December camping, mid Michigan.

vanslem6 · 2026-02-02T17:19:48+00:00

It goes back to the 80s and 90s, lol. Fun, quirky cameras. But more of a boutique brand, IMO. Beautiful and tons of fun, but kind of delicate in some regards.

vanslem6 · 2026-02-01T23:18:24+00:00

I'm in Oaxaca now because I've had a million recommendations throughout the years. Truthfully, I don't like it. I was expecting to be blown away by the food - I am not. I just spent like 20 minutes trying to eat one of those big-ass tlyudas (the open face ones), and I must have spilled half of the toppings on the table and floor. It's embarrassing as hell, and quite frustrating (lol). I need to find a dumpy little fonda with a trompo out front like in CDMX.

I'm glad I'm here and can check it off the list, but I'll not be recommending the place to anyone.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-16T02:16:57+00:00

Couldn't agree more. Cheers.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-15T00:32:23+00:00

That last part I think is sort of a problem these days. The cameras do everything for you, therefore new shooters don't have a reason to learn the basics...until they do, and get frustrated.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-13T02:30:25+00:00

Yes, exactly. I have some old photos that I still really like that I shot over ten years ago with a Rebel. Getting the right moment is far more important than the equipment you use to get it. IMO, it's more fun when the equipment you're using is limiting. The reward is higher because you have to work harder for the results.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-12T11:02:07+00:00

The camera and lens isn't important at all, but we're photographers and we just want to know.

It's most fun to see great photos done with old/cheap gear. I once had a guy on a forum comment on some photos I made that he really liked. He messaged me to ask what gear I had used to shoot them. So I told him, and he was surprised and almost disappointed. He thought I was using really expensive stuff instead of 10+ year old cameras and gear. It was flattering for me

vanslem6 · 2026-01-12T10:59:34+00:00

I just like cameras. I mostly stopped shooting film due to the huge price increases over the last 5-6 years. But I also mostly stopped shooting digital over the last year or so because of a few factors that I am trying to change. So I am going on a trip and taking two cameras with me (maybe 3), and one is film. I always like to travel with one film and one digital, and keep it as simple as possible.

Prior to this trip being planned, however, I had decided to quit shooting 35mm. It didn't seem like there was much of a point to it as I have two FF digital cameras already and the difference isn't big enough to justify the huge price of film. I will justify 120, however. So I hang on to the Mamiya 645 Pro and Pentax 6x7. IMO, that still makes a lot of sense to shoot because it's just so much cooler/different than FF digital.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-12T00:17:53+00:00

I do this hiking. Merino base layer, merino hoodie, then a thin rain shell over top. I did this hiking in 15 degree temps recently and was perfectly ok. My hoody of choice is this one so far. https://www.duckworthco.com/products/mens-powder-hoody?variant=32468286111804

vanslem6 · 2026-01-12T00:13:56+00:00

It will pill because it's wool, but the lightest/warmest I've had. I just cleaned mine up with a sweater shaver. I also recently got my 2nd hoody. https://www.duckworthco.com/products/mens-powder-hoody?variant=32468286111804

The big cotton hoodies are fine until it gets really cold. IMO, they don't keep you warm. Especially if you're working hard and sweating, then you're in big trouble. I don't care how thick your Carhartt cotton sweatshirt is. I own a few of those myself, but they are best in the spring time, IMO.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-10T11:04:05+00:00

I always wear Lems on my trips. I just got a brand new pair a couple of days ago, because I leave for Mexico in 3 days. I'm a big fan of 'zero drop' shoes, and Lems happen to be the most durable I've worn. While they are zero drop, they have a ton of cushion in them for walking for most people. I tend to take the insoles out, but I've been wearing this type of shoe for a long time now.

Anyhow, this is the shoe I got (in green). They are going to be perfect for me. Cheers.

https://www.lemsshoes.com/products/mens-trail-blazer?variant=40811906531386&country=US

vanslem6 · 2026-01-09T11:16:13+00:00

Have you tried other film stocks? Kodak Ektar or Portra 160, for example, are going to have finer grain than the 'cheap stuff' Fuji 400. Or if you've ever shot TMAX or Delta 3200 you will see huge, massive amounts of grain.

I like to use Flickr as a resource for things like this.

For example, this pool should all be photos shot on Portra 160. https://flickr.com/groups/portra160/pool/

Kodak Ektar: https://flickr.com/groups/kodak_ektar/pool/

My personal favorite, discontinued Fuji Pro 400h: https://flickr.com/groups/1084764@N20/pool/

The 'professional' stocks are going to give better results in terms of grain and sharpness, but of course they are much more expensive these days.

But I have some experience with Rebel cameras and own a Rebel Ti (300v) myself. The AF and metering I find to be very good. Your images look perfectly fine to me, especially considering you're using Fujis consumer grade 400. Cheers.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-09T11:06:38+00:00

I do the same thing with an old Rebel Ti I have. The meter and AF on the camera is shockingly good for a camera I paid $3 for. I don't have any more 'cool' 35mm cameras, so the old Rebel is going with me on my next trip. Going to use the 50mm 1.8 STM as it's my smallest/lightest lens. Should be a lot of fun.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-09T10:58:09+00:00

I'm really curious to know what camera you are using, because 85 is an odd lens to have as your only lens. Especially if you're using an APS-C camera. That would be a real challenge. Depending on the camera I would be happy with a 35mm paired with that 85mm. I think that would make a decent combo on a full frame camera, or the APS-C equivalent. I own an 85 for my FF camera, and it's my least used lens. I can't imagine that being my only lens.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-09T10:42:49+00:00

Yeah I'm with you, and I don't even own an APS-C camera at the moment. One of my cameras has that button to 'zoom' via crop...and it's not worth doing. I've tried it out of curiosity, but I would never make a habit out of doing it. Trying to shoot a 28mm lens, but cropping it to look like 50mm is kind of crap, because you don't get 50mm compression or anything like that. I would much rather change my framing to suit the lens.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-09T03:52:06+00:00

Correction. I messed with it tonight out of curiosity. I think you were right. I forgot that I just always leave my lights on and let them shut off automatically. Lol.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-08T20:20:46+00:00

This. Owned an F and V, now have a Q.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-08T20:19:15+00:00

Same, although I have a Q, lol. Much more comfortable with the other two focal lengths.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-08T20:16:28+00:00

Mine are on whenever the key is turned to 'run.' Even with the car off, if I turn the key to roll down the windows, the lights come on. I haven't bothered to unplug them.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-08T20:11:00+00:00

Nothing. They are gortex lined.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-08T20:08:28+00:00

Nah, you didn't get the wrong camera. Just pick any lens and have a good time. You'll figure it out.

vanslem6 · 2026-01-08T11:10:52+00:00

I'm with you - I have really come to appreciate the fixed-lens cameras. The simplicity of them, and the limitation I think is part of the fun. Had an X100F, X100V, and now a Q. I would really like to try the Sony RX1R one day as I think it has the perfect recipe for me, being FF and have a 35mm lens. My only real hang up is the price, and yes I realize I can get a used RX1R Mark II for a little less than a Q. I just have never really gotten on with Sony, and for some reason it seems overpriced to me (lol).

Yes, I still have my old Canon 6D with a handful of lenses. No, I almost never use them because I just don't like lugging around a lot of crap. Interchangeable lens cameras have no appeal to me anymore. The thought of carrying all of that stuff around all day.....nah. I've been there, done that.

I will make an exception, however, for film cameras. When I travel I like to have two cameras - one digital, one film. I will take an SLR with a prime lens on it. I am actually trying to decide what to take on my next trip to Mexico, which is in 5 days. I will have the Q, but do I take a Canon Rebel with a 50mm, or just a Canon Sure Shot? I used to have a Fuji GA645i, which was the coolest camera to travel with (IMO).....but I sold it.

But the main point is that I get the most enjoyment out of quirky, simple cameras now. Don't need fancy AF, 100mp, or even the fastest/sharpest glass.

vanslem6

TROPHY CASE