A list of gear that I recommend.
I use Nikon mirrorless and DSLR cameras for stream video as I have already been on the Nikon ecosystem and the quality of Nikon glass I already own is incredible nice and translates well to livestreaming. I would not recommend DSLRs alone for a stream setup as you'll run into problems due to a lack of emphasis on live video (e.g. poor autofocus hunting, authentic continuous power solutions not being in stock, etc.).
I use a dedicated streaming PC with a single quad Magewell PCIe card that takes in the overhead, over-shoulder, and face cameras, as well as an HDMI switch (with a wireless remote) that switches between two different computers as well as my Nintendo Switch.
I use a 4K USB Magewell card with my workhorse machine for recording video.
| Item | Notes |
| Cinebloom 10 (3x) | In multiple sizes. Diffusion filter to soften image. |
| Contax 645 35mm f/3.5 Distagon T* | Vintage. Requires Fotodiox adapter to run on Nikon. |
| Fotodiox Contax 645-to-Nikon "F" mount Adapter | |
| Fusion Photo Gear Fusion Plate | Arca-Swiss plate, with the added benefit of a foldout loop that works for attaching straps, when taking cameras out. |
| Glorich EH-5 AC adapter for Nikon (3x) | Off-brand: affordable but potentially unsafe (sparks when plugging in). |
| Induro PU-120 Extra Long Quick Release Plate | PU-120 discontinued, but may be generic with designs being found from other brands. |
| Kaiser Ball Head | Vintage / bought used, no model number, and no replacement link. |
| Magewell 11100 Pro Quad HDMI Capture Card | 4x HDMI inputs. Useful for putting together cameras, computers, and consoles simultaneously, without having to constantly change ports. |
| Magewell 11152 Pro Capture 4K with LT | 4K 60fps 10-bit over USB. |
| Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8 D | Preferred facecam lens. Older "D" model - contains aperture ring, which works with Nikon film SLRs that don't specifically have body aperture dials. |
| Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 S | Extremely high quality lens that closely resembles the focal range of commonly used 16-50 kit lenses on crop sensor bodies. Used overhead. |
| Nikon 85mm f/1.4 D | Older "D" model. Linked to updated "G" version. |
| Nikon D7200 | Used as a facecam. Does provide clean HDMI. Discontinued. Linked to D7500. |
| Nikon Z6 | Used as an overhead camera. |
| Nikon FTZ II | Updated smaller version of an adapter for non-mirrorless lenses. |
| Nikon Z6 II | Used as both an over-shoulder camera. |
| Orei HDY-401A 4x1 HDMI Switch with Audio Extractor | Switches between productivity PC, Mac Mini for every day use, and Nintendo Switch, while its out is entered into final input of capture card, in a way almost allowing for an "increase" in inputs into the capture card. Generic, can be found from other companies in other colors. |
| Orei UHDS-104 1x4 HDMI Splitter | Possibly generic, can be found elsewhere. |
| Peripheral Logix PhotoExtend Articulating Camera Arm (2x) | Discontinued. |
| Tiffen Black Pro Mist 77mm 1/8 | Diffusion filter to soften image. |
| Tiffen Glimmer Glass 1 77mm | |
| Prism Lens FX Moody 77mm | |
| Stream Deck XL | |
| Stream Deck XL under-desk holder | |
| Nikon Z6 II dummy battery (2x) | |
| Viltrox SR-N3 Wired Remote Shutter for Nikon | Generic wired remote. Wire remote is needed for continuous video on D7200 (not needed for D750). |
| Nikon 105mm f/1.4 E | Used over shoulder. |
| Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 E | Used over shoulder. |
My stream audio setup utilizes a mixer with multiple outputs, the aforementioned HDMI switch that breaks out audio, a small-diaphragm condenser mic, and hardware preamps. This setup is probably a bit less typical compared to others.
| Item | Notes |
| Auralex 1x1x2 Bass Traps | For corner ceiling acoustic treatment (echo prevention). |
| Case Logic CL60 cassette tape case (60 capacity) | Discontinued cassette tape holder. Attached to wall. |
| dbx 286A Preamp & Channel Strip Processor (2x) | Also used for gating and compressing. Discontinued. Linked to updated 286S model. No power switches. |
| DIY Acoustic Panels 48in x 16in x 4in (4x) | For wall acoustic treatment. Bought off of a seller on craigslist. |
| Gator Frameworks GFWSPKSTMNDSKCMP Desktop Clamp Speaker Stands | Useful for keeping speakers lifted off desk, with footprint partially off and hovering, while not taking floor space either. |
| Kasa KP303 Smart Plug | To more easily switch dbx 286a units on/off. |
| Nakamichi MR-1 | Vintage. High-quality cassette deck that I've broken. |
| Orei DA21X DAC | Appears to be discontinued, with no replacement link. Probably generic rebranded and can be found elsewhere. |
| Orei HDY-401A 4x1 HDMI Switch with Audio Extractor | HDMI switch (with PC and Nintendo Switch plugged in), which is helpful for breaking out audio output from video. However, must use optical Toslink with DAC (instead of direct 3.5mm) to avoid static. Generic, can be found from other companies in other colors. |
| Pioneer BS22 Bookshelf Speakers | |
| Primacoustic London 8 Gray | Not as deadening as above DIY panels, but more cosmetic instead. |
| Pyle PHE400 Compact Mini Hum Eliminator | Ground loop isolator/transformer to eliminate hum. |
| Raising Electronics Four-Post Rack Mount Adjustable Shelf | Probably would instead recommend getting two non-adjustable shelves and mounting them on either side of the cart. |
| Rode PSA1 Swivel Arm | Both clamp and grommet mounting options are included and are good. |
| RUGPADUSA 3/8-inch Felt/Rubber Rug Pad, 4ft x 6ft | For additional floor acoustic treatment (echo prevention). |
| SAFAVIEH ISG518A 2.6-inch Shag Rugs, 4ft x 6ft | For floor acoustic treatment (echo prevention). |
| Samson SRK-12 Rack Cart | Nice in that it does not require separate cage nuts/screws. |
| Sennheiser MKH 50 Condenser Microphone | |
| Tripp Lite ISOBAR12ULTRA 12-outlet Rack Mount Surge Protector | High joule protection for a rack-mount surge protector. |
| U-Turn Orbit Basic Turntable | Belt drive turntable. |
| Yamaha A-S500 Stereo Amp | A-S500 discontinued. Linked to A-S501. |
| Yamaha MG12XU | Large footprint, but that is its only downside. High amount of options out of this, and physical controls are advantageous over an interface, so that you neither get lost in UI windows nor risk software-level issues. |
Mostly comprised of generics, but is a somewhat effective use of many daylight (extremely cool) bulbs.
| Item | Notes |
| BenQ ScreenBar Halo |
Equipment primarily used for soldering and desoldering keyboard parts.
| Item | Notes |
| Edsyn LONER 2020 Soldering Iron | Pricey option, but physically well-designed (holder right above small station base) and heats up quickly. Has a high max temperature, but is not entirely necessary for my own personal use. |
| Hakko 599B Tip Cleaner | Have heard these are not preferred over wet kitchen sponges, but I still like this. |
| Hakko B1088 Cleaning Pin | 1.3mm pin useful for cleaning 1.6mm nozzles. |
| Hakko FM-204 Desoldering Station | Includes FM-2024 desoldering gun module, but no nozzle - you have to buy them separately. The gun can be converted to a pen, but not personally preferred. This is an upgrade over the FR-3xx series, which is heavy and has an undesirable cable location. |
| Hakko N3-16 Nozzle Tip | Not included with FM-204 / FM-2024. A 1.3mm+ nozzle is good for desoldering MX/Alps joints cleanly. (0.8mm-1.0mm is good for LEDs.) Needed to buy separately since it is not included in FM-204. |
| iFixit Mako Driver Kit | Especially useful with the inclusion of Torx security and hex. |
| Kester 44 .025" 63-37 Solder Spool | |
| MG Chemicals 425-NS #3 Wick | Useful for things that have been bent and soldered flat. (Not otherwise great on its own. Would recommend getting electrically-powered desoldering units, or a pump at the very least.) |
| Tripp Lite TLP606DMUSB 6-Outlet Clamp Mount Surge Protector | For keeping soldering equipment close by. |
| Thermaltronics TMT-TC-2 Tip Tinner | |
| AMTECH NC-559-V2-TF Flux |
My film development setup comprises of home chemistry kits, a dark bag, and a light-safe tank, which supplants the need for an actual darkroom. Film is ratcheted onto plastic reels which are agitated with chemicals in sequence while inside the tank.
| Item | Notes |
| Anova 800W Sous Vide | For getting C-41 (color negative) chemicals up to the necessary 102F temperature. Original sous vide discontinued. Linked to recent 750W model. |
| Cinestill CS41 Home Development Kit | Liquid concentrate is preferred over powder, since the stabilizer reduces streaks during drying. |
| Delta1 Datatainer Storage Bottle 64oz (3x) | Enough for doubled kit chemistry. |
| Franmara 3010-01 Plastic Corkscrew / Bottle Opener | Cheap bottle opener for prying film canisters open. Bought at a grocery store, probably not as much as reseller price on Amazon. |
| Kalt Large Dark Changing Bag with Double Zipper | Supplants need for darkroom. |
| Lustroware 16.91qt Smart Locks Keep Box | For holding sous vide and chemical bottles. |
| Negative Supply Film Drying Rack | Useful but expensive. Can alternatively use clothespins and the rail tracks on your shower. |
| Omega Universal Adjustable Plastic Reel | Large entry tabs make this easier than stock Paterson reels. Can be found as rebranded from Samigon. |
| Paterson Five-Reel Tank | Helpful if developing large volumes of film. Requires two mixed kits to fill with enough chemistry. |
| Paterson Plastic Graduate 42oz (3x) | Useful for measuring out the water when mixing two kits at once, which is necessary for five-reel tanks. |
| Rubbermaid FG321800CLR 1-Gallon Measuring Pitcher (2x) | Useful for mixing all the chemicals when doing two kits at once, which is necessary for five-reel tanks. |
| Samigon Stainless Steel Dial Thermometer | For ensuring that the actual chemistry is at 102F, since the temperature inside the bottle is different from the temperature of the water outside of the bottle that is heated up by the sous vide. |
| Yankee Funnel 16oz (3x) | Different funnels for different chemicals. |
Home DSLR scanning. This particular setup is expensive (a copy stand, Negative Supply equipment, Lightroom, and the Negative Lab Pro plugin), but it is convenient and actually truly enjoyable and fast in comparison to other DSLR scanning setups or flatbed scanners.
| Item | Notes |
| Archival Methods White Nylon Gloves Medium | Always wear gloves when handling dry film. |
| Canon Pro-1000 | For digital inkjet prints. |
| Kaiser Slimlite Plano LED Lightbox | More reasonably bright and affordable, and just as accurate as the NS 5x7. Still good for keeping around additionally for manually inspecting negatives. |
| Kaiser RS 1 Copy Stand / RA-1 Camera Arm | Incredibly sturdy and can support larger camera/lens systems (e.g. D750 + 105mm macro). Originally used as an overhead video rig which is was nice for stability, but elevated baseboard made it impractical before switching to an articulating camera arm. |
| Negative Lab Pro | Powerful algorithm for negative film inversion that integrates directly into Lightroom. Much nicer experience for me than Silverfast Negafix, ColorPerfect, manual inversions, or anything else. |
| Negative Supply 120 Adapter Plate for Pro Mount MK2 | Included in carrier/mount kit. Only need to get if you got the "opposite" kit. |
| Negative Supply 35mm Adapter Plate for Pro Mount MK2 | Included in carrier/mount kit. Only need to get if you got the "opposite" kit. |
| Negative Supply 5X7 Light Source Pro (95 CRI) | Much stronger than any other light I own. Allows for an overly sufficient amount of light to pass through film density for low ISO DSLR scans. |
| Negative Supply Film Carrier 120 | Faster with uncut film. |
| Negative Supply Film Carrier 120 Full Border Scanning Guides | Good for retaining frame edges / sprocket hole areas of film, which is useful for seeing frame numbers during scanning. The most important part of this is the ANR glass. All the extra stuff is spotty since it may not leave the film flat. |
| Negative Supply Film Carrier MK1 (35mm) | Faster with uncut film. |
| Negative Supply Film Carrier MK1 (35mm) Full Border Scanning Guides | Good for retaining frame edges / sprocket hole areas of film, which is useful for seeing frame numbers during scanning, while also simultaneously giving photos a silly hipster look. |
| Negative Supply Mounted Slide Holder | V1 discontinued. Purchased just prior to MK2 (linked) was release. |
| Negative Supply Pro Mount MK2 | Elevates holders over light. Includes a magnetic anti-static brush to allow film to pass through holders dust-free. |
| Nikon 105mm f/2.8 G VR Micro | Macro lens, necessary for capturing as much grain detail as possible. |
| Nikon D750 | Full frame bodies are useful in film scanning for capturing "more image" while also reducing barrel distortion at the hardware level, especially when paired with long macro lenses (listed below). |
| Print File Archival Storage Page for Negatives, 35mm | Seven rows of six frames each helps cover 36-exposure rolls when your camera sneaks in more frames. |
| Print File Archival Storage Page for Negatives, 6x7cm | Four rows of four frames each for any size 120. A lot of extra empty space for 6x4.5 frames. |
Controllers, shells, and cases.
| Item | Notes |
| BoxyPixel Machined Aluminum Black D-Pad / Red Buttons | Ditto. |
| BoxyPixel Machined Aluminum Black Joy-Con Housings | Nice quality. Only metal shells I'm currently aware of. |
| BoxyPixel Machined Aluminum Clear (Silver) Buttons Set | Appears to stick, but not sure if I've seated it properly. |
| BoxyPixel Machined Aluminum Clear (Silver) Joy-Con Housings | Nice quality. Only metal shells I'm currently aware of. |
| Joy-Con Charging Grip | Not as bad as reviews say. There's no battery, but that's not its purpose - it's for the convenience of being able to plug in Joy-Cons while using them detached. |
| Marseille Inc. mCable Gaming Edition 3-foot HDMI | Lag-free anti-aliasing cable. |
| SanDisk SDSDQUAN-200G-G4A Ultra 200GB MicroSDXC | Bought at launch. I haven't filled it up since I only play Splatoon. |
| Satisfye ZenGrip Ronin Slim | |
| Waterfield Cityslicker Case Black | It's a nice case. |