Best camera for bicycle touring

I've used a Olympus XA - 8 weeks touring with it in my jersey pocket. Simple, compact, rugged - can take shots whilst on the move. Another camera, though you've noted the 35mm format, but are excellent - medium format folders. I use my Zeiss 6x6 folder (tessar) a lot for rides. It's compact, fits easily in my jersey rear pocket, Very rugged (folded up), medium format for landscapes is wonderful, cheap, simple, ergonomic + lots of film = lots of pictures. Or a 35mm folder - Kodak Retina.
 
I am facing a similar decision.
I have my candidate cameras in my inventory already, so I need to make the right selection.

The selection I had in mind was a Rolleiflex2.8 and a 21mm on R4A. The drawback is that I need to keep 2 formats of film in my pocket, and possibly to meter when I use the Rolleiflex. But I like the self-timer on the Rolleiflex and it being medium format.

OP's post got me to rethink my selection. Now I am thinking about an MP + 50mm lux + 21mm, and a Contax T3. So the T3 will handle the self-timer shots. Also, I get 2 extra stops on my standard focal length than the Rolleiflex2.8, which I believe I don't quite need.

Decision..decision..
 
I have several cameras, from all-metal medium format to mostly plastic 35mm. When it comes to the occasional trip, especially when I go with my bike, I take my Contax T2.

It should pretty much cover all your wishes:
- extremely rugged (titanium, one of the hardest metals of all)
- light but not too light (it has a great feel when shooting)
- very sharp lens, I use mostly Fujifilm Provia 100F and with my Leica projector with a Colorplan lens, the resolution is fantastic
- self-timer
- long living battery (I think I have never replaced mine in three years, try that with a digital camera...)
- easy to use (no problem handing it to a stranger to take a snap of you)
- fast lens
- fast autofocus

If there is anything that I don't like about it, then I would say it's the fact that the manual focus is a bit cumbersome to use. I always stick with autofocus, but at times I manage to focus wrong... e.g. right on the background in between two persons 🙁

Nevertheless, I have been very happy with the Contax and it will be one of the last cameras I would want to give up.
 
People worry too much about too many possibilities and what-ifs. I would take what you have. It will work great. I travelled by bicycle for almost a year and a half. Of course there were a few boats, trains, trucks etc on the way, but I cycled through some pretty hostile environments. I took my MP and two lenses, along with a Canon S95. The Canon broke about half way, which was ok. If I was going again tomorrow, I'd take the MP, the 50mm sonnar, a few filters, and my Coolpix A. Good all round compromise. Enjoy your travels.
 
Mark T said:
People worry too much about too many possibilities and what-ifs. I would take what you have. It will work great. I travelled by bicycle for almost a year and a half. Of course there were a few boats, trains, trucks etc on the way, but I cycled through some pretty hostile environments. I took my MP and two lenses, along with a Canon S95. The Canon broke about half way, which was ok. If I was going again tomorrow, I'd take the MP, the 50mm sonnar, a few filters, and my Coolpix A. Good all round compromise. Enjoy your travels.
Click to expand...

Best advice yet.

If you don't want to take your MP because you're worried about having to replace it, pick up a Bessa R2M or M4-P with whatever two-lens combo you like and go ride. If I had to leave on my bike today, I'd take my M4P with the CV 28 f/2 and 75 f/1.8 and my "only-God-knows-how-old Gossen Pilot." I've got a Lowe Pro Photo Runner fanny pack with a rain cover that is perfect for the purpose.
 
Some really great suggestions. It seems that the Contax T3 is a good choice and one cannot go wrong with it. I wonder if the T2 is just as good of a contender. I should point out that I have been using my MP and 50 Lux Asph for my bike tours. It's not so much that I'm worried about harming the camera or lens (my motto is: everything has its purpose and life so make the most of it) it's just that I'd rather carry something lighter and smaller to make my rides a bit more comfortable. I could also pack a little more food or a cooking stove if I replaced the MP/50mm with a smaller point and shoot. Don't worry, even though I've got my MP sitting on the mantlepiece, it's been abused thoroughly. I've got the brassing, dents, and scratches to prove it. 🙂
 
Not much to add here, but I hope the OP checks out Peter's photos. His T3 shots (and, really, all of his shots) are impressive.

Peter_S said:
It is really tough to beat the T3 here. I use mine since years for ski touring, ski expeditions (to over 6000m), guiding and such...it is simply perfect for that.
I also had good luck with the TVS III (also for long mountain bike tours in the Andes), but it vignettes at the WA end and takes no filters.

(I also like the Contax T for its smaller size, but I stopped trusting rangefinders whenever they get knocked around).
Click to expand...
 
In 2005 l cycled Lands End to John O Groats, covering 1008 miles in 10 days, l carried two cameras a Minox 35 GL and an Olympus XA. Weight was an issue and some days I was to tired to care about taking pictures. Another great camera would be a nikon 35ti, although l have never owned one myself. Good luck with your cycling
 
I am doing Cycle Oregon in the fall (400+ miles in a week) and will be considering a similar situation.
M5 out. too heavy
Sigma DP2M out. poor battery life.
I am thinking my Ricoh GRDIV and Rollei 35.
Although if I don't sell my Bessa R2 here, I may take that with 35 color skopar.
 
XA with me, for any trip. RF is OK for precise focusing, if you really need it with 35 on 35 at 2.8 max.
But it is in different inexpensive range (<$100) comparing to OP's range 🙂
 
I rode across Australia with an M6 and two lenses, and an olympus mju-II. The olympus was great for shooting while riding, as you can operate it one-handed.
I carried both in an Ortlieb 6 classic handlebar bag - waterproof and extremely quick to open and access. It also has enough room for a few rolls of film, a light meter and snacks.
If you want to check out my trip and photos, see:
http://www.headingnowhere.com/blog/melbourne-to-perth2013
 
I consider the only real bicycle camera to be one that you can use while riding not stopped. Hence, the Olympus Stylus Epic which I can shoot one handed while on the bike. This is our youngest son Matt when we did the Rosarito to Ensenada bike ride in Mexico. He still rides his 1989 Specialized Stumpjumper, bought new, although it is now a single speed and every part except the frame and fork has worn out and been replaced. The camera is only slightly newer.

Matt%20Rosarito%20to%20Ensenada.jpg
 
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