camera purchase for trip to NYC

[parasko]

Hi all,

I'm going to New York City in a couple of weeks (first time travelling to the US..can't wait!) and need camera advice.

I can't imagine my 1ds to be the appropriate camera to carry around NYC. I was thinking something small for street photos/architectural abstracts.

I was hoping for a digital camera..the Epson RD-1 in fact, but due to expense and QC issues I read about I think I'll wait for the Digital M.

So film cameras..My focal length preference is 35-50mm. I was thinking of a Contax G2, Konica Hexar AF or Leica CM.

Any advice on which system has better optics and more appropriate for my trip? BTW, I've never used a rangefinder before if this makes a difference.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Socke]

Buy there! B&H is photographers heaven, believe me!

 

[bmattock]

Any of the cameras you mentioned would be just fine for the purpose. I recently visited and carried an Olympus 35 RC and a Yashica Lynx 14. Both did quite well, but it was easier to keep the Olympus out and ready to use.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[RML]

I wouldn't experiment with cameras, film or whatever. Stick with what you know. Even the dSLR is good for NYC.

BTW, the digital M will be much more expensive than the R-D1s. 🙂

Enjoy your stay. I had a good time when I was there a few months ago. There are some photos on _my photo portfolio blog_.

 

[parasko]

RML, sound advice but I'm seeking portability..the 1ds is much too big.

BTW, I love some of your Holga shots..perhaps a Holga would be a good camera to take away..how do you make those bodies lightproof..I hear they are usually not..perhaps a question for a different post.

 

[Socke]

BTW, I love some of your Holga shots..perhaps a Holga would be a good camera to take away..how do you make those bodies lightproof..I hear they are usually not..perhaps a question for a different post.

Easy, rubber bands to hold the back in place and black electric tape for lighttightness 🙂

 

[RML]

Easy, rubber bands to hold the back in place and black electric tape for lighttightness 🙂

Socke, you nailed it! 🙂

 

[rover]

😎

RML, sound advice but I'm seeking portability..the 1ds is much too big.

BTW, I love some of your Holga shots..perhaps a Holga would be a good camera to take away..how do you make those bodies lightproof..I hear they are usually not..perhaps a question for a different post.

Holga, light proof? Why? I always thought the charm of the Holga was the surprise instore for you with every shot. 😎

 

[Socke]

Since we're at it, the local Photo Store had a used "Holga Kit" on offer last month, it came complete with four rolls of probably expired Agfa film of unknown vintage, a bag of rubberbands and a roll electrical tape for just 30 Euro.

I bought a brick of HP5 and was too broke for the Holga 🙂

 

[danielnorton]

So film cameras..My focal length preference is 35-50mm. I was thinking of a Contax G2, Konica Hexar AF or Leica CM.

Of these I've only used the Konica Hexar AF, which I recommend highly. I've heard great things about the Contax G2 as well, but for me anyway, having just the fixed lens make life simpler and I don't like to have to think to much on vacation 😀

Daniel

 

[MikeyGaGa]

The Sidewalks of Old New York

The Sidewalks of Old New York

As a Brooklyn Boy born and raised,I would like to answer your question,but you did not specify WHAT you expect or would like to shoot in NYC.

If is just snapshots of the landmarks thats one thing,but to shot the people and life is quite another.

 

[ch1]

Is he looking to BUY a camera here or just want to shoot one?

If the latter - just shoot whatever you bring!

Jeez - it's not like your travelling to the outback for crying out loud!

Heck - we even sell film here. And I've heard tell that a few of the pioneer traders have brought us in some of them there D-I-G-I-T-A-L memory cards too.

I reckon you can find just about anything you might be needing to make them there pictures over here in the wilderness!

Where is this guy from anyway?

Hey, does he want to buy a bridge?

 

[wlewisiii]

If you have the money to spare, a trip is as good an excuse for GAS as any. I've not used any of the three you mentioned, but I do have the Contax G2 on my short list of "cameras to buy if I ever win the lottery", so I'll happily suggest a you get a G2 & the 45/2 Planar & the 90/2.8 Sonnar so I can enjoy your use of it vicariously... 😀

William

 

[MikeyGaGa]

Fun City Redux

Fun City Redux

As a native New Yorker who relocated to Texas(right on the border with Mexico),and one who comes in contact with a lot of Canadians and MidWesterners,let me tell you
that the old "Fun City" impression that a lot of people have is that NYC is a crime ridden hell hole whose denizens line up in the mornings looking for tourists to mug and rip off.

Perhaps parasko feels a pricey camera is an invitation to theft.

New York is really one of the safest and tourist friendly cities in the world;he need not fear using pricey gear in the open.

But like ALL big cities a certain amount of street smarts is needed.

Mikey

 

[anaanda]

I would bring a camera you feel comfortable carrying around. If you want portability you have the Leica CM. I take my Xpan everywhere but I don't might carrying it around. I would take something you can carry in your pocket..The Hexar is nice but you can't carry it your pocket and the G2 is the biggest of the three but it's probably the best value for the money. Get a G1 with a 45mm

 

[ch1]

As a native New Yorker who relocated to Texas(right on the border with Mexico),and one who comes in contact with a lot of Canadians and MidWesterners,let me tell you
that the old "Fun City" impression that a lot of people have is that NYC is a crime ridden hell hole whose denizens line up in the mornings looking for tourists to mug and rip off.

Perhaps parasko feels a pricey camera is an invitation to theft.

New York is really one of the safest and tourist friendly cities in the world;he need not fear using pricey gear in the open.

But like ALL big cities a certain amount of street smarts is needed.

Mikey

Mikey,

Shhh!

Please do not tell people how safe and peaceful it is here in NYC! Let them think it is just like their home!

For crying out loud we are chock a'block with tourists as it is. Nowadays, you cannot get a hotel room in midtown for under $350/night even in February!

I work at 50th and Lex. Every morning I have to contend with tourists cluttering up the Starbucks trying to figure out what the hell a Vente is - much less a mocha doppio chai latte with soy skim!

Basta! Enough with the tourists. Bring back street crime! 😉

Edit: Oops - forgot to add....Wanna buy a bridge? 😀

 

[rover]

George thought of running for City Minstrel but that ended because everywhere he went people wanted to hold hands and sing Kum Ba Yah. It wasn't the holding hands that got him, it was the hideous song he couldn't take. This gave him an idea though. Now he is running for the chair of Commissioner of Warm and Fuzzy Hugs. After he has had "contact" with everyone at his favorite Starbucks he will hit the one two blocks down.

 

[JohnL]

How about a Rebel XT and take your choice of the EF-mount lenses you already have (for the 1Ds)?

 

[usccharles]

Ah i miss B&H ! its like disneyland for camera lovers. i would make a trip there and go upstairs to the used department and pick a good camera to use. they have a whole bunch of stuff to googoo gaagaa over. i went to NY in february with my 5D, went to B&H and found a mint condition Hexar RF/ 50mm 2 combo and didn't use my 5D not once after that. dslr's are dope but they really are alittle heavy for travel...

 

[kbg32]

Tourists? Mug and rip off? How the hell do you think I got my camera equipment!

Come on! Bring the 1Ds. I dare ya!