Cool Tools

Last updated: December 2, 2020

“A good man is known by his tools!”

Here are mine – the tools that I most enjoy using and that I feel are worthy to recommend to my friends.

My Cameras

• Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max – my current generation iPhone with its triple-camera system is always in my pocket and the camera I use most frequently. There’s an upgraded sensor on this new iPhone that improves low light performance and increases the maximum ISO the camera can use. ProRAW capability is also coming soon to this new model. I also use iCloud Photo Library which uploads all of the photos I make on my iPhone and shares them seamlessly to Photos apps on my iPads and Macs.
• Fujifilm X100V – Purchased February 2019 as a replacement for my Fujifilm X100F. Several important improvements (better sensor, faster processor, tilt screen, ergonomics). A wonderful camera – now in its fifth generation.
• Sony RX100M6 – Purchased in July 2019 from Amazon.com. This tiny “almost pocket” camera is a great complement to my iPhone because of the extended reach of its telephoto lens (24-200mm equivalent). I bought the camera when I was nursing my way back from a broken femur – and having to walk with a cane – preventing me from “zooming with my feet!” This was the perfect little camera for that – and using the built-in electronic viewfinder enabled me to shot “one handed” while still stabilizing myself with my cane!
• Fujifilm X-E3 – Purchased in September 2017 from Amazon.com. This new camera has been my favorite street camera since it arrived. It’s small size yet full features (interchangeable lenses, 24MB sensor, speedy processor, Acros film simulation, etc) make it an ideal street camera.
• Fujifilm X100F – Purchased in January 2017 as a replacement to my Fujifilm X100T. Several important improvements (larger sensor, faster processor, Acros film simulation, etc.) over the “nearly perfect” X100T make this an ideal street photography camera.
• Fujifilm X-Pro2 – Purchased in March 2016 to as a potential replacement for my Fujifilm X-T1. Ideal for street photography using either the 35mm f/2 or the 56mm f/1.2 lenses.
• Fujifilm X100T – Purchased in November 2014 as an upgrade to my X100S. The perfect street photography camera – 35mm equivalent field of view, discreet, beautiful, silent, with superb image quality. It doesn’t get much better than that! I’m also using the Fujifilm TLC-X100 Tele Conversion Lens which provides a 50 mm equivalent frame of view to the X100T. See my post about techniques for street photography while shooting with the Fujifilm X100T!
• iPhone 7 Plus – Purchased in November 2016 as an upgrade to my iPhone 6s. The camera that’s always with me – and which takes amazing shots! Portrait mode in the 7 Plus is superb for taking portraits with beautiful bokeh in the background.
• Fujifilm X-T1 – Purchased in March 2014, the Fujifilm X-T1 is a step up from the X-E2 (see below). Using the same sensor and providing almost the same optical performance, the X-T1 has a different – and better – feel than the X-E2. It’s got a larger front grip which makes the camera easier to hold – and the new, larger electronic viewfinder on the X-T1 is a thing of beauty. And, or course, the beautiful industrial design of Fuji makes the X-T1 such a cool looking camera. I’m loving having switched from Canon/Nikon DSLRs to the Fuji’s – smaller, more affordable cameras – and lenses – with great optical performance. What’s not to like?
• Fujifilm X-E2 – Purchased in November 2013, the Fujifilm X-E2 is a great complement to the X100S. It offers removable lenses while using the same APS-C X sensor and menu system as the X100S. It also has similar external mechanical controls for shutter speed and aperture. See my images shot with the Fujifilm X-E2!
• Fujinon Lenses – Both the X-T1 and the X-E2 are interchangeable lens cameras.  Fuji makes beautiful “glass” – and I’m proud to own several of their lenses including the 18-55mm “kit” lens, the 55-200mm telephoto zoom, the 14mm f/2.8 prime, the 23mm f/1.4 prime, and the 35mm f/2.0 prime.  My favorite for street candid photography is the 18-135mm zoom which has superb wide angle as well as long zoom performance in daylight settings.
• Canon PowerShot S100 – this camera goes with me almost everywhere (it’s tucked in my backpack). I’ve also owned and highly recommend the earlier versions in this series: Canon PowerShot S90 and Canon PowerShot S95.

Historical Gear

Over the years, I’ve owned some great cameras and lenses. Here’s my collection of gear that I’ve owned – and loved – that is no longer in my active collection of gear.

• Canon EOS 5D Mark II – my “serious” camera. What I said at the time: “A great digital SLR for serious work – both image and video.”
• Nikon D600 24.3 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera with 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Lens – Purchased in October 2012, this was my first Nikon camera body. What I said at the time: “I was particularly interested in the new sensor (made by Sony) in this camera – with an ability to handle a greater dynamic range of light. So far, I’m impressed.”
• Fujifilm X100S 16 MP Digital Camera – Purchased in August 2013, this is my first rangefinder body. What I said at the time: “It’s sheer delight – a camera that works beautifully and, with its single fixed focal length lens, challenges my creativity. In the classic Leica spirit, Fuji did a superb job on this camera!”
• Fujifilm X70 – Now retired – I regret having sold it! Purchased in March 2016 to use as a second camera for street photography – typically paired with my Fujifilm X100T (see below). What I said at the time: “The 28mm equivalent lens is wider that the 35mm equivalent of the X100T – and the combination of the lack of a look through viewfinder along with the touch/focus/shoot touchscreen offers a different approach to shooting on the street. The screen on the X70 is also adjustable – making it handy for shooting in situations where the screen might not be easily viewed.”
• My iPhone 5s – my first “serious” camera phone. What I said at the time: “always in my pocket with a GREAT camera and great camera/photo applications!“

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