Sunday afternoon Tatiana Hopper posted a video essay on choosing one camera and sticking with it for a long enough period of time to really understand how to use it.
There is actually quite a lot about her thesis that I like. Maybe I can explain that a little.
A couple of years ago I bought a Fujifilm X100V. It was an upgrade to my earlier model, an X100S. The upgrade had better handling of film simulation recipes, which is something that I enjoy. That was my primary reason for that upgrade.
I then found that there is something liberating about carrying a rangefinder-type camera with a fixed lens. My X100V had the wonderful Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens that was quite capable of making excellent images even if limited to that single focal length. What this did is force me to see with that focal length in mind. The slightly wide angle perspective forced me to get closer to the subject. I neither worried about switching lenses nor carried extra lenses.
I am guilty of carrying too much gear. My camera bags are usually too heavy because I carry too many lenses. Therefore, as I planned a long roadtrip for October and November, I purposefully (or intentionally) decided to take the Fuji X-T5, the Fujinon 18-55mm kit lens, the Fujinon 70-300mm zoom, and the 35mm f/2 for a fast normal. I also took some extra SD cards, batteries, and a charger. All of that fit into the Fujifilm/Domke partner X-Series camera bag.
I actually used the 18-55mm f/2.8-5 kit zoom most of the time. I found I did not need the extra reach (this trip) and the kit lens was fast enough to do what I wanted done. I did use the 35mm f/2 a few times, but then switched to the 18-55mm.
I came home with a collection of interesting images. A few of them are actually good.
The simpler carry had the advantage of less confusion about what to use. I had a lens for normal shots that offered a decent, and usable, zoom range. I had one with reach. I had a normal lens if that was needed. It turns out that neither the reach nor the normal lens were needed. That kit served me surprisingly well. It carried easy.
I recently watched a couple more videos about being an intentional photographer. I actually already am. I eschew the spray and pray approach with my digital cameras, just as I did with my film cameras (and still do). I will share at least one of those videos in another essay leave it said that I carried a Nikon FM2n last week with a normal lens affixed to it and a roll of Ilford XP2 in the body (black and white C41 process film). I paused on our walkies to make an image now and again, just one or two frames.
I learned that my FM2n needs a service, so it will be sent to my technician this week. In the meantime, the Nikon F2 will be carried, this time with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 lens and a roll of Kodak Gold 200. Once that roll is finished, I will send both in for processing and scanning.
There is much to be said for slowing down and being more intentional about photography. The truth is that there is much to be gained by slowing down and being more intentional about everything. But, that is a topic for another essay.
I am grateful, especially this time of year. You are missed, Old Girl. Life is good.