Since returning to film in 2014, my kit has grown, and I’ve developed some favorites. Here is the film gear you’ll find in my camera bag. For each trip, I’ll give some thought about what I plan to shoot and how difficult it is to get to my destination in making my final decisions about what to pack.

This post contains multiple affiliate links from which we earn commissions for sales. For more on our affiliate relationships, click here: Affiliate Programs.

Camera Bags

Think Tank Airport Airstream Roller Bag  

My favorite roller bag because it meets all international guidelines.  It’s compact, holds a ton of stuff, and is as tough as nails.  The front pocket expands to hold the laptop bag.  The only downside is that it holds so much stuff for it’s compact size that you have to watch the airline’s weight limit.  We had an issue with that on Aer Lingus.  Read about it here. 

Think Tank Photo Airport International  

This roller bag is pretty big and is only making it on road trips this year.  I cannot imagine lifting this bag fully loaded into the overhead compartment.  But if you have a lot of gear, and a good upper body workout routine, this is an excellent choice.

Think Tank Speed Freak Carryon Bag  

A gift from my husband, this is a great walking around bag.  It holds a DSLR with lens and another lens or two, depending upon length.  There is a nice front pocket which will hold filters and wipes, and two generous side pockets to hold flashes or extras.

Billingham Hadley Large Canvas Shoulder Bag 

I love this classic bag with easily accessible pockets which is larger than the Speed Freak and has the classic look I love.  I purchased the Billingham in 2008 and it’s still going strong! I loved it so much, I purchase the small Hadley in red and the larger Hadley One in navy!

Longchamp Le Pliage

For travel of any distance, I prefer to take a large tote bag, the Longchamp Le Pliage  with the long handles, and pop my gear in that for every day treks.  That way, you don’t look like a photographer, but have your gear available.  It will also hold everything else you need, maps, money, sunglasses, etc.  I use an insert from one of my Billinghams to protect my camera and have plenty of room for all the other things you need in a carryon.

Think Tank Artificial Intelligence Laptop Bag with Apple 15.4″ MacBook Pro  

I use this bag for work as well as travel.  It’s Think Tank, so it’s built like a tank.  There is a back pocket for legal pads or folders and a generous front pocket to hold all those pesky cords and external drives.  It slides into the stretchy pocket on the front of the Airport Airstream for travel.

Cameras & Lenses

 My film camera collection has grown considerably since I first wrote this post. I recently sold a few cameras through my Etsy store, so watch it for future items.

Hasselblad 500CM with 80mm f/2.8, waist level finder, and A12 back (25th Anniversary Edition)

I’m glad I pulled the trigger and bought this camera when I had the chance. I’ve seen it lately for double what I paid, and mine is in perfect condition with the original box and literature. It’s true that you never really understand what all the hoopla is about with Hasselblads until you shoot one. I had a strap made by Tap & Dye for this camera, antique tan with crimson stitching, which is beautifully made and highly recommended.

Hasselblad Sonnar CF 180mm f/4 T* Lens (B60)

Fuji GW690 II

The so-called “Texas Leica” is big, but not heavy. It’s easy enough to hand hold and create those big 6×9 negatives!

Mamiya 6

The nearly-perfect medium format camera for travel. If it had autofocus it would be perfect, but you can’t have everything, right?

Mamiya 50mm f/4 (58 mm filter size)

In my opinion, this lens is the best of the bunch and is used probably 90% of the time.

Mamiya 75mm f/3.5 (58mm filter size)

Mamiya 150mm f/4.5 (67mm filter size)

Mamiya 645 Pro TL

This was my first medium format camera and it’s worth the purchase to be able to use the 80mm f/1.9 Mamiya lens. It has interchangeable backs which is nice to change film to suit the situation. Everything breaks down to pack up nicely. It’s not heavy, but it is robust in size, and the clunk of that shutter means everyone around you knows you just clicked the shutter.

Mamiya 80mm f/1.9 (67mm filter size)

The fastest medium format lens and my favorite of the 645 lenses I own. I bought a second copy for my daughter because I loved it so much.

Mamiya 45mm f/2.8 (67mm filter size)

Mamiya 110mm f.2.8 (58mm filter size)

Mamiya 150mm f/3.5 (58mm filter size)

Mamiya 210mm f/4 (58mm filter size)

Automatic Rolleiflex 4×4 (Baby Rollei)

Vermeer 6×9 Pinhole Camera

This is my first pinhole, and I’ve only run a few rolls through it to date. When I get the hang of it, I’ll post some images.

Canon EOS 1v

There is a reason that Canon made this for so many years. It is an incredible camera with a robust build, and with everything you could ever want in a film camera. Tips for buying one here.

Canon EF Lenses

I have loads of EF lenses, used with my digital kit. That makes it really easy to shoot film and digital on a trip. 

Canon 14mm f/2.8 II (Gel)

I rented this lens for our trip to Ireland in 2011, and finally got it used at a reasonable price and in great condition. This lens was essential to capture the details inside the churches we visited with its wide angle and low light capability.

Zeiss Distagon T* 21mm f.2.8 ZE (82)

Perfect for landscape photography and capturing the night sky, this Zeiss lens focuses like a dream, although it is manual focus. Since returning to film photography and shooting  manual focus lenses, I don’t mind manually  focusing, and the image quality of this lens is outstanding. It is a solid lens and is a bit heavy, but this might just replace my 35L in my travel bag. Time will tell. Filter size is 82mm.

Canon 24mm f/1.4L II (77)

I rented this lens twice and finally found it at a great price to justify the purchase. It’s not as sharp as the Zeiss, but has autofocus, making it perfect for walking around a new city and capturing things in a snap.

Canon 35mm f/1.4 L (72)

I am gravitating toward primes and the 35L became my walkaround lens for travel. The 35mm focal length on a full frame camera is pretty comparable to your natural field of view. Filter size is 72mm.

Canon 24-70 f/2.8 L (77)

This was my first L lens and I have never regretted the purchase.  It weighs a ton (roughly 2-1/2 pounds) but my wrist soon adapted.  It was responsible for the majority of my shots while traveling, although  now I’m leaning toward traveling with primes.  It’s a great event lens to get group shots or zoom in  for a nice portrait.  Filter size is 77mm.

Canon 50mm f/1.2L (72)

Some love it, others hate it, but there is no dispute that this lens renders a look which is unmatched by the many other 50mm lenses on the market. It’s the heaviest of the Canon 50mm lenses, but compact, and easy to use as your go-to lens which stays on your camera.  Filter size is 72mm.

Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 ZE (72)

If you can handle manually focusing your lenses, you should really check out Zeiss lenses. The image quality is outstanding, and you can get some of their older designs at awesome prices. This lens and the 21mm listed above are perfect examples of that. Filter size is 72mm.

Canon 85mm f/1.8 (58)

This is my favorite “bargain lens,” and is my suggestion for a second lens or alternative to the “nifty 50” for those beginning their collection of Canon lenses.  It is far less expensive than its big sister, the 85mm f/1.2 L, and although it is clearly a different look than its more expensive counterpart, it provides very sharp images.  Filter size is 58mm.

Canon 135mm f/2 L (72)

This is my favorite lens for portraits.  It has a gorgeous bokeh. Filter size is 72mm.

Canon 200mm f/2.8 II (72)

When I need a bit more reach, this one does the trick. It works with the 1.4x extender as well, taking me to 280mm.

Canon EF 1.4x III Extender

This little gem gives me a bit more reach when needed.   The 135mm with the 1.4x extender becomes a 189mm lens.  It is small (2.8 by 1.1 inches) and lightweight (7.9 ounces), so you can always have it with you and avoid the necessity of bringing the 200mm f/2.8 L lens.  It is only compatible with fixed focal length L lenses 135mm and longer, and on the 70-200/2.8L, 70-200/2.8L IS, 70-200/4L, and 100-400/4.5-5.6L.  You also lose a stop of light, so keep that in mind.  However, when you need a bit more reach, it’s a great accessory to have.

Canon EOS 7n

My film camera before I switched to digital in 2007. It uses all the EF lenses and is a lightweight alternative to the 1v.

Canon A-1

Canon AE-1 Program

Canon FD 20mm f/2.8 (72mm filter size)

Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 (52mm filter size)

Canonet QL17 GIII

I just picked this up and the seals were a mess, so I replaced the seals and am running it through testing.

Olympus XA-4

Flash & Triggers

Profoto A10 with Transmitter for Canon

& Profoto A1, transmitter for Fuji, Clic Grid & Gel Kit (20 degree Clic Grid, Half & Full CTO Clic Gels), 10 degree Clic Grid, Clic Creative Gel Kit (Rose Pink, Peacock Blue, Yellow), Scarlet, Blue, Half Plus Green, Light Lavender and Jade Clic Gels, OCF Adapter, 1.3′ Square Softbox and Grid, 3′ Octabox and Grid.  Also picked up the Profoto Connect for Fuji to work with my Fuji GFX 50R.

Triggering off-camera flash was unreliable with my new Canon EOS R while using my old flash triggers. Now I understand why people love Profoto. It’s simple and it works. Profoto takes the frustration out of firing your lights and makes it fun again. The Clic system makes changing gels and grids super fast and easy. They just snap on with magnets. The OCF Adapter allows you to use the OCF light shaping tools with your A series flashes. And to have a flash with a modeling light is a true pleasure. It gives you the control of a studio light in the portability of a speedlite.

Canon 580EX II flash

Before the Profoto, this was the flash I use when I use on camera flash.  I have left it at home the last couple trips, and here’s the reason why:  I can do pretty much everything I want with the Canon 430 EX II flash  and the 430EX doesn’t interfere with the radio signals of the Pocket Wizards.  I can avoid carrying a hard shield needed for proper operation of the 580EX II with the Pocket Wizards.

Canon 430 EX II flash

I love this flash, and the fact that it doesn’t clash with my Pocket Wizards makes it my go-to flash.  I use it for off-camera flash or on-camera when the 580EX II isn’t around.  I have two of these.  They are fabulous. However, when purchasing the Canon EOS R, I found the Profoto system easier to use and less inclined to failure.

Pocket Wizard TT1 Mini Transmitter

Pocket Wizard TT5 Flex Transceiver

Pocket Wizard TT6 Flex Transceiver

I have had great luck with these triggers and I have a total of four.  They fire my flashes and also (with the A9 adaptor) fire my Alien Bee studio lights.  Top the Mini off with an AC3 Zone Controller, and you can control three zones of lights from the top of your camera.  There is a trick to getting them to communicate (turn on radios first, then flashes, then camera), but they work really well.  My only complaint is that the battery for the Mini seems to drain pretty quickly.  The Mini has a super low profile and doesn’t interfere at all with your shooting.  Love them!

Pocket Wizard PlusX Transceivers

I purchased these to use flash with my old film cameras. They are super simple in design and work flawlessly.

Litepanels LP Micro Compact LED Light

This is not the most powerful LED light, but it does what I need it to.  I use it for adding a bit more light in dark situations, as a video light, as a focus light, and as a beach flashlight when we’re making our way home after dinner.  It runs on 4-AA batteries and can slide into the hotshoe on the top of your camera for convenience.

Filters

ND Filters

Hoya 72mm Variable Neutral Density Filter

Hoya 77mm Neutral Density x400 Filter (9 Stops)

Breakthrough  Photography 82mm X4 ND 10-stop Filter

Breakthrough  Photography 82mm X4 ND 6-stop Filter

Singh-Ray 37mm Mor-Slo 5-Stop Filter

I love ND filters.  They are super handy when you want to make waterfalls, streams, and other bodies of water look silky smooth.  They will also cut the light so you can get a shallow depth of field shot even in the super sunny Caribbean.  The x400 gives you 9 stops of density.  The variable ND is the most handy because you can dial in the light to exactly where you want it.

Cokin BPW400 Wide Angle Filter Holder for P Series

Singh Ray Daryl Benson 0.9 Reverse Graduated Neutral Density Filter 

Singh Ray Galen Rowell 0.6 Soft-Edge Graduated Neutral Density Filter

Singh-Ray Galen Rowell Graduated Neutral Density 1.2 Soft-Edge Filter

I am new to the P filter thing, but one of my goals is to take better landscape shots.  These filters allow you to properly expose the foreground against a bright sky and have the exposure correct across the board.  The Galen Rowell is a soft edged ND filter for use when I’m trying to get both the sky and the foreground properly exposed. I have both the 2-stop (0.6), and the 4-stop (1.2). The Daryl Benson filter is what I call a sunrise/sunset filter.  This 3-stop ND filter has the deepest density at the middle, gradually lightening as you move outward.  The filter allows you to perfect the exposure when the sun is prominent at a flat  horizon in your images.

Black & White Filters

Cokin P Black & White Filter Kit

Circular Polarizers

Breakthrough Photography 58mm X4 Circular Polarizer

B+W 67mm XS-Pro Kaesemann Circular Polarizer with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating

B+W 72mm Kaesemann XS-Pro Circular Polarizer MRC

B+W 77mm XS-Pro Kaesemann Circular Polarizer with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating

Singh-Ray 77mm Thin Lighter Brighter Neutral Circular Polarizer

B+W 82mm Circular Polarizer with  MRC Coating

Singh-Ray 37mm LB Neutral Circular Polarizer

Circular polarizers are pretty essential when shooting around so much water. It cuts the reflected light and glare, maximizing your capture.  Don’t leave for the islands without one. Be mindful with wide-angle lenses that it can cause uneven darkening of the sky at certain times of the day due to the position of the sun in the sky.  Avoid using the circular polarizer or significantly dial back the polarization if shooting when the sun is low in the sky. I like to have one on each lens I  travel with.

Color Correction Filters

Hoya 72mm 85 Color Conversion Hoya Multi-Coated (HMC) Filter

The 85 filter adds warmth to the image.  I purchased it to use when shooting Cinestill 800T in daylight to warm things up!

Night Sky Filter

Breakthrough Photography Night Sky Filter

I’m excited to try this filter out when shooting the night sky in the Caribbean. The idea behind the filter is that artificial light pollution ranges between 570 to 610 nanometers on the visible light spectrum, and can reduce starlight definition by up to 50%. You might notice that orange color cast when you shoot the night sky. This filter is designed to block those wavelengths, brightening your sky and better defining the stars.

Filter Accessories

B + W Step Up Rings

Breakthrough Photography Step Up Rings

I love the Breakthrough Photography Step Up Rings. The grooves on the sides make them easy to attach, and more importantly detach.

Tripods/Monopods & Heads

Gitzo GM5561T Carbon Fiber Monopod

As part of my mission to get better landscapes,  I started working on the support structure for my camera.  Knowing that a tripod is not going most places, I purchased a Gitzo monopod, getting this with a great price and a nice Gitzo rebate.  It is solid as a rock and light as a feather.  The locks on this thing open and close like butter. They are not cheap, but wow, you will love it!

Gitzo G1410.130B “Big Foot”

This all-terrain foot for the monopod was purchased with the idea that I will be messing around in a lot of sand.

Really Right Stuff MH-01 Monopod Head with lever release

People talk about Really Right Stuff, and now I know what they mean.  Now I know why people buy these even though they never go on sale or have other rebates or promotions. Their stuff is solid and perfectly machined.  The operation is smooth and once you’re locked in, your camera is not going anywhere.  I purchased the lever release plate which is a dream.  It’s super easy to open and close.  I am a Really Right stuff fan!

Gitzo GT0532 Mountaineer Tripod

After my Fancier tripod took a dive, taking my beloved 24-70mm f/2.8 with it to the floor (resulting in about $450 in repairs), it was necessary to replace it.  I spent a lot of time researching tripods to find one that met my needs in terms of weight and stability, but was still light enough for travel.  I settled on the Gitzo GT 0532.  This tripod had the newest Carbon eXact tubes, which were narrower and stiffer and could bear more weight than it’s predecessor in the “0” series.  At 1.07kg (2.35 pounds), it was still light enough to carry.  For more on why I chose the Gitzo GT 0532, read my review here.

Really Right Stuff BH-30 Ballhead

The Really Right Stuff ballhead is just as amazing as the monopod head.  I opted for the compact ballhead for travel.  Once mounted, there is no sag and no jiggle.  This ballhead is rock solid.

Other Accessories

Sekonic L-358 Light Meter with RT-32CTL Radio Transmitter Module

Having a light meter takes all the guesswork out of the proper exposure, especially in tricky backlit or super bright situations.  It overcomes the limitations of the camera’s light meter so you can nail it every time.  If you use it with the RT-32 CTL radio transmitter, you can trigger your flashes on your Pocket Wizards to get the perfect flash portrait.

Edelkrone FlexTILT Head 2

Edelkrone has some really innovative designs for videographers, and the FlexTILT Head 2 is one of the most creative I’ve seen. This is a head which works with all their other products, allowing you to elevate, pan, and tilt your camera to optimize your shot. The beauty of the FlexTILT Head 2 is that it can be used as a travel tripod, folding down to a compact 4.1 x 3.3 x 1.1″ / 105 x 85 x 27 mm. It holds up to 5.5 pounds (2.5kg), so I can support my camera and lens, positioning the device to support the load.

Edelkrone HeadONE

Edelkrone’s HeadONE is a pan and tilt motor which can be used with the Edelkrone app to easily create smooth video or time lapses. The app is super easy to use and flawlessly connects all other motorized Edelkrone devices like the dollies and sliders.

Edelkrone DollyONE

Edelkrone’s DollyONE is a motorized tabletop dolly which can move in linear or circular patterns, controlled by the Edelkrone app. It can be combined with the HeadOne and/or FlexTILT Head 2 to create smooth video and timelapses.

Edelkrone SliderONE V2

And incredible holiday deal at B&H brought this last piece into my Edelkrone setup. The plan is to try some milky way or night sky time lapses with the slider and HeadONE. We’ll test that out in Anguilla – let’s hope for clear skies!

Edelkrone StandONE All Terrain Foldable Camera Stand

This compact little device works like a tabletop tripod (although with four legs), and is completely adjustable to meet the terrain. It will work to support the slider and HeadONE system for those night sky time lapses.

Zoom H1 Portable Digital Recorder with Redhead Wind Screen

This is a great portable audio device.  For $100 (or less), you get far better sound that the on-board microphone in your DSLR.  Given the wind on the beach, don’t forget your Redhead Windscreen.  Capture the sounds of the waves, the music, and the voices of those around so you can remember all the great times you had.

X-Rite ColorChecker Passport

Sometimes I spend way too much time color correcting, never really being sure I have it right.  The X-rite ColorChecker Passport is always right, and it’s convenient to carry anywhere.

Fotodiox Pro Lens Mount Adapter, Mamiya 645 Lens to Canon EOS Camera

The Fotodiox adapter lets me use my Mamiya 80mm f/1.9 on my Canon cameras.

Canon Remote Trigger

Works flawlessly for long exposures.

Hoodman HoudeLoupe 3.0

It’s awful hard to see the LCD screen on the back of your camera in the bright sunlight.  Pop on a Hoodman loupe, and you can see again!

Eneloop Batteries & Charger

It was a good move to go to rechargeable batteries.  Eneloops are the best.  They hold the charge and are easy to recharge.

Peak Design Slide and Slide Lite Camera Straps

I love the Peak Design system, and now have anchors on all my cameras so that I can click into and out of a strap when needed. The anchors also have a color changing system to warn you if the anchor material is wearing thin so it can be replaced before failure.

For my digital kit, take a look in my bag here.