Yesterday I was one of a group of five people that put on the first of five
sprint triathlons in our championship series on the beach. It was a hectic
day, but I had the major responsibility of photographing everyone who
crossed the finish line. We had just under 190 participants. A good
turnout.
My selection for the finish line photos was my MZ-S and an MZ-5 (my ZX-5 is
lent out to a friend on vacation). I went with these two since they have
built-in winders and autofocus availability if I needed it - multiple people
crossing the line at a time. I was using Kodak ASA 100 print film in these
since we were going to make the prints available to the racers at the awards
presentation immediately following the race.
I had an LX that still has ASA 400 slide film in it. I carried it in case
I needed the faster film. I am not impressed with Kodak's Elite Chrome with
regard to grain. I have purchased some Sensia for testing, but I still need
to finish the Kodak stock - and it will take a while since I don't use this
speed much.
My carry around camera was another LX with winder using Kodak ASA 100 slide
film. It was probably the first time in at least three years that I have
used the winder. For interior, registration area, shots I attached my
AF400T with Quantum battery pack (which I recently had re-celled).
Observations....
I realize now that unless pressed, my MZ-5 and ZX-5 will hardly see use.
The viewfinder information is extremely difficult to see in the harsh
sunlight, and I was not using sunglasses which would make it impossible to
view. The MZ-S was a dream in comparison.
The shutter button on the MZ-5 is so totally different from the MZ-S. The
MZ-S's is responsive. The long throw of the MZ-5's made me hesitate a
couple of times while shooting. Especially if I wanted to waken the meter
reading, I wondered if I had physically turned the camera off since I had no
response in slightly pressing the button.
The MZ-5 feels so flimsy. Even the setting of the buttons did not feel as
sturdy as on the MZ-S. One time as I had to quickly switch cameras I had no
qualms in placing - short drop - MZ-S onto the ground. I would have thought
twice about the MZ-5, though I have proven that it can take abuse.
The one thing I miss having in the viewfinder is a film counter. After
taking shot after shot, it would be nice to have an indication that you are
down to a couple of frames. This is necessary to quickly assess if you
should switch cameras for the next group of finishers.
I used these cameras in manual focus the whole time. It made for faster
shooting as I just focused on the finish line. The LX was handy as a backup
to the two AF cameras. The lenses used were the M 28/2.8 and the F 28/2.8
both at f5.6.
Beforehand I set up at the finish line and began figuring out the metering.
Since these were not to be formal shots I decided to forego flash. In the
extreme sun I figured I had to meter for the shadows to get a good exposure
for their faces. I used my Sekonic Studio Deluxe L398 in its incident light
mode to get a reading in the shadow of a sponsor's banner. From there I
wasted time in seeing if I could set the two AF cameras in some sort of AE
mode, with exposure compensation, and metering pattern to enable shots in
changing light - if clouds were to come over. After trying numerous
combinations with different compositions (the backdrop was very varied), I
decided it was better to go with manual exposure settings. Every so often I
would spot meter on the shadow to verify metering choice or pull out the
Sekonic.
As the racers were picking up the photos I had a great number comment on
the great shots. Though many commented on their expressions and body
position, I recieved compliments on the shots themselves. Some commented on
how they were as good as those shot by photographers using flash at other
events. Made for a nice end to the event for me.
Well, no real reason for the message but to let me state what a joy I had
using the cameras yesterday. I have enjoyed reading about other people's
outings and thought I would share mine.
My sister is in town for the week and I am taking tomorrow off. I have
plenty of film and lenses, let's see what I can document. My sister has an
Olympus P&S that I gave her and she is showing some interest in photography,
especially no flash at night. I like the fact that she comes to her little
brother for information and help.
I'll stop typing now, I need to get my gear ready for later,
C�sar
Panama City, Florida
P.S. TV - Minolta-girl was my assistant at the finish line...
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