bwidjaja
Warung Photo
This is a question I always have since I start looking into the RF world. Most people seem to have a backup camera of some sort. My question is: if one is not shooting as a professional, is having a backup camera necessary?
Backup Camera
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sleepyhead
Well-known
If I have a camera I love, like my Contax T, I like to have a few (3 in this case) in order to have different speed films in them, color and B&W, etc.
It's really just an excuse to buy more gear 😉
It's really just an excuse to buy more gear 😉
Tim Gray
Well-known
No probably not. But we all seem to acquire an extra camera or two. I've only ever taken two cameras on a trip once; most of the time the backup is at home.
Rafael
Mandlerian
I think there are differences between having back-up cameras (i.e. one or more cameras to use in the event that your main camera goes down for one reason or another), having different cameras (e.g. different VF magnifications), and having multiple camera kits (e.g. two identical cameras loaded with different films or two cameras - identical or different with different lenses mounted). I use a 0.85x MP and an M4. But I don't consider either to be a back-up for the other. I use the M4 when I want to shoot with a 28mm lens (no 28 framelines on the MP). Alternatively, I will use the two bodies together and mount a 75 on the MP and a 35 on the M4 or a 50 on the MP and a 28 on the M4. So in my opinion, using or owning multiple cameras is not really related (at least not necessarily related) to the question of whether or not you are shooting professionally.
tbarker13
shooter of stuff
I guess it all depends on how serious you are about bringing back images from your self-assigned task.
I'm not a pro. But when I'm working on something I really care about, I always take two cameras. I actually prefer to work with two cameras at the same time. But even if I am only using one, I like to have the other close at hand.
Personally, I'd argue that a real backup camera is essentially a duplicate of your primary camera. Or at least close to it. (M8 for M9, M2 for an M6, etc.)
In my case, I use a D300 alongside my M8. They don't really duplicate each other, but the combo does pretty much guarantee I'll get some photos.
I'm not a pro. But when I'm working on something I really care about, I always take two cameras. I actually prefer to work with two cameras at the same time. But even if I am only using one, I like to have the other close at hand.
Personally, I'd argue that a real backup camera is essentially a duplicate of your primary camera. Or at least close to it. (M8 for M9, M2 for an M6, etc.)
In my case, I use a D300 alongside my M8. They don't really duplicate each other, but the combo does pretty much guarantee I'll get some photos.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
I like a second body (camera - and if given a choice a new one for myself with better working parts!).
I usually carry two around, either with different films, or with a different focal lengths. Occasionally I carry one without a lens, but with film in it. Easy to transfer the lens and keep on shooting (gives you 72-74 frames without re-load).
At the moment I am cycling through my M2's and using two bodies, one with the Nokton 40f1.4 SC and the other with the 40f1.4 MC. It takes a while to do- with 14 M2's to go through! One way of finding out which ones need adjustment. So far, it turns out that 2 have slow 1/1000 and one is giving me 2 sec instead of 1 sec at the slow speeds.
I usually carry two around, either with different films, or with a different focal lengths. Occasionally I carry one without a lens, but with film in it. Easy to transfer the lens and keep on shooting (gives you 72-74 frames without re-load).
At the moment I am cycling through my M2's and using two bodies, one with the Nokton 40f1.4 SC and the other with the 40f1.4 MC. It takes a while to do- with 14 M2's to go through! One way of finding out which ones need adjustment. So far, it turns out that 2 have slow 1/1000 and one is giving me 2 sec instead of 1 sec at the slow speeds.
robklurfield
eclipse
Tom, I share your opinion here. If I had as many cameras and as many feet of film as you do (how IXMOOS do you have?) I would need certainly a second body -- human body -- just to keep up; not as a replacement (which I could already use), but to keep up with the load. Having one where all the parts are working would be a treat, too.
back alley
IMAGES
my preference is to have 3 identical bodies with one being a back up to the 2.
right now i have 2 rd1 bodies and generally keep them separated into 2 kits, but am thinking about paring down and carrying both with 3 or maybe 4 lenses.
right now i have 2 rd1 bodies and generally keep them separated into 2 kits, but am thinking about paring down and carrying both with 3 or maybe 4 lenses.
ferider
Veteran
Two films, or short and fast long lenses in the same bag are the only reason to carry two bodies for me. I then often carry two cameras on my body with straps of different length. It's just much easier to focus a 90/2 with an M3. Conversely, it's much nicer to use M2 or M6 with a 35.
For casual travel, I take one body only. Never had a problem with my classic Leicas. But I'm not a pro.
For casual travel, I take one body only. Never had a problem with my classic Leicas. But I'm not a pro.
oftheherd
Veteran
I've been up and back on this one. I don't think I have ever had a camera fail when out shooting. I used to think I had to have at least two bodies. Either as a backup or to have two different types of film. Then I would get out and think why did I have so much gear to carry?
Then I tried just one camera and one lens. That was neat. I was in charge. I knew what I wanted and how to get it. No indecision for me about what lens or film.
Now if I have more than one camera, it tends to be like years ago; different formats. One 35mm, whether SLR or RF, and some type of MF or LF. Just seems to make more sense; for me anyway. Sometimes I may have a kit with me, and something like a Welti or XA for backup/weight considerations. Maybe I'm getting lazy. 😀
Then I tried just one camera and one lens. That was neat. I was in charge. I knew what I wanted and how to get it. No indecision for me about what lens or film.
Now if I have more than one camera, it tends to be like years ago; different formats. One 35mm, whether SLR or RF, and some type of MF or LF. Just seems to make more sense; for me anyway. Sometimes I may have a kit with me, and something like a Welti or XA for backup/weight considerations. Maybe I'm getting lazy. 😀
Bingley
Veteran
When out and about taking photos or on vacation, I do take two rf bodies, but not as back-ups to each other. Rather, color film goes in one, b&w goes in the other, and each wears a different focal length lens (e.g., 28/50 or 35/50). For business travel or short outings, where photography is not the purpose of the trip, it's one camera and at most two lenses.
My current favorite two-camera kit for general shooting: 1) Bessa T, color film, and a wide lens; 2) M2, b&w, and a 50. A 100/3.5 goes in the bag if I'm likely to be shooting landscapes.
I shot my first wedding earlier this month, and used the following two camera, two lens kit for about 90% of the photos: Bessa R3A, Rokkor 40/2; Minolta X700, Rokkor 85/2, both loaded w/ color film. Seemed to work pretty well, and I may try this combination for general shooting.
My current favorite two-camera kit for general shooting: 1) Bessa T, color film, and a wide lens; 2) M2, b&w, and a 50. A 100/3.5 goes in the bag if I'm likely to be shooting landscapes.
I shot my first wedding earlier this month, and used the following two camera, two lens kit for about 90% of the photos: Bessa R3A, Rokkor 40/2; Minolta X700, Rokkor 85/2, both loaded w/ color film. Seemed to work pretty well, and I may try this combination for general shooting.
wjlapier
Well-known
It was nice to have the M3 as a backup to the MP when my MP jammed. But I never think of a camera as a backup, rather just another camera.
14 M2's Tom? Can't imagine 🙂
14 M2's Tom? Can't imagine 🙂
V
varjag
Guest
I only own one shooter camera, so it works for me. But then, I'm not a pro.
degruyl
Just this guy, you know?
I tend to bring a 35mm when I am carrying the MF camera. In case I run out of film while traveling. You can (almost) always buy 35mm. 120 is more problematic.
I have two M mount bodies with different magnification VFs. One is very wide (Bessa R4A), and the other is the standard M6 (0.72x). Obviously, I use the Bessa for the 21mm or 35mm lenses. I use the M6 for 35/50/90. I have never carried both at once, but I might consider taking them both while traveling.
I have two M mount bodies with different magnification VFs. One is very wide (Bessa R4A), and the other is the standard M6 (0.72x). Obviously, I use the Bessa for the 21mm or 35mm lenses. I use the M6 for 35/50/90. I have never carried both at once, but I might consider taking them both while traveling.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
My excuse is that I need them to test M2 rapidwinders - and I am sticking to that reason. Of course, next project is to ensure that I have sufficient 35's to cover that volume too!
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
Roger Hicks
Veteran
It depends on how important photography is to you.
If I've spent a small fortune on going to India, I don't want to rely on one camera -- though the only time I've ever had an M (M2) pack up on me was 15 miles from home, when I was shooting at a ballet school. Fortunately I had at least one other M with me at the time.
Then again, I am shooting professionally -- sort of.
Cheers,
R.
If I've spent a small fortune on going to India, I don't want to rely on one camera -- though the only time I've ever had an M (M2) pack up on me was 15 miles from home, when I was shooting at a ballet school. Fortunately I had at least one other M with me at the time.
Then again, I am shooting professionally -- sort of.
Cheers,
R.
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
I have two back-ups for my Olympus 35-S...The first one gets little use but I wanted another one JUST-IN-CASE...I love that lens...so now I have two cameras sitting in a drawer just waiting...I might even have a spare parts body somewhere around here too...
robklurfield
eclipse
Tom, if you send me 20 or so loaded ixmoos, a nice black M2 (original or shintaro repaint okay with me; in fact, it doesn't have to even be a nice one), and a matching black paint rapidwinder and I will gladly perform testing in the stead of Underwriters Labs AND I'll do it for free. Actually, I'd even do it if I had to buy (and, perish the thought with my ten-thumbed hands, I might load it, too) my own film.
my eyesight isn't what it used to be, so you are welcome to include one of those nifty eyeball vf's. consider all this a temporary loan to facilitate unbiased third-party testing of rapidwinders. this will help your reputation, I'm sure.
on the topic of backups, my one, lonely little M2 is sporting a new silver softie that I picked up at Photovillage yesterday. my last one was red (on a black m8). I let my wife pick this one. personally, I'd have gone with a green one. now, I think I need to get another camera as an excuse for the green softie.
I pointed out a 35/3.5 summaron in the store to her; she said she thought it was "cute." I think my wife was abducted and replaced by an alien pod person. 26 years of marriage and she starts making comments that encourage me to spend money on gear? definitely an alien abduction scenario. my real wife would never say such a thing. the alien is close match to the real thing, so I think I'll stick with the alien for now. Tom, you can be my explanation for why I need another 35.
my eyesight isn't what it used to be, so you are welcome to include one of those nifty eyeball vf's. consider all this a temporary loan to facilitate unbiased third-party testing of rapidwinders. this will help your reputation, I'm sure.
on the topic of backups, my one, lonely little M2 is sporting a new silver softie that I picked up at Photovillage yesterday. my last one was red (on a black m8). I let my wife pick this one. personally, I'd have gone with a green one. now, I think I need to get another camera as an excuse for the green softie.
I pointed out a 35/3.5 summaron in the store to her; she said she thought it was "cute." I think my wife was abducted and replaced by an alien pod person. 26 years of marriage and she starts making comments that encourage me to spend money on gear? definitely an alien abduction scenario. my real wife would never say such a thing. the alien is close match to the real thing, so I think I'll stick with the alien for now. Tom, you can be my explanation for why I need another 35.
35mmdelux
Veni, vidi, vici
Even as an amatuer, if you want to come back with fotos a backup camera is recommended. I travel with two Leicas (M7, M6 backup) and 3 lenses - 21, 35, 50, or 21, 35, 90mm. Closer to home I carry M7 amd 35mm Summilux pre-asph.
