Richard Photo Lab: Why KT Merry Shoots Film

The Richard Photo Lab blog has the top ten reasons that top tier wedding photographer, KT Merry, still shoots film.  Read all about it in the article, KT Merry 10 reasons why I still shoot film.

B&H: 10 Recommended Heavy-Duty Tripods

B&H Photo and Video has an article listing 10 full-size tripods that they would recommend, complete with links to their online store to buy them.  Of course, selecting the same model tripod on Amazon, Adorama or your local camera shop would work as well.

If your camera is particularly heavy, outfitted with a long telephoto or you just don't want your camera flapping about in the wind, a sturdy tripod can assist in getting a tack sharp shot.  One of these tripods is rated to support up to 50 lbs of gear.  Now that is a big camera.

While the article does not itself explain what the features listed mean, B&H has another page (mentioned within the article) that has a tripod buying guide.  Choosing which tripod will work for you requires reading the articles and checking the specs for the tripods that interest you.

Knowing what you want (is the tripod for video, still landscape photos, wildlife photos, etc.) and the weight of your gear can help select the appropriate tripod for your budget. 

Here is a brief listing of the first three recommendations:

1. Really Right Stuff TVC-33 Versa Series 3 Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod and BH-55 Ball Head
2. Gitzo GT2532 Mountaineer Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod and GH1382QD Series 1 Center Ball Head
3. FEISOL CT-3472LV Elite Rapid Carbon Fiber Tripod with Leveling Center Column and CB-40D Ball Head

Others include (in alphabetical order):  3 Legged Thing, Benro, Induro, Manfrotto, Oben and Slik.  There are, of course, other brands and types of tripods out there, so it is worthwhile to search for more recommendations.

Read on at 10 recommended full-size tripods.

KEH: Cameras to Start From, 35mm to Instant

KEH, the store that recycles cameras and gear, has a quick posting on the Best Film Cameras for Beginners in Every Format.  With links back to listings on KEH, should you be inclined to buy one of the excellent cameras that is listed in the article.

A word on KEH and how they work.  The KEH machine grades and buys used cameras, lenses and other gear.  The process of grading the item, based on ten factors, determines the grade, such as Like New, Excellent Plus, Excellent, Bargain and so on.  From the grade, the price is determined.

Using the grade, one can make the choice of whether to buy an item, knowing that the factors that go into the grade are made with integrity, and that the item may be returned within 14 days of delivery (RMA required) should one not be satisfied.

The article, again:  the Best Film Cameras for Beginners in Every Format.  Check it, even if you have a camera, you never know where it might lead...

Disclosure, Your Blogger has purchased items from KEH in the past.

Sale: Polaroid Originals New Year Sale

Polaroid Originals is having a New Year Sale.  With up to 20% off festive film, 10% off cameras and up to 50% off on Polaroid Originals marked clothing and merchandise, such as mugs. 

Pick up your analog instant goodies at a discount, here.

Podcast: Classic Lenses Podcast

As with most podcasts, a rambling conversation about various classic lenses and... film cameras! This podcast covers so many different classics, offers a Lifetime Achievement Award and a complete list of the CLP awards, just click on this link for the full list. Bonus, one of the podcasters is the host for the Large Format Photography Podcast, see Monday's posting!
 

Podcast: Large Format Photography Podcast

Wouldn't one of the hosts of the Classic Lenses Podcast also be the host of the Large Format Photography Podcast!  Great stuff to listen to while scanning negatives.  Maybe your Blogger should convince his lab to do the scanning, they are really good at it - lets say the colour is spot on from the lab.

The topics and links in the podcast are listed at the podcast website, click here for episode #20 details.

Enjoy the podcasts!

New Year's Deals

Polaroid Originals is offering 20% off instant film until January 5th, 2020.  Just enter code HAPPY2020 as indicated at the top of their web page.  Make your resolution to shoot more frames, and cut yourself a sweet deal at the same time.

KEH is offering 10% off site wide and 20% off on accessories, until January 4th, 2020.  Click on the top banner on their web site to get the code.  Enter the code shown when you check out.

These deals have exclusions and deadlines, check the respective site for details.