I have moved on to a Canon EOS 5D MKII system.  While not providing the same image size as the Arca-Swiss, the Canon DSLR offers many advantages.  Foremost is the very quick turn-around from image creation to processed image.  With the Arca-Swiss and shooting with Velvia film, I would wait a minimum of one to two weeks for my processed images to return.  Then of course I needed to decide if I would pay for a high quality drum scan or a lower quality flat-bed scan on my Epson V750.  Now I just import into my raw processor of choice, Lightroom, and then finish the image in Photoshop CS5.

A second advantage of working with my new DSLR is the ability to use the Live View function.  I use a Hoodman Loupe to essentially function as if I had a dark cloth over my head. I use the Canon Live View zoom feature to enlarge the image up to ten times.  This slower pace is similar to working with a 4×5 view camera.  A third advantage is simplification in determining proper exposure via observing the image histogram.

My current list of photography gear is:

1. Canon EOS 5D MKII
2. Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM
3. Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II
4. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
5. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
6. Gitzo GT3530LS w/GS%121LVL Leveling Base and Acratech GP Ballhead
7. Hoodman Loupe
8. Various Sing-Ray Graduated Neutral Density filters and the Cokin Z-Pro holder
9. Polarizers – clear and warm
10. Canon TC-80N3 Timer Remote Controller
11. Various tools and accessories

The image above was taken by my good friend Ron when I was doing an assignment to photograph a mutual friends rustic cabin in rural Washington state.  The camera is of course the Arca-Swiss I owned at the time.  As you readily see in the image I also owned a nice head of hair.  Ron took this image which was just after major surgery to remove a metastatic lung tumor.  A few months later my hair was gone from the MVAC chemotherapy I received.  My cancer journey may be a topic I’ll talk about down the road.  Time will tell!