A couple of days in London and a deliberately different approach, the Leica stayed at home and the back was burdened with Nikon and Manfrotto. I have never been a natural tripod user (stoppit) but the D800e and for that matter the D610 both offer much more if one is used.

I am still not comfortable with a tripod, the new ball and socket head helps although I have considered welding a QR plate to a spare 70-200 mount. On my walks I met a man in Lincoln’s Inn who had lost his beloved D700 to a tripod incident. Shortly afterwards I met a woman photographing with an SX70; working on a book project. In her handbag some currently produced instant film and a little Fuji, she looked comfortable and happy.

Essential gear tips? Shoes, get the best shoes that you can get, nothing too strappy.