kinesisphotogear

About two years I met George for the first time at a seminar at which he was speaking. He told me that one of the objectives of his own newsletter was to provide a forum of non-commerical unbiased opinions on equipment and techniques. He said with OP, the advertisers have a bunch of weight on what can be written in columns. (This is contrary to what Shun Cheung said, although since that time, he may be under more pressure from sponsors.) By the way, in the latest issue (Spring? 98) he reportedly did a write-up on Kinesis Long Lens Cases vs. the ScopePack. I have not seen the review. Anyone out there seen it? I know he is sponsored by Saunders (i.e. ScopePack distributor).

Bob, it is interesting that you should be asking about this little device (Kirk # SS-1), as just this month I have had some of my customers field testing this same QR mounted on our belt, instead of using it as a shoulder mounted tool (a prototype for a new product, which we may release). One tester reported no worry about it coming off (but then I didn't ask him to look for that either, as it appeared the device is solid). He only commented about the leverage & how it pulled down, because it was mounted on his waist. It appears that this model is simply the Kirk QR-1 modified. This same QR-1 unit is regularily used to hold cameras on tripods and people sling the whole tripod and camera over their shoulder as one unit, without fear. My opinion would be that it is OK for this purpose.

M. Van Bergh is correct about the new LowePro long lens cases. They are intially going to offer just one model called the S&F Lens Trekker 600 AW. The specs indicate it is only 20" tall (51cm) and this may be tight with a 600mm with the body attached. The design is similar to their Top Load Zoom cases (except much bigger of course), which they have sold for years.

I would also take a look at the modular long lens cases from Kinesis Photo Gear, as they function both as a shoulder bag or attach to a special packframe/belt combo.

Philip answered this question in part, through his explanation at: http://www.photo.net/photo/bags.html (see heading called "The Belt") where he discusses using the modular belt & case system from Kinesis Photo Gear. The Kinesis system uses a different approach, i.e. no pouches are permanently attached to the belt, providing a "true" modular approach.

Michele,

I share studio space with a shooter who has the Canham field camera. He loves it. He travels worldwide on assignment with it. He has one of the wood/metal versions. I understand Canham now has an all metal version. I spoke with Keith Canham on the phone a few weeks ago and he (+ a bunch of other USA field camera makers) are going to be exhibiting at Potokina in Germany. He currently does not have e-mail or a web site.

This becoming a real hot issue for long lens users, because a 400/2.8 or a 600/4 cannot be broken into smaller pieces and carried on a personal vest or belt system. I recently did a survey of the various carriers at Denver International Airport (DIA). I reviewed the posted specs and measured the sizing cubes at that airport. (I manufacture long lens cases, so I did this survey to check on how our cases fit.) This brief survey is available by request, or if the System Op (Bob) thought is would be appropriate, I could post it here too.

Spped: I agree with most of the above writers about Astia being slightly slower in speed, when compared to E100S. I rate (using the sunny 16 rule) Astia at ISO 80 and E100S at ISO 100. I also rate Provia the same. This is based on many controlled tests & jobs in the studio with flash exposures with color correct tubes and a professional lab E-6 line. Shooting outside yields similar results for me.

 

<p>

 

Color: I did several side by side tests using a subject in the studio with a variety of colors. My conclusion was that Astia had slightly puncher yellows and the skin tones were more realistic than E100S. E100S still had the "Kodak anemic" skin tones, that is slightly on the cool or blue side.

The amazing thing about Astia or particularily Provia, when compared to E100SW is that the skin tones or other colors are punchier, yet the grays remain dead neutral. E100SW the grays look as if they are tainted. If I wanted overall warmth, I would just slap on a 81A or such, not change films.

 

<p>

 

Sharpness or Grain: I really couldn't see much difference between E100S or Astia. The specs from Fuji (RMS specs, I believe) indicate that Provia is slightly better than Astia. Perhaps this is because of the increased constrast of Provia. One thing for certain, E100S is a BIG improvement over any prior Kodak E-6 films.