What does, "I always have a camera with me" mean?

[kshapero]

For those who say on RFF frequently that you always have a camera with; what does this mean? Do you always have a camera around your neck? or in a bag? Everywhere? a grocery run? to work? The only way I can say this is because I have my iPhone with me always. I do usually have a bag with me but not always. Who does this and how?

🙂

 

[batterytypehah!]

I used to do this with a Minox 35. Always in a zippered pocket of my jacket. Would have been great if not for a) it actually being the Soviet knock-off, a Kiev 35, complete with incurable light leaks and b) me being a college student at the time and not having enough money to support burning through serious amounts of film.

Still one of the best uses for film IMO. Phones and compact digicams can't touch a Minox, XA, Stylus etc. for IQ.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

When I walk out the door and get into the car (no public transport where I live) a Contaflex goes into the car with a couple of film magazines loaded with E6 and B&W and some lenses. I'm going through a Contaflex phase at the moment... If I'm going further afield, a Rolleiflex and a Hasselblad are usually put into the boot as well. It's rare indeed I don't have something on me during daylight hours. I won't take a camera with me into the supermarket, for instance, but apart from shopping errands, there'll generally be something around my shoulder.

The first rule of photography - the first rule - is you have to have the camera, if you're going to get the shot. The second rule, of course, is, don't forget the film!
Regards,
Brett

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Used to carry a P&S in my satchel but now I just use my iPhone, unless I'm going on an actual photo ramble. A fair number of the best photos I've taken in the past year have been on my phone. The IQ is fine.

 

[swoop]

For me it used to mean i ALWAYS had my camera with me. Walking to the grocery store even. The real was a night in Hamburg Germany where my cousin convinced me to leave it behind and there was a full on cops in gear fires burning in the streets riot. Never again.

Ever sijnce my kid was born its been kind if burdensome to have him, the stroller, his supplies and the camera bag around at all times. So it can mean just the M9 on a strap, or just my phone.

 

[RanceEric]

I usually just take a camera with everywhere.. work, the grocery store, out to eat, walking the dog.. anywhere.. either on a strap on my shoulder (usually my Nikon S3 or Contax I), or, depending on the camera, in my coat pocket (Super Ikonta A or B, XA, Rollei 35, etc)

 

[jsrockit]

I have one with me most of the time, around my neck. However, there are days when I leave it home. Now that it is jacket weather, I'm more likely to have one with me all of the time (coat pocket).

 

[gilpen123]

GRDIII or Canon S90 in my car or bag when I go to meetings. On business trips, I'll have the X100 or EP3 or M6 and either GRD or S90. Rarely used my iPhone to take pics, too slow for me.

 

[kuvvy]

I have always carried a camera with me since starting my interest in photography some 35 years ago. It always a p&s and at the moment that's a GRD III. Always hoped one day I'd capture a newsworthy shot that would make my fortune, but never have. It has got me some good shots though, whether a street shot, a beautiful landscape or just a happy snap. I'm even going to a funeral tomorrow and it's sure to be in my pocket🙂

 

[Maximilian]

I always have a camera with me. If I'm just going to the grocery store or walking my dogs, I'll have my Leica MP and 28mm lens over my shoulder. If I'm going anywhere else, I'll usually bring a bag with an extra lens, extra film, filters etc. If I'm going somewhere where I expect to bump into interesting things, I might bring my Mamiya 7ii outfit instead.

I bought a GRDiii this summer, to use when I was pretty sure I wasn't going to bump into anything interesting, but just in case wanted to bring a camera. The camera is fine, but I really don't know what to do with the pictures I take with it though. The quality is good for what it is, but not good enough that I'd add a picture taken with it to my portfolio. Now when I'm out with only the GRDiii, I'm almost hoping I won't find a great photo opportunity, cause it will bug that I brought the "little" camera. I barely ever carry it anymore cause of that reason. It's a good camera to have around the house though, being the only digital camera here. My wife uses it.

 

[zvos1]

Anyone here brought their camera into the shower??? I am sure someone here at RFF tried it!

For me iPhone is always on me (except in the shower) and other serious staff is in the bag for outings like walks, dinners, etc.

 

[jarski]

agree with above comments, it depends a lot where you live.

 

[Vince Lupo]

There are many times when I don't carry a camera (not considering an iPhone to be part of the mix), and really I don't mind it at all. For me, a camera can sometimes get in the way of enjoying an event. Can actually be a bit liberating not having one!

 

[Colin Corneau]

It means what it says...not quite sure why you'd ask?

As an earlier poster also said, I once saw something I'd have loved to photograph and couldn't since I didn't bring one with me...never again.

 

[maddoc]

Iphone = always, camera = 99% of the time I leave the apt.

 

[FrozenInTime]

Anyone here brought their camera into the shower??? I am sure someone here at RFF tried it!

One of the downside of solo economy travel e.g. using NZ backpacker hostels is ; there is no convenient way of securing your belongings.

So that necessitates taking a bag with ipod, passport and cameras etc. to the shower.
I kept all the camera stuff in a canoe style drybag - so no ill effects form all that moisture in the air.

 

[kshapero]

One of the downside of solo economy travel e.g. using NZ backpacker hostels is ; there is no convenient way of securing your belongings.

So that necessitates taking a bag with ipod, passport and cameras etc. to the shower.
I kept all the camera stuff in a canoe style drybag - so no ill effects form all that moisture in the air.

That is a new one. amazing.

 

[paulfish4570]

if i am conscious, even when on a hospital gurney ... 🙂

 

[Calzone]

Today I carry a Rolleiflex 3.5F, sometimes a Nikon F3, but most of the time a Leica. Basically I feel naked if I leave the house without a camera.

I live in NYC where its easy to make photography part of my every day life. I take the subway only one stop and walk to work shooting. I push Tri-X to 650 so I can shoot in subway lighting. I even added a MF-18 back to one of my F3's so it kinda works like a visual journal.

Missed an AP shot of when that Yankee pitcher crashed his plane into a highrise on 72d Street. I was at work and was forced to evacuate. I was at the right place at the right time, but I had no camera, and I never want that to happen again. Its rare that I don't have a camera with me.

Cal

 

[FalseDigital]

I always have a camera with me as well. Lately it's usually a Bessa-R w/ J-3 or CV15mm lens, Nikon FE w/ 50mm f/1.8 or 28mm f/2.8 lens, or E-P1 w/ 17mm f/2.8, or a Rolleiflex.

I almost always see something worth photographing even if I'm just going to the grocery store. Every now and then I'll forget to grab my camera if I'm in a hurry to leave home. I feel naked without it.