Velbon Tripod
One of the reasons why it took me so long to buy an SLR was because of all the hassle that entails this expensive hobby. For starters, the SLR is huge and you cant stick it in your pocket without looking like a pervert. Another thing is the mechanical dust etc that keeps getting into the camera - was just about to take my SLR to a Canon service center to get cleaned but I'm going to risk cleaning the CMOS sensor myself.
Another thing is a tripod - really didnt fancy carrying around a huge tripod everywhere I went. Not knowing anything about SLR's at the time, I thought needed one so got this Velbon Ultra Max which cost about 15,750 yen.
I love this tripod as its sturdy enough for a windy night (not describing what happens after a spicy dinner), folds up small enough to fit my left trouser leg (the only minor drawback is that I have to limp) and is light enough to carry around.
I only use it for night shots like Roppongi Hills and Shinjuku but for those who dont mind a bit of noise, just use a high ISO setting to capture shots in low light (I said that as a person who is still a newbie in this area ^^;)
Haven't used the tripod in ages but I want to experiment taking pictures of figures indoors so will need to dig it out soon.
If you are interested in reading about life in Japan, seeing photos taken daily around Tokyo, like Japanese subculture (anime, manga, figures, Dollfies) then you may want to start delving into the Japan or Figure categories for a start or have a gander at all photo articles.
If you don't have much time now, maybe subscribe to the RSS Feed, Twitter Feed or join the other readers in the FaceBook Page.
Alternatively, you may want to read more about the site.
If you are a regular reader then this message will probably annoy you each time - hide it forever.
-Akihabara News – Gadgetry from Japan (Subscribe)
Cook assistant
http://figuramania.blogspot.com/
Nice tripod! Mine isn't designed for a SLR. Not to mention a lense is broken T_T
Trusty Sony cam FTW *secretly desires for a cannon eos*
Speedgrapher
http://www.autoshowevents.com
I have a Slik. Haven't used it in a long while. Found out that I didn't like carrying it around with me.
Did you get a quote from the Canon service center about the cleaning? How much were they charging?
Luckily I don't have dust problems with my camera.
Hi Danny! I've been meaning to ask for a while, if you were on the streets of Japan would people mind you taking photos of them? I've gotton weird looks from people in the US and UK but nobody's been angry or demanding I ask permission before hand. (I'm no professional and I'd never do something like trying to sell the photos, if that makes a difference)
Thanks.
IT Developer
https://aleste37.multiply.com
Haven't seen that brand, but it looks good!
And it's not one of those that can't stand so wide because the legs are connected to each other.
I walk around with my tripod on my camera sometimes, since it's light, and holding the tripod instead of the camera itself sometimes helps me control shake during shots.
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
gbrgn,
The service is free I believe but takes time to get there.
Avitty,
Depends on the person I guess but I have had no probs so far.
Programmer/Web designer/Digital Electronics Eng.
http://vulcanus.osciak.pl
Ah, so maybe I should start worrying about taking pictures of people on the street...
By the way, how about a post about second hand shops in Tokyo? Do you ever visit those?
I was thinking about selling my Nikon D40 and buying something better (like D80) but selling at a Japanese auction site would probably be impossible for me right now... I know that most people in Japan just buy new things and throw away old ones, but...
Web Developer (i.e. Otaku)
http://www.brettb.com/TravelLog.Tokyo.asp
I took quite a few people pictures in Akiba/Harajuku (er, that should probably be maid pictures) when I was in Tokyo recently. I got a few glares so I think I must have broken all kinds of cultural taboos, but sadly no maids decided to beat me up :-O
They're more forgiving if you want to take their picture with somebody, and the promo girls promoting manga and random stuff are generally much more willing to pose for otaku camera geeks than are the regular cafe maids.
There does seem to be an elaborate Japanese ritual for asking to take a photograph of somebody - I saw a lot of the professional photographers in Harajuku do it, but I've no idea what it all meant.
Incidentally, I've got a Canon EOS 300D but my 18-55mm lens that came with the camera has worn out. The 75-300 took some lovely maid/cosplay shots though, see my travel log here:
http://www.brettb.com/TravelLog.Tokyo.Akihabara.asp
houkouonchi
http://www.flickr.com/photos/red_mango/
Some coincidence occurred here. My old Slik U-212 tripod fell apart today. The quick release for one of the legs popped out. I doubt that I will be able to fix it. It may serve as a excuse to purchase a gitzo tripod but my funds are low.
Marketing Sales Promotions
http://lyfeprojekt.blogspot.com/
a good steady tripod is always important!
nothing flimsy!
Otaku Programmer/Gamer/Artist/Photographer
http://argylebolivar.wordpress.com
thats a niice tripod!! i have a shitty normal one but hey as long as it keeps the camera still enough for me to take pictures!! XD =3
videographer / photographer
http://tune-in-tokyo.com
Nice tripod. I've been looking for a decent one for a little while now but I've only found them to be overpriced and too big. So I'm still using my video tripod which is really big and heavy. I given a pointer by a video production colleague / veteran cameraman years ago. He told me, "The world is your tripod" - meaning - set your camera on anything that you can find for support, e.g. trash can, mailbox, curb, bar top...etc.