Life's little (photo) lessons - what are yours?

Alpsman said:
When you load a new film, check that the film is really advancing by checking the rotation of the rewind knob.

If you need a eye correction lens, check that it is really attached to the viewfinder before leaving home.
Click to expand...
...and if it looks funny, check the diopter adjustment (if you have it)! Didn't realise mine had moved until the focus confirmation light started coming on when the viewfinder was still blurred...
 
Never change a lens at the edge of a gorge, as it might fall.
(Happened to a friend of mine with a brand new, never-before-used €3,000 lens.)

When shouldering the monopod with the camera mounted, make sure the quick-release plate is really really securely locked.
(Self-experienced lesson)
 
My apologies for been different.
Went digital in 2007. Got around 200K digital exposures by now.
Never gun shoted. Just spend a lot of time with camera, daily.
And events needs plenty of photos, sometimes.

I came from culture without consumerism.
As addictive as it gets, I tend to get rid of things I don't use.

One of the reasons used Leica prices gone up is because of "never sell anything if it has Leica on it"
It is nothing but hording to me.
Sorry.

Keep always camera with you is water under the bridge.
Only if you are zoomer.
If not, not too old phones will do. It is not so pleasing and good as with camera, but it is still valuable tool.

Dual slots... I had card failure only once since 2007 and it was card from dodgy place.
All of my cards with reputable brands, places of purchase are still working.
Dual only makes sense to separate video and stills, IMO.

To be very honest, spare batteries, cards are needed if camera, batteries and cards are crap.
Spare battery is fine if in camera is at the low charge or it is -10C and lower.

Most of EVF cameras are crap by default. It just eats batteries.

Leica digital cameras seems to be the only cameras with memory cards quirks.

And to be very honest, one digital camera is enough for 90% of us, because we are not into paid gigs.

Just don't go with Leica for it.
I have Canon 5D MKII and Canon 500D. They keep on working on same memory cards and battery lasts forever.
Leica is nice to have, but I would never keep it as the only camera.

Lens on infinity... Maybe, but if you are not landscaper, infinity is less used lens focus position.
If you are with rangefinders, lens to be kept on infinity for storage, the RF arm spring is less tensioned this way.
If camera is in use, get to understand true zone focusing. Which is by focusing tab. Keep it in the mid zone, need far - swing one side, close - opposite. It is always the same as long as you are not hording and have one camera (at least type).

About taking pictures of people. Take it if you like them. Don't take if you need your photos to be liked.
 
If you are using a manual camera its a good idea to preset the focus to infinity and both shutter speed and aperture to usual ('standard') settings when its being carried. (I use 1/250s and f/8 with base ISO). This means that you know which control(s) to move, and in which direction, when you need to take the next shot.

I always carry at least one spare battery and card which, given their size and weight, is no big deal, and a small, foldable waterproof bag which will take camera, battery, card, phone, wallet, etc., in case of a downpour, which is not an unusualy thing where I live.

Last photo lesson is to try to constantly analyze your surroundings and 'see' compositions. Even if you don't then take any photos you are at least always practising and, as they say, practice makes perfect.
 
oldwino said:
Remove the lens cap (probably rangefinder specific).
Don't open the developing tank until the film is developed AND fixed.

That was this week.
Click to expand...
Leica’s latest lens caps, the last fifteen years, are designed to fall off by just looking at them. You don’t need to remember to remove the metal lens caps from Leica lenses.
 
I’ve been accused of stating the obvious before; so, here I go again.

Somebody mentioned photographing for "likes". My advice is simply to be true to yourself. People may like what you do and they may not like what you do, it’s inconsequential… like the song says, “you can’t please everybody so you got to please yourself”. However, having said that, I believe that one must strive to create images of interesting content, good composition and hopefully some emotional resonance. If one is satisfied with their photograph then all is good; the mission is accomplished. Post your image for all to see and move on to the next project.

If one receives unsolicited criticism, ignore it. There is no better place on earth than the internet to make a fool of yourself; trust me, I know. Don’t let your pride get hurt. If somebody is trying to stomp on your dream, ignore it and walk away, they’re the one with a problem, not you. The good and decent members of RFF are all rooting for everyone to be good photographers. They are sharing in everyone’s eagerness and happiness to share photos, comments, questions & answers and to be a part of a good community.

RFF is a great place!

All the best,
Mike
 
A couple of large clear plastic trash bags. With rubber bands, one can protect a camera and lens during a rainstorm and the other, with arm holes torn in the closed end, can protect the photographer. That works best when it's not too hot, otherwise you will sweat enough that you might as well have stayed out in the rain. Also a boonie style hat - the brim shades the viewfinder from sun glare and the brim will fold easily to allow vertical shots without removing the hat. Agree with prior comments about good shoes and always parking the focus at infinity. Lots of other good suggestions here, including Phil's. That's how I got into volunteering for our local fire and ambulance services. Thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom