In search of a scene that makes you feel cold

January 27-29, 2020 Shimane

Photographer / Manabu Yamamoto

In the middle of a warm winter, I went to Shimane Prefecture to look for a scene that makes me feel cold.

I've been using the Markins Q10i Red for about two years now, and it has supported my photography in all kinds of situations, from extremely cold winters to extremely hot summers.
With its textured paint, it comes in red and blue in addition to black, and I can't help but see it on set, and it seems like more and more people are using it, so I think that good things are good!

Before the interview, I check all the equipment. Since I hadn't done any maintenance on the Markins, I had to apply more force to the stop than before. Since I had some time before leaving, I asked for an overhaul, and when it came back, the stop was restored to its original state, and I can now shoot comfortably.

In the past, the ball would wear down after two years of use, and even though I would apply a little grease and reuse it, dust would stick to the ball and I would have to clean it again. Therefore, I thought that two years of use was enough, so I replaced it with the same one, but in the case of Markins, such problems were solved by overhauling it.

The head can withstand a maximum load of 45 kg, which is amazing, but what I was concerned about was the stability when using a long lens, such as a 300mm F2.8 with two extenders or a 100-400mm. Not only horizontally, but also at subtle angles such as slightly upward or downward, it was heavy and bowed, and it had never shaken (except in strong winds).

Here's an experience I had when I first started using it. I use a knob-type quick shoe, but when I was concentrating on shooting through the viewfinder and trying to compose vertically, I accidentally turned it instead of the tripod mount knob, which gave me two close calls. Of course, I don't do this anymore, but when attaching a lens with a tripod mount, I recommend placing the quick shoe knob opposite the tripod mount knob.

When I arrived at Karaoto Suisen Park in Masuda City, the wind and rain from the Sea of ​​Japan were strong, knocking down the blooming daffodils. However, it was impressive to see the daffodils crawling on the ground, making their presence known.

I usually shoot with the EOS R camera plate PC-R1 attached, and the special design gives me peace of mind. It is manufactured to fit the shape and protrusions of the bottom precisely, so once you fasten it with a tool, it won't come off. Furthermore, the sub-plate LC-R1 for vertical shooting has a unique shape with the mounting part protruding forward, which means that when it is held vertically, the position of the tripod head changes by 90 degrees, which initially worried me a little, but the stability of the vertical angle cannot be changed and I can use the vari-angle without any problems. In addition, it is designed so that even I, who have thick fingers, can easily press the lens attachment/detachment button, so I think it is a well-thought-out design.

On this day, it was raining and the rocks underfoot were very slippery, so I had to be careful when moving, and even with an umbrella, my glasses kept fogging up, so there were many stressful factors...
Even in such conditions, the knob shoe was comfortable enough to quickly switch between portrait and landscape orientations and close with a single twist, greatly reducing the burden of shooting. These are some of the reasons why I use Markins, but these seemingly trivial points are a big advantage in harsh environments.

Meanwhile, I was able to safely complete my reporting in Shimane Prefecture, where I had come in search of cold scenes.

Manabu Yamamoto

Born in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture in 1975. Graduated from the Department of Photography, Faculty of Arts, Osaka University of Arts. After graduation, worked in the training room of the same department at the same university. Studied under photographer Seizo Takada while a student. Currently freelance. While creating works every day, also devotes time to teaching amateurs at many photography classes and clubs, such as Canon EOS Academy. Has also served as a judge for city exhibitions and tourism contests.
Member of the Japan Professional Photographers Society (JPS)
Full member of the Japan Travel Photographers Association
Member of the Japan Landscape Photographers Association