Why you should always have a backup

[mccls1030]

Also had this happen, not to me, but to the person I was 2nd shooter for at a wedding. her camera died and it was left to me to finish the wedding. Luckily the wedding was nearly over, but...
taught me to always be prepared!

[ngoduyviet]

Originally Posted by Collins

+1 from me.

I've had one of my cameras die during a wedding and I was thanking the Lord I had another one to pull out of the bag.

Even if it's a cheaper used body from 2 years ago (10D, 20D) get a 2nd body!

Yup, I haven't had one failed me yet, but I now carry with me 1 backup and another backup in the bag in case my main & on body backup fail. Doesn't have to be expensive, mine is a Canon D60. Better to be safe than sorry

[studiocygnet]

Don't forget the duct tape and safety pins too.

[CobyPhoto]

Originally Posted by boxofrocks

Funny you should say that--I had a Canon G9 with me, and I was afraid it was going on the tripod next. That would have worked, as it has a hot shoe with for the PW to control the lights, and can shoot in manual, but it would have looked pretty tacky!

Shoot, the G-9 is an awesome camera! It is always in my bag now as a backup along with my EOS 3 (Film) body! So that is a total of 6 bodies at an event or wedding! Backups Brother!

CJ

[venchka]

Yup. Film cameras always work! Of course I always have a back up film camera handy. Just in case.

[adirty1]

Originally Posted by venchka

Yup. Film cameras always work! Of course I always have a back up film camera handy. Just in case.

No they dont always work. where and why do you think I carry so many back ups. first time I heard of two cameras doing down at a wedding was way back in the day of film. Luck for the guy he had his 35 in the car and called up to rent a MF

point is nothing works all the time.

worst story I know of is when some one sent all their cameras out to be cleaned and flew to the shoot and nothing worked. Seems that in the cleaning process the wrong oil was used. Everything had to be rented. lucky that the photographer wasnt shooting in BFE. Another lesson learned to check your gear before you pack up.

[boxofrocks]

Originally Posted by CobyPhoto

Shoot, the G-9 is an awesome camera! It is always in my bag now as a backup along with my EOS 3 (Film) body! So that is a total of 6 bodies at an event or wedding! Backups Brother!

CJ

Yes, it's pretty great for what it is, but I don't know that I would have wanted to put it on a tripod during a 4 figure payday. The whole perception thing, you know!

[CobyPhoto]

Originally Posted by boxofrocks

Yes, it's pretty great for what it is, but I don't know that I would have wanted to put it on a tripod during a 4 figure payday. The whole perception thing, you know!

Awe hell, stick a 580 EX II on there and it looks great! LMAO Just like a real pro camera! LOL

CJ

[boxofrocks]

I've seen it done! Being a Nikon shop, I don't have one, though.

[CaptainTom]

If it came down to it, I'd go with the G9 and the PW triggers.
If anyone commented, I'd play up the "you're still using the old fashioned DSLR ?" High Tech can be enticing sometimes.

P.S. A G9 (after a new GPS) is on my Xmas list in case anyone is curious...

[venchka]

No doubt that anything can break. I don't use my gear professionally. I have never had a camera not function. I've had to change batteries once in awhile before a major trip. Otherwise, I just pick them up, point them somewhere and go "Click, click".

Originally Posted by adirty1

No they dont always work. where and why do you think I carry so many back ups. first time I heard of two cameras doing down at a wedding was way back in the day of film. Luck for the guy he had his 35 in the car and called up to rent a MF

point is nothing works all the time.

worst story I know of is when some one sent all their cameras out to be cleaned and flew to the shoot and nothing worked. Seems that in the cleaning process the wrong oil was used. Everything had to be rented. lucky that the photographer wasnt shooting in BFE. Another lesson learned to check your gear before you pack up.