Inside My Camera Bag | Arno Jenkins

Hello, my name is Arno Jenkins. I’m a freelance photographer, graphic designer and artist living in Portland, Oregon.

I grew up in a military family where I spent time in Germany and the US. We relocated often and each time I found myself thrust into a new mystery that required careful exploration.

My love of art and photography kept me occupied as I got acquainted with each new place, and my desire to travel grew.

Back in the ’80s I mostly shot black & white film because it was cheap and I had access to a lab where I learned how to develop film (see guide) and create prints. Some 20 years later I switched to the digital format and haven’t looked back.

Back then I could not have foreseen that years later I would be even more passionate about capturing images with my camera.

For the past few years, I have been traveling exclusively with Fujifilm camera bodies & lenses. I absolutely love them. They allow me to get into a location, not attract too much attention, and capture the image.

I have traveled extensively with the Fujifilm X-T2 & X-T1 and a variety of interchangeable lenses.

Recently I had a Full Spectrum infrared conversion done on my X-T1 which has brought a new perspective to my travels. In addition, I always bring the Fuji X100S, for a discreet walk around camera that is always ready.

Fujifilm X-T2

This has been my primary camera for the past few years. The camera design and functionality work for my photography style. The camera is small and light, the image quality is great, and it’s weather sealed. The menus are user-friendly and the buttons make sense.

Fujifilm X-T1 (full spectrum infrared camera)

The past few years I have kept the Fuji X-T1 as my backup body. I finally did the infrared conversion to this camera and that has brought it back to life.

Fujifilm X100S with Fujinon Wide Conversion Lens (WCL-X100 S II)

I originally purchased the Fuji X100S camera for an 8-week trip to Europe. Since then it has become a permanent fixture in my bag. I purchased the Fujinon Wide Conversion Lens (WCL-X100 S II) changing the focal length from 23mm (equivalent to 35mm on a 35mm camera) to 19mm (equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm camera). It’s a quick easy option for street photography and walking around when you don’t want to be bothered with all of your extras.

Fujinon XF16mm f/1.4

This is my favorite wide-angle lens for capturing landscapes or while out exploring the city.

Fujinon XF35mm f/1.4

This is the first Fujifilm lens that I purchased 4 years ago. It has been with me to Europe, Asia, and around North America. It’s small, fast, and exceptionally sharp.

Fujinon XF56mm f/1.2

I purchased this lens primarily for portraits but I have found that it works so well in numerous situations that once I place the lens on my camera body it often stays there all day.

Fujinon XF10-24mm f/4

The Fuji XF10-24 lens is the perfect landscape lens. It’s so light which makes it easy to throw in my bag and head out for the day. The only shortcoming of this lens is that it is not weather-sealed.

Fujinon XF16-55mm f/2.8

This lens is my workhorse. If I’m only taking one lens with me on a trip this is it. It’s a bit on the heavy side but the reward for carrying this beast around is in the quality of images you capture. As a bonus, this lens is fully weather-sealed for those unplanned moments in the rain!

Fujinon XF50-140mm f/2.8

What makes this lens so exceptional is how fast and extremely sharp it is.

Fujinon XF18-135mm f/3.5-5.6

I purchased this lens for the sole purpose of using it with the Fujifilm X-T1 for infrared photography. Paired with a 590nm infrared filter it’s been a perfect combination.

Fujifilm EF-X500 Flash

The EF-X500 is dust and water-resistant making it perfect travel companion.

Gitzo GT0531 Carbon Fiber Tripod & Really Right Stuff BH-30 Ballhead

I find this tripod & ballhead combination light, compact, and easy to travel with.

LEE Filters

I carry a handful of LEE filters with me when I travel, LEE Filters 100mm Graduated Neutral Density Soft Edge Filter Set (0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 Filters) and the LEE Big Stopper.

Apple iPad Pro 12.9″

A couple of years ago I replaced my MacBook Pro with the iPad Pro for photo editing while traveling. It’s lighter and with apps like Lightroom Mobile and Affinity Photo, I can work on the road without missing a beat.

Other Items In My Bag

Here’s a list of other items I have in my bag while traveling:

Peak Design Leash Camera Strap, Black (L-BL-3)

Really Right Stuff Multi-Clamp

Fujifilm RR-90 Remote Camera Release

Pelican 0915 SD Memory Card Case

Extra Batteries & Chargers

Extra SD Cards

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones

DJI OSMO Mobile 2 Gimbal

Moleskine Sketchbook & Pens

Leatherman Multi-Tool