R1 and F-828 - Most usefull travel accessories

The past couple years have really been my first real introduction to travelling with digital cameras and some things I found particularly usefull. Some of these were carry-overs from film camera - some weren´t. Thought I´d share a few of those (not in any particular order) and would invite anyone to add a few of their own ideas.

(A) A Sony CF/MS adapter (this is a MSAC-MCFIM but there is currently another model available)



This permits the use of Sony MS Duo in a CF II slot - any CF II slot. Small, more or less a permanent installation - this IMO offers more versitility than just a CF module. Both MF Pro and High Speed are required for highest quality video in the F-828 and for maximum write speed when shooting RAW in the F-828 or the R1. The CF interface doesn´t provide that, but a MS Duo can be used in the CF/MS adapter and will provide the same write speeds as CF. Alternatively, if the main MS or MS Duo is full and I want the extra capabilities that CF can´t provide - I simply extract the MS Pro or HS from the CF/MS adapter and insert it in the other MS dedicated slot. The other (probably full) MS Duo is swapped over and stored in the CF/MS Adapter. Since I often also travel with a Sony T1 as well - I really only want to carry MS-Duo.

(B) The attached lens cover on the F-828



Actually this is something I took so much for granted that it wasn´t until I got the R1 that I realized how handy it was. So I ended up modding the lens cover of the R1 so that it could be attached on a ´keeper´cord as well.



Plastic has some advantages - this was done with a jewler´s Philips head screwdriver (the kind normally used for eyeglasses). A couple gentle spins and the plastic is cleanly penetrated in two places and the cord looped through.

(C) A looped hand strap on one side of the camera.



This addition permitted securely holding the camera while leaving the other strap attachment free to be used as an anchor for the lens cap keeper cord. More importantly - it didn´t interfere with the attachment of a Metz 45 series flash bracket or the Sony VAD-RA adapter for the R1. That modded wrist strap is currently on both R1´s and the F-828.

(D) A small high powered LED flashlight



Usefull both as a focusing aid and as an illumination source itself. An extended exposure will let you paint and expose a small object with just the LED light source. Also useful for looking for accessories in your bag in low- light conditions. The R1 isn´t the only thing that has a handicap in low light conditions - I do too!!

(E) Manfrotto table-top mini tripod



Small, equipped with a Manfrotto 482 mini-ballhead - this is perfect for travel and extremely versitile. Most often, it gets used to aim and support an off-camera flash. I´ve largely been able to get away with NOT carrying a tripod while travelling because enough other support surfaces were available (walls, floor, ledges, my girlfriend´s shoulder etc).

A flash - any flash. There are some conditions that just need more light, or need light from a different direction, or need harsh lighting conditions toned down. A hot-shoe flash is the smallest to travel with and my personal choice for travel is between one and three Metz 40 MZ series flashes. At home where space is less of an issue - my preference is Metz 45 series flashes.

(E) A battery charger and rechagable batteries.



I usually travel with two sets of batteries for both the camera and the flash.

(F) Close-up lens



OK - this was really a little overkill for travel - but I really do think that a couple CU lenses are worth packing any time.

(G) A polarizer filter - if I could only take one filter - this would be it. Increased color saturation and detail and decreased reflections are something that pp just can´t do.

(H) Some of the advice on this forum.

I think it was Jerry Vad that clued me into the plus or minus 3 decamir shift feature on the white balance of the R1. That pretty much made the five warming / cooling filters I had planned on carrying unneccessary and saved a bunch of money as I was considering buying B+W´s in 67mm format.

(I) Some reference targets: Pocket sized versions of the MacBeth Color Reference and an 18percent grey card. Much to my surprise - I found out that none of the labs in Cali have calibrated set-ups and the results were a little frustrating without references.

(J) A decent bag to carry around. Currently I am using A Bosi mini-computer bag which has a much more abbreviated length, but has the height to handle items like the R1 tele-converter, and the width to store the R1 fully horizontal with a flash in the hot-shoe.

BG

Thanks for sharing these useful tips with us. As these are my main 2 cams as well I was particularly interested but really thrilled about your lens R1 cap/string adaptation. Brilliant!

Only the powers that be @ Sony must know why they saw fit to omit such a small detail on the R1- especially after having implemented it on all other previous models. It's a little nit that's bugged me since I first got it (the other is the loose fiiting lens cover for the wide extender ). Now both solved thanks to you!

Thanks again, Best wishes and regards,

A.J.

...is a T series.

I remember traveling in my pre-digital days with a Rolleiflex TLR and all the related paraphernalia...never again! Ruined my vacation...spent all my time consumed with the camera or worrying about its being stolen. Now I pop a pocket camera in my bag and enjoy myself.

Ric Kaysen said:

...is a T series.

I remember traveling in my pre-digital days with a Rolleiflex TLR and
all the related paraphernalia...never again! Ruined my
vacation...spent all my time consumed with the camera or worrying
about its being stolen. Now I pop a pocket camera in my bag and enjoy
myself.

Click to expand...

LOL Ric you have a good point - I often carry a T1 with me as well!! In a restaurant environment it´s a lot less obtrusive and can definately take some pretty interesting shots as well. In fact - under ideal lighting conditions - it´s hard to tell which camera took which pictures once they´re reduced to 600 x 800 pixels for the web. And it´s macro cabilities put either the R1 or the F-828 to shame.







But the optical reach, IQ and control that I get with the F-828 or R1 with a hot-shoe flash in less than ideal lighting conditions is something my little T1 just can´t compete with.













But I certainly agree that the number one priority is to have a good time and to enjoy yourself!!

BG

ajff said:

Thanks for sharing these useful tips with us. As these are my main 2
cams as well I was particularly interested but really thrilled about
your lens R1 cap/string adaptation. Brilliant!
Only the powers that be @ Sony must know why they saw fit to omit
such a small detail on the R1- especially after having implemented it
on all other previous models. It's a little nit that's bugged me
since I first got it (the other is the loose fiiting lens cover for
the wide extender ). Now both solved thanks to you!

Thanks again, Best wishes and regards,

A.J.

Click to expand...

A.J. - I´m quite delighted to have posted something that was useful to you. There is quite a bit of combined experience here on the board and I´ve personally found it´s been a lot of fun benifiting from the experience of others too.

BG

Good recommendations BG.

I'm already on my second R1 lens cap ($22 to replace!!) when it fell out of my pocket on the road only to be promptly driven over by a cement mixer truck. Still trying to figure out a non destructive way to attach a lanyard. Almost got it to work when I threaded some dental floss through the cracks, but my knot unravelled (wonder if that's why I got kicked out of cubs & scouts). Ended up cutting slits and rubber banding the lips of the converter lens caps so they don't fall off when the weather warms up.

That small LED flashlight sounds like a good idea too. So far I've been able to get away with an accessory that really burns me up for having to get in the first place (the remote release) because of the lack of a 2 second delay. The little green power light is strong enough for me (so far) to light up the controls on the R1 in total darkness.

Am also surprised how much I use an 18% grey scale card with the R1.

By the way, with all the money I saved you on those warming filters you think you could send me a plane ticket to Cartagena? This snow is really starting to get to me.

BG, is that Key lime pie in your first shot? Haven't had one of those in a dog's age.

Cheers,
Jerry

Jerry Vacl said:

Still trying to figure out a non destructive way to attach a lanyard.

Click to expand...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=cap+keeper&ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t

--
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the millionth time, a digicam is NOT a digital SLR!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'The primary purpose of any business is to make a profit.'
Canon CEO Fujio Mitarai

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home ;jsessionid=GX90G0k1Qp!1508707039?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=186095&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

That Key Lime Pie looks good enough to...hey, wait a minute...I'll be down there in three weeks. Margaritas and sunsets...can't wait.

very nice post! the manfrotto table pod goes with me on both jobs & vacations!

i just need to get me one of the nice LED flashlights to take the place of my mini maglite!
nice photos btw.

-cary

--
peace
http://carywhittier.com

Cheers,
Jerry

Hi

I own the same combination of camera and flash(Sony R1 and Metz 45 CL-5).I

see in the picture that you use an adaptor for the flash (I mean the one connected on the hot shoe).Can you please tell me the code number of the adaptor and its cable?

Thank you

Aois

You're welcome Jerry.

--
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the millionth time, a digicam is NOT a digital SLR!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'The primary purpose of any business is to make a profit.'
Canon CEO Fujio Mitarai

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home ;jsessionid=GX90G0k1Qp!1508707039?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=186095&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Thanks, BG! I've been meaning to get a lens keeper for ages. Following your tip and picture above, now I don't need to - I've just drilled a tiny hole in my lens cap and attached it to my R1 with a short length of black elasticated cord.

As an alternative to your double cord, I knotted a single length on the inside of the cap and used a tiny dab of multi-purpose adhesive on the knot to keep it attached so that it can't move inside and touch the lens/filter. The other end attaches almost invisibly to the plastic base of my hand grip (similar to the one you show above but I use it with the attachment that screws into the tripod mounting thread).

Excellent!

aois said:

Hi

I own the same combination of camera and flash(Sony R1 and Metz 45
CL-5).I
see in the picture that you use an adaptor for the flash (I mean the
one connected on the hot shoe).Can you please tell me the code number
of the adaptor and its cable?

Thank you

Aois

Click to expand...

Hi Aois - great to hear from another Metz 45 user!

Unfortunately there are some major differences between between the Metz 45 CL-4 pictured and the Metz 45 CT-5 I think you have. I an assuming that you meant 45 CT-5 simply because Metz never produced a 45 CL-5 model.

Aois I am assuming that you are currently using that 45 flash of yours with a hot-shoe adapter and a PC sync cord. In Auto Mode that should give you perfect results and I personally can´t see any real advantage to you looking for other adapters.

The CT-5 only has one setting for Manual power output and no partial settings, and the cable interface for that flash is quite different from the other 45 series flashes. The SCA cable particular to that 45 CT-5 model (SCA 500 C) has long been discontinued and according to the Metz reference tables ( http://www.metz.de/fileadmin/fm-dam/Download/Homepage_Englisch/Photo_Electronic/SCA_Archiv/SCA_Adapter_Archive_GB.pdf ) is not listed as being compatable with any Sony camera in any combo. To the best of my recollection (don´t have my reference documentation with me here in Cali) the trigger voltages on the 45 CT/CL-1 and the 45 CT-5 flashes are much higher than is recommended for Sony cameras and I believe Sony has built in a protective circuit that will simply disable the flash when it detects an excessive trigger voltage.

If on the other hand, perhaps you can get your hands on a different Metz 45 (for your camera a 45 CT-4 or a 45 CL-4 will be perfectly equivalent, the CT-4 has ISO and ASA markings and a neon lamp, the CL-4 only has ISO markings and LEDs but the functionality and features and trigger voltage are the same for both models). A Metz 45 CT/CL-3 series will also work but has no secondary fill flash.

At that point there are several options open. Full TTL capability with your Sony requires an SCA 3602 M4 module. ´M4´indicates Mod 4 and if thats what´s indicated for your camera - don´t settle for ´M3´or anything less. That SCA module requires an SCA 3000 series cable and several will work. The one in the photo is an SCA 3000 C and requires 4 AAA cells as it outputs a pulsed beam. For some flash/camera combos that´s useful to support zoom functionality that the 45 series flash doesn´t have, but it´s the easiest cable to get your hands on new or used. It´s in the photo simply because I have several different Metz flashes and cameras and swap equipment.

Another alternative is an SCA 3000A Cord. It looks identical but was intended to adapt SCA 3000 series modules to a G16 grip (adapts 40 series Metz flashes to a side mounted grip). I have a couple and they work fine and require NO BATTERIES. That model is a little harder to trip across but is still available new and used.

Another alternative is to skip TTL altogether. Plugging that SCA 3602 M4 module into the Sony ACC port does result in a greatly increased flash trigger time while the camera is making it´s mind up. So alternatively a standard SCA 301 foot can also be used with an SCA 3000 C or with an SCA 3000 A cable in Manual and Auto Modes. IMO the auto-exposure using the 45 on Auto Mode is right on the button. Yup - you do have to remember to match your ASA and Aperture to match what you are using on the camera - but I think most people are up to that little detail.

However, the SCA 301 module was originally designed to be used with SCA 300 series cables which are even smaller and less complicated and for anyone willing to skip TTL thats what I´d really recommend for the F-828 or the R1 - an SCA 300 A cable, an SCA 301 module and a 45 CL/CT -4 flash. No TTL, but also no batteries required for the cable or module, a better fit (the SCA 301 module is slightly smaller than the SCA 3000 interface on the cable) and the SCA 301 module has a mini jack connection suitable for triggering by optical triggers or by Pocket Wizards or other RF trigger. For anyone just looking to trip a 45 flash from just about any camera this is probably as simple as it gets. SCA 300A cables are only available used, but they are available and are relative cheap.

I´ve been using this stuff with Contax cameras for the past 30 years and a lot of the same stuff is still available new or used. That I can still use it on Sony cameras today and that it´s lasted this long says a bit about the build quality and design flexability.

My 2 cents,

BG

Ric Kaysen said:

That Key Lime Pie looks good enough to...hey, wait a minute...I'll be
down there in three weeks. Margaritas and sunsets...can't wait.

Click to expand...

LOL Hi Ric!

Thats actually Limon mousse - but it is spectacular and just one of a number of specialty desserts available here in Cali. Blueberry cheesecake is another!!

Met a few people from New York City the other day in one of the shopping centers and they are still shocked at how different Cali is vs the image that seems to be supported by USA propaganda.

I personally feel a lot safer here than I did in Lima, Peru (and in New York City as well) !!

BG

Sorry, but I have to strongly, yet amicably, disagree with you there. Having lived in Southern California, I was never as in daily fear for my life as during that time. Between the brush fires, car jackings and, literally, almost being killed in the '94 quake, I feel like I barely escaped the state with my life. I walk around New York City at night and feel safe in the neighborhoods where I choose to walk, but in Cali, the criminals all drive.

Jerry Vacl said:

Good recommendations BG.

I'm already on my second R1 lens cap ($22 to replace!!) when it fell
out of my pocket on the road only to be promptly driven over by a
cement mixer truck. Still trying to figure out a non destructive way
to attach a lanyard. Almost got it to work when I threaded some
dental floss through the cracks, but my knot unravelled (wonder if
that's why I got kicked out of cubs & scouts). Ended up cutting
slits and rubber banding the lips of the converter lens caps so they
don't fall off when the weather warms up.

That small LED flashlight sounds like a good idea too. So far I've
been able to get away with an accessory that really burns me up for
having to get in the first place (the remote release) because of the
lack of a 2 second delay. The little green power light is strong
enough for me (so far) to light up the controls on the R1 in total
darkness.

Am also surprised how much I use an 18% grey scale card with the R1.

By the way, with all the money I saved you on those warming filters
you think you could send me a plane ticket to Cartagena? This snow
is really starting to get to me.

BG, is that Key lime pie in your first shot? Haven't had one of
those in a dog's age.

Cheers,
Jerry

Click to expand...

Great to hear from you Jerry!

That´s actually lemon mousse in that photo, but I still think you´d love it!!
And there are a lot of other goodies that would be just as interesting:

Blueberry cheesecake



Chocolate caramel pie with ice-cream and whipped cream



Rasberry mousse with ice-cream



Fruit and cheese plates



Aguapanela



And of course lots of fresh fruits. This one is my favorite:



This is Yellow Pitahaya or Strawberry Pear also known in some countries as Dragonfruit. It´s actually the fruit of a cactus and the yellow variety is typical of Colombia.

Jerry do you really want to go to Cartagena? A very popular tourist destination so very expensive - and very hot - and the beaches are OK but not unforgetable.

Personally I´d suggest you look at the Isla San Andrés, which is part of Colombia, but is a little harder to get to and has more natural beauty than historical buildings.
English is more common and the beaches are better.

Fanny and I am thinking about going there next year - if you´re interested maybe we can meet up!

BG

Ric Kaysen said:

Sorry, but I have to strongly, yet amicably, disagree with you there.
Having lived in Southern California, I was never as in daily fear for
my life as during that time. Between the brush fires, car jackings
and, literally, almost being killed in the '94 quake, I feel like I
barely escaped the state with my life. I walk around New York City at
night and feel safe in the neighborhoods where I choose to walk, but
in Cali, the criminals all drive.

Click to expand...

Hi Ric - I think everyones opinion is influenced by their own personal experience, perceptions and I really have no idea when you visited Cali and what parts of the city you spent your time in.

I´ve personally been here for the past four years for six months a year and will say that Cali is no different than Montreal or New York or Chicago - there are some parts of the city that I simply avoid. Those are actually the poorest areas of the cities because it´s basicly stupid to wave a camera or anything else of value under the nose of people who have a hard time getting enough to eat.

And there is some crime in every major city - but the notion that the Cali Drug Cartel is targeting tourists for anything at all is a big misconception. According to the FBI (if you can believe anything they publish) a typical cartel operation involves over 22,000 people - many of whom aren´t directly aware of what they are involved in. So an individual like the average tourist is simply not worth their time or effort unless they go out of their way to step on the toes of someone influential here. And that ocassionally happens - some people do some pretty stupid things.

The biggest danger in this country is a result of what amounts to a civil war between the current government and the FARC. That group of some 17,000 has been responsible for bombings, kidnappings and a long list of other problems and are largely funded by drug money, but again, their wherabouts is tracked and people are advised to stay away from those areas. The biggest impact that has had on me is that many of the National Parks here have been closed to tourists for thier own protection. Sometimes life´s like that - I had to cancel my last trip through the BlueRidge Parkway because some roads were closed due to landslides.

As far as security in Cali goes - there are military police that regularly patrol all areas of the city, and most buildings have private security guards. The banks, movie houses, hospitals and many other enterprises all have controlled access and the security personnel are equipped with metal detectors. They are also all very polite and friendly and it´s clear that the security of the population is their priority - no-one has ever been rude to me - quite the contrary. And I was able to take over 35,000 pictures here without issue over the past four years so the situation can´t be that bad. OK - there is one thing - it´s well recommended to ask permission before taking photographs of anything or anyone. It´s only polite and people here are very big on respect.

I did spend a few months in Lima, Peru, a few years ago because I thought it would be safer than Colombia. (based on reputation). I learned differently. In Lima the biggest danger to tourists (and the Lima population in general) in the gangs of young teenagers (and pre-teens) that come into Lima from the shantytowns that surround the city. They operate as a team and will try to isolate a victim from a crowd and then, armed with knives, demand everything - watch, wallet, camera, shoes, and any other clothing they might be interested in. There´s none of that kind of problem in Cali.

So regardless of any previous experience you might have had - if you want to re-vist Cali at any point, Fanny and I would be quite delighted to offer to show you around. I´m sure there is organized crime here just as there is in Canada and the USA, - it seems to be part of life. But in the circles I travel - I never have to meet or deal with any of the people that are members of that part of society. Lifes too short.

BG

As in short for California. Never been to that other place.

B Gavin said:

Jerry do you really want to go to Cartagena? A very popular tourist
destination so very expensive - and very hot - and the beaches are OK
but not unforgetable.

Personally I´d suggest you look at the Isla San Andrés, which is part
of Colombia, but is a little harder to get to and has more natural
beauty than historical buildings.
English is more common and the beaches are better.

Fanny and I am thinking about going there next year - if you´re
interested maybe we can meet up!

BG

Click to expand...

Just a personal question...is your other job being a pastry chef or do you shoot pictures for five-star hotel menus? I mean these are amazing looking deserts, all of them. I can't go down there. They wouldn't let me board the plane to come back, I'd be too heavy!

At first I thought the Pitahaya was a pineapple on steroids until I read your description...the name Dragonfruit sounds familiar but I've never tasted it.

The closest I've been to Colombia was a trip to the island of St. Lucia. The only reason I mentioned Cartagena was because an acquaintance of the family, whose opinions I always took with a grain of salt, vacationed there once and highly recommended it.

BG, that is a very gracious offer to meet you and Fanny in Isla San Andrés. Unfortunately, on my last vacation this Christmas in Florida, my wife and daughters burnt so much of my money at every damned mall we came across, the only vacation I'll be able to afford for quite some time will be a walk to the local donut shop.

I'd be really happy if you could post shots of your vacation though, including all culinary experiences. And thanks for posting all those terrific dessert shots so far, by the way.

Cheers,
Jerry