Rina Kawai | Markins Ball Head
Theme
Self-portrait photography in a tough location
Photographer
Rina Kawai (Rinaty)
Date
January-February 2022
Location
Gunma, Nagano, Chiba, Toyama
Device
Markins
Sony
α7 III
SIGMA 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM | Art
SIGMA 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM | Art
Fujifilm
GFX100
GF23mmF4 R LM WR
GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR
GF80mmF1.7 R WR
GF23mmF4 R LM WR
GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR
GF80mmF1.7 R WR
Slik
SC 503 Carbon
Review
Rina Kawai (Rinaty)
instagram： rina_k_photo
Born in Hyogo Prefecture and currently residing in Osaka Prefecture. While attending Kobe City College of Technology, became active in the photography club and began experimenting with portrait photography using oneself as the subject. Graduated from the college in 2019 and became a public servant, but continued photography as a hobby, gradually discovering the joy of creating works independently and started to pursue self-portrait photography in earnest.
In 2020, the behind-the-scenes of photography gained attention on social media, and at the end of the following year, appeared on NHK E-Tele’s program "Numa ni Hamatte Kiite Mita." In 2021, decided to pursue a career as a photographer and resigned from the job. In June of the same year, held the first solo exhibition in Dotonbori.
In 2020, the behind-the-scenes of photography gained attention on social media, and at the end of the following year, appeared on NHK E-Tele’s program "Numa ni Hamatte Kiite Mita." In 2021, decided to pursue a career as a photographer and resigned from the job. In June of the same year, held the first solo exhibition in Dotonbori.
- Photo Exhibitions -
2021
"Rinaty Selfportrait Exhibition" (Gallery Kou)
instagram： rina_k_photo
I take self-portraits, using myself as a model. Since I have to do all my self-portraits by myself, I bring along my camera equipment, costumes, makeup, props, etc. when I shoot. I almost never have an assistant, so carrying all this stuff is physically tough, and I'm always struggling to make my luggage lighter.
Until now, I've been using a carbon tripod and a screw-in three-way head. I once tried a travel carbon tripod and ball head set to reduce weight, but I found it inconvenient in terms of the way it would slide off when I attached the camera and in terms of operability, so I ended up continuing to use the three-way head.
I learned about Markins' ball heads through a recommendation from an acquaintance, and decided to introduce the small model Q3i-RD to reduce weight.
I chose the red model because I love red so much that I made it my trademark color. I often use red in my work and also in my SNS account photos. For me, who takes self-portraits, the red tripod head is a must-have, so it's a nice effect to lift my spirits even before the shoot. That's why I often wear red clothes when I go out in public.
Going back to the tripod head, I like the Q3i-RD not only because of its color, but also because it's compact. It fits in your pocket, so it's perfect for expeditions without taking up too much space like previous 3-way tripod heads.
After this, I had an expedition planned in bad weather with snow and rain, so I tried it out right away. I just turned the knob with a little force and it was firmly fixed in place, even with a heavy camera and lens, and I found it very easy to operate.
To explain this a little more, when shooting below freezing, your hands usually get numb, so of course you'll be wearing cold weather gear like gloves.
This expedition was also below freezing, so cold weather gear was necessary, but in my case, I was not only taking pictures, but also a model wearing a sleeveless dress, so I could not wear gloves when taking pictures. Therefore, my fingertips in particular got cold easily, and my hands became numb and I could not put any strength into them, which often interfered with setting up the camera, but even in such cases, the Markins ball head was firmly fixed by turning the knob slightly, so I was able to use it without any problems.
And the fact that it can be operated with only one hand was also a big help. While setting up the equipment, I held a hand warmer to keep my hands warm, and unlike the 3-way head that requires both hands to operate, the Markins ball head could be operated while holding the hand warmer in one hand, which was very helpful.
Also, compared to the ball head I used before, I think the Markins ball head is excellent in that the dials and knobs are arranged in a simple design that makes it difficult to accidentally make a mistake.
When it's bitterly cold, or when you're in a pouring rain and your whole body is soaked and freezing cold, or when visibility is poor, it's best to have something simple and easy to use. The rubber knobs were able to be used without slipping even in the rain, and the ball head could be operated without freezing even when the tripod was frozen and difficult to move.
Until now, I've been using a carbon tripod and a screw-in three-way head. I once tried a travel carbon tripod and ball head set to reduce weight, but I found it inconvenient in terms of the way it would slide off when I attached the camera and in terms of operability, so I ended up continuing to use the three-way head.
I learned about Markins' ball heads through a recommendation from an acquaintance, and decided to introduce the small model Q3i-RD to reduce weight.
I chose the red model because I love red so much that I made it my trademark color. I often use red in my work and also in my SNS account photos. For me, who takes self-portraits, the red tripod head is a must-have, so it's a nice effect to lift my spirits even before the shoot. That's why I often wear red clothes when I go out in public.
Going back to the tripod head, I like the Q3i-RD not only because of its color, but also because it's compact. It fits in your pocket, so it's perfect for expeditions without taking up too much space like previous 3-way tripod heads.
After this, I had an expedition planned in bad weather with snow and rain, so I tried it out right away. I just turned the knob with a little force and it was firmly fixed in place, even with a heavy camera and lens, and I found it very easy to operate.
To explain this a little more, when shooting below freezing, your hands usually get numb, so of course you'll be wearing cold weather gear like gloves.
This expedition was also below freezing, so cold weather gear was necessary, but in my case, I was not only taking pictures, but also a model wearing a sleeveless dress, so I could not wear gloves when taking pictures. Therefore, my fingertips in particular got cold easily, and my hands became numb and I could not put any strength into them, which often interfered with setting up the camera, but even in such cases, the Markins ball head was firmly fixed by turning the knob slightly, so I was able to use it without any problems.
And the fact that it can be operated with only one hand was also a big help. While setting up the equipment, I held a hand warmer to keep my hands warm, and unlike the 3-way head that requires both hands to operate, the Markins ball head could be operated while holding the hand warmer in one hand, which was very helpful.
Also, compared to the ball head I used before, I think the Markins ball head is excellent in that the dials and knobs are arranged in a simple design that makes it difficult to accidentally make a mistake.
When it's bitterly cold, or when you're in a pouring rain and your whole body is soaked and freezing cold, or when visibility is poor, it's best to have something simple and easy to use. The rubber knobs were able to be used without slipping even in the rain, and the ball head could be operated without freezing even when the tripod was frozen and difficult to move.
Also, I attached the Markins L-plate set ( PS-A9 + LS-A9 ) to the α7 III. Until now, I had been using other companies' L-plates, but not only did they interfere with battery replacement, but I also had to loosen the screws and reattach them every time I changed from horizontal to vertical composition, so by switching to Markins, I was freed from these hassles and my shooting efficiency has improved significantly.
When taking self-portraits, it is not only the fixing of the camera, but also the setting of lighting equipment and the need to check and adjust the focus after shooting, and including the timing of the costume's fluttering, you will have to take the shot many times, so it takes at least 20 minutes to finish taking one composition. So, a convenient tripod head that can shorten that time even a little is a big advantage for me.
I realized how easy it was to use the Markins on this expedition, so I started taking them with me on every shoot thereafter.
Tripods and heads are essential for me, as I take self-portraits, so I will continue to use the Markins.
When taking self-portraits, it is not only the fixing of the camera, but also the setting of lighting equipment and the need to check and adjust the focus after shooting, and including the timing of the costume's fluttering, you will have to take the shot many times, so it takes at least 20 minutes to finish taking one composition. So, a convenient tripod head that can shorten that time even a little is a big advantage for me.
I realized how easy it was to use the Markins on this expedition, so I started taking them with me on every shoot thereafter.
Tripods and heads are essential for me, as I take self-portraits, so I will continue to use the Markins.
■ Sleeping Queen of the Ice Kingdom
FUJIFILM GFX100 / GF23mmF4 R LM WRF5.6 1/80s ISO-100
■ Pure white
FUJIFILM GFX100 / GF80mmF1.7 R WRF3.5 1/125s ISO-50 / H&Y REVORING ND/CPL
■ Let my wish resound.
FUJIFILM GFX100 / GF80mmF1.7 R WRF3.2 1/100s ISO-50 / H&Y REVORING ND/CPL
■ Blue & White
SONY α7 III / SIGMA 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM | ArtF7.1 1/250s ISO-50 / Soft GND8 Filter
■ Waterfall Goddess
FUJIFILM GFX100 / GF32-64mmF4 R LM WRF14 1/6s ISO-50 / H&Y REVORING ND/CPL
■ Mirror Flower Water Moon
FUJIFILM GFX100 / GF80mmF1.7 R WRF3.2 1/125s ISO-50
Reviewed Products
