Preparing for Some Travel

Belizean Scene, by Reed A. George

Panasonic DMC-G1, 100-300mm f4-5.6 Lens at 100mm

iso 2000, f5.6, 1/400 sec

 

I'm mentally gearing up for my trip to Maui and California. This is mostly a family trip, followed by a couple of days of hiking in the Northern California mountains. I'm trying to figure out how little gear I can get away with and be happy on the trip. We'll be in transport quite a bit, especially flying the small airlines between Hawaiian islands.

 

For the camping portion of the trip, it's already decided. I'll be taking my Panasonic DMC-LX100 and Fujifilm GS645S. The LX100 is the super-compact, super-capable solution. With its Micro 4/3 sensor and 24-75mm equivalent, fast (f1.7 at the wide end) lens, I'm almost convinced it's all I need for the entire trip. The GS645S will fill my need for a more manual camera, and as a bonus, it shoots medium format film.

 

For the Hawaiian portion of the trip, I'm tempted to take a camera with a longer focal length lens. Since the GS645S is a wide 60mm (35mm equivalent on 35mm format), the longest I'll have is the 75mm equivalent on the LX100. As you can see above, sometimes I like to shoot longer lenses on travel. So, this has me considering a small Micro 4/3 interchangeable lens kit.

 

For some travel gear tips from a real pro, (Click Here) to check out an article and video on B&H's "Explora" website.

 

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Do I Miss My Hasselblad Xpan? I think I Do.

Some of my Xpan Shots, With 45mm f4 Lens

 

I used to own a Hasselblad Xpan and 45mm lens. It's the only Hasselblad I've ever owned. I liked it, but didn't love it at the time. It was valuable enough, I decided to sell it. Now, I wonder if that was a good idea. I was just getting into the panoramic composition. I have continued to play with panos, with a few different cameras that give me the option - the Reality So Subtle 6x17 pinhole camera is my favorite. I also have a Lomography Sprocket Rocket, and a 35mm wide (panoramic) back for my Bronica ETR. But, the Xpan was a nice combination of small size, flexibility (it can also shoot normal 35mm frames), and very high quality optics.

 

As I prepare for my upcoming vacation and hiking trip, I'm thinking about the Xpan again. My plan is to take my Fujifilm GS645S medium format rangefinder, and my Lumix DMC-LX100 on the trip. Both are excellent travel cameras. But, an Xpan would be great, especially for the hike.

 

Nick DeMarco of the Rangefinder Chronicles shoots an Xpan regularly. (Click Here) to see a nice post of Nick's work.

 

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Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, with Lumix DMC-LX100

Here's another shot showing the capability of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 for travel.

 

Kiyomizu-dera, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100

iso 200, f5.6, 1/640 sec.

 

Now this is a situation where most cameras would do just fine - bright sunny day, outdoors, wonderful subject. But, the detail, sharpness, and color representation of the LX100 really come through here in my opinion. None of my (much) heavier, more complicated cameras would have done significantly better with this scene.

 

I'm quite pleased with the LX100 as a travel camera.

 

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Today's Image From Japan - Lumix DMC-LX100

Matcha Tea, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100

iso 400, f1.7, 1/60 sec.

 

We wrapped up our last day in Kyoto with some very nice Japanese tea and sweets.

 

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Image of the Day From Japan

 

Spring Kimono, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100

iso 200, f2.8, 1/250 sec.

 

Well, faithful readers, I truly appreciate your dedication to reading my blog. My dedication to writing every day is certainly being tested by jet lag on this trip!

 

I really worked hard to get this shot, as the three girls in kimono were actually taking a selfie with a smart phone. As soon as the phone dropped from sight, I released the shutter. Unfortunately, the woman in the background "photo-bombed" me by walking into the scene. Oh well, the camera captures reality.

 

Our timing was perfect for the cherry blossoms in Japan, as you can see here.

 

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Image of the Day From Japan

 

Kiyomizu-Dera, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100

iso 200, f8, 1/400 sec.

 

Yes, it is a little postcard-like, but I loved the view.

 

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Trip to NYC - Traveling "Camera Light"

My family and I are heading out to NYC for the Thanksgiving weekend. Our plan is to head up on Black Friday, return on Sunday (remember the delay in my posts, usually about a week).

My NYC Kit

 

I've got several cameras that I've acquired recently, which I have not fully explored. One is my Leica IIIG, which I've only used for a single test roll. It will be my main camera for this trip. I'll pair it up with my 50mm f2 Summicron collapsible lens. Since the IIIG has framelines for both 50 and 90mm, I'll also bring along my wartime 90mm f4 Elmar. I plan to shoot all black and white with the IIIG.

 

For color, and for family snapshots, I'm bringing along my Lumix DMC-LX7.

 

All of it fits in this tiny Lowepro bag. It is very light and will be easy to carry.

 

My Packed Camera Bag

 

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Professional Traveler Dusty Blackthorn Makes Great Images with Lumix LX5

Dusty Blackthorn, guest poster on SteveHuffPhoto, is a "professional traveler." From the look of his pictures, Dusty takes some interesting modes of transportation.

Image Source: http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2014/08/20/daily-inspiration-658-by-dusty-blackthorn/

 

Dusty has been using a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5, but says he feels his pushing the limits of that camera.

 

(Click Here) to read his post on Steve Huff's blog. He has a couple of other interesting shots there.

 

Dusty is looking for input on what camera to upgrade to. Personally, I think he's mastered the LX5 and should stick with it.

 

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Business, Island Style

Things move at a different pace on a Carribean island. On our recent trip to Ambergris Caye in Belize, we decided to explore the other side of our resort (as opposed to the beach side), the road that runs behind and into the town of San Pedro. So, we rented bikes and headed out.

 

Along the way, we decided to stop for drinks at a grocery store. Next to the store, we found Aurora's Grill.

 

Aurora's Grill, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5

iso 100, f4.3, 1/250

 

The only problem? No Aurora. No one at all working the grill, even though it was about lunch time. Oh, wait a minute - look over there.

 

Aurora's Staff?, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5

iso 100, f4.7, 1/60

 

I just didn't have it in me to wake either of them up to ask if they worked at Aurora's. So, after a drink and ice cream from the market next door, we got back on our bikes and moved on.

 

The little DMC-TS5 waterproof, everything-proof camera was easy to slide into my pocket for the bike ride. Pretty handy.

 

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Belizean Bike Repair Shop

 

Belizean Bike Repair, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 400, f4, 1/80 sec.

 

While walking around San Pedro, Belize, I came across these two young gentlemen, working away in what appeared to be their own bicycle repair shop. They were really excited by and jumped at the chance to get their picture taken.

 

The signs in the back of the shop are really interesting: 50 cents for tire repair, no lending of tools, etc.

 

I enjoy shooting environmental portraits, and this one fits the bill for me. I appreciated their willingness to pose for me. A few seconds, and we were off again, walking down the street.

 

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Belize - Fisherman and Frigate Birds at the Docks

At the dock in San Pedro, Belize, I came across this gentleman, cleaning the morning catch of snappers at the docks. These enormous frigate birds had gathered, much as you'd see seagulls and sometimes pelicans do in the US.

Sharing the Catch, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 200, f5.6, 1/1600 sec.

 

In the shot below, I really like how the birds form a curve leading to the food source. To me, it looks like the image is a composite of several shots of the birds; it's not. Just good timing.

 

Frigate Birds Lining Up, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 200, f5.6, 1/1000 sec.

And finally, a look at the barracuda that was lying at the fisherman's feet

 

Barracuda, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 200, f5.6, 1/800 sec.

 

On the Belize trip, as in the past, I found the LX7 camera to be so capable. I sure hope Panasonic continues to market and develop the LX line of cameras. The LX7 represents a very powerful combination of compact size, full manual control, lots of imaging features, and overall image quality. If I'm going on a trip where I have to pack light, carrying just the LX7 lets me have confidence that I can capture high quality images with a very small, lightweight camera.

 

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Bug Closeups with the Micro 4/3 Panasonic-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro Elmarit

I have had the Pana-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro Elmarit lens for quite some time. When I purchased it, the Macro-Elmarit was the only medium telephoto available for the Micro 4/3 mount. Had the Olympus 45mm f1.8 been out at the time, I probably would have bought that instead.

The extra >1 f-stop of the Olympus would be nice. That said, the macro ability of the Pana-Leica is great. I like to be able to take closeups of details when I travel.

I have not really explored the capabilities of this lens in more classical macro applications. Yesterday, I had the time and opportunity to go bug hunting while my wife practiced free swimming in a local quarry. I decided to see what the Macro-Elmarit could do. So, I mounted it on my Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7, set up the touch screen to focus and trigger exposure (I rarely use the touch screen features of the GX7), and connected my Nissin flash with a remote cord. Having mounted the camera on a sturdy tripod, I was ready to go.

Well, it was hot, and the bug hunting was a little tough. After waiting an eternity (okay, about 30 minutes) for a gorgeous dragonfly to return to a particular perch to no avail, I started stalking. By the way, dragonflies usually will come back to exactly the same spot over and over. I think maybe I was just too close for comfort. This is where a longer macro focal length would come in handy, giving me more working distance.

My stalking actually resulted in finding a stationary dragonfly, but my best subject of the day was this bug you see below. I'm not sure of his exact species, but guess that he's part of the hemiptera family of true bugs.

Bug, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7, Pana-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro Elmarit, Remote Flash

iso 200, f11 1/100 sec.

 

I used a mini softbox mounted on the flash head, and handheld the flash. Even with the camera on a tripod, I had too many things to hold, and the flash-to-subject distance wasn't well controlled with my hand holding method. I should work on mounting the flash to a bracket if I continue this line of imaging. I did use the touch screen to identify where to focus and trigger the exposure. I must admit it's a pretty cool tool, as long as the camera is held stationary. It was a little difficult to get the focus point just right, on the bug's head, at this magnification. But, I did get it a few times.

 

I was not at the closest focus distance of the lens, but was at about the shortest useful working distance for this subject. Here's a 100% enlargement of the same image (a little clarity and sharpness applied in Lightroom):

 

100% Crop of Image Above

 

So, I'd say this lens is pretty capable in the true macro realm. I don't shoot a lot of nature macro images like this, and would normally tend toward the large sensor of my Nikon D700, and either my true macro 60mm Micro-Nikkor f2.8, or a longer lens (say 105mm f2.5) with extension tubes. The longer lens would make the working distance more reasonable. Now I know that the Micro 4/3 sensor in my GX7 and Macro-Elmarit are quite capable in this realm.

 

On top of that, the Macro-Elmarit is a reasonably good portrait lens (limited in its shallow depth of field potential by the relatively small maximum aperture of f2.8), and an excellent lens for capturing closeup details when on travel.

 

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Coolest Belizean Tattoo Portends Future Events

So, we were on our way to go scuba diving today, when I noticed this tattoo on the water taxi captain's leg:

 

 

Shark Tattoo, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5

iso 100, f3.3, 1/320 sec.

 

Here's a little teaser of what we saw on our dive:

 

Pair of Nurse Sharks, Belize, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5

iso 100, f3.3, 1/125 sec.

 

Needless to say, it was an exciting dive trip. I really enjoyed using the Lumix DMC-TS5 on both of our dives. I can't say enough good about this little camera. More to come!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Waiters at Cafe Du Monde, New Orleans

I've already written some about Cafe Du Monde, home of great coffee and chicory in New Orleans. Every time I think of it, I can taste that great coffee, not to mention the devilishly unhealthy yet tasty beignets.

 

(Click Here) to go to the Cafe Du Monde website. If you like coffee, do not miss the chance to go here for breakfast. You can go anytime you like, as they're open 24/7.

Morning Routine, New Orleans, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, Summilux 50mm f1.4 Lens

iso 200, f2.8, 1/90 sec.

 

Over the four days that I was in New Orleans, I made a series of three images of the people who work at the Cafe. The first shows how the place looks at sunrise, before most French Quarter inhabitants open their eyes (or soon after they've gone to bed?). It seems the morning crew is mainly made up of Asian women.

 

Morning Crew, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, Summilux 50mm f1.4 Lens

iso 400, f4.8, 1/60 sec.

 

I like the lines in this composition. I think the out of focus chairs in the foreground help to bring you into the image, to see the ladies at the table as the focal point of the composition. I know some people don't like out of focus foreground elements; I happen to think they can be a powerful tool.

 

The next two were shot later in the day, when the Cafe is full of customers.

 

Interaction, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 400, f2.2, 1/250 sec.

 

In the shot above, I like the interaction between the waiter and the blond lady with her back to us. That imaginary line between his eyes and hers is as distinct as if it actually existed, at least in my mind, as I look at this.

 

Now here's my favorite of the series, and one of my favorite shots from the whole trip.

 

Break Time, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 400, f4, 1/200 sec.

 

I made this shot pretty much from the hip as I walked by. The tiny, silent Lumix LX7 was completely non-threatening. One fraction of a second, and it was over.

 

As usual, I found the LX7 to be a wonderful travel camera, and also as usual, was interested to find that several of my favorite shots were made with it. I can't say enough about how great that little camera is. That's probably why I wrote an ebook about how I use mine (see link below to get your copy for only $2.99).

 

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Hmm. Time for a new Panasonic LX Series Camera?

 

Japanese Sakura, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 200, f4, 1/320 sec..

 

I'm still quite pleased with my Lumix DMC-LX7 camera. So small, so capable. Nearly perfect as a compact travel camera, the LX7, like it's earlier LX-series brethren, offers the combination of a fast Pana-Leica lens, tiny form factor, manual everything, and auto everything (you select). The LX7 allows the use of the accessory electronic viewfinder as well. I'm always amazed at what this little camera can do.

 

That said, it seems about time for the next in the LX series to be announced. Here's the past announcement record:

 

LX3: July 21, 2008

LX5: July 21, 2010

LX7: July 18, 2012

 

So, it seems logical that we'll see an announcement soon. Since there's sensitivity about certain numbers in Asian culture, and based on the current pattern, I'd think it may end up being a DMC-LX9.

 

That said, I can't find anything on the web that indicates an impending announcement. In fact, I've read some speculation that the LX7 may be the last in the LX series. I sure hope not. To me, the LX cameras represent so much of what digital technology can achieve.

 

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Oh 'Dem Crawfish!

 

Oh 'Dem Crawfish!, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 320, f1.9, 1/80 sec.

Edited in Snapseed

Crawfish, shrimp, and oysters. What says Louisiana more than that?

 

A simple grab shot through a restaurant window, yet another example of why the LX7 is such a great travel camera.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

The Dark Side

Another shot from the French Quarter in New Orleans.

The Darkside, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 320, f2.3, 1/125 sec.

Edited in Snapseed

 

This is an ornamental wrought iron work above a doorway in the French Quarter. It was creepy. I had to capture it.

 

The LX7 continues to amaze me, even though I've owned it for quite some time. The flexibility of the fast Leica zoom lens (f1.4 at 24mm equivalent, f1.9 at 50mm), multi-aspect ratio framing, zone focusing ability, and so many other features is tough to beat. This is the ultimate compact travel camera, in my opinion. Ready for fully automatic snapshots, or for manual control and interpretive image creation, the LX7 is one of the best cameras I own.

 

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Flight Delay - Thank Goodness for Snapseed

My airplane seems to have a "maintenance" issue, which is apparently interchangeable with a "mechanical" issue in airline terms. They seem distinct to me, but what do I know?

 

While I sit here waiting to hear whether I'll be home tonight or not, I decided to edit and post an image from Japan.

 

Japanese Garden, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

iso 200, f8, 1/60 sec.

Edited in Snapseed

 

The garden in our hotel in Hakone, a historic resort about an hour from Tokyo, has a stunning garden. I have been traveling and shooting a lot. This reminds me that I have a lot of material to edit from our Japan trip. More to come!

 

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Quirky Rituals to Spur Creativity

I read an interesting post on the Writer's Circle blog, about odd rituals that famous writers have used to keep the creative juices flowing.

My Daughter and I, a Few Years Back, by Reed A. George

Nikon D700, Nikkor AF-D 35-70mm f2.8 Lens

iso 800, f13, 1/60 sec.

 

Apparently, Joan Didion sleeps with her nearly-finished books, Truman Capote avoided many things based on superstition. My favorite, even though I don't follow it, is Hemingway's creed of "Done by noon, drunk by three." It seems he lived by it.

 

(Click Here) to read the full post on Writer's Circle.

 

I'm about to head off on a solo adventure for three days in New Orleans. No real agenda, other than meeting up with a musician friend who's migrated there. I'm hoping that the change of scenery andsome time to hang out at a leisurely pace will push me in a new creative direction. Actually, I have had lots of ideas and even some progress in images related to them lately. A little extra energy never hurts, though.

 

Now to decide on what camera gear to take...

 

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Admiration for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

My photographic interests have largely taken me away from Micro 4/3 recently, but not completely. My most recent Micro 4/3 camera is the DMC-GX7, which I must admit I'm not using enough. Here's a recent shot from my trip to New Mexico.

 

St. Felipe de Neri Church, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7, 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 Series II Kit Lens at 27mm

iso 200, f10, 1/320 sec.

 

I found this church interesting, not because of its own interesting history and place, but because the name rung a bell with me. (Click Here) to see the images I made at San Felipe de Neri Square in Barcelona some time back.

 

I recently read an entry on Mike Johnston's blog "The Online Photographer," about the perfect two lens camera kit. In this piece, Mike opines that the Lumix 20mm f1.7 and 12-35mm f2.8 lenses make up the perfect minimalist kit.

 

(Click Here) to read about it on Mike's blog.

 

He thinks of the 20mm as the ultimate walk-around compact lens, and I agree. It is fast, sharp, and at an equivalent field of view of 40mm on a 35mm camera, just about ideal.

 

His choice for a second lens, the 12-35mm f2.8 Aspheric is also quite nice. I had one for a short time, and ended up sending it back. Not because of image quality, but because that zoom range really wasn't the best for me. I found the 35mm upper end of the zoom range limiting. I like to be able to shoot a portrait with any standard zoom, and felt it was just a little too short for that.

 

So, what would I choose? Well, if I could only have two lenses with the GX7, the first would be the 20mm f1.7, as Mike chose. Believe it or not, the second would be the new 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 Series II kit zoom. I would rely on the 20mm for any low light situations. The new kit zoom is incredibly compact and effective. I think the image quality is outstanding.

 

I don't know if and when I'll start once again focusing on Micro 4/3 gear. I'm simply having too much fun with Leica and old film gear at the moment. That said, the GX7 and GX1 made a great kit for my trip to New Mexico. Maybe I'll do that again on an upcoming trip.

 

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