More Obsessing About Gear Choices

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wgerrard

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Anyone here who has taken a 35 lens to European cities and regretted not bringing anything wider?

For an upcoming trip, I know I'm taking a 35. If I opt to bring a 21, as well, that locks in using an R4M, with a Nokton 35/1.2. I could also bring a 28/1.9, with or without the 35.

If I don't take the 21, I can take an M2 with the Nokton 35/1.2, and maybe a 50.

Or, I can take an OM-2N with a 35/2, 50/1.4, and 85/2.

The M2 with the 35/1.2 is a heavy beast to carry around all day.

Looking at pictures from previous trips, and also looking at pictures by others on similar trips, I think I'd use the 85/2 about as much as I used the 21 in those earlier trips. With any kit, I'd use the 35 at least 75 percent of the time.

So, it comes down to taking the Oly kit with the 85, or the Bessa kit with the 21. (Getting a 21 for the Oly would resolve this conundrum, but that isn't really an option. They aren't cheap.)

Whatever I take, a Sigma DP2-S is also coming along.
 
As far as I am concerned, an ideal combo for city shooting is: 2 bodies, 2 lenses, a 28mm and a 50mm, the faster, the better, so the 28/1.9 plus a 1.4/50mm lens would be ideal. A brick of Tri X and you are set. If you want colour, you can always buy the postcards.

This is the 28/1.9 in Genova/Italy

4928876834_853af7672e_b.jpg
 
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I can do 90% of what I want to do with a 35.

If I'm going to go wider than 35, it's gotta be a 24 or shorter. I'm not a 28 fan and, for that matter, not a 50 fan. Ideal kit for me would have to be the 35 and a C-V 15 or 21. Even better, perhaps, 'tho I've not actually tried it: a 40 and a 15.

Film: in the summer I'd carry 65:35 ACROS 100 : Neopan 1600. In the winter, the ratio would be reversed. But that's me.
 
You can see that you are asking others' opinions on a very personal and subjective matter.

I think what happens in a situation like this, is that from the variety of disparate opinions, you recognize and grab onto the one that matches what you already know is best for yourself but aren't conscious of yet. So it is a helpful exercise.
 
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Until recently, I was anchored to 50 as "my lens" though I had Olys down to 24mm. But repeated trips to urban Italy have gotten me looking at wider -- simply to get in any real estate walking down narrow alleys, etc.
Outside cities, OTOH, I've often used 85-100.
The choices you present are leaving wide or tele at home. Your own review of shots suggests you want/need both tails.
Not possible to do 21, 35 or 50, and 75-100 on the RF side? That three lens combo would likely cover anything you run into.
 
For European cities in general, I bring my ZI with 21 and 35 and lots of B&W film, and a digi P&S. I typically use the 35 for most of "my photography," and the digi P&S for tourist-type snaps to appease the wife.
 
I've gone on trips to European cities with nothing wider than 50 and not regretted it. Now that I have a 35 it gets a lot of use though. It's both personal and depends on where you're going. Tight alleys and interesting interiors call for a 21 as do certain statues and architecture. Ultimately it's all up to you and your style. Take what you're comfortable with and spend your time enjoying the trip rather than second guessing your choice of gear. 😉
 
I usually travel with a Rollei (50mm equivalent) and I can't say I've ever felt that I needed anything wider anywhere I've gone.

Of course a lot depends on your preferences (I'm generally a 50mm guy, 35mm is pretty handy but I've rarely found lenses wider than 24mm useful).
 
Yea, I have regretted not taking anything wider than a 35mm, especially when indoors. I think I would go wider than 35mm before I went longer. I guess it depends if you see wide or tele.

Bob
 
Marek: That's a very nice shot.

pagpow: I could do 35/50/90 on the M2, but would need a VF for the 21. Also, while I often use the Nokton 35 on the M2 around home, lugging that combination around all day is not appealing. The Oly gives me 35/50/85, but the 21 is the sticking point there.

robbeiflex: Oh, I'll enjoy myself. My decision style is to worry and dither and lay out different schemes and change my mind over and over, and then make a snap decision at the last minute, and not look back.

if I was leaving tonight, I'd pack the R4M with the 21 and either the 28 or the 35, and maybe a 50.

It's funny how a few ounces make a difference. The M2 with the Nokton feels significantly heavier than the weight difference of the Bessa/Nokton combination would suggest. And the lens seems smaller on the BEesa. Go figure.
 
I say take the 21mm and R4M, I frequently find myself wanting a wider lens, but rarely wanting a telephoto. Leave it at the hotel some days if you don't want to carry it around, but I think it's a good idea to take it.
 
I usually bring a 2 camera 2 lens combo - 35mm and 50mm.

Going on a 9 day trip in Australia leaving in 2 days.
Think i will bring along an extra 28mm and test the 28mm and 50mm combo.
 
I'm taking R4A with 21mm (Zeiss 2.8) and MP with 35mm. 50mm as a backup. Love the rangefinder stuff, two bodies and 3 lenses fit in a small back and won't be a bother to carry all day!
 
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