Anyone carry a rangefinder or fixed-lens camera?
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Calling all photo nerds! Strongly considering picking up a Fuji X100s for climbing photography. I'm not necessarily looking to discuss the merits of the specific camera itself, but rather the pros/cons of shooting with a single, fixed, prime lens that can't be changed. Obviously this limits your perspective and options, but the tradeoff is much higher image quality than a point and shoot, while still coming in a relatively small and light package that fits in a pocket. |
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I think it depends a lot of what you're trying to take pictures of. When I'm climbing, I find that I want to take a mix of shots of the surrounding scenery, which generally call for something like 30-35mm (35mm equivalent) as well as action shots of my partner, which call for something much tighter (say >=70mm). Assuming you're the same, I think you're going to struggle with a fixed focal length lens for the 2nd category of shot. Taking the partner pics with a wide angle makes them look pretty tiny and often loses perspective on the climbing itself. |
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Hesitate no more, buy it. |
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wfscot - One thing I completely forgot about was weather resistance. Good call. I'm not too worried about ruggedness, I'm pretty careful with preventing bangs and bumps, but afternoon T-storms are a definite concern. Something to think about. |
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Probably not what someone stoked on old school cameras would want but for our climbing trips we bring my Canon G10, it's an amazing camera, lightweight small, 15mp and takes amazing shots. |
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X100s |
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If you are just shooting climbers at the bottom of the route or have the freedom to move about (jugging a line), the fixed lens are fine. If you are actually leading or belaying on multi-pitch routes, it can be a pain. Since you'll be tied into anchors, you are pretty limited to a few feets of movement, you'll have to be very creative of your shots. |
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Brendan N. (grayhghost) wrote:X100sHa, perfect. Any pro tips on the camera for me? Any limitations that you've found? Settings that have proven helpful? Have you taken it up any multipitch trad routes yet? I managed to find a single one in stock across 15-16 camera stores across the country and it's on the way to me now. I also snagged some spare batteries and the Nikon wide-angle adapter (1/2 the price of the Fuji branded one). |
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The only draw back IS the fixed lens. If you get the right camera, it will have the |
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I've actually been considering a rangefinder or folding camera for myself. I currently carry a body and 35mm, 50mm and 135mm primes, this works well when I'm on a rope and can position myself how I want, but I would never take this on an alpine route or anything long. Dropping the 50 and 135 and taking a fast 85mm or 100mm would work great, but it's still a lot of fiddling. |
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Brendan N. (grayhghost) wrote:Getting two or three banger shots with a fixed lens is much more enjoyable than getting ten mediocre shots with a more versatile point-n-shoot.+1000 |
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Davis Stevenson wrote:I know I'll probably get flamed again for mentioning film, but I figured I'd throw it out there-- easy to use, correct, and print, and vastly cheaper.Interesting perspective. Not a bad idea either. I'm not a "spray-and-pray" shooter. A couple years shooting MF and MFDB did away with that propensity, so a roll of film would probably last me 20 pitches. I don't have my darkroom anymore, but at this point I'd be quite happy just sending out my film to Adorama. Davis Stevenson wrote:I believe Sony just came out with an FX sensor compact camera with a zoom lens... haven't heard any reviews yet, but as far as IQ at the sensor level goes, it should blow away any sub $1k DSLR.Yup, just announced by Sony. And yours for the incredible bargain price of $2700... if it ever becomes available. We'll see how the S100x treats me. I'll report back in 2 weeks after the trip! |
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Just get the xpro. Then you can have a similarly awesome camera. If you are Alpine climbing, you can just take the prime lens that fits your trip the best. When you go sport climbing the following weekend, you can switch to the 55 to 200 zoom. Best of both worlds. The prime lens does require a bit more thought and effort, but it is more fun. I haven't found weatherproofing to be an issue with my camera. It would probably be bad to leave it out in a solid downpour, but I don't usually climb in that much rain... |
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Jon H wrote: Interesting perspective. Not a bad idea either. I'm not a "spray-and-pray" shooter. A couple years shooting MF and MFDB did away with that propensity, so a roll of film would probably last me 20 pitches. I don't have my darkroom anymore, but at this point I'd be quite happy just sending out my film to AdoramaThat's about the rate I shoot. Adorama's printing is awesome, too, especially for digital and scanned chromes; the metallic printing they do is stellar. Especially since you know photography quite well, you could even scoop old RF's with dead meters up and if you're in harsh conditions, who cares what happens to the body? Jon H wrote: Yup, just announced by Sony. And yours for the incredible bargain price of $2700... if it ever becomes availableDear lord.... For that $$$ you could snag a Leica M3 and all the stellar glass you really need... EDIT: That Sony would actually be a damn bargain in comparison to an M9, especially when you consider that they make an $11k 50mm prime... |
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Any update on the X100s? I like the look of the camera and am thinking of getting one once they come back in stock. |
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Here's a new MFT option that looks to be pretty epic: |
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Get an RX100 and enjoy how small it is while climbing. Using a prime and 'zooming with your feet' isn't the easiest if you're on the side of a rock. |
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Freddy.Mondale wrote:Any update on the X100s? I like the look of the camera and am thinking of getting one once they come back in stock.Still working great. Such an amazing camera. This shot uses the leaf shutter to sync a small strobe at 1/500 and f/2 to fill in the shadows during full sun. Emily Harrington at Psicobloc 2013 |
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Are there any cameras similar to a Fuji X100s but for like a 3rd of the cost? |
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I shoot with a Sony Nex-7 normally and when going on long climbs I take a sony Nex-5 with a 16-50 power zoom lens....I have also used the sony RX100 |
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Jon Zucco wrote:Are there any cameras similar to a Fuji X100s but for like a 3rd of the cost?The X100 and X100s are pretty unique. When you say "similar", what do you mean? Similar sensor, focal length, size, control layout, leaf shutter, or viewfinder? What is it about the 100s that appeals to you? I recently switched to an X-E1 with 18-55 and 35mm lenses, and I love it. |