Turbo-Charge Your Wotancraft Bags: The New Armor Modules + Holiday Gift ...

I'm super excited to announce a new line of modules  I've known about when Camera Girl and I visited Wotancraft's factory in Taipei Taiwan in the spring. In this video I'm featuring the Armor Modules for the Pilot bag series. There are seven new modules in two colours (khaki and black) in addition to the original modules. This is just my first look, so wait for my What's In My Bag video as well. 

I also showcase the new 2024 Holiday Gift Program, which is the best I've ever seen. I'll give a separate link to this as well as a time stamp if you're just interested in just the gift program.  (9:14)

2024 Holiday Gift Program: https://bit.ly/3UX5IVJ

Finally we have a sneak peek at the new Heritage Swiss Salt and Pepper Canvas Series of camera bags. (13:28) It's a cross between the Pilot and Rider series of bags using Wotancraft's own proprietary Swiss military Salt and Pepper canvas material. Currently I'm testing the sling bag. I'll have all the links below. 

New Armor Modules 1-7

Armor 01 Quick Access Mesh Bag: https://bit.ly/3YPKCd7

Armor 02 small: https://bit.ly/3YVjPvJ

Armor 03 small: https://bit.ly/48UEuVo

Armor 04 medium: https://bit.ly/3UYf4QZ

Armor 05 medium: https://bit.ly/3YLDhLy

Armor 06 large (with straps): https://bit.ly/3YQPQ8h

Armor 07 large (with straps): https://bit.ly/3Zb9ihs

7L Pilot sling Khaki: https://bit.ly/3bjfjPh

18L Pilot Back-Pack: https://bit.ly/3O1Mqds

Paracord Zipper Pulls: https://bit.ly/4dUR08U

Orignal Modules 

Armor 08: https://bit.ly/3EqjB3Z

Armor 09: https://bit.ly/3BrXEQ2

Armor 10 (change pouch): https://bit.ly/3Od67Q1

Armor 11 (mobile phone): https://bit.ly/3YRCkl0

Armor 12 (with straps): https://bit.ly/3UYE0rx

Armor 13 (change pouch): https://bit.ly/3yoseey

Internal Modules: https://bit.ly/37RkBmX

New Heritage Swiss Salt & Pepper Canvas Series

S&P Canvas Tote Bag: https://bit.ly/3CwDpqJ

S&P Canvas Messenger Bag: https://bit.ly/40OtNld

S&P Canvas Backpack: https://bit.ly/4eIf0Mw

Harlowe Lights

Harlowe (formerly Hobolite) used exclusively to light up this entire Youtube video (except for the coloured side lights). Use code BHT5 as a discount code. https://bit.ly/4daIB1h

SOL 5 Mobile Light for MagSafe: https://www.harlowe.com/products/sol5-bi-color-mobile-light-for-magsafe?_pos=2&_sid=01d8c78e7&_ss=r

The Leica M: Digital vs Film For My Workflow

When do I shoot film, and why? Is film better than digital for specific types of photography? Is it worth the expense of shooting with film when you can use a digital camera? I get these types of questions all the time, so I decided to make this video, specifically about shooting with either my film or digital Leica M bodies. Since I share the same lenses between digital and analogue, the decision to shoot between these two different formats are nuanced and personal. I have my own reasons when to shoot film or digital, you might have your own. In this video I talk about when I decide to grab my Leica M10-R vs my M7, or M11-P vs my M4. Let me know in the comments why or when you decide to shoot film. 

In the video I have attached various accessories on my camera bodies. Here are some of the links down below:

Kamerakraft M Grips: https://www.kamerakraft.com

Oberwerth TagCase (use code BHT10 of 10% off): https://us.oberwerth.com/products/leica-m11-tagcase

KEKs Light Meter: https://www.kekscameras.com/#/

COOPH Rope Strap:  https://bit.ly/3KMoMkK

Photofinishing from my partners:

CameraFilmPhoto: https://camerafilmphoto.com/collections/film-processing

Retro Photo Reading: https://retrophotoreading.com/collections/film-processing

The Darkroom Lab: https://thedarkroom.com

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**Thanks for all your support for my YouTube channel. One small way you can support me is by using my affiliate links below. If you use the link to buy anything on B&H, Moment, or Amazon, even toilet paper, I will receive a small commission on the purchase. It won't cost you any more to use these links, but it will help me to continue making content like this:

Affiliate Link to B&H: https://bhpho.to/2vGUl6O

Affiliate Link to Moment Shop: https://moment.8ocm68.net/a11KWR

Affiliate Link to Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2erHF0d​

Affiliate Link to Amazon.ca: http://amzn.to/2wpvq8L​

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***Thank you for your continued support of my YouTube channel, Instagram account, and website. There is a cost to reviewing and producing videos and articles. Currently, I do not make enough money to maintain or grow the quality and content I want to continue creating. For those who wish to donate, please visit PAYPAL. My account is info@bigheadtaco.com. I appreciate every donation and I personally write back a thank-you email. For those who wish to collaborate or participate in a sponsored video, please contact me: info@bigheadtaco.com. Thanks again for all your support and happy shooting!

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Unboxing and 1st Look: The Oberwerth Q Backpack

Oberwerth is a German manufacturer of premium bags and accessories just south west of Leica headquarters in Germany. Like many German brands, they care about design, quality, and durability. I've had the opportunity to review a couple of their bags. I travelled with the Nelson M Weekender bag as my carry-on all over Europe, and the backpack sling is one of the most unique sling bags I've reviewed. 

In this latest video I get to unbox and have my first look at the compact Q Backpack in addition to the TagCase for the Leica M11-P. My initial thoughts are positive, but please watch the video for more details. Please use code BHT10 to receive 10% off when you place an order at Oberwerth's website. Thanks for watching and let me know down below if you have any questions. 

Oberwerth Q Backpack (use code BHT10 for 10% off): https://us.oberwerth.com/products/q-backpack

Check out my previous video on the Oberwerth Backpack Sling: https://youtu.be/4d7sfZ7RLRA?si=ZPacirxgpRIWjSJp

Check out my initial unboxing video of the Oberwerth Weekender and Backpack Sling: https://youtu.be/om7CGPDvoH8?si=kwGdXiKWR_3spGmT

Links to products mentioned in video (both affiliate and non-affiliate):

Oberwerth Backpack Sling: https://us.oberwerth.com/products/photo-backpack-sling

Oberwerth M11 TagCase: https://us.oberwerth.com/products/leica-m11-tagcase

Wotancraft Parashooter Neck Strap: https://bit.ly/4b4SfRq

Squarehood Soft Shutter Button: https://squarehood.se/products/mini-soft-shutter-button

WESN Henry Knife: https://wesn.com/products/henry

Plotter Horse Hair Leather Journal: https://plotterusa.com/products/horse-hair-ii-6-ring-leather-binder-plt5016-bible-size/

Plotter Mini 5 Leather Journal: https://plotterusa.com/products/bridle-5-ring-leather-binder-plt5015-mini-5-size/

Peak Design Wash Pouch Small: https://peak-design.pxf.io/Or6q1P

Wotancraft Passport Folio: https://bit.ly/3boMUHP

COOPH Focus Bottle: https://bit.ly/4eZqqw8

New EDC Backpack from Wotancraft: EasyPack 15L

For the past couple of years, I've been asking Wotancraft to make an everyday backpack, and they told me it was in the works. Finally, I had a chance to see it in Taiwan a few months ago during my visit to their retail store and factory. Albert was testing it out as his everyday backpack, and I really liked it. I also asked if they could make optional camera inserts, for those of us who want to carry some gear, alongside our regular daily carry items. 

Introducing Wotancraft's new EasyPack 15L backpack in both khaki and charcoal black. It's a simple and clean design, perfect for the urban environment, either in the office or while you're out and about the city doing your thing. I used it as both a camera bag as well as my studio/office bag, and it worked out perfectly. I like the full-zip open design so I can organize the bag the way I want, and also so I can see exactly what's inside without having to dig through the bag from the top. This isn't a rigid design bag like many of Wotancraft's backpacks, so it might take some getting used to. 

I highly recommend the camera inserts, although you can easily use any of Wotancraft's other modules and attachments (links down below to other modules). In the video, I refer to the larger insert as Large, but Wotancraft decided to rename it Medium. I hope this means they plan to make a Large insert that can convert the entire main section into a camera cube. In addition, Albert is thinking about offering optional zipper pull sets. Stay tuned...

Wotancraft EasyPack 15L: https://bit.ly/3Mj9NPs

Wotancraft Pilot 10L: https://bit.ly/3BuwrMB

Medium (formally Large) Camera Insert: https://bit.ly/3TozGBp

Small Camera Insert: https://bit.ly/3Xf1Ukh

Interior Modules: https://bit.ly/37RkBmX

Exterior Modules: https://bit.ly/3ELOFP7

Parashooter Strap: https://bit.ly/4b4SfRq

Large Camera Pouch: https://bit.ly/4c95wbX

Cordura Shopping Bag 18L: https://bit.ly/3jIoxt6

Cordura Shopping Bag 5L: https://bit.ly/3Y6xcIL

COOPH Official Leica Double Rope Strap: https://bit.ly/3ITpgE6

Light Lens Lab L-M Helicoid Adapter: https://lightlenslab.co/products/light-lens-lab-m-l-marco-focus-adapter

Hobolite Iris (use code BHT5 and get 10% off): https://www.hobolite.com/products/iris-small-continuous-led-light-for-photographers

Check out my Hobolite Iris video: https://youtu.be/0DS9h1pDusI?si=_-xaYw6XE8fd9-HA

My 3-Week Travel Gear for Italy 2024. Guess How Many Cameras?

This is my second year teaching for the British Columbia Institute of Technology's Summer Field School program in Italy, and I appreciate the opportunity to be an instructor for the BCIT Faculty of Business + Media. Since I would be gone for 3 weeks, I made sure I had the right amount of gear, as well as the right gear. Thanks to the many brands that partnered with me on this trip, including Leica, Camera West, Wotancraft, COOPH, Squarehood, Hobolight, Sigma Canada, VAER, and Bulova. I appreciate their support. Below are links to the gear mentioned in the video (in the order mentioned in the video):

Leica SL2 from Camera West: https://bit.ly/3T2pwoN

Sigma 24mm f/2 Contemporary: https://bhpho.to/3zP98Ck

Light Lens Lab M to L Mount helicoid adapter: https://lightlenslab.co/products/light-lens-lab-m-l-marco-focus-adapter

COOPH Leica Double Rope Strap: https://bit.ly/3ITpgE6

Wotancraft 7L Pilot: https://bit.ly/3bjfjPh

Leica D-Lux 8: https://bhpho.to/4d6hCDf

Leica M11-P: https://bhpho.to/3y47MDe

Leica 35mm APO Summicron-M: https://bhpho.to/3xYE5Dv

DJI Osmo Pocket 3: https://bhpho.to/4bQBTMe

Ulanzi iPhone Stand: https://bit.ly/3SaHhm8

Hobolite Iris Creator Kit: https://bit.ly/3LtO7Q3 (BHT5 for 5% off)

Wotancraft Canteener 2L and 3.5L: https://bit.ly/3xsjC9Z

Wotancraft 5L + 18L Reusable shopping bag: https://bit.ly/3Y6xcIL

Wotancraft Parashooter strap: https://bit.ly/4b4SfRq

Squarehood Mini Soft Shutter Button: https://bit.ly/4f4mQBf

COOPH Leica Parachord strap: https://bit.ly/3W6K5C9

COOPH duo tone strap: https://shorturl.at/pHZ0f

VAER C3 Dirty Dozen 36mm: https://www.vaerwatches.com/products/c3-dirty-dozen-36mm-ameriquartz

Bulova Oceanographer GMT Diver: https://www.bulova.com/ca/en/product/98B407.html

The Leica SL2 vs SL3. Why I Choose the SL2 in 2024

I had the opportunity to spend some time with the brand-new Leica SL3. It's a great all-in-one solution for Leica-centric professional content creators who need a camera to capture both video and stills. However, there is still a great value proposition in getting the SL2. Check out my latest video as I go over just some of the reasons why you would choose the SL2 over the new SL3. Thanks  @chrismeetschris  for helping me shoot this video, and  @CameraWestTV  for the loan on the SL2. It's a great camera! 

Check out Camera West's weekly pre-owned drop of high-quality used camera gear here (non-affiliate link): https://bit.ly/3T2pwoN

Featured products in the video:

Wotancraft Parashooter strap: https://bit.ly/4b4SfRq

COOPH Double Rope strap: https://bit.ly/3ITpgE6

Wotancraft Lightning Rider sling bag: https://bit.ly/3Qow9RR

My Favourite Camera Straps for The Leica SL2 / SL3

Since I switched to the mighty Leica SL2 as my main mirrorless camera, I had to figure out which camera strap system would work best for me and my workflow. I prefer to have cameras around my neck most of the time, so they have to be comfortable, but also sturdy. I also use my cameras on tripods and transport them back and forth between home and my studio. I don't really like doing camera strap reviews since it is very subject, but here are the two main camera straps that I've been using on the Leica SL2.

COOPH Double Rope Strap: https://bit.ly/3ITpgE6

Wotancraft Full Leather PD Strap: https://bit.ly/3ZmL95C

These are the other straps and bags mentioned in the video:

COOPH Adjustable Rope Strap: https://bit.ly/3PGNyF5

Wotancraft Parashooter Camera Strap: https://bit.ly/4b4SfRq

Pilot Travel Camera Bag 7L: https://bit.ly/3bjfjPh

Pilot Travel Camera Bag 10L: https://bit.ly/3BuwrMB

Thanks to Camera West for the long term loan on the Leica SL2. Please check out their weekly pre-owned camera sales drop: https://bit.ly/3T2pwoN

I also featured the currently sold-out Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.2 ASPH 1966: https://lightlenslab.co/products/light-lens-lab-50mm-1-2-asph-1966-pre-order

Awesome Retail Store For Camera + Lifestyle Products: Wotancraft in Taiwan

I had the opportunity to visit Taipei, Taiwan to spend a week with the Wotancraft team. I have always loved their bags and straps, but I also wanted to meet the team behind the brand. For my first video, I decided to check out their retail store in the Da'an District in Taipei, Taiwan. Rick let me into the store before opening so I could walk around without having to dodge customers or employees while recording. I purposely kept this video reasonably short, as I could have spent over an hour going through each product and reviewing it. If you ever have the opportunity, please visit their retail store in Taiwan. Below is the link to their address via Google Maps, as well as links to some of the products I  mentioned in the video. Thanks to the entire Wotancraft team for your hospitality. More videos to come soon so don't forget to subscribe, and thanks for watching!

Wotancraft Store Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5s2ZM7ipDF312LNU7

Main Affiliate link to their official online store: https://bit.ly/3Gq63Y2

Wotancraft's New Camera Pouches (for those who don't use camera bags)

Wotancraft has just released two new compact camera pouches in both small and medium sizes. Check out the video to see what cameras can fit inside. In addition, you can use these pouches as mini dopp kits, to hold your daily essentials. Affiliate links down below:

Wotancraft Camera Pouch Small: https://bit.ly/3UrvlOI

Wotancraft Camera Pouch Medium: https://bit.ly/3W6yQLu

Cordura foldable shopping bag: https://bit.ly/3Y6xcIL

Parashooter wrist strap: https://bit.ly/3RfGvVf

Parashooter neck strap: https://bit.ly/4b4SfRq

Wotancraft Mini Rider sling bag: https://bit.ly/3yNnhMR

Wotancraft Internal modules: https://bit.ly/37RkBmX

Wotancraft add-on modules: https://bit.ly/3ELOFP7

Talking Cameras at LEICA HQ in Wetzlar, Germany.

My latest Talking Cameras episode, this time at Leica HQ in Wetzlar, Germany. Enjoy the video!

Talking Cameras: X Summit + Fujikina Stockholm 2023

My Hong Kong Neon Project with CineStill 800T: Film Is Still Alive

Welcome to BHT Hong Kong Neon. If you've been following me for a while, you know of my many travels and film photography projects in Hong Kong. I was recently interviewed by  @TheCooph  talking about my Hong Kong Neon project, and I was featured as the cover article for Silvergrain Classics Magazine from Germany, again featuring my neon project. I shot it entirely on  @CineStillFilm  800T and various film cameras, but mostly with my  @LeicaCameraUSA  M7 and 28mm Summicron.

 Andreas from @RivianOfficial  Spaces Vancouver recently reached out and asked if I would be interested in exhibiting anything at their Brentwood location. I pitched my Hong Kong Neon project, and he was happy to help me showcase this project. Please join me on February 8th, 2024 from 6-9pm for my first solo exhibition featuring my project Hong Kong Neon. Please register here:

https://events.rivian.com/hongkongneon

Thanks to everyone who helped me over the years to make this project possible. Thanks to Camera Film Photo for processing, scanning, and storing all my film; and Cinestillfilm for providing me with the film for this project. Thanks to  @chrismeetschris  and Ryan Savella of Arcade Original for your video footage from Hong Kong. Finally, thank you Rivian Spaces Vancouver for sponsoring this project and exhibition. If this exhibition is successful, we may take it on the road. If you wish to be a sponsor or help in any way, please contact me directly. Thank you and happy shooting!

Check out my Film Is Still Alive documentary: 

https://youtu.be/l9MGpcBgbvI?si=25zk1uSwI3u3tvUT

Check out my interview with COOPH of Austria:

https://youtu.be/WDEovGsmhJI?si=ATonCCBBjWUbxYz1

Check out my first interview with Joseph of Meteor Camera: 

https://youtu.be/oHOGnr-pNtE?si=1R_lxtykDJL0848H

#filmphotography #cinestill800t #believeinfilm 

Bigheadtaco's Best Gear of 2023. What Are My Favourite Things?

This video is long. In the description I've time stamped all the major topics so skip to where you're most interested. I talk about merch at the end of the video. Thanks for watching.

Talking with Swedish Portrait Photographer Knut Koivisto at Fotografiska

My conversation with Swedish portrait photographer Knut Koivisto in Sweden. Last year I had the privilege of attending the Fujifilm X Summit and Fujikina in Stockholm, and I bumped into Knut on my way into the venue. He already knew me from Youtube, so he treated me like an old friend. I guess us photographers are like that sometimes. Thanks for the portrait Knut, and thanks for letting me capture yours. 

BHT

First Look: Billingham Mini Eventer vs Wotancraft Scout.

This is my third Billingham review, and my first chance to review one of the 'normal' bags, the Mini Eventer. However, calling the Eventer series normal isn't quite accurate. It looks similar to the Hadley series, but this is Billingham's take on a premium shoulder bag. The first thing you'll notice is the leather bottom of the Eventer bag. Then you may notice the lack of branding except for a small green label on the side. You may even notice the chunky SP50 shoulder pad and non-removable shoulder strap. What's up with this bag? 

If you currently have a Hadley Pro Small or Hadley Pro 2020, is it worth 'upgrading' to the Mini Eventer or the standard Eventer? It depends on what your priorities are. Since I don't have a Hadley to compare against, just for sizing, I decided to compare it against the popular Wotancraft Scout. It's similar in size (it's slightly bigger) and functionality. The design languages are very different, so I don't think photographers are comparing these two bags.  This is just my first look at the Billingham Mini Eventer, so wait for my full review, as well as my What's In My Bag series. 

Check out my first look at the Billingham 307

https://youtu.be/CY7oRjBELdg?si=EBl43qdUPgxIVYRf

Check out my first look at the Billingham Overnighter

https://youtu.be/yyMmZGuWlFs?si=bj2iQfaAs2lHApIp

Check out my first look and What's In My Bag for the Wotancraft Scout

https://youtu.be/BO1LJOwB9fE?si=QbGJtWtL6z85kSY-

https://youtu.be/deTstAzgyck?si=qPmQz3rPMLgvVTEy

Billingham Mini Eventer: https://billingham.com/products/mini-eventer-camera-bag_colour-khaki-fibrenyte-chocolate-leather

Billingham Overnighter: https://billingham.com/products/overnighter-duffel-bag_colour-sage-fibrenyte-chocolate-leather

Wotancraft Scout: https://bit.ly/3Ox7Hv7

Wotancraft 5L Cordura shopping bag: https://bit.ly/3Y6xcIL

REVIEW: Fujifilm GFX100 II + GF55mm f/1.7 R WR.

It took me a while to finally edit this video, but here it is. What are my thoughts on the new GFX100 II? It's an amazing camera that I personally don't need for my professional or personal work. Perhaps one day I'll need it, but not at this time. However, if you do need a high resolution camera with top end lenses, the Fujifilm's GFX system might be right for you. If you do commercial work, wedding photography, or even commercial videography, the new GFX100 II is a camera capable hybrid digital medium format camera.