Surfing with Acros
I've never been much of a post processing guy. That could be from decades of shooting film or possibly Art Director's commanding me to deliver RAW images so color profiles aren't messed up in print. Probably the latter. I am always after the best possible shot I can produce with the camera. "I'll fix it in post", isn't part of my regular shooting process. Fortunately, with the addition of my new Fujifilm X-Pro2 camera also comes the ability to finally use the newest film simulation, ACROS. Could this be the secret sauce I've been looking for to achieve richly saturated monochrome black and white photographs without spending much time in post?
SKB iSeries DSLR Case
Over the past 20 years, I've used more photography specific bags and cases than I could possibly remember. The constant search for the 'perfect' bag seems never-ending. Soft cases for carrying around town, backpacks for adventures, hard cases for travel, pocket cases for hiking, and the list goes on. The one truth I can attest to is that often as photographers, we carry far more gear than we need. Being prepared is great, but it often means we rely more on the gear we carry than we should on our talent.
I've been on the hunt for minimal hard case suited to airline travel and quick photo shoots in the desert. Something that would carry just what I need and nothing more. A musician friend of mine turned me on to SKB Cases in Orange, CA. He went on and on about their guitar cases, so I thought I'd give their iSeries DSLR Pro Camera Case I a try.
We haven't seen much water here in Southern California lately, so I decided to create my own water test. I gave my nephew the hose and bet him a scoop of ice cream that he couldn't get water inside the case without opening it up. Don't worry, I still bought him the ice cream. All of the gear was bone dry after a solid 10 minute soaking. This has actually become my wash routine for the case post shoots.
What I like:
Well made, lightweight sturdy construction
Foam is perfectly cut, finger holes are a nice touch
Trigger release latches
Great size for travel needs
Water and weather proofing is top notch
Price is good at $119.99 from various websites
Made in USA
Lifetime Warranty
What I don't like / Suggestions:
The extra space could be larger to hold common memory card cases
Would like to see the same case available with 1 lens + flash unit
An optional shoulder strap
Aside from a small fit issue with my memory card cases, the SKB iSeries DSLR Pro Camera Case I has lived up to its promise. I can't forget to mention, this case is Made in USA and covered by their Lifetime Warranty. If you're looking for something similar, I can safely recommend this case. It's taken a fair amount of abuse this month and has performed flawlessly.
This post originated in November, 2014 on A Gentleman’s Word.
UPDATE: I am re-posting this in March 2022 and I still have this case! I have removed the interior because I am no longer using Canon cameras. It has been holding up great as a storage container for various photography equipment.
TAD Spartan RS Pant
Review Date: 3-7-2014
Triple Aught Design has a unique way of teasing us with subtle hints, pattern swatches, corner emblems and other ingenious ways of keeping fans on their toes surrounding new product launches known as the infamous #weeklyTADhint. Earlier this month, we were given the opportunity to spend time with a TAD product before launch. Over the past few weeks, we've been putting the new Triple Aught Design Spartan RS Pant through its paces exploring, hiking and even a few nights out on the town. To us, TAD products embody the spirit of adventure and commitment. What better way to showcase those traits than to name your product after the courageous Greek Spartan's.
Spartan's or Spartiates, underwent rigorous training, an unchallenged commitment to excellence, and focused military strategies that stood out among the common world around the time of 500BC. Their journey was made famous recently with the release of the movie 300, sharing the story of King Leonidas and his mighty 300 Spartan's during the Battle of Thermopylae. To use the word 'Spartan' on your product, the quality must be unparalleled.
Company: Triple Aught Design (tripleaughtdesign.com)
Gear: Spartan RS Pant (link)
Size: 36x32
Color: Battleship Grey (Also available in ME Brown, ME Green)
Cost: $109 from TAD
Locations Used: Santa Ana Mountains, Mojave Desert, Urban Nightlife
Model Stats: 6′ tall. 187lbs.
Reviewer: Jordan May
Photographer: Adam Bendig