M6: 11-22mm+32mm / Grief with larger camera (PICS)...

EOS M6 + EF 11-22mm lens + CPL - Smog on the left is from the Bushfires

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My mother-in-law arrived here in Australia after flying from Canada.  We spent first day wandering about on the beaches in the late spring November heat.  But that one day was all she got before things turned Southerly and she fell ill.  I forgot to set my WB to Daylight on the M6 so some minor color tweaks were needed on the beach.  The Auto WB in daylight, especially with a CPL filter, can be hit or miss but easy to correct.  The EOS 6D (DSLR) is always much more forgiving.  I'm not sure why.
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M6 + EF-M 32mm f/1.4 lens

M6 + EF-M 32mm f/1.4 lens - The neon Sign (in the shot above) is on the left of the burger.

M6 + EF-M 11-22mm lens + CPL

M6 + EF-M 11-22mm lens + CPL - the smog on the left is from the Bushfires.
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Reminder of the benefits of the smaller bodied cameras...
But after that first day, she was hit by some kind of blood poisoning that was underway when she arrived... which required emergency treatment to keep her alive.  It appears to be kidney related but it's fortunate she took out medical insurance because she's now spent half of her vacation in intensive care.  Every scan, every examination, every x-ray and every medication needed to be approved with an international phone call between the Australian hospital and the insurance company in Canada. I've spent most of the last week at the hospital... taking pictures with the M6 + 32mm f/1.4 lens.  
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In trouble again...
I arrived today to collect her as she was being discharged but I didn't want to leave my DSLR in the car with a White-L series lens so I slung it over my shoulder and waited inside the foyer since it was almost 40C outside and the Sydney Bushfires had turned the sky filthy with ash.  I figured I'd just wait inside out of the heat and wouldn't even go past the Information desk.  Security were summoned and their senior officer made a valiant effort to shake me down.  There was a guy near us with a concealed weapon (a large serrated folding knife tucked into his jeans) that nobody noticed because security was focused on me.  They were adamant that I had no right to "take pictures on the hospital grounds".  I wasn't taking pictures on this occasion but they were furious that I had this big lens with me on a DSLR.  Note that the 6D was the world's smallest Full Frame DSLR when it was released.  My 6D + 100-400mmL II lens is my knockabout set for personal use but I wasn't leaving it unattended in my car in case it was stolen while I was in the hospital.  I shrugged and explained that I'd been given permission by staff, ward nurses, orderlies, specialists supervisors and triage nurses to take pictures over the past few days.  I'd also taken over 1,000 pictures at the hospital over four days and nights without issue using the EOS M6 + 32mm lens.  The guy just seemed to get angrier.  Even after I explained myself.  I ended up walking out on him in mid conversation since I didn't need to go into the hospital again but it sure reminded me of the amount of grief a larger camera system can bring you.  This is why I'd never bother bringing a large lens to a concert any more.
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M6 + 32mm f/1.4 - Bush-fire sunset - shot through the tinted glass of the hospital window

M6 + 32mm f/1.4 lens - In the Emergency Ward

M6 + 32mm f/1.4 - Sunrise from the top level of the hospital. Nothing special.

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I unhooked the M6 from my belt and the security guard was taken aback because he hadn't even noticed it.  This is a dual private/public hospital with NO mention of Cameras on their Visitors Code Of Conduct list on their website and no warnings at the entry (which is required here if such 'rules' exist).  It was yet another example of a zealous security guard but whilst he wasn't directly offensive to me, he was rude and he became angry that other staff (who apparently "didn't have the authority") had allowed me to take pictures.  He wasn't worth arguing with plus I was leaving, hopefully never to return.
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Erosion of the rights of the Photographer...
But the incident, as harmless and pointless as it was - gives you an idea of how great it is to be able to walk around with such a small camera like the EOS M models and not draw unwanted attention from anyone.  I even spoke to several security personnel there with the M6 in my hand a few days prior and nobody cared, even when they saw it.  The moment a larger camera body + lens was visible, there was quite a panic.  I didn't realize the hospital was under investigation by the media at the time either.  But I did identify myself and explained myself to them concisely and politely.  It simply didn't matter. For those wondering, no "Tort of invasion of privacy" exists in Australia.... and Justice Dowd of our local Supreme Court ruled in 2001 that "A person, in our society, does not have a right not to be photographed." [R v Sotheren (2001) NSWSC 204].  Not sure if anyone on this forum remembers it but I was taken into custody a few years back by a security officer of a local court for the imagined 'crime' of photographing the architecture from the street footpath.  It was a short but entertaining experience because I had to time to spare that day so I dragged my feet and had some fun with them while they sought out a magistrate to chastise me. I ended up delivering a lecture of my own and we all agreed to "go our own way and pretend that this entire thing never happened" (that's an actual quote from the day).  Again, it was the fault of a security guard who was over-zealaous and did not understand that I was well within my legal rights at the time.  I think it's important to push back when these rights are eroded or abused.  Don't be a jerk about it but remind people, when it's safe to do so, that you too have rights. Whatever they might be, wherever you are.  Anyone else get roughed up over their gear?
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6D + EF 100-400mmL II lens...
There's a few images below from the EOS 6D with EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens which might explain why I bothered to carry a longer lens with me on the first day. The three girls on the beach can be seen in the first shot above with the  M6 @ 22mm (11-22mm lens) and below with the 6D @ 400mm (100-400mmL lens).  I've always liked the colors from the 6D JPEGs although the CPL filter enhances them a little more.
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6D + 100-400L II+ CPL

6D + 100-400mmL II + CPL

6D + 100-400mmL II + CPL - See first image posted at the top.

6D + 100-400mmL II + CPL
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Regards,
Marco Nero.

Marco, as usual your photos are great)

Hope it is and will be great with your mother-in-law in hospital and then!

PS my 18 old  daughter is in hospital now, what a pity(, trying to do everything I can.

picktherighttoolforthejob wrote:

...always enjoy your posts (even some of the gory details!).

Perhaps you've posted on this previously...

With your 'belt connector', you have a marvelous way of making certain your M6 is nearly ready-to-shoot..at all times.

Except when I forget it's there and try to close the car door on my camera.

I have a couple of different small camera pouches that attach to my belt...that's how I go about accomplishing the same thing.

I find that the ergonomics of all of the native EF-M lenses (when attached to an M) work quite nicely when used in this way (stored in a small pouch that has belt loops)...except for the 18-150...which is a tad big/long.

Perhaps I should go look and check on the model #s of the bags I use (nobody probably cares!)...but the proper 'container' for an M...combine with proper camera straps...are an essential part of the M experience, at least for me. I do not use the straps that Canon supplies...instead I go with much smaller ones (here I should take pics and post what I use...they're dirt-cheap and come via eBay).

I used to wear the straps on my cameras at all times.  I still do with larger DSLRs.  It's normally the only safe way to ensure I don't drop my camera and this is especially important when handing the camera to someone with less experience.  The strap can also be used to stabilize the camera against a pole or tree for slow shutter speeds.  But with the belt clip system I tend not to use the straps.  Same with large lenses when mounted to a tripod foot (which I usually connect to a monopod).

For any of the Ms, when mated to the 11-22, 22, 28, 15-45 or even 18-55...only a tiny wrist-strap (with but one point of attachment to the camera is needed...and I seldom if ever hang the camera around my neck (with two points of attachment, DSLR-style) when using these lenses.

I've recently thought of getting a wrist strap.  Might be handy for using the camera in high wind locations or when leaning out of a window.  Though if I'm mounting the camera to my belt it's not been an issue.

The 18-150 (and I presume the 55-200) EF-M lens is so substantial (in volume, especially) that it lends itself, at times, to two points of attachment to the camera...to enable 'standard' around-the-neck traveling.

I could write several paragraphs on this...Canon realized this with the original M (and M2) as they sold a unique ever-tiny leather strap that came equipped with the connector unique to those two Ms (did the M3 have this connector, too?).

This is the connector that required either a thin coin or screwdriver to attach/remove?  I liked that design.  I was surprised to see it gone by the time the M6 came about.

I am probably alone in wishing that all today's iterations of Ms included these premium connectors, connectors that made it quite difficult to improperly twist the strap...and made removal nearly instantaneous.

I'll post again with pics and my solution for the 18-150/M6 combo.

Nero: what say you?

I think everyone is looking for suggestion or advice on mountings and accessories for their gear.  Feel free to post you own tools or ideals for others to see.  Each person has their own solutions and sometimes even the simpler ones are very practical.

And, what straps do you use with your M6?

I took my shoulder straps off my M6.  It no longer has a strap on the camera because if I'm walking about in the city or in bushland, the strap might get caught on something.  I had that happen when running through a forest once with a non-M camera.  A branch caught my camera strap and launched me backwards with my feet off the ground, destroying the L-series lens I had mounted.

And might you supply a link to the belt attachment device you use?

Sure, I've posted on this before but here it is again.  I'm using the Peak Design Pro-Pad and Capture clip (Version1).  I recently bought the Version2 of this system but found the new design lacked several key features on the V1.  On the V1 there's a reassuring "click" when the camera is mounted to the belt holster... but the V2 version has made this a quieter connection.  Either model appears to be well built but the larger V1 was a little easier for me to use.  It's possible I'm simply more familiar with the V1.  I was politely critical of these differences with the V3 and in looking up the video below, I notice that they have deleted my comment, presumably because negative feedback was likely to affect sales.  Another issue I have with the V3 is that it requires the use of an Allen Key (included)  to attach the plate to the camera.  The V1 uses a fold-down steel clasp that I could remove or attach in the dark.  Might have to make my own video on the subject.  I have not yet used the V3 version (other than to set it up for use), though it's in a cabinet behind me at the moment.
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Original M on the Capture Pro system

My wife with two cameras... one on the belt with the Peak Design system.

M6 on the belt via Peak Design Capture system

EOS M mounted on the shoulder of my backpack via a Peak Design clip.

sosh wrote:

Hope it is and will be great with your mother-in-law in hospital and then!

She seems to be on the mend now.  She has come so far to see her daughter - and only sees her once every four or five years.  I hope she can enjoy the remaining time that she has before her return.

PS my 18 old daughter is in hospital now, what a pity(, trying to do everything I can.

I'm very sorry to hear about your daughter.  I hope everything works out for you all.  I think many of us take our health for granted.  A good day with good health should always be celebrated.

Asla wrote:

Hi!

Greetings from Finland. I hope your Mother in law gets better! Too bad to travel half the world an then illness manifests...

I also hope end for those fires you have. Se normally have no large forrest fires here, but sometimes smoke has come from Soviet fires. This is, however early winter, so no more fires here...

A s l a

Winter is approching. Taken with phone at lunch break.

We've certainly seen some terrible ash in the air from the local fires.  It colored the sky brown and blocked out the sun here two days ago.  It's been an interesting week but hundreds of homes were lost to the flames and they're still finding dead bodies from people who tried out out-run or drive out of the fires.  They just found another person in the last few hours.  The loss of wildlife is horrific.
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M6 + 32mm - The air quality is worse than Beijing right now in Sydney.

M6 + 32mm

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On another note, I received a phone call from the hospital in relation to my confrontation with the over-zealous security guard.  They apologized for what had occurred and it was nice to see that they were capable of following up with my concerns.  From what I could take from the conversation, they had no objection to the images I had taken (I send them some examples taken with the M6).  It was a refreshing surprise to see common sense prevailing at a time when so many institutions are critical of photography, even though almost every smart phone has a "pro-capable camera" these days.  Again, the incident served to show why small cameras like the EOS M series are far, far less likely to garner attention compared to a larger DSLR with a large lens.

你的装备在你身上非常合适，这很酷！

是的，长镜头在中国也非常容易引起人们的敏感

m的镜头都很短，大多数情况我没有遇到阻拦

bgreg wrote:

The real kicker to this story is the 30 some odd parents photographing with their phones that were not confronted.

This.

And those parents share the pics on social media way easier.

Phone good-camera bad.

It's completely irrational.

Marco Nero wrote:

Asla wrote:

Hi!

Greetings from Finland. I hope your Mother in law gets better! Too bad to travel half the world an then illness manifests...

I also hope end for those fires you have. Se normally have no large forrest fires here, but sometimes smoke has come from Soviet fires. This is, however early winter, so no more fires here...

A s l a

Winter is approching. Taken with phone at lunch break.

We've certainly seen some terrible ash in the air from the local fires. It colored the sky brown and blocked out the sun here two days ago. It's been an interesting week but hundreds of homes were lost to the flames and they're still finding dead bodies from people who tried out out-run or drive out of the fires. They just found another person in the last few hours. The loss of wildlife is horrific.
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M6 + 32mm - The air quality is worse than Beijing right now in Sydney.

M6 + 32mm

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On another note, I received a phone call from the hospital in relation to my confrontation with the over-zealous security guard. They apologized for what had occurred and it was nice to see that they were capable of following up with my concerns. From what I could take from the conversation, they had no objection to the images I had taken (I send them some examples taken with the M6). It was a refreshing surprise to see common sense prevailing at a time when so many institutions are critical of photography, even though almost every smart phone has a "pro-capable camera" these days. Again, the incident served to show why small cameras like the EOS M series are far, far less likely to garner attention compared to a larger DSLR with a large lens.

I'm glad someone dug this post up.

I have to concur; these days, large cameras don't just grab unwanted attention of security, but of thieves, and locals, too. Just this week, I showed up to a coffee shop with "Goliath" aka R + RF 28-70 f/2L, locals asked why I had something that could "shoot the moon" with me. Yesterday, I lost my phone at the fair and it was picked up by someone, and then powered off, after, I turned on find my iPhone. I can tell you that if locals and thieves notice things big and small, less is more.

Although off topic, it's truly a shame Canon isn't doing more RF-S glass. Us M shooters have a path to nowhere to resolve issues like portability while maintaining power. An RP with say an RF 35mm f/1.8 is not the same as an M6 II with an EF-M 22mm, nor is the R10 with a RF 24mm f/1.8, either.

An R10 + 100-400 would've never made it into my coat pocket, like the M50 II + 55-200, did. DSLRs / ILCs were permitted, but you're funny lugging around a tank on your kids field trip for the Nutcracker

bgreg wrote:

There is something about a camera wielder that rattles some people's nerves. A few years ago when my grandson was entering his first day in kindergarten , I brought my camera to document the once in a lifetime event. I decided to just take one of my power shots so I could just melt into the woodwork and be as invisible as i could. The school principal was on me Immediately advising me not to photograph because some parents may not like the fact that their child may be caught in my photos. Understandable, I suppose (not really) in the new normal wacky world we have created for ourselves these days. The real kicker to this story is the 30 some odd parents photographing with their phones that were not confronted. Phone good-camera bad.

Yup, completely irrational.

Even my own sister asked that I not post pics of her kids on the web due to security reasons, even though everything is completely anonymous. Then she turns around and posts a continuous play by play of everything they are doing in real-time on F@cebook for the entire world to see, with no anonymity at all.

Go figure.

R2