Obviously, without film, nothing happens in the world of analog photography! Before you buy your next roll, however, you should at least consider the following basic questions:

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• Do you want black and white images? A classic black and white negative film is what you need!

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• Do you want to project your images onto a screen? Then you naturally want a color slide film (also known as reversal film).

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• Do you want standard color prints as your final product? Makes sense! Go with a color negative film.

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• Are you planning to scan your film? All three film stocks can be scanned successfully, though scanning traditional black and white negative film is definitely more challenging—mainly because automatic infrared dust and scratch removal tools (like Digital ICE) do not work on silver-based B&W emulsions.

The most reliable way to avoid camera shake is, without a doubt, a tripod!

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Long exposures—whether captured during twilight, at night, or in broad daylight using neutral density filters to achieve slower shutter speeds—are nearly impossible without this essential tool.

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A tripod can be set up almost anywhere, and because it allows you to change your perspective effortlessly, it enables you to capture the exact shot you envisioned.

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Depending on the scenario, I use different tripods; a lightweight carbon fiber model accompanies me on many trips, while a mini tripod is always by my side.

Camera equipment requires proper protection during transport, so a camera backpack is usually my go-to.

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When I only need to carry a lighter setup—such as a single camera body with one or two lenses—I switch to various shoulder bags depending on the size of the gear. I actually received many of these bags as bonus items when buying used cameras and lenses over the years.

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In fact, one bag is permanently kept in my car, safely tucked away with a Minolta X-500, an MD 50mm f/1.7, and an MD 135mm f/2.8. Better safe than sorry—otherwise, I might find myself standing in front of the shot of a lifetime without a camera!

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I also keep several other bags pre-packed and ready to go, so I can just grab them at a moment's notice. It’s incredibly practical and saves a lot of space in my gear cabinets.

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My Linhof, on the other hand, travels in style, safely transported to its destination in a rugged, rolling outdoor hard case.

 

Based on my many years of experience, there are three types of photographic filters that I highly recommend—they are permanent fixtures in my daily workflow.

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I have to confess :-), a UV filter sits on every single one of my lenses that has a filter thread, purely for front element protection. On more than one occasion, this type of filter has saved a lens from certain death.

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A Polarizing filter is also indispensable (make sure to choose a Circular Polarizer / CPL for cameras with through-the-lens metering). It reduces reflections on non-metallic surfaces and provides stronger color saturation, making a blue sky pop, for example.

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Finally, Neutral Density (ND) filters belong in every gear bag. They cut varying amounts of light, allowing for much longer exposure times even in broad daylight. This is the key to making motion beautifully visible in your images.

A Metz Mecablitz 45 CT-4 has been my loyal companion since 1988. He always donated good light to all the cameras I have used so far!

I also used and still use suitable system flash units on my cameras, but the Mecablitz 45 CL-4 and 45 CL-5 were added to the Mecablitz 45 CT-4.

 

Also buy a good used one from the 45s series!

 

My 45 CT-4 was and is used, among other things, on - even if not all of the mentioned cameras live with me:

Canon A - Series, Canon FTb, Canon F1, F1n, T90, EOS 600, 620, EOS 1n, EOS 20D, EOS 1D MKII, EOS 6D, Minolta X500, Minolta x700, Sony A7II / III, Hasselbald 500cm, 503cx, Mamiya 330f, Mamiya 645 1000s, Mamiya Universal Press, Nikon F501, Minolta 9xi, 7xi, Minolta 9000AF, Pentax 67 ... I apologize for the models I couldn't name ...

 

Every camera needs to be equipped with its own specific accessories.

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There are external viewfinders for rangefinder cameras, batteries along with chargers for digital bodies, specialized filters for analog black and white photography, extension tubes for close-up and macro work, mechanical cable releases, electronic remote releases, viewfinder magnifiers, right-angle finders, interchangeable focusing screens, handgrips, winders, and motor drives—the list could go on forever!

 

There is truly an accessory for absolutely everything.

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For cameras without a built-in light meter, a Gossen Multisix has been by my side since 1988. Alongside a few of its siblings, it remains a loyal companion to this day.