NOT cameras or lenses

[kshapero]

A&A camera bags. Leicagoodies' hand strap and Camera strap. T.A.'s micro soft release. Film

 

[Kim Coxon]

I used to use a notebook called an "Alwych". Cheap, just the right number of lines for 36exp film (most seem to have 16 or 17 lines per page :bang. They are still available mailorder from the makers in Scotland. The big downside is that there is no elastic and the paper whislt fine for pencil, tends to let ink show through. Then a couple of years ago I discovered a range made by "Castelli". Nice false leather covers in a variety of colours, good quality paper and a sensible price. When these ran out (though I have now found them online) I tried a Moleskine. No they are not "just a notebook" and do deserve much of the hype.

For me, the paper quality is superb for pencil, ballpoint, rollerbal or even good old fasioned ink. The size for me is almost perfect, god number of pages (about 10% more than the others) and a very good cover with a pocket in the back for odd bits of paper/tables etc. If I only used one notebook, this would be it. However, I do sometimes need more than one and then I also use the Castelli's as I can "colour code" them.

Kim

I've just been looking at notebooks as I'm after a nice pocket one for exposure and developing notes. Has any tried Ciak notebooks? They're the same price as the Moleskines on Amazon but unlike the current Moleskines they're made of real leather.

Incidentally, is anyone else put off by the gushing devotion that Moleskines seem to generate? Some of the pages that come up on Google on these things make the Leica fetishizing we see look positively restrained. I love well made things but I think it's a mistake to imbue them with mystical properties. The old 'it's just a tool' line really should apply.

Matthew

 

[Roger Hicks]

Well, I use them too, so you may strike them off your list now.

Mole-ess-keen-ah, I believe.

I use them because they fit in my back pocket, they have firm covers and open flat so that I can write in them with one hand and the thing on my knee if need be, they don't go floppy when sweated on, they're not that expensive when purchased online, but they cost more than wire-loop notebooks one buys at the store, so they tend not to get lost. The pages are not removable except for the last several in the back, they have a pocket for keeping business cards. I prefer the 'Ruled Reporter Notebook'.

http://www.moleskine.com

Sincerely,

A. Poseur

Dear Bill,

I respect your opinion (usually); it's just that it seldom agrees with mine. And you are hardly alone in endorsing Moleskines. There's an old saying that if the biggest fool speaks the truth, that diesn;t stop it being the truth. Even then, I wouldn't categorize you as the biggest fool of my acquaintance, not by a long way.

Thanks for the pronunciation guide and further information.

Cheers,

Roger

 

[Matthew Allen]

I used to use a notebook called an "Alwych". Cheap, just the right number of lines for 36exp film (most seem to have 16 or 17 lines per page :bang. They are still available mailorder from the makers in Scotland. The big downside is that there is no elastic and the paper whislt fine for pencil, tends to let ink show through. Then a couple of years ago I discovered a range made by "Castelli". Nice false leather covers in a variety of colours, good quality paper and a sensible price. When these ran out (though I have now found them online) I tried a Moleskine. No they are not "just a notebook" and do deserve much of the hype.

For me, the paper quality is superb for pencil, ballpoint, rollerbal or even good old fasioned ink. The size for me is almost perfect, god number of pages (about 10% more than the others) and a very good cover with a pocket in the back for odd bits of paper/tables etc. If I only used one notebook, this would be it. However, I do sometimes need more than one and then I also use the Castelli's as I can "colour code" them.

Kim

Kim,

I'm sure they're a nice product and the chances are I will end up buying one or a similar notebook from the competition. All the same the hype does seem excessive (wait, isn't hype excessive by definition?).

I find that the manufacturer's site and many of the fansites make for fairly sickening reading. Some people have placed Moleskines on a very high pedestal as though they consider that their choice of stationery somehow elevates their artistic efforts to a higher plane.

Cheers,
Matthew

 

[Kim Coxon]

Perhaps, but you could say the same thing about Leica. Or indeed about the make of a pen, a watch, or just about anything else. Over 30 years I have tried all sorts of notebooks but the Moleskine has out performed all of them for very little more. I don't know about elswhere but the Challenge books have all broken their spines, The wirebound versions are uncomfortable in the pocket and the "springs" either flatten or get caught. Others are like writing on blotting paper. Either that or as I said before, there are only 16 lines which is a PITA for a 36 exp film.

I don't agree with the hype and I don't use them because some artist in the past did in the same way I don't use a particular camera make because a certain photographer did in the past. I use them because they suit my pupose the best. Some may use them as a fashion accessory or because they think it makes their words more important. Just because they do doesn't alter their quality or attributes.

Kim

Kim,

I'm sure they're a nice product and the chances are I will end up buying one or a similar notebook from the competition. All the same the hype does seem excessive (wait, isn't hype excessive by definition?).

I find that the manufacturer's site and many of the fansites make for fairly sickening reading. Some people have placed Moleskines on a very high pedestal as though they consider that their choice of stationary somehow elevates their artistic efforts to a higher plane.

Cheers,
Matthew

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Kim,

As I said, those whose opinions I respect...

Cheers,

R.

 

[bmattock]

Dear Bill,

I respect your opinion (usually); it's just that it seldom agrees with mine.

So you say, but I find that not only do I respect your opinion, I respect you (oh, to be damned with the faint praise of someone respecting my opinion only). I also enjoy your writing, here and in print. I generally agree with your conclusions, too.

I am often struck by some of your idiosyncrasies, either as funny or irritating or a bit of both. Sometimes I comment on them, other times not. I found your comment earlier in this thread about 'poseurs' somewhat in that vein. How exactly does not determine whom a poseur might be based on their choice of accessory items to take along?

And you are hardly alone in endorsing Moleskines. There's an old saying that if the biggest fool speaks the truth, that diesn;t stop it being the truth. Even then, I wouldn't categorize you as the biggest fool of my acquaintance, not by a long way.

I will work on it.

Thanks for the pronunciation guide and further information.

Cheers,

Roger

I live to serve.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks, a dogsbody

 

[Matthew Allen]

Perhaps, but you could say the same thing about Leica. Or indeed about the make of a pen, a watch, or just about anything else. Over 30 years I have tried all sorts of notebooks but the Moleskine has out performed all of them for very little more. I don't know about elswhere but the Challenge books have all broken their spines, The wirebound versions are uncomfortable in the pocket and the "springs" either flatten or get caught. Others are like writing on blotting paper. Either that or as I said before, there are only 16 lines which is a PITA for a 36 exp film.

I don't agree with the hype and I don't use them because some artist in the past did in the same way I don't use a particular camera make because a certain photographer did in the past. I use them because they suit my pupose the best. Some may use them as a fashion accessory or because they think it makes their words more important. Just because they do doesn't alter their quality or attributes.

Kim

You certainly could say the same about Leica. I love using mine for its solid mechanical elegance, but it's not magic. I do accept though that if you enjoy using your tools (cameras, notebooks, whatever) more, the results may be better than they might otherwise be.

Bill Mattocks, a dogsbody

That reminds me - never go shooting without that most important of accessories, a dogsbody.

Matthew

 

[BillP]

I've used a moleskine for about 5 years, for work. Each one lasts about 18 months in use, and at the end of that time is still robust, no pages have dropped out, the elastic is still "working", etc. I have used ones with squared paper, and with no lines at all. The pocket at the back is great for receipts for expenses. I put in a piece of cartridge paper cut slightly smaller than the pocket to provide a divider between business and personal receipts. It works really well - when it gets "uncomfortable" to close, it's time to claim my expenses...!

The curious thing is that when I first started using mine, I was the only person I know with one. Over the years all of my close colleagues have "succumbed". I am a big believer in travelling light, and with the Moleskine when I go to visit a client I can walk in without a briefcase or conference folder and still look "professional". When I go on holiday I have a separate Moleskine which I use as a journal of my travels. I sit in pavement cafes and write my impressions and memories of the place I am in. I average 5-10 pages for a weekend break, 15-20 for a longer trip.

Hanoi:

Tobago:

Seville:

Regards,

Bill

 

[David Goldfarb]

I didn't mention it, but I'm also a fan of Moleskine notebooks. I have a couple of small ones, one for photo notes and one for writing projects, and then a larger one about 5x8" that I picked up recently when I wanted a good notebook for writing longer things when I need to get something done, but don't want to carry a laptop. They hold up well.

They make a nice little six-pocket notebook that's perfect for 3x3" gel filters. I usually keep it in by Gowland 8x10" bag.

I have a leather and cloth bound book that I usually use for taking notes at lectures and talks that I attend. I think it was made by an Italian maker. I started it in 1998, and I've used about 180 pages out of about 400. The cloth part of the cover is wearing out, so I'll probably have to have it repaired someday.

Before that I variously used spirals and composition books.

I've always prefered notebooks with plain pages, no lines or grids.

 

[BillP]

Just bumping this thread, to encourage more responses. It makes interesting reading.

Regards,

Bill

 

[anglophone1]

Billingham vest
Billingham stowaway [great bag for travelling stuff, turns into great belt bag on location]
Petzl head torch
Mini maglite
Decent Compass
Leitz [actually mines a minolta] table tripod
Space blanket [great reflector taped to wall]
Ziploc bags
Laguiole knife as restaurant steak knives are never good enough.

 

[Tom A]

Bags: I have standardized on Brady's Ariel Trout bags. You can stuff a live trout in it and keep it in water as it has a waterproof inner lining (removable), but I use it for cameras instead (no water). It has two outside pockets for film, pipe, tobacco matches etc. No padded inserts (obviously trouts dont like it) but a Hitchhikers Guide Towel! This is used to wrap around cameras, lenses etc. For travel I usually go with 3 bodies and 4-5 lenses. Two bodies in the Brady and one around my neck. Lenses occasionally on Leica's back-to-back caps or the small Voigtlander cases with space for finders/lens.
One criteria for a bag is that it must be able to take a8.5x11 magazine without having to roll it up!
Gaffer tape - essential. I usually tape 2 filmcans back to back and my vest (I think it is an Orvis something) can hold 5 of these back to back thingies in one pocket. If you use a lightcolored gaffers tape (red/Yellow) you can write specific info on a piece of it and tear it off and stick the the filmcassette. I usually do 18-20" long taped pieces for each "two-up" and that seems to last for 40-50 rolls.

I carry either a Voigtlander Meter II and/or the small Gossen Digisix. One is in the bag and the other one on a lanyard, attached to my vest pocket by one of the D-rings.

Also a lenscleaning cloth (usually one of the freebies from Leica/Pentax etc as I keep loosing them).

No screwdrivers or Leatherman as I never check luggage on flights. The Brady bag and a small grey shoulder bag has to take it all. Clothing is secondary as I find you can always get that at the destination, but film etc is not always available. In most big cities you can find screwdriver kits, knifes etc that you can throw away or just leave behind.

Same thing with tripod's - IF i would need one, they can be borrowed or bought on location. If not judicial use of rocks, fence posts, stairs etc has to suffice.

The most important thing is good shoes! Wear them in well before going and keep the leather supple! Brand is really immaterial as long as they are comfortable!

The older I get, the less stuff I want to drag along. Clothing, shoes and cameras should be comfortable.

Camera straps!!! I use evrything from Luigi,Art and Artisans, Leica and even some shoelace looking black straps that are small and neat.

If the camera can take a Rapidwinder, it has one on it and if it cant take a Softrelease, it aint coming along!

Film I either take along what I think I will need or arrange to pick up at the destination (though there is always 20-25 rolls along from the outset in case the plane gets side-tracked).

 

[Ade-oh]

What a good thread!

First off: Moleskines are nice notebooks (pronounced 'mole-skeen' afaik) but they are a masterpiece of marketing hype. Most stationers can sell you something very similar at a fraction of the cost without the associated twaddle. Also, if you read the small print, they are quite a new product which is simply recreating the spirit (or whatever) of the great mythical notebooks of the past... blah blah blah.

Apart from cameras and lenses (and obviously film, flash etc etc), the two things I find indispensable for my photography are my Minolta Autometer Vf light meter and Lastolite reflectors.

 

[Tom A]

Moleskin's and the look-alikes are nice, but I tend to loose notebooks and pens, so I go for the cheap stuff. Usually a reporters spiral bound one (similar to a "steno" pad). It has the advantage that you can write notes and tear them off. Pens tend to get lost so I stick with cheap plastic ones and one or two of the Faber medium point permanent felt markers for writing on filmleaders and film cassettes. The "Sharpies" are fine, but i like the broader "stroke" of the Faber as I usually have to decode it in the dim light of the darkroom.

Another essential is reclosable sandwich bags. I load the up with film (no box, no container), 10 rolls in each. In the morning it is easy to grab one and stick in the bag to supplement the 10 rolls that are in my vestpocket in back to back containers. They also confuse customs guys as they see these small baggies in the shoulderbag and dont count them. Last thing you want in some countries is being labelled "pro" as that usually means a "secret service" guy following you around.

 

[Bill Pierce]

Moleskin's and the look-alikes are nice, but I tend to loose notebooks and pens, so I go for the cheap stuff. Usually a reporters spiral bound one (similar to a "steno" pad). It has the advantage that you can write notes and tear them off.

I used to carry around reporter's note pads, but for long time I've carried small cassette recorders instead. I get them from Radio Shack. They're around 4 1/2 by 2 inches and fit in a pocket. Sometimes talking into a recorder is quicker and easier than writing when you're juggling cameras. Sometimes I just hand the recorder to the subject and ask them to tell me who or what I'm photographing. You can get some pretty interesting answers.

Bill

P.S. I also tend to drop the recorders every once in a while; so, they only last a few years. Still, they're relatively cheap.

 

[Bill Pierce]

Bags: I have standardized on Brady's Ariel Trout bags. You can stuff a live trout in it and keep it in water as it has a waterproof inner lining (removable), but I use it for cameras instead (no water).

Tom -

Did you know that Billingham was the cutter for Brady. That's why so many of the Billingham camera bags look like they could hold a trout if they replaced the padded lining with a waterproof one.

We all used to stop in London for a day or so to minimize jet lag before heading off to the latest conflict. You'd go the Queen's Fishery and pick up a Brady bag. None of us looked like gentlemen fishers. And a well dressed clerk would always exhibit national pride by saying, "Mr. McCullin was here a week ago."

Bill

 

[Tom A]

Bill,I like the Brady bags. Living in Canada, you had to phone them and they would tell you how much it was (faxing was useless as they tended to turn of the faxmachine to save electricity!). Then you went to the bank, got the correct amount in Pound Sterling, bought some Western Canadian Fishing magazine and stuck the money between the pages and mailed it off!
Depending on season (troutbag testing I always assumed) it would take 3-6 weeks and my bags arrived. I always bought three at a time and I soon need to restock!
Once I talked with one of the Brady's - dont know which generation - and I asked for a slight modification. "No. dont want to do that. It is made for trout fishermen, not photographers!". I think the design goes back to about 1936 and they really hasen't changed since then. Makes me believe that fisherman are even more conservative when it comes to gear than shooters!
Only problem with them is that if you carry them day after day, they will wear out the left side of your pants - even Levi's will succumb and I estimate the lifespan of a Brady to be about 3 pair of jeans. I suspect that I have gone through about 12-15 of these bags over the years and lots of jeans!
Interesting bit of photographic trivia with Mr Billingham having been a cutter for them - that explains the similarity between the designs. You learn something new every day!

 

[Harry Lime]

- Tri-X - Even with a lousy camera it works miracles.

- Brown viewing glass, as used by cinematographers. I think Ansel A. also lugged one of these around. This is how people used to preview shots, before Polaroids or chimping. (Wratten#90)

- Sharpie

- Rechargeable batteries for everything. Cheap and good for the planet.

- Tiny, basic GPS allows me to wander aimlessly in a strange location and still find my way home (or at least to my hotel)

- Black cloth gaffers tape.

 

[kshapero]

Man, what a nice read this thread has been.