PowerBloc - Macbook pro, Monitors, Lights and more

I’ve recently decided to switch my existing HyperJuices Batteries to V-Lock batteries.

But why?

I’ve been running HyperJuice 222WH batteries for several years now, and even been able to adapt them to power the latest Macbook USBC laptops. But I feel like all HyperJuices, including the latest 100WH ones are very limited in their uses.

• Charge a Macbook [with the extra £50 USB C charger on older models]

• Charge a USB devices

That’s it… Maybe I’m being harsh.

As some form of social distancing seems to be in place for the foreseeable future. The use of wireless monitors and other devices seem like a must have on shoots. I’m needing to find alternative ways of powering said items other than a HyperJuice.

The reason for V-Locks is that they are much more versatile than a HyperJuice.

They are universal & are industry standard [in video] and depending on the shoot, I’m sure you could borrow one in an emergency from a video crew, maybe...

Also 99% of [good] rental houses stock these batteries globally.

Power Laptop, Laptops, Phones, Cameras, LED lighting, Monitors etc…

NineVolt PowrBloc [PowerBlock]

There are alternatives to the PowrBloc, including hyperjuices, but as I’ve already invested in Ninevolt, both in the digiplate [Inovativ respectively] & IQ Tether cables, I feel that it’s good to continue supporting a company that are producing new and interesting products, regardless of the high shipping costs & Import Tax… ugh.

A Few Test

It’s hardly a benchmark test of a real world performance on set, though I’d thought I’d run one and see how it fairs. I was able to stream footage [football] over wifi for over 3 hours and 30 minutes through chrome, which is known as a CPU hog. The footage was streaming at between 720p & 1080p on full brightness.

In relation to a real world shoot, I can’t really say how this would be comparable when hammering the shutter & processing files. This is something I will just have to try prior to a real world shoot. Typically I don’t machine gun things on set, but some do… Though Wifi & streaming are typically actions which drain a lot of power, so I feel this is a good starting point for testing.

As they are rated around a similar power spec to the latest HyperJuice USB batteries, I would expect them to have a similar draw when used on a shoot.

The cable & Powrbloc is actually supplying 100W of power unlike many cables and other USB C batteries.

It’s a piece of kit I’m looking forward to using on future shoots, feel free to get in touch if you’d like to hire for a shoot. I’ll be building a 4-6 battery kit in the near future for more heavy location jobs, so check back soon.

Fujifilm X100V

I was planning on buying this system upon release, but due to the global pandemic, I couldn’t justify such a purchase at the time. Even now I’m still waiting to get back to some kind of financial normality before updating my X100T.

I brought my X100t in 2015 to accompany me when I shot the series Mochimono. I was shooting film at the time and wanted a small point and shoot to document my time and also act as some sort of digital light meter/polaroid. I didn’t use it as much as I thought at the time, I was too content with shooting on my iPhone, which I now regret.

At the time I didn’t really like the camera too much, I think this was more down to the field of view, 35mm. I never shoot 35mm, always 6x7/6x6 film, so the format was something I grew to dislike the more I shot larger formats.

It wasn’t until I started spending a lot of time in Japan that I forced myself to love this camera, maybe 2 years after it’s purchase. I remember taking pictures at night with flash, nothing more than a bit of fun with the external flash, and I loved it. The quality I got from it and the engaging conversation about photography and, well how it all worked.

Since then I’ve weened myself away from shooting on my iPhone, and it’s the best decision I made. I would love shooting on my phone, only to get the images on a larger screen to see they aren’t worth using. Now I rarely take a picture on my phone, unless it’s junk stuff for Instagram stories, something that has zero worth.

So it’s come time to upgrade my X100T, I skipped on the F as I didn’t feel there was a massive difference for me to part with another £1000, especially as I got to a point where my T would basically be flung around with little care, now having been repaired twice… I think. Once Fujifilm announced the X100V, I knew, ok this is the upgrade I’ve been looking for.

This isn’t so much of a review, as this is a much loved system that continues to gain users and praise alike.

I just want to present my own thoughts on this camera, comparing to the T [and F respectively as I have less handling time].

Design & Handling

I’ve always enjoyed the Black finish on all Fujifilm cameras, but the updated more Leica M style of this camera looks incredible, especially in silver. I hired silver purely on the fact that it looks so beautiful. Will I be purchasing the camera in Silver? Doubtful, I don’t want to be seen with this camera, I want to take pictures without people realising, though I don’t think the style of camera/silver finish stands out too much.

A slightly bigger grip is welcome for my massive hands. Though I do feel I wish it had more grip, but that was ultimately ruin the design, so I can live without.

Changes to the body, as with recent Fuji cameras the D-Pad appears to be removed XPro 3, GFX 50R, GFX 100 to some criticism, yet it would reappear on the XT4, yet removed on the X100V. Huh?

At first I felt like this wasn’t the best move, due to basically removing 4 customisation buttons, something that Fujifilm was famous for. When setting up the camera for the weekend, I set up what I thought the most used features were on my T were,

• Flash

• Film Simulation

• Shutter Type

That’s it… With the addition of the wonderfully intuitive ISO dial, which is a 1 to1 replica of a traditional film camera, I found that the FN button I had assigned [on my T] for quick ISO changing is no longer needed.

With the lack of of a D-Pad, you lose 4 buttons instantly, but there’s still 10 customisable buttons, if you need anymore than that, well I think something’s wrong. As I mentioned before, the lack of D-Pad was a concern, but having used the camera for the weekend, the thumb-stick is much more intuitive than a D-Pad.

Touch screen would go onto replace the 4 missing function buttons, but as with the XT3 & GFX 50R, I would turn them off. Other than for playback of images, and selecting a focus point, I see very little use for the touch screen.

The X100V has a fold out waist level screen that is flush to the body, a first I believe in any camera. It’s so streamline you wouldn’t know it was even a function. Clearly it’s been designed for those who want to shoot from the hip and still wish to view that they’re shooting.

Specs & Image Quality

In terms of summing up the cameras specs, It’s like a slightly less feature packed XT3/XPro3, which are very capable cameras.

It shares the same sensor, screen and EVF as the XT3, which is a camera I still use today and recently shot a portrait on it and was blown away by the quality for the size of the camera/sensor. Best way I can describe the quality is that it’s similar to a Canon 5DMKIV, which is still the industry standard for photography at the time of writing this.

As I mentioned before, when shooting on an iPhone, the quality would be rubbish [compared to a traditional camera] when blown up on a screen. As you can see the quality between the X100V & MKIV is marginal despite the smaller APSC sensor, with the Fujifilm GFX 100 destroying everything.

Full specs can be found on the Fujifilm Page or DP Review.

Video & Vloging

The video in this camera is very capable, 10 Bit 4k at 29.97p 4.2.2 200MPS [externally], which is pretty standard on all professional cameras at the moment. So coming from the T with its woeful video functions to be able to shoot high quality 4K video in what is my everyday camera, well it’s very welcome.

I’ve always wanted to have a better camera to shoot a bit of small video, without bring along my XT3, so for things like holidays, this should be ideal.

As every reviewer/consumer seems to be obsessed with being able to record ones self, I thought that I would discuss this.

This isn’t a Vloging camera, due to the 35mm lens, which isn’t he widest, & lack of stabilisation. This camera has no reason to have IBIS, it’s not a video camera, and would just incur a larger form factor and price. For reviewers to even try and start a conversation about this is beyond me, it’s a point and shoot, everyday street camera.

But can you film yourself on it? Well I did without too much trouble, other than being shaky, then again if you were adamant on it, get a gimbal. I thought the Autofocus & face tracking was pretty good, I did a small test & face tracking didn’t lose me, even in a badly lit room. And no I won’t be posting that video.

The video very features are good, a nice to have, but I wouldn’t use it as my main camera for video.

Conclusion

When I brought the GFX50R I felt that I would take it everywhere with me, but I don’t, it’s just too big and I don’t need that quality, even though I thought I’d somehow need it. The X100 series, especially the V, hits the sweet spot for me in terms of quality & portability.

I would say that that T, and subsequently the V, is my favourite camera to use, the dials, the size and discreetness of it. If you’re looking for a camera that is stylish, portable and produces high quality images, the 100V will not disappoint.

Things I like/Pros

• Same sensor as Flagship X series Cameras

• 4K Video

• New Lens [finally]

• 11 FPS is ridiculous!

• Retro ISO Dial

• Waist level folding screen

• Leaf shutter & high sync

• Gorgeous design

• USB C charging

• wether sealed*

• 4 stop ND built in

Things I don’t like/Cons

• My hands are massive so this camera can feel a bit awkward to hold sometimes.

• OVF - It’s a nice to have but rarely use, removing it and the hidden EVF would reduce costs in an ever dying camera market.

• Buying a £100 [ish] filter to make the camera weather sealed.

• Not being able to us the built in ND filter when shooting video.

It’s very hard to find much, if anything wrong with this camera. I was trying hard to find something that I dislike about this camera, and even my cons are splitting hairs at most.

If you have an T or F i’d recommend the upgrade. I’d say this is easily the most enjoyable fixed lens compact camera out there.

Thanks again to Fujifilm & Hire A Camera for the loan of the camera.

New Normal Set Up

New wireless set up on last week.

Portable Wirelesss on Set

I’m currently offering super fast portable unlimited wifi on set. Ideal for uploading files on the go and zoom calls.

Blazing fast unlimited internet on location. Faster than my BT broadband at home!

81 countries are supported at no extra cost.

• Aland Islands

• Austria

• Azores

• Balearic Islands

• Belgium

• Bulgaria

• Canary Islands

• Croatia

• Cyprus

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Faroe Islands

• Finland

• France (inc Corsica)

• French Guiana

• Germany

• Gibraltar

• Greece

• Guadeloupe

• Guernsey

• Hungary

• Iceland

• Ireland

• Isle of Man

• Italy

• Jersey

• Latvia

• Liechtenstein

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Madeira

• Malta

• Martinique

• Mayotte

• Monaco

• Netherlands

• Norway

• Poland

• Portugal

• Reunion

• Romania

• Saint Barthelemy

• Saint Martin

• San Marino

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• St Martin

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• Vatican City

Please get in touch for more info & rates, 07540325906 or stuart@stuart-harper.co.uk

Plastic Free July 2020

I shot some new personal work to coincide with this years Plastic Free July. The environment and reducing [plastic] waste is something I care very much about and with recent images of beaches and parks covered in litter from people enjoying the recent good weather, it does appear people either do not care about the environment.

I implore people to to try and reduce plastic consumption this July, and maybe continue it going forward. It’s really important we all make a change before we damage our planet beyond repair.

I look forward to sharing some more work in the near future, hopefully some new charity work.

What is plastic-free July and when is it?

Plastic-free July is a month-long campaign during which millions of people around the world take the challenge to reduce their use of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, takeaway containers and plastic cutlery.

The challenge is taking place till the end of this month, 31st July. 

Plastics to try and remove/use less

• Take away coffee cup

• Plastic bags

• Reusable water bottle

• Soap in single use plastic bottle

• Food packaging - such fresh fruit and vegetables in plastic bags

• Shopping at bulk stores

• Buy Less

• Recycle & reuse

Top 10 Facts on Plastic Pollution - plasticoceans.uk

These facts are from our 'Science Behind The Film Document' that supports A Plastic Ocean.

• 350 million tonnes of plastic are being produced each year. This could weigh more than humanity, estimated at 316 million tonnes in 2013.

• 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year. If waste management practices don't improve, scientists predict this amount could increase tenfold by 2025.

• Plastics make up to around 75% of marine litter, although this can be up to 100% at some sites.

• Plastic in the ocean breaks up into smaller fragments called microplastics, which have been identified in commercial fish consumed by humans.

• Half of all plastics are single-use applications, used just once and then disposed of.

• We don't know how long it takes for plastic to break down. It's estimated it could take up to thousands of years to degrade.

• Birds are highly susceptible to plastic ingestion. It is estimated that over 90% of all seabirds have ingested plastic.

• Birds are highly susceptible to plastic ingestion. It is estimated that over 90% of all seabirds have ingested plastic.

• The "island of trash" - also known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch has been misreported. A large area of plastic debris does exists here,  but a big soup of microplastics make up to 94%.

• Plastic acts as a sink for chemicals already in the environment. The material is able to attract these chemicals and transport them long distances.

• Studies show plastic chemicals can act as endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruption is linked to health effects like cancer, birth defects, and developmental problems in children.

Wireless Monitor Set Ups

I’m happy to announce that I am now offering up to 7 screen set up on set.

• 4 devices [Phone & Tablet] can be connected at one time. using your personal IOS or Android Device.

• 2 full monitors [1 wireless, 1 wired]

• 1 Laptop Monitor [wired]

That’s a total of 7 screens on set!

Above depicts a typical set up that could be achieved on set.

• Macbook Pro

• Wired monitor

• Wireless Monitor

• x4 IOS/Android devices mirroring the wired monitor

This kit can also be adapted to location see below,

Alternative options,

• Laptop

• Wireless Monitor

• x4 IOS/Android devices mirroring the wired monitor

On location/outside set up. It’s still possible to have this system working on location remotely.

• Laptop

• iPad Pro 12.9 wireless

• x4 IOS/Android devices mirroring Laptop display

The iPad Pro 12.9 can be used in the following format.

• Mirroring Capture One viewer [wIfi or radio options available]

• It’s own individual screen [wifi or radio options available]

• Streaming from Capture One, watch images come in, view, rate them. [Wifi needed]

• If you wish to use an iPad solely for other iPad applications, this is also an option.

The iPad can be used free and or easily mounted onto a stand.

Powering the iPad will be either with a wall AC adapter or HyperJuice USB external battery.

* Wireless Monitor still runs off domestic power [wireless power options coming in the future]

** A free application will be needed to use this function on individual phones/tablets. Information on where to find this app will be give out on set.

Wireless Monitors Information - Coming Soon

I will be updating this page with information on how my wireless monitor package can help your set during current social distancing on set.

Social distancing with wireless monitors

I am happy to be able to offer wireless monitors on set going forward. This is a great bit of kit that will free up long cables trailing across set, and also having the portability on location.

iPad Second Monitor

The 12.9” 2020 iPad can be used in two ways,

• as a second monitor

• Capture Pilot for clients to review & rate images.

*Wireless internet is needed for this option.

Wireless 24” & 27” Monitors

Wireless monitors displaying images as they come in. Up to 4 IOS [iPhone/iPads] are able to connect to this system.

Up to 400’ distance from Transmitter [main monitor]

Low Latency

Wireless internet is not needed for this set up.

*Users wishing to use the IOS function to view on their own personal device, must down a free app from the Apple store. Information will be provided on set.

10M Wired option available

If you’d prefer, a 10M wired monitor is also available.

Environmentally Friendly PPE on Set

As PPE is now going to be the norm on set, this means more plastic waste, this is something I want to limited to a minimum to none. So I will be only supplying biodegradable gloves and cleaning wipes. I will not be providing reusable masks & visors. I advise you to bring your own reusable [washable] masks to set.

I would advise washing of hands as realistically as possible/when you feel it’s needed.

Some information on the gloves I will be providing for those who may have an allergic reaction to latex and other materials.

Gloves

100% biodegradable disposable gloves that provide high levels of dexterity, protection and comfort

• The unique Eco Best Technology® ensures the glove fully biodegrades once disposed of, helping to improve your carbon footprint

• 4mil thick nitrile feels like a second skin allowing for enhanced accuracy when carrying out tasks

• Latex and powder free to reduce the chance of allergic reactions

• Rolled cuff protects your forearm from liquid run down

• Antistatic properties

• Chemical resistant to EN374 parts 2 and 3

• AQL 1.5 medical grade

• Coating material: Nitrile

• Grip Design: Textured fingertips

• Cuff Style: Beaded

• Colour: Green

• AQL: 1.5

• Medical Grade: Yes

• Food Safe: No

• Chemical Resistant: Yes

• Powder-free: Yes

• Length mm: 240

• Typical Applications: Automotive, Construction & Utility, Engineering and Manufacturing, Food Manufacturing and Prep, Janitorial, Oil and Gas, Warehousing, Transport and Logistics, Waste Management and Local authority

Cleaning Wipes

With an enhanced resealable lid to lock in moisture, these Dettol biodegradable antibacterial surface cleaning disinfectant wipes are proven to kill 99.9 Percent of bacteria.

They are ideal to disinfect any surface including food preparation areas like chopping boards and baby equipment like high chairs. Complete with enhanced pocket technology to create thicker, moisture-rich wipes, these Dettol biodegradable antibacterial surface cleaning wipes are completely bleach free, odourless and leave no taint.

They are a must-have in any home as they kill Salmonella, Rotavirus, Flu Virus (H1N1), 90 Percent of all allergens and even antibiotic resistant MRSA. In a convenient and easy to use format, they are ideal for fast and hygienic cleaning.

Gloves & Wipe swill have their own waste bin that will be recycled.

Face Mask & Visors

I will be using both face masks and visor [depending on circumstances].

Hand Sanitiser

Hand Sanitiser will be provided.

Remote Viewing On Set - COVID 19

Following my recent post on the Government guidelines & The AOP, I have decided to add a new item to my kit,

iPad Pro 12.9

I will now be offering remote wireless viewing for clients via screen sharing and Capture One. This feature is also great for food stylists too, full colour live view when you’re on set working away as well as seeing each individual images as they are shot.

This can be used up to 30FT, so keeping well outside the 2m distance that’s advised.

As mentioned in the previous post,

10M screen [wired, wireless coming soon] for viewing and rating of images is also available and will be the standard for shoots in the studio going forward.

Covid 19 & Social Distancing on Set

The AOP recently released shoot guidelines to continue safely amid this current pandemic.

New additions to kit to help meeting social distance guidelines.

Wireless Monitor - This can be used up to 30FT, Images can be viewed, rated etc… [More Info Soon]

iPad Pro - Wireless viewing of images, live view etc… [Great for food stylists too!] [More Info Soon]

PPE - Gloves & wipes will be provided. I would advise you bring your own washable masks, but I will have disposable masks on standby.

During The Shoot

• a)  Stagger call times where possible to avoid congestion.

• (b)  Keep the unit as small as possible and minimise the number of crew/

• agency/client/talent on set at any one time.

• (c)  Wash and thoroughly dry hands on arrival and during the day at regular intervals.

• Alcohol-based (60% minimum) sanitisers should be easily accessible throughout the

• set/location as well as soap and water provided wherever possible.

• (d)  Consider a video-conferencing facility relaying video remotely to agency/client.

• (e)  Consider increasing video monitoring on set to avoid clusters of people.

• (f)  All crew to adhere to any safety guidelines or notices given on the day.

• (g)  Consider any space markers where possible.

• (h)  Walkie-talkies/radios to be correctly sanitised, bagged-up and labelled with crew names

• before distribution - do not share equipment.

Location/Studio

• (a)  Initial location research can be done remotely using location libraries.

• (b)  2m-distancing must be used when visiting locations and meeting property owners/managers.

• (c)  Note that councils are unlikely to grant any filming/location permits at the moment.

• (d) Try and ensure common areas and holding areas are outside wherever possible.

• (e) Prefer/prioritise for one location, without unit moves, per day.

• (f) Prefer/prioritise for location in a 4G area, where possible, to transmit live video over the internet, if WiFi unavailable.

• (g) Locations are to be well-ventilated. Consider bringing additional equipment to change (not recycle) the air regularly if this is not the case.

• (h) Avoid the use of vapours, steam and hazers (including but not limited to dry ice, oil ,mists or glycol) as they are likely to keep airborne infections in the atmosphere longer.

• (i) Where possible, all locations required to share their own COVID-19 preparedness plans.

• (j) Locations to be cleaned prior to and after shooting, if possible. Locations may want to take this on themselves and charge an extra fee for this.

• (k) Avoid distant locations which would require overnight accommodation for those involved. Also avoid locations which will not permit minimum 2m-distancing.

• (l) All recces to involve minimum crew only (self-driving and maintaining 2m-distancing throughout). Masks and gloves available for all attendees as required c/o production. (m) Location prep: Pre-light/set-build/set-dress etc., to be undertaken separately by one crew/department at a time, where possible.