If you want to take good pictures use one camera lens combo

[koven]

For a year

I've pretty much only been shooting with the x100 since I got it. I occasionally use my film cameras but not at the same frequency.

Using one camera/lens combo is great because you are forced to actually test the limits of your camera and figure out ways to compensate for its shortcomings. You'll even discover techniques to that will allow you to surpass your own ability.

You start reviewing your pictures and eventually you'll start to notice similarities in the things you do (good or bad) and ask yourself why. Using one camera/lens combo will also give you a new found appreciation for any new equipment you do purchase because you actually know you'll need it.

You will eventually stop focusing on the newest gadget and start focusing on the pictures you take (and the pictures your peers take). My whole mindset when it comes to photography is completely different. Its less about the technical aspect and more of the essence of what makes a good photo. How some things may be viewed and perceived, and how to be more fluid. How to express something in a bold way and make it look effortless and natural. When I read what the greats have to say about photography I understand what they are trying to express a lot more.

Before I got the x100 I would consider myself a gear head. I was constantly buying new cameras/lenses with nothing to show for it besides a few Facebook likes. After having it for a year and a bit I'm now considered an emerging artist. I've been featured in many places all over the net. Had clients such vice, I'm regularly commissioned to do portraits and my photos have appeared on the walls of houses and art galleries all over the world. I'm not trying to brag, I don't consider those accomplishments that great. Ive been asked for advice a bunch of times on here and I rarely give it out (mainly because I dont feel like im in a position to do so) but one of the main things that allowed my photography to improve was using 1 camera/lens. This thread might be pretty controversial on RFF 😀 so take my advice with a grain of salt.

 

[Dennis.Carlson]

I completely agree. I always wanted the 3 main cameras I have now, and I find myself asking "what camera do I take today?" When it really shouldn't even be like that. It should just be about grabbing a camera on your way out and shooting photos. I especially don't get it when people have multiple cameras and the same focal length lenses. Why have 3-4 camera bodies that all have 35mm on them?

But from the other side, cameras (especially older & leicas) are beautiful instruments and all can bring something new to the table. My M7 has aperture priority, with a 35mm lens. My T3 does as well, which is a bit more easy to carry sometimes? I see both sides. If I could, I'd love a M (240) and 35 Asp as my only setup but there's no way that can happen financially right now. Good post, gets you thinking.

 

[msbarnes]

I agree entirely. I'm completely happy with just my Rolleiflex for 120 and whenever I take it out, I feel comfortable but for 35mm....I'm torn between too many cameras and lenses and fiddle around too much. I outta choose just one.

 

[Richard G]

Mike Johnston proposed the year with one Leica and a 50, and there's a film 50 FL only thread running here now. The thing about the X100 is that it is clearly good enough for most things, and the fixed 35 limitation is a strength. I have been using 50 almost exclusively for months and everything you say resonates with me.

 

[squareshooter]

I beg to differ. Yes, there are plenty of gear heads out there that swap cameras, lenses and the like faster than a speeding bullet. But one tool is not going to fit every job. Unless you limit what you do. I may not use my 500mm mirror lens more than once a year but when I do it is the right tool for the job at hand. Hard-and-fast snappy arbitrary regulations do not stack up well vs. reality -- in my humbug opinion.

 

[Murchu]

Choice can be paralysing. If it is, then restricting choices makes sense. If its not, then find what are the bottlenecks in your photography, and tackle them.

 

[MiniMoke]

Beautiful pictures on your site!

That's what counts.

 

[sar-photo]

Yes - I spent a year just using one camera (Canon A1) with one lens (Tamron 28-300) - there was nothing I couldn't shoot with that combination 😀

Simon

 

[Rangefinderfreak]

I think this "One camera -One lens" is bull****. It´s going backwards, limiting your vision.
I usually have three leica M´s , two around my neck with 21mm and 35mm lenses Third, the M8 on one shoulder, with usually a 50mm and fourth, a Nikon F with 105mm tele. I shoot with film & digital simultaneously. usually same shots with both, digital converted to B&W. I see everything in wide angle, but sometimes it is nice to draw up the details...

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Hmmm, when I want to sell something on ebay I need a macro lens, but for scenery (landscapes or townscapes) a 24mm or 28mm or 35mm is most used and for people there's nothing like a 85 or 90mm f/2 portrait lens. But at air shows I use the 200mm most and have another camera with the 35mm ready to save changing lenses.

The macro lens and the 200mm need the SLR to use properly and the other two work well with a CRF or SLR. (See how this is moving towards a SLR as one body? And this is RFF!)

Lots of lenses and bodies including the flash etc mean a heap of stuff to cart around, and so the little (with a prime lens) P&S (Leica mini III, Konica A4, Olympus XA2 etc, etc.) are useful to have available. Or there's the Contax Tix which is APS.

The idea of one lens on one body is attractive and, FWIW, the pre-war Leicas fulfil this role for me. Plus I like their simplicity, without it I'd forget how to take a photograph. But I just cannot see how I'd survie without my rather minimalist kit.

Regards, David

 

[oftheherd]

If one camera and one lens works for anyone, that would be what they should do. It would not work well for me. I am like those above, who while not trying to take every camera and lens with me every time I go out (impossible!), I like having different tools for different types of outings.

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

I distrust all people who are positive, I think. 😀

I have several cameras and lenses and get much pleasure from them all. I would feel seriously constrained by limiting myself to one combination and so come down on the side of the multitude. 😎

 

[bobbyrab]

I often advise students learning photography to use an all manual camera as I really believe nothing else quite teaches you the fundamentals like having to dial in all your own settings.

I can't really see what sticking with one lens teaches you other than how to compromise? What is it you think you've learnt, particularly what are the new techniques you've developed?
I don't believe I've obsessed over equipment for many years, I buy the best I can afford and get on with it. I can understand you're restricting yourself to one lens to change your mindset which is fine, and if that's what it took then great, but as an exercise in itself I can't really see what it teaches.

 

[koven]

Its only a year guys 😀

Beautiful pictures on your site!

That's what counts.

Thank you so much

 

[koven]

I can't really see what sticking with one lens teaches you other than how to compromise? What is it you think you've learnt, particularly what are the new techniques you've developed?

Cant give that away 😀

 

[Mcary]

I distrust all people who are positive, I think. 😀

I have several cameras and lenses and get much pleasure from them all. I would feel seriously constrained by limiting myself to one combination and so come down on the side of the multitude. 😎

Same here 🙂


Personally I've never struggled with what gear to take with me rather I simply make a choice and live with it. Same goes with which lens to have on the camera and which to have in the bag. So what happens if a shot comes a long that I don't have the"right" lens on? Simply I either calmly changes lens or look for different shot or move on.

Of course I could just have multiple personality so while Gear Mike wonders should I get a 50mm to fill the gap between the 28mm and 75mm or if a fast 35mm would be a better option Photographer Mike simply enjoying going out and taking pictures 🙂

 

[olelovold]

I agree with the original post.

The majority of my favourite work has a continuity in its aesthetic and composition which is enabled first and foremost by the discipline and talent of the photographer (obviously), but also by the camera and the lens. Most tripod-based art documentary work, for example, is done with normal lenses on 6x7, 5x4 or 10x8 and has a beautiful stillness to it. In a body of work, this continuity in perspective and vision is a great thing.

But yes, different tools for different jobs. For me, a GF670 and a cf tripod is all I need for my work. For others, having a wide and a tele to go with the normal is essential. Nothing wrong with either approach.

 

[robbeiflex]

I disagree. If you really want to get to know a particular piece of equipment and/or a focal length, then using it exclusively for an extended period of time is a good idea. I have done this with 50mm, and am now trying it with 35mm. Pointlessly limiting yourself for a completely arbitrary amount of time, on the other hand, may be fine for you but doesn't work for me.

 

[jbielikowski]

Well, the OP sound like he was not limiting himself, just found the right camera for him. And he also "use his film cameras but not at the same frequency".

Whatever works.

 

[haempe]

This whole "one lens - one camera" thing is mainly to explore the limits of such a combo. It's good to know those limits, especially for beginners or if you rethink your photographical approach.

If you already know what you want to reach with your photography, no need to hesistate the use of special purpose tools which fit the work better, IMHO.