Blaser R8 for Dangerous Game

[Red Leg]

I was just checking it out as well. My compact SLR has a retracting lens.

 

[One Day...]

I did a lot of research on this, and have been testing the new Fujifilm X100V, have been happy with it so far. Review here. https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilm-x100v-review
Now, all I need to do is find a 5"x2.5"x3" (internal dimensions) leather case similar to what @One Day... has on his belt. I do have a black 5.11 pouch that works I can repurpose so not crucial, but a leather case would be nice.

The Fuji X 100 is indeed an awesome camera, but, in my view, like the Sony RX 1, it is pushing the envelope of truly compact size...

I hesitated to upgrade a couple years ago because there are now compact cameras with bigger sensors than the Sony RX 100 1" sensor, but I decided to stay with the Sony RX 100 because it is truly "compact" at 4" × 1.5" x 2.25". In fact, if I upgrade, I will likely go with the Sony RX 1 because it has a full frame sensor (larger than the Fuji APS-C sensor) and it is not much bigger at 4.5" x 2.6" x 2.8" than the RX 100.

But while increasing length and height by 0.5" would be OK, increasing the thickness from 1.5" to 2.5" prohibits it from fitting in the same pouch and I do not want a pouch that will be thick and obtrusive enough that I need to take the belt off to sit in the truck. I put the belt on in the morning and take it off in the evening, and need not worry. I always have everything I need, and do not need to fuss, and I do not have bulky stuff in my pants pockets chaffing on my legs through hours of walking - which I hate...

In fact, comparing pics shot side by side by the RX 100 and my full size DSLR, a Nikon D3S (people in the know will appreciate ;-), I find that the RX 100 produces pics that are good enough to not warrant increasing its size, because, truth be told, I am unable to hunt seriously and photograph seriously at the same time - both are fully absorbing activities - so I am more than OK with the performance of the RX 100 for quick snapshots on the go. I am not at the point yet where I use it in "intelligent mode" - I continue to prefer the aperture control mode (old habits die hard) - but I reckon that full auto mode is almost as good, if not fully equal, for most casual pics...

 

[Tanks]

I find that the RX 100 produces pics that are good enough to not warrant increasing its size, because, truth be told, I am unable to hunt seriously and photograph seriously at the same time - both are fully absorbing activities - so I am more than OK with the performance of the RX 100 for quick snapshots on the go.

My point exactly. I'd love to take my Nikon Z7 and plethora of lenses but as you said serious photography and serious hunting are mutually exclusive. I will have the X100V for quick snaps at my belt and my Leica M with a 90mm F2 lens in the backpack for later. I go aperture priority as well, though if I want to cheat just set it to F5.6 or F8. The Leica, being manual focus is for more deliberate work when I am not in the middle of a stalk.

 

[Newby]

I did a lot of research on this, and have been testing the new Fujifilm X100V, have been happy with it so far. Review here.
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilm-x100v-review

Now, all I need to do is find a 5"x2.5"x3" (internal dimensions) leather case similar to what @One Day... has on his belt. I do have a black 5.11 pouch that works I can repurpose so not crucial, but a leather case would be nice.

If you are not hung up about leather, there are a myriad options, synthetic and padded, from the likes of Lowepro. Should be able to find a nice fit and get better protection as well.

 

[Tanks]

I want something I can put on my belt for the day. I do have a synthetic 5.11 pouch I can repurpose if I can't find a leather pouch that I like. I sent the picture of the Els pouch to a couple of leathermakers to see if they can duplicate it but .5" deeper.

 

[Newby]

My particular Lowepro fits my little Fuji as if it was tailor made for it.

Came with a detachable neck cord, which i have mislaid, and is fitted with a very close holding belt loop. Bottom of the belt loop closes with strong velcro so that it can be added to, or removed from, a belt without unbuckling if desired.

Turn key solution.

 

[Tanks]

I went on Etsy.com and did a search for leather pouches. A plethora of small leather shops appeared selling various style pouches. I contacted one to give internal dimensions I needed and bought it after he said "no problem". $38 for the pouch just large enough to fit my camera.

 

[BeeMaa]

I went on Etsy.com and did a search for leather pouches. A plethora of small leather shops appeared selling various style pouches. I contacted one to give internal dimensions I needed and bought it after he said "no problem". $38 for the pouch just large enough to fit my camera.

Nice.
I found a leather sling for my Ruger 10/22 on Etsy.
Pics when it comes in and let us know how it fits.

 

[Fastrig]

My point exactly. I'd love to take my Nikon Z7 and plethora of lenses but as you said serious photography and serious hunting are mutually exclusive. I will have the X100V for quick snaps at my belt and my Leica M with a 90mm F2 lens in the backpack for later. I go aperture priority as well, though if I want to cheat just set it to F5.6 or F8. The Leica, being manual focus is for more deliberate work when I am not in the middle of a stalk.

Truly not being a smart ass here and this is an honest question, but why not just use your cell phone’s camera? I’m not a camera guy at all and know two point squat about all the gear you all are mentioning, but my iPhone 10 takes pretty nice pictures, holds a lot of them, and fits in a nice little pouch on my belt or in a pant side leg pocket. Seems like it kind of fits with what you all are looking for, so what am I missing here?

 

[Red Leg]

Truly not being a smart ass here and this is an honest question, but why not just use your cell phone’s camera? I’m not a camera guy at all and know two point squat about all the gear you all are mentioning, but my iPhone 10 takes pretty nice pictures, holds a lot of them, and fits in a nice little pouch on my belt or in a pant side leg pocket. Seems like it kind of fits with what you all are looking for, so what am I missing here?

I get it. Fair question. I build journal/albums through Shutterfly after each of our adventures. They number a 100 pages or so and contain lots and lots of enlargements. I manipulate a lot of photos. There is no comparison between an I mage created by a quality SLR compact or full size and an I-phone when enlarging, cropping, etc. I also do slide shows to run on my big screen TV’s. Again, truly no comparison. If you don’t do anything with them, then an I-phone is fine.

 

[Fastrig]

I get it. Fair question. I build journal/albums through Shutterfly after each of our adventures. They number a 100 pages or so and contain lots and lots of enlargements. I manipulate a lot of photos. There is no comparison between an I mage created by a quality SLR compact or full size and an I-phone when enlarging, cropping, etc. I also do slide shows to run on my big screen TV’s. Again, truly no comparison. If you don’t do anything with them, then an I-phone is fine.

Thanks for the education. Honestly thought a picture at a given resolution was the same no matter what took it. We have a nice SLR camera that my wife uses, guess we’ll take that to Africa so we don’t end up with my lousy photos...it’s a running joke in our family to not let me be in charge of the camera at events or holidays, now I guess we know why

 

[Tanks]

... We have a nice SLR camera that my wife uses, guess we’ll take that to Africa so we don’t end up with my lousy photos...it’s a running joke in our family to not let me be in charge of the camera at events or holidays, now I guess we know why

Make sure you shoot RAW + fine JPEG. JPEG you can use for Instagram etc., and raw you can use photo editing software to exposure/color correct etc..

 

[Tanks]

...
Pics when it comes in and let us know how it fits.

Not bad could have been .5" shorter I think, but overall I like it. Cartridge holder, camera case and the Leica rangefinder case.

 

[BeeMaa]

Not bad could have been .5" shorter I think, but overall I like it. Cartridge holder, camera case and the Leica rangefinder case.

Very nice.
Do you wear that belt to your hold up your trousers?
Or is it a hunting belt worn over your shirt/trousers for hunting only?

 

[Tanks]

It is a 2" belt. Not sure it would even fit my pants' loops. I wear it over shirt, pants/shorts or a jacket if I need to wear one. By wearing it over it is also more comfortable to ride in the truck as I can put it on when I exit and take it off prior to getting in.

 

[BeeMaa]

I've looked at those belts, they are very nice and well made.
Not much out there to compare it to.

I've considered getting one, but for the number of times I would use it...
I'm not sure spending the money would justify the limited use.
Then again, we have a lot of expensive things that only see limited use.
Maybe I'll leave a hint for Mrs BeeMaa...

 

[Tanks]

I've considered getting one, but for the number of times I would use it...
I'm not sure spending the money would justify the limited use.
Then again, we have a lot of expensive things that only see limited use.
Maybe I'll leave a hint for Mrs BeeMaa...

You have Blaser so use the same justification.

 

[Newby]

OK, I'll keep the thread creep going.

For Fastrig : - I'm not a full on digital photography tech head like some here, but I have, in the past been pretty keen on my photography. Following advice from my children, I undertook my most recent overseas trip with only my I-phone. I know others get excellent phone pics but for me, the limitations of the phone quickly became apparent, and in general I found the lack of flexibility and the results disappointing.

A question for those who use a separate belt for their stuff :- What happens when you try to pull cartridges out of loops ? I have always been concerned that the belt would simply ride up, and make cartridge removal less than tidy. For this reason I have always threaded the bits on my trouser/shorts belt (which is a pain) or used a separate small pack, with the attendant disadvantages of either method.

 

[Red Leg]

You have Blaser so use the same justification.

TWO Blasers - and worried about justifying a belt .......

 

[Red Leg]

OK, I'll keep the thread creep going.

For Fastrig : - I'm not a full on digital photography tech head like some here, but I have, in the past been pretty keen on my photography. Following advice from my children, I undertook my most recent overseas trip with only my I-phone. I know others get excellent phone pics but for me, the limitations of the phone quickly became apparent, and in general I found the lack of flexibility and the results disappointing.

A question for those who use a separate belt for their stuff :- What happens when you try to pull cartridges out of loops ? I have always been concerned that the belt would simply ride up, and make cartridge removal less than tidy. For this reason I have always threaded the bits on my trouser/shorts belt (which is a pain) or used a separate small pack, with the attendant disadvantages of either method.

Never an issue with a Murray. Can’t speak for that ersatz stuff.