Protecting Your Gear: The Lowepro Flipside 400 AW's Security Features

As a photographer, I've used a variety of camera backpacks over the years, but none have impressed me as much as the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Pro DSLR Camera Backpack. This backpack has features that make it ideal for various photographic pursuits, from travel photography, and wildlife photography to sports photography.

This camera backpack became my favorite camera bag right from the beginning. I bought it when I started to venture into high school sports photography 11 years ago. The Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Pro DSLR Camera Backpack is a versatile and durable backpack for photographers of all levels. It offers a variety of features that make it easy to carry and protect your gear, even in challenging conditions. The signature Flipside design provides quick and easy access to your gear, and the All Weather AW Cover protects your gear from the elements. The high-capacity dynamic storage system can adapt to fit a variety of gear, and the separate CradleFit™ compartments protect your laptop and tablet in a suspended position. The dedicated tripod attachment system and stretch mesh side pockets provide additional storage options. The removable padded accessory pouch is ideal for storing smaller items. The moisture-wicking back panel keeps you cool and comfortable when wearing the backpack.

Specifications:

• Brand: Lowepro
• Model: Flipside 400 AW Pro
• Color: Black
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 11.9 x 18.1 inches
• Capacity: 400 cubic inches
• Weight: 3.5 pounds

This backpack also has a comfortable and adjustable harness system that distributes the weight of the backpack evenly across your shoulders and back. It also has a waist belt that helps to stabilize the backpack and reduce the load on your shoulders.

Back when I was shooting high school sports, this backpack is filled with 2 Canon Camera Bodies, a Canon EOS 7D MK1, a Canon EOS 60D or the original Canon EOS 5D, and several lenses, the Canon EF 50mm F/1.4, Tokina AF 16-28mm f/2.8 at-X PRO FX Lens, Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L Lens and the Canon EF 400mm F/5.6 L Lens and I also have two Canon Speedlite several other stuff like batteries, cables, lens hoods and caps.

Canon Gear inside

Nowadays, this is still my primary backpack, but instead of carrying big canon gear, I use it to carry my Fujifilm Cameras and Lenses.

Flipside 400 with Fujifilm Mirrorless Camera gear

Overall, the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Pro DSLR Camera Backpack is a versatile and protective backpack ideal for photographers of all levels. It offers a variety of features that make it easy to carry and protect your gear, even in challenging conditions.

If you're looking for a reliable and protective backpack for your camera gear, the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Pro is a great option to consider. It's perfect for travel photography, landscape photography, street photography, and wildlife photography.

I'm not sure if this line of Lowepro Bags are still available for sale, but you can Amazon to see if they still have the Lowepro Flipside series of Camera Backpacks.

Ka Tato's Corner November 09, 2023

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The Minolta SRT101: A Camera That Will Last a Lifetime

One topic I want to write on this website are classic 35mm film cameras. Years ago I started to buy old 35mm cameras with the goal of learning and restoring them. In this section of Classic Film Cameras I will feature the few 35mm cameras I own.

The Minolta SRT101 was a groundbreaking camera when it was released in 1966. It was the first camera to offer full-aperture TTL metering, which allowed photographers to set their exposure accurately without having to stop down the lens. This was a major advancement over the older cameras that used center-weighted metering, which could be inaccurate in certain situations.

The SRT101 was an immediate success, and it quickly became one of the most popular SLR cameras on the market. It was used by professional and amateur photographers alike, and it was responsible for countless iconic images.

In 1975, Minolta released the SRT101b, which was an updated version of the original camera. The SRT101b featured a number of improvements, including a more accurate metering system, a faster shutter speed, and a more comfortable grip.

The SRT101 remained in production until 1981, and it was eventually replaced by the Minolta X-700. However, the SRT101 remains a popular camera among film photographers today, and it is still possible to find used SRT101s in good condition.

Here are some of the key features of the Minolta SRT101:

• Full-aperture TTL metering
• Full-tang design
• Bright viewfinder with match-needle exposure meter
• Shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 1 second
• Self-timer
• Mirror lockup
• Multiple exposure capability
• Hot shoe for flash
• Compatible with a wide range of Minolta lenses
• The Minolta SRT101 is a classic SLR camera that is still worth using today. It is well-built, reliable, and takes amazing photos. If you are looking for a film camera that can do it all, the Minolta SRT101 is a great option to consider.

In addition to its technical features, the SRT101 was also significant for its cultural impact. It was one of the first SLR cameras to be marketed to a wide range of consumers, and it helped to democratize photography. The SRT101 was also used by many famous photographers, including W. Eugene Smith, Annie Leibovitz

Today, the SRT101 is still a popular camera among film photographers. It is relatively affordable, and it is easy to find used SRT101s in good condition. If you are interested in learning film photography, or if you are looking for a classic SLR camera to add to your collection, the Minolta SRT101 is a great option.

Ka Tato's Corner October 29, 2023

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Sigma 70-300mm: A Versatile Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Beginners

Are you a photography enthusiast looking to explore the world of telephoto zoom lenses? If you're just starting your photographic journey, the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras is a fantastic choice to consider. In this review, I'll walk you through its features and why it's an excellent choice for beginners.

This lens is the second lens I bought when I started the hobby back in 2009. I used it for more done two years together with another canon classic the Canon EF 28-90mm F/4-5.6 III SLR Lens. 

The Sigma 70-300mm lens is renowned for its impressive zoom range. It lets you capture scenes near and far, making it perfect for a wide range of photography styles. Whether you're interested in landscapes, wildlife, sports, or even close-up shots, this lens can handle it all. For beginners, having such versatility in one lens can be a game-changer.

Back then when I was just starting in photography, I choice to buy the most affordable gear I can find and learn what I can using them. The Sigma 70-300mm lens boasts APO (Apochromatic) lens elements that minimize chromatic aberrations. In simple terms, it ensures your photos are sharp and free from color fringing, helping you capture stunning, high-contrast images. This Sigma Telephoto is sharp enough between 70mm to 100mm, but soft beyond specially at the 300mm range. I didn't expect much from a cheap telephoto lens like this.

One of the good features of this lens is its macro capability. With a minimum focusing distance of just 1.5 meters, you can explore the world of close-up photography. As a beginner, this opens up a whole new realm of creative possibilities. Whether it's capturing intricate details of a flower or getting up close to a subject's eyes, macro photography adds depth to your portfolio.

Sigma has taken the needs of beginners into account when designing this lens. It's lightweight and easy to handle. The autofocus system is responsive and accurate, ensuring you can capture your subjects without the hassle of manual focus. Additionally, a switch on the lens barrel allows you to switch between autofocus and manual focus, giving you control over your shots.

For amateur photographers who are constantly on the move, this lens is a great choice. It's lightweight and compact, fitting easily into your camera bag without weighing you down. Whether you're traveling, hiking, or just exploring your local surroundings, this lens won't become a burden.

Starting your photography journey doesn't mean you need to break the bank. The Sigma 70-300mm lens provides excellent value for its price point. Back in 2009 I was able to buy this brand new for only $180 from amazon. It allows you to experiment with various photographic styles without a hefty investment, making it a perfect choice for beginners.

Tips for Beginners

• Master Your Zoom: Experiment with different focal lengths to see the lens's full potential. Try wide-angle shots at 70mm and then zoom in for some telephoto magic at 300mm.
• Macro Magic: Explore the macro capabilities by getting up close to small subjects. Use a tripod to ensure your shots are steady.
• Understand Aperture: Learn how to adjust your camera's aperture settings to control depth of field. This will help you achieve that beautiful background blur (bokeh) in your photos.
• Practice and Patience: Like any skill, photography takes practice. Don't be discouraged by early results. Keep shooting and learning from your mistakes.
• Post-Processing: Invest time in learning basic photo editing techniques. Software like Adobe Lightroom can enhance your images and bring out their full potential.

In conclusion, the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras is a fantastic choice for photography beginners. Its versatility, macro capabilities, user-friendly design, and affordability make it an excellent choice for those starting their photographic hobby. So, get out there, experiment, and capture the world in a whole new way with this affordable lens in your kit.

You can still find this lens used at Amazon.

Ka Tato's Corner October 15, 2023

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