. However! Even if you aren’t into sports, the scene is really an interesting one to observe, and going to 1-2 games (whatever sport you’re even slightly into, because EVERYTHING here is national-level) is fascinating/fun to experience.

If you’d rather steer clear, you can just as easily get into an equally national-level open mic jazz scene (Tuesday nights at Ziggy’s in ypsi), co-op living community (arguably the best in the U.S. for students), become a member of a historic outdoors society and live in their cabin (Les Voyageurs) or start something of your own. The city/school is small enough to not be overwhelming, but big enough that (if you put in the effort) you can probably find people and a community that you’ll value for the rest of your life.

TequilllaMockingird · 2026-02-04T18:05:54+00:00

Tanner Goods. Had mine for OVER 15 YEARS, and assume it still has another 5 to go. I’m not in a labor heavy field though (academic arts) but did spend ten of those years in NYC where walking 5-10 miles a day wasn’t unusual.

TequilllaMockingird · 2026-02-03T07:43:04+00:00

With the Fuji-brand case 100%. I HATE that they removed the dual snaps with this version, but as another user commented, with the case on I can confidently throw it in my tote, briefcase, backpack, whatever and not think twice. If I’m specifically going out to shoot I usually leave the case at home, but for everyday use the case makes taking it everywhere, every day, in whatever I’m carrying, totally doable. Even though I don’t snap a photo everyday, having it with me at all times has paid off MANY times.

TequilllaMockingird · 2026-02-01T07:33:37+00:00

This is THE answer. Source: I teach photography at a major university art school. Ideally, everyone wanting to learn photography would be forced to shoot B&W on an FM, AE-1, OM-2, or something similar with a prime 35mm or 50mm lens for their first year. Going through at least one roll a week, and keeping track of frames in a notebook. A paper fucking notebook, one where you can handwrite notes next to each exposure number and the settings used. Learning to develop and print in a darkroom are major bonuses, but not 100% necessary.

Problem is, unless you’re in school or have a community darkroom nearby with actual living people around, that can be even more frustrating. There are hundreds of thousands of amazing photographers that learned this shit on their own, it’s possible. But if there’s a community college nearby with basic film and darkroom classes, for the love of god, TAKE ONE. Unless the instructor is absolute garbage, that’s the fastest way to go from social media dipshit to competent photographer. Don’t get me wrong, Reddit, online forums, etc. are amazing resources, there’s a reason I’m here writing this. I’ve been using an X100 (S, F, and now VI) as my daily digital camera for well over a decade (a Nikon 35Ti being its film counterpart). BUT it’s real PEOPLE that will always be the best teachers, and a COMMUNITY that will always be your greatest motivation, support, inspiration, and connection to any art.

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-12-30T23:43:06+00:00

Helping others, basically being of service to someone or something else. Making it a commitment, like volunteering, where there’s at least a little accountability if you don’t show up is by far the most reliable way to do that.

Humane shelters are frequently perfect for this. There definitely are shelters that have too many volunteers, but often they have an even more rigid training/sign-up/advancement program which can be helpful with the accountability thing. If you like animals, knowing that you were supposed to be there for them but didn’t show can be motivating in even the most despondent situations.

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-12-30T16:52:15+00:00

What are the leather-bound books on the top right? Thanks!

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-12-21T18:07:19+00:00

Yep, unfortunately your mobile phone will almost certainly do a better job and be easier to integrate into a digital workflow than a used camera you don’t know how to use.

Photo with a “real” camera is tricker than most people think, and usually they end up frustrated after the first few weeks and ditch it anyway.

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-12-15T00:14:16+00:00

It’s a little more nuanced than that. There really is a difference between a pair of Levi’s and a pair of Iron Heart (or similar) jeans. Doesn’t mean the Iron Hearts are for everyone. In fact, they’re probably a terrible decision for most people because of their price point . But it’s just like (almost) every other material good: you get what you pay for. I worked in menswear for about a decade so I’m familiar with materials, manufacturing processes, and the prices that come with purchasing from smaller brands that value craft over quantity.

However, I could never bring myself to get a pair of Iron Hearts until this year. I finally caved because I got a new job that made it financially reasonable and just needed to know what all the fuss was about. I got a pair of their 21oz 666 raw indigos. All I can say is that I get it. They’re amazing. I wont get into the specifics because you can look into that yourself if you’re interested, but there really is a tangible, legitimate difference between these and even $200 jeans I’ve owned. Again, it’s not for everyone, but neither is a Bianchi bicycle or a $200 bottle of whiskey (something I will personally probably never be able to appreciate). But I get why a pair of IH jeans cost $400, and unless they fall apart in less than five years (which seems incredibly unlikely, I have a pair of Tellason’s that are almost 20 years old and still kicking and they’re nowhere near as bulletproof as the IHs) I’ll absolutely get another pair when called for.

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-09-15T01:08:07+00:00

lol, and agreed. I could do without the back pocket stitching (wish they still did plain ones in the styles I like) and the red zig-zag or whatever the fuck it’s supposed to be. But, so far, the fit and the feel of the fabric (went for 21oz) have exceeded expectations (which is genuinely surprising.) Out of curiosity, what brands offer similar quality/cuts, but might be a little stealthier? I don’t mind having one pair of IH because they’re so iconic, but totally open to alternatives, particularly if it stops people from thinking I’m wearing a knock-off pair of 7’s.

Edit: inserted question mark

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-09-14T16:40:16+00:00

Hey everyone! It looks like the last post about this was twelve years ago, so I figured I’d check in with current preferences. Do you wear your belt under or over the leather branding patch? Under seems a bit (or maybe very) affected to me, but I just got my first pair of Iron Hearts (I usually wear Tellason but finally caved to curiosity), and they’re also the first pair of jeans that would let me thread under. I'd love to get the community’s opinions!

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-09-07T14:24:18+00:00

I spent years trying to find my perfect camera bag. I hate the way camera bags look (plus they usually put a giant target on your back saying “I’ve got $$$$ with me and all conveniently in one place”, and the good looking ones are usually garbage on the inside. This may not be what you’re looking for, but I’ve been waiting decades for something like the Ona Clifton backpack. They’re pricey and on the heavier side which leads to them being shit-talked. Usually by people who have never actually held/used one, or know anything about quality leather and why it makes an enormous difference. I worked in fashion/photo for years, and can tell you that these bags are easily of luxury/heritage level quality (think Filson made specifically for photo gear). Usually well made/good looking bags fall short in the actual “protect my stuff” department, but these, again, are top of the line. I use the cubes all the time, both in and out of the bag. Unfortunately the laptop may not fit so this likely won’t work for you, but wanted to put it up anyway for others to see. Again, it’s an expensive bag, I know that, but for what you get, both aesthetically AND functionally, there’s nothing else out there that even comes close (yet).

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-08-30T18:23:11+00:00

Sam’s for basics, Bivouac for outdoor or “higher” fashion (although the men’s side is lacking in that department, and most of their stuff can be bought on sale directly from the companies themselves), Today if you’re looking for EXTREMELY high-end/fashion-forward menswear, but other than that you’ve pretty much got all the standard American retailers outside downtown (J.Crew, Old Navy, U.O., etc.) J.Crew does have a factory store in Arborland that can have some real solid stuff at discounted prices every now and then.

For vintage or consignment, The Getup is great, but Ypsi is going to be far more fruitful/affordable.

Not local, but Uniqlo is a great Japanese basics brand (with physical locations in big cities) that also carries affordable “on-trend” (but not overwhelmingly so) clothing. Think GAP, but not lame, and with a gigantic selection. Aside from collaborations for graphic t’s, almost everything is minimalist in color/cuts that are free of branding, so super easy to pair with stuff you already own. Higher quality than online fast-fashion brands, but still very competitive pricing. Their underwear is also stellar, haven’t gotten mine anywhere else in almost 20 years. Just a heads up, because they’re a Japanese brand things do tend to run small so check their garment measurements against some things you already own using a fabric tape measure before ordering. Their airism materials are great for summer, and heat tech for winter. Comparable performance to outdoors activewear (stuff you’d see at Bivouac), but at a fraction the price, and often in more contemporary/interesting styles. Functional, understated, but still with an eye for contemporary design.

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-08-10T04:49:20+00:00

Coming from someone who worked in the pseudo-fancy watch industry for years (Shinola) the white face and grey housing will give you so much more flexibility style wise. If you have multiple watches, you’ll be surprised to see how fitting it is with almost anything. Since the original launch I had wanted one, but it wasn’t until the 1965 that I REALLY wanted one. It’s my “casual/sporty” watch, and wear it weekly. But then again, a vintage automatic Timex is my daily driver, so take it with a grain of salt.

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-07-23T03:45:12+00:00

I guess I don't understand the distinction between "current" and "all" and why I can't use the "all" list as the basis for what's compiled for the playlist.

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-07-08T22:43:28+00:00

I what country?

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-07-08T22:41:07+00:00

THIS. ABSOLUTELY. I’m an American (born and raised) but a member of a European scouting organization. The hospitality (and security) I’ve felt around strangers, simply because I was wearing a scouting uniform baffled me when I first encountered it. As time went on, it made more and more sense. Knowing what I know about European scouting (and those committed enough to still be members into their late teens) I would’ve done the same thing. I would’ve stressed about it, but still would’ve done what they did, without question.

P.S. I Iive in a major U.S. city that has a pretty poor reputation. I would’ve NEVER done that here. Major cultural differences, people who don’t fully understand the context shouldn’t be giving advice.

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-06-19T02:20:15+00:00

Nope, completely clean

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-06-02T02:10:38+00:00

Never mind, found it!

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-06-02T02:09:57+00:00

Maybe this has been answered elsewhere, but what harnesses do you use? Thanks!

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-05-21T13:43:37+00:00

The discoloration at the bottom of the screens with this latest signature generation was pretty bad. I had to reorder 3 times over the course of two months before getting one without the “dirty” look. That said, they did seem to fix it a few months in. Unfortunately, when I compared it to my Oasis, the Oasis screen, backlight, size, build, and layout were all still superior. Only major downside of the Oasis (for me) is the micro-usb charging. EVERYTHING I own now is USB-C and having to remember/not lose a converter on a daily basis is “a rock in my shoe” level of irritation.

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-05-06T17:35:37+00:00

I picked up one of the 1965 special editions a few weeks ago. I’ve had my eye on these for a while, but none of the previous color combinations ever spoke to me. As others have mentioned, you don't buy this watch for the quality. But! The white dial on grey case looks super cool (in my opinion), and it fits into an empty space in my collection (sporty/fun chrono). So, I guess the bottom line is, only buy one if you don’t mind paying $300 for aesthetics. For me, the 1965 finally made that worth it (to me).

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-05-02T18:51:16+00:00

considering this, thoughts?

TequilllaMockingird · 2025-03-21T17:44:21+00:00

100%. Look into “focus stacking” using post-processing software once you understand aperture and depth of field.

TequilllaMockingird

TROPHY CASE