Backup Camera

[E.M]

I like carrying 2 very different cameras, a Nikon D3 with a afs 28-70 and a Leica M6 with a lux 35. Never had a camera failure.

http://www.etiennemichiels.com

 

[Tom A]

I am planning to have a second camera as an addition to a Leica M2. I was leaning toward the Bessa L as that is the primary use of it for the super wide LTM lenses. However, I was thinking just in case i need a backup, at least Bessa T has the rangefinder. Canon P would work, but heavy.

Just get a second M2. This way you dont have to fiddle with controls that are slightly different or a bit "off" location wise. Loading and reloading is also the same. You can always leave a different lens on it - or just keep it loaded with film and quickly put the lens from the main camera on it - a kind of instant "film-back".

 

[Al Kaplan]

An M2 and an M3 make a great pair, with controls in the same place on both cameras.

 

[FrankS]

I have doubles (or near doubles) of many of my favourite cameras.
M2
IIf/IIIf
OM1
F3
Hexar AF
Rolleiflex
Rollei 35 S/T
Nikonos V
GW670II

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

An M2 and an M3 make a great pair, with controls in the same place on both cameras.

That's the exact setup I use. An M2 with an Elmar and a M3 with a Nikkor.

Neither is really a backup or primary. Just depends which one gets pulled out of the bag first.

 

[coelacanth]

That's the exact setup I use. An M2 with an Elmar and a M3 with a Nikkor.

Neither is really a backup or primary. Just depends which one gets pulled out of the bag first.

I now regret selling M3 in order to restore peace in my bank account after purchasing MP and 'Cron.

I bet M3/M2 combination works pretty well with different magnifications. I'm planning to get an MP/M3 setup or an MP/M2+magnifier setup.

 

[BillBingham2]

Not being a pro, if I'm really worried these days in the film world I bring an wide for my SLR can call it done. I use my SLR for long glass and RF for normal and short. I have a 28 for the SLR that works but I've never needed a back up body with my Ms or Ss. Come to think of it with my Bessas either (knock on wood).

In digital my GX gives me my normal and short tele and acts as a backup for my GRD. While slightly bigger she handles very close to the same so I'm quite happy with the combo. I do carry a backup in digital when small digital cameras get dropped I have yet to hear of them coming back working they way I have Ms, Ss or Nikon Fs.

B2 (;->

 

[35mmdelux]

Think about it like this: does anybody carry two copies of the same lens ?

Mary Ellen Mark

 

[BillBingham2]

Hah, I have the ultimate defense. Mr B would shred the A-team with one paw tied behind his back. I would just point out that his food bowl was part of the "heist"!

I pitty the fool who goes up against that kitty!

B2 (;->

 

[Al Kaplan]

I no longer have a back-up TLR. It worked but I sold it as a "parts camera" to a forum member. I still have both an 85/2 Nikkor and a 90/2.8 Elmarit but I use them for very different subjects.

 

[ssmc]

I often take a backup camera "just in case" (and I am definitely not a pro by any stretch of the imagination). However, I'm not talking about going for an afternoon stroll on the off-chance I might get inspired, I mean on a trip to some place that I might not get to shoot again. My usual backup is a small digicam, a Canon A630 (8MP). It's actually turned out great for shooting panos and extreme close-ups that my DSLR / SLR or RF may not do, depending what lens I have on - I tend to take as little gear as possible so a bunch of extra lenses is usually out. If I'm shooting B&W film in an SLR, I sometimes take a backup body loaded with color film. Manual-focus SLRs are pretty small and light and I got my second body for only $119, shoot it with a $34 lens, and get excellent results. So carrying a backup does not necessarily have to represent a huge out-of-pocket expense (a used, or even just superceded, digicam can also be super-cheap and very useful). With the M6 I would normally shoot B&W, so again I might take oner of the old Minolta SLR bodies with a fast prime and color film. Switching between RF and SLR focusing and framing is not as difficult as I thought it would be.

Only you can decide what your reasons are for wanting a backup, but I have sometimes found myself taking the most memorable photos of a trip using the backup instead of the primary camera... just remember it doesn't have to cost the Earth, and you might finds yourself with greatly expanded capabilities with a little extra effort.

Best Regards,
Scott