mal_mallory

<p>I'm afraid that the day after my funeral and internment, my widow will see the little brown truck pull up in the drive with another lens from either Adorama/BHPhoto or KEH. Sorry, a lens outfit/collection is never complete ... thankfully.</p>

<p>My 135mm SLR equivalent bag is currently home to a D200, a D700 and an F5. To me the D700 is a workhorse with the full frame (FX) sensor, quality resolution at high ISO and a good balance when paired with a 70-200 or other working lens. To me the DX format is a disadvantage because the perception of a greater focal length in lens is brought about by digital cropping. I view the comparison of DX vs FX in digital formats, to be similar to comparing a 135mm film format to a 6x4.5 film format. I like the idea of having a 50mm lens giving a 50mm view rather than 75mm; and the same for my 12, 20, 85, etc. <br>

The D300 is a fine camera, but I prefer the Nikon FX format.</p>

<p>I shoot with either a Nikon D700 w/various lenses, or my RZ67 or a Toyo G 4x5 ... and my tripod legs of choice for the last 20 years has been the Manfrotto 028B (formerly 3046) w/the 808RC4 head. For backpacking it is definitely a little heavy, but I'm two meters tall so it works for me. Steady in all terrain and rugged, the only camera stand I'd probably upgrade to would be the Bogen Salon 0836 - but only for studio use.</p>

<p>Carrying and setting up a 38-foot backdrop makes my back hurt just thinking about it. That said, Knowledge Backgrounds, SayCheese Backgrounds or Denny's can make about any size you need.<br>

Next question how do you get wrinkles out out a 38x10 foot (380 sq ft) muslin backdrop ... in a timely fashion. A canvas backdrop would require a crew to carry and set up.</p>