Equipment

As you will have already realised, my current equipment is still very much film based. The development of digital technology is remarkable, but at present the benefits are insufficient for me to make a wholesale change based on the type of work I do.

Consequently my current equipment is made up of three cameras; a Widepan 617 Panoramic, Pentax 67 medium format and Nikon F90X 35mm SLR.

The decision to finally move up to the 617 format for panoramics was a difficult one. Having used most of the altertnatives (612, cropped 67, xpan etc.) at some point or another, I can now say with some certainty that the 617 format most closely matches my style.

Although bulky, the 617 body and lens setup is in fact still relatively portable - an important aspect for any outdoor photographer who needs to limit equipment weight. The Widepan is by no means the most expensive 617 on the market today, but its build quality is good and most importantly it's armed with the legendary Schneider 90mm f5.6 Super Angulon XL large format lens. The resolving power of this lens is nothing short of startling. The camera also has a very good helical focus mount with full DOF markings.

To complete the outfit a detachable viewfinder comes as standard that can easily be pulled out of your pocket whenever you wish to check possible compositions.

If you are still unconvinced then the sight of a well exposed 617 negative on the lightbox should do it. I have also modified mine to accept a ground glass screen I had made in california at a fraction of the cost of a bespoke version. It works a treat.



Also to be found in my rucksack is a late Pentax 67 with 55, 90 and 200mm lenses. The Pentax is a legendary camera and one which is either loved or hated. Built like an oversize 35mm, what it lacks in finesse, it more than makes up for in build quality and performance. I love its simplicity and have never contemplated changing it, since its purchase some 6 years ago. As with the Fotoman, a tack sharp 6x7 Velvia transparency looks fantastic on the light box.

Ironically, I still continue to use my trusty F90x for 35mm work. Although ten years old, I still consider it to be one of the best film based 35mm SLR’s around. I am however a pragmatist and realise that I will probably have top replace this some time shortly with digital.

Any commentary regarding equipment would not be complete without mention of filters and support etc. Like most serious photographers I recommend the Lee system, its just excellent. My polariser is however a B+W Kaesmann. Support for both the medium format and panoramic camera is a Gitzo G1410. Although heavy, its rock solid and extends to well over 6 feet, a blessing on sloping ground or when DOF is touch and go.