Seeking advice about lens-swapping technique

[pico]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Back in the old days I used to glue two rear caps back to back. It made for quick lens changes (for speed not dust issues.) [...]

 

To the rest - just be sure not to use an aromatic glue.

 

(btw, looking at that shootsac video link.... what's a "wedding photojournalist?" That's a new one. )

 

Around here it means a photographer who does weddings as a PJ or news photographer might, and not concentrating on posed pictures. A former news photographer in Madison, Wisconsin makes (or made) major money with exactly this kind of work. I think he has changed to a more slick style now that he's in his sixties.

 

SWB: To speed up lens changes put a UV or protection filter on each lens and don't bother with a lens cap, only use the rear cap, it is quicker and there is less to fumble with.

 

I put a lens snap-on cap over the lens shade. No protective filter. I hate changing lenses, therefore used to carry three cameras. Can't afford that using M9s now.

[peterbengtson]

Back in the old days I used to glue two rear caps back to back. It made for quick lens changes (for speed not dust issues.) But in the end, I kind of think there's too much concern about dust and protecting the gear, etc., etc.. It's not fragile china. My own philosophy these days is 'just use it and don't worry.'

 

(btw, looking at that shootsac video link.... what's a "wedding photojournalist?" That's a new one. )

 

OP/TECH USA Double Lens Mount Cap for Leica-M Lenses 1101231 B&H

 

these work well. they have an O ring to seal and lock securely so they don't pop off

[Hariseldon]

My experience as a wedding photographer is using an M9 as the primary, and a DSLR with a zoom and mounted flash as a secondary over my shoulder.

 

I work by anticipating the lens that I need , I probably make 7 or 8 changes from a choice of 5. The DSLR is the backup and if I need a different field of view at short notice then I use the DSLR. ( reassuring in truth, the first time I used the Leica on a paying job......but I needn't have worried)

 

In an ideal world I would replace iDSLRwith a second M9, in which case the 28cron and 50lux would cover most eventualities with the 21 ,90 and 50 nokton in reserve as needs arise.

 

It was interesting to analyse my use of focal lengths I used for weddings with the DSLR before I bought the M9 , 28 and 50 with some judicious cropping covers 85% of shots and add in the 90 and 21 then it provided for at least 95%

[jaapv]

OP/TECH USA Double Lens Mount Cap for Leica-M Lenses 1101231 B&H

 

these work well. they have an O ring to seal and lock securely so they don't pop off

 

I agree that they are well made, but too shallow for some wides and not very practical for quick lens changing as they only accept the lens in one position.

[gpwhite]

It won't fit the M9, but it is fairly unpractical anyway, as it unbalances the camera. Use a clean and soft shoulderbag or bumbag worn to the front ( for multiple lenses with divisions) to drop your lenses into without the lenscaps for fast swopping without dropping.

 

Yes, I agree with Jaap that the lensholder/baseplate is awkward and only advantageous for three-handed photographers.

 

I wrote to B&H to mention that the old M attachment does not fit the M8/9, but I don't know if they ever refined their text.

[Jaybob]

Yes just change lenses, but don't start out with dust on your sensor either. So do a wet clean beforehand and make sure it is spotless and then don't think about it. To speed up lens changes put a UV or protection filter on each lens and don't bother with a lens cap, only use the rear cap, it is quicker and there is less to fumble with.

 

EXACTLY! Start out super clean, change like it's no big deal, and use back lens caps on bulb blown off back elements.

 

...and stay off the beach.

[jaapv]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The beach is one of my main subject ares....

[Jaybob]

The beach is one of my main subject ares....

 

Me too, but I dread it everytime I encounter it.

 

Sand, especially the fine blowing type, is the sworn mortal enemy of all camera equipment. I always find myself on high alert and quite stressed out on the beach.

[Washington]

One thing to consider is to vacuum the dust from your lens/camera bag.