Help Me Choose My Camera Gear: You Decide!

[BJ Bignell]

It seems I voted for the most popular option:
Leica M3 + CL ++(25mm/Natura) + 35mm +50mm+ 90mm

I would modify it slightly as this:
Leica M3 + CL + CV25mm + 35mm +50mm+ 90mm

Three bodies is too much. Two bodies with four lenses is about right. As Frank suggested, b&w in the M3 and colour in the CL. Take the 35/2 Summi with goggles, the 50/1.2, and the 90/2 Summi.

As mentioned, take a small hand-held incident meter, or if you haven't one, a small handheld reflective light meter. Take an hour or two before you go to figure it out, and to ensure that it works properly.

Most importantly: take lots of film, shoot it dead, and have fun.

 

[RML]

I can't decide this for you, Raid! I wouldn't go for an Leica M anymore. The Bessa T would also not fit in my choices, just like the P. Only the CL carries my vote on this one.

Does CV have a 24/3.5? I only know of a 25/4 but I love that lens.
I'd also go for the M-Rokkor 40/2, the Jupiter-8 50/2, the Carl Zeiss Planar T+ 50/2 ZM and the Jupiter-9 85/2. Only the J-8 is in your line-up.

Choose what you want, Raid. Cull your choices down to the bare essentials and be done with it. 🙂

 

[lubitel]

I think 2 bodies and 3 lenses is definitely enough. I'd pick 25mm 50mm and 90. or just 25 and 90. put a 50 on m3 and 25 on the T or CL and you are set.

 

[Richard Black]

After a report by a well-known contributer on the CVUG, Baba, about how Chinese airport security treated one of his cameras, I think I would take the one I would least miss if damaged. That said, the Bessa T and the 28/50/90 of your choice and the Fuji for all around and backup.

 

[pvdhaar]

I'd say an M3 plus a T.

M3 with 50mm, classic combo all the way..
T with a 25, as it has a low profile, even including a finder..

 

[RML]

After a report by a well-known contributer on the CVUG, Baba, about how Chinese airport security treated one of his cameras, I think I would take the one I would least miss if damaged.

Richard, can you update us on Baba's story?

My experience with Beijing airport and the Erlian railroad crossing border guards and security people is not bad at all. I've never had any trouble at all, and wouldn't expect to have either. Though I kinda dislike the official regime and mentality of the Chinese, I find the people professional, courteous and efficient. Not like the VoPo guards at Checkpoint Charley where we were held for several hours while absolutely nothing happened, got checked or stamped.

 

[Spyderman]

I voted other. I would recommend this:

bodies: M3 + CL (+ maybe Natura as backup)

lenses: 24 + 35 + 50 + 90

With natura instead of 24 lens, you are stuck with shootng the film which is in the natura. If you take a 24 lens, you can have different film in the bodies, and use the lens with the film you wish. Also, sometimes you might want some maual override even with the 24.

But take the natura as a backup, it's so small it fits anywhere...

 

[Marc-A.]

I don't cut no stinkin' leaders! IIIc, baby.
Otherwise, M3/Bessa T

Kinda agree with that. I don't see the problem with the IIIc provided it works well. It's a fantastic camera ... (but you know that story).
But the Bessa T has the advantage of providing a meter and it is in M mount. So it seems to be the easiest solution (better look than the CL BTW).
Definitely M3/Bessa T, then.
Best,
Marc

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Urban areas favor wides in my experience. I voted for 35-50-90. But on further reflection I would take 25-28-35-50 and leave the 90 home. I would shoot with the M3 and take the T as backup only. If you can narrow it down to a favorite lens, try one lens/two bodies. If I had to choose only one, it would be M3/35mm. The only trouble I see is taking a 60 year old camera on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Age and reliability notwithstanding, you are potentially one tumble down a staircase or trip off a curb from having no working camera at all. When I went to Japan I took, M6, M3 and Fuji 645 and for lenses, 35, 50, 90. It was really a little too much gear to haul around (also: film, light meter, table-top tripod, extra batteries etc.). I like the T as a backup because it is nice and light.

Hey - whatever camera you take, don't forget to SEE as well as LOOK. And have a great trip.

Ben

 

[raid]

I can't decide this for you, Raid! I wouldn't go for an Leica M anymore. The Bessa T would also not fit in my choices, just like the P. Only the CL carries my vote on this one.

Does CV have a 24/3.5? I only know of a 25/4 but I love that lens.
I'd also go for the M-Rokkor 40/2, the Jupiter-8 50/2, the Carl Zeiss Planar T+ 50/2 ZM and the Jupiter-9 85/2. Only the J-8 is in your line-up.

Choose what you want, Raid. Cull your choices down to the bare essentials and be done with it. 🙂

Hi,
You caught a couple of errors in my list of equipment;
I have the CV 25mm/4 and not the 25mm/3.5.
Plus, I forgot to mention that I have the Summicron 40mm/2 for the CL.

You go for modern, practical equipment.

Regards,
Raid

 

[FrankS]

M3 + J3
CL + 40Summicron, CV25

 

[raid]

M3 + J3
CL + 40Summicron, CV25

Frank: I could live with such a basic outfit for large cities.

 

[raid]

So far, and based on your votes, The M3 seems to be a "must", and so are the 50mm and the 90mm lenses. This is based on the common choices for the top three categories (25 votes). Then, it is either the Bessa T or the CL, and the 35mm and/or (25mm/4 or Natura).
Believe it or not, but I am getting a lot of valuable comments here that will definitely assist me. What a great crowd of people we have here!
Thanks. Danke. Merci. Shukran.

 

[FrankS]

I'd go with this:

 

[raid]

Frank: Which lens is the shiny one in front ? This is a nice outfit. The J-3 seems to be on the M3 and the 40mm Summicron is on the CL. I have the same outfit, so far.

Regards,
Raid

 

[wlewisiii]

m3 and cl

rokkor 28
50 summicron collapsible
elmar 90/4
no 135

small, lightweight easy to carry.
small bag keep the 28 on the cl, the 50 on the m3 and the 90 on either.

I agree with joe given the choices you list. Personally I'd take only the CL with the collapsible Summicron mounted and the 28 & 90 hooked onto one of those two ended rear caps in my pocktet for when needed.

William

 

[raid]

I agree with joe given the choices you list. Personally I'd take only the CL with the collapsible Summicron mounted and the 28 & 90 hooked onto one of those two ended rear caps in my pocktet for when needed.

William

William: I will look for one of those two-ended rear caps. Where did you get yours, and what are they listed under?

Regards,
Raid

 

[back alley]

need 2 bodies, just in case. the m3 could be left in the hotel safe if not needed/wanted etc.

 

[back alley]

William: I will look for one of those two-ended rear caps. Where did you get yours, and what are they listed under?

Regards,
Raid

glue 2 m rear caps together. i would if i had 2 extra ones around.

 

[wlewisiii]

Raid, I've seen them listed at various places, but never when I've had the money. Given what was being asked for them, I think they were Leitz manufactured :bang: I really can't remember the official name for them. joe's got a good idea of glueing two regular ones together.

William