ped
Small brown dog
One film camera and a ziplock bag full of film. Mobile phone for snapshots to send to family.
And I'd go in a car 😉
And I'd go in a car 😉
Next Trip: One Camera; Two Lenses Max
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johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
Not when you add developer and fixer and a film tank to that list...
Regarding the original question, I'd go a whole other way.
My choice would be a Horseman Convertible camera: 62mm lens on a 6x7 film cassette that can take 220 film.
You'd have the MF eq. of a 28mm P&S that packs 20 images per roll, each equalling digital WRT quality, while not needing batteries.
This camera pops up for sale online regularly.
Sending pictures to the homefront, I'd simply use an iPhone. Best bet is the folks at home are interested in the pictures because they are interested in you, so iPhone pictures might do fine until you return.
Have a good trip!
nongfuspring
Well-known
I don't know much about motorcycles + Leicas, but would the vibrations cause a fairly high likelihood of the RF going out of alignment, especially over such a long distance?
Personally for film I would probably feel more comfortable with something like an nikon FM /F2, or like others have mentioned at least bringing an XA2 or similar as backup.
Personally for film I would probably feel more comfortable with something like an nikon FM /F2, or like others have mentioned at least bringing an XA2 or similar as backup.
Pete B
Well-known
I went to Cuba with a new to me MP and a 35/2 Asph. 2 days from the end of the 2 week trip the rewind clutch seized. Fortunately, I had an Olympus miu 2 that I'd been using occasionally during the trip. That little compact saved the day with its excellent lens.
Recently I had ski trip and took a Leica 111f and a 35/2.5 Color skopar with a viewfinder. I really enjoyed the experience. I'd definitely consider a Color skopar cv21/25, cv35, 50 kit; it would be very space efficient and very capable.
Pete
Recently I had ski trip and took a Leica 111f and a 35/2.5 Color skopar with a viewfinder. I really enjoyed the experience. I'd definitely consider a Color skopar cv21/25, cv35, 50 kit; it would be very space efficient and very capable.
Pete
k__43
Registered Film User
+1 on the backup camera MJU, XA, ContaxT2, YashicaT4 (XA being the stealthiest)or something .. could also be the one having a 35mm and then you could use either a 50 or 21 on the M2. Two focal length, two cameras - also makes you quicker. the XA is lighter than some 35mm lenses alone.
Or throw in a CL as backup for the M2 - takes the same lenses and is about 500g - 6 month with one camera far away from camera repair stores would make me worried
on the other hand checking salvation army stores for old cameras in case yours get damaged could be fun too
Or throw in a CL as backup for the M2 - takes the same lenses and is about 500g - 6 month with one camera far away from camera repair stores would make me worried
on the other hand checking salvation army stores for old cameras in case yours get damaged could be fun too
oftheherd
Veteran
Never rode anything but street/trail, and that many years ago. I have never owned or used a Leica. My only contribution is to wish you a fun, problem free, and above all, a safe trip. It sounds interesting.
raid
Dad Photographer
Next trip: two cameras-two lenses.
Keep it simple.
Keep it simple.
ktmrider
Well-known
Well, in all my time traveling I have never had a camera fail on a trip. South America is not a wilderness and cameras can be bought in case of a failure. However, I am now leaning toward two M2's with 21/35/90.
The vibration from the motorcycle is a concern but foam rubber in the tank bag cures that. If I take the BMW, I can take the kitchen sink. If the 250, then gear gets down to backpacker considerations. My daughter and I spent 90 days in Europe with a single medium size pack last fall and I thought we had too much. Camera was an M9 and only negative was paranoia about theft.
May take 6 months to a year and go around the world instead. But the same photo issues apply as I will only take a medium pack. Minimum is one M (M2 or M9) and 35mm lens. Maximum is two M's with 21, 35 and 90. Lots of wiggle room and lots of time.
I just sold my X100 and a blad so they are no longer in the picture. I do not see the need to upgrade to the 240 (my favorite M seems to have been made about 1958). I might investigate a small digital like a Canon S90 or its equivalent as a backup.
The vibration from the motorcycle is a concern but foam rubber in the tank bag cures that. If I take the BMW, I can take the kitchen sink. If the 250, then gear gets down to backpacker considerations. My daughter and I spent 90 days in Europe with a single medium size pack last fall and I thought we had too much. Camera was an M9 and only negative was paranoia about theft.
May take 6 months to a year and go around the world instead. But the same photo issues apply as I will only take a medium pack. Minimum is one M (M2 or M9) and 35mm lens. Maximum is two M's with 21, 35 and 90. Lots of wiggle room and lots of time.
I just sold my X100 and a blad so they are no longer in the picture. I do not see the need to upgrade to the 240 (my favorite M seems to have been made about 1958). I might investigate a small digital like a Canon S90 or its equivalent as a backup.
FrankS
Registered User
On my trip, my only digital camera was my iPhone and it did an admirable job.
I went a bit overboard on the film cameras, but they all fit in my foam lined tank bag.
Hexar RF with 28mm, Leica CL with 40mm, 21mm, and an XA2.
Rolleiflex E2, Fujica gsw645
On an old Honda cb750, 9,000miles, 30 days
I went a bit overboard on the film cameras, but they all fit in my foam lined tank bag.
Hexar RF with 28mm, Leica CL with 40mm, 21mm, and an XA2.
Rolleiflex E2, Fujica gsw645
On an old Honda cb750, 9,000miles, 30 days
David_Manning
Well-known
Lots of advice, lots of ideas for sure. I don't envy you making the "right" choice for yourself.
As a constant traveler myself, and space always being at a premium, I'd first answer what kind of pictures you want to return with. Then let the answer dictate the tool(s) you bring with you. Just people? Just portraits? Landscapes? Distant details? This will dictate focal lengths you'll use most. Why carry a telephoto if you're only shooting exotic street?...etc.
Sounds like a hell of an experience. The way I'd go...Ricoh GR for 28mm plus flash and discreet (dinner out, sketchy places, etc). I'm an M9 shooter myself, but I think I'd take the digital equivalent of my FE2, which is the Fuji X-T1 and either a 35/1.4 (50mm equiv) or a mid-range compact zoom. I know you don't own these, so take it with a grain of salt. The X-T1 and the proper lens is very water resistant and very tough. I had my X-T1 and the 23 f1.4 up in the mountains of Hawaii and brought back phenomenal images (the only problem was lens fogging occasionally).
AND...about six or eight 16gb SD cards. Keep them in a little card wallet, mark them with a Sharpie when they're exposed. You'll NEVER be able to carry as much film as those cards, and if you decide to edit along the way somewhere (and even print and mail!), you won't mess up your original RAW files (like you might with souping film somewhere).
I know film is romantic, and generations before have traveled the world with only an M body and a single lens plus a case of film, but I'm willing to bet $$ if they had access to current tech, they'd be shooting differently.
Lastly, enjoy! Drivers and roads (and conditions) are much more dangerous in C. and S. America, so motorcycles deserve undivided attention there. Stay safe.
Hawaii (Oahu, Stairway to Heaven), rainy misty, bumpy and jostling// X-T1 + 23mm f1.4...
As a constant traveler myself, and space always being at a premium, I'd first answer what kind of pictures you want to return with. Then let the answer dictate the tool(s) you bring with you. Just people? Just portraits? Landscapes? Distant details? This will dictate focal lengths you'll use most. Why carry a telephoto if you're only shooting exotic street?...etc.
Sounds like a hell of an experience. The way I'd go...Ricoh GR for 28mm plus flash and discreet (dinner out, sketchy places, etc). I'm an M9 shooter myself, but I think I'd take the digital equivalent of my FE2, which is the Fuji X-T1 and either a 35/1.4 (50mm equiv) or a mid-range compact zoom. I know you don't own these, so take it with a grain of salt. The X-T1 and the proper lens is very water resistant and very tough. I had my X-T1 and the 23 f1.4 up in the mountains of Hawaii and brought back phenomenal images (the only problem was lens fogging occasionally).
AND...about six or eight 16gb SD cards. Keep them in a little card wallet, mark them with a Sharpie when they're exposed. You'll NEVER be able to carry as much film as those cards, and if you decide to edit along the way somewhere (and even print and mail!), you won't mess up your original RAW files (like you might with souping film somewhere).
I know film is romantic, and generations before have traveled the world with only an M body and a single lens plus a case of film, but I'm willing to bet $$ if they had access to current tech, they'd be shooting differently.
Lastly, enjoy! Drivers and roads (and conditions) are much more dangerous in C. and S. America, so motorcycles deserve undivided attention there. Stay safe.
Hawaii (Oahu, Stairway to Heaven), rainy misty, bumpy and jostling// X-T1 + 23mm f1.4...
David_Manning
Well-known
I forgot to add...a GoPro mounted to your handlebars or your helmet 😉
mervynyan
Mervyn Yan
a ps digital is a must, other than the real camera.
ktmrider
Well-known
Did the stairway to heaven a couple times when I was living on Oahu back in 1980-84. I was a Marine pilot stationed at Kaneohe between aircraft carrier deployments to the western Pacific and the Indian Ocean.
And one of the advantages of digital is the capacity of SD cards. Thanks.
And one of the advantages of digital is the capacity of SD cards. Thanks.
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Back in the summer of 2004 I had the question of which lenses to bring on my deployment to Iraq. At the time I had a 28mm Kobalux, 35mm Serenar, 50mm f/1.4 Canon, 50mm DR Summicron, 90mm Elmar and 10.5cm f/2.5 Nikkor.
I chose the 28, DR 'Cron and the 90 Elmar. Everything else was much heavier and my Issued photo gear + 782 gear + 300 rounds of 5.56 + rifle already weighed a lot.
After I got to Kuwait, I found out that it was impossible to change lenses like I wanted so I bought an M4 from Keh. Emailed them about my situation and location then had them pack the regular shipping box in a box the size of a mini-refrigerator. When it arrived it looked like a large medicine ball.
Once I had the M4, I barely ever changed my lenses. The 28 stayed on my M2 which also had a TA Rapidwinder that T&T sent to my mother in New Mexico who sent it to me. The M4 kept the Summicron and I barely used the 90mm.
My whole point is I guess I'd do something similar for a 6 month trip. Take two fully mechanical bodies and two lenses. Maybe a small 90mm or even a 135mm Elmar just for the reach. Either those or two Nikonos V bodies, one with the 35mm, the other with the 80mm. The equatorial and tropical zones you'll be traveling through will be hell on cameras not designed for diving.
This sounds like a fantastic trip and I'm a bit jealous. The motorcycle isn't my style but driving there in an old 70's Mercedes diesel is. Have a fantastic trip.
Phil Forrest
I chose the 28, DR 'Cron and the 90 Elmar. Everything else was much heavier and my Issued photo gear + 782 gear + 300 rounds of 5.56 + rifle already weighed a lot.
After I got to Kuwait, I found out that it was impossible to change lenses like I wanted so I bought an M4 from Keh. Emailed them about my situation and location then had them pack the regular shipping box in a box the size of a mini-refrigerator. When it arrived it looked like a large medicine ball.
Once I had the M4, I barely ever changed my lenses. The 28 stayed on my M2 which also had a TA Rapidwinder that T&T sent to my mother in New Mexico who sent it to me. The M4 kept the Summicron and I barely used the 90mm.
My whole point is I guess I'd do something similar for a 6 month trip. Take two fully mechanical bodies and two lenses. Maybe a small 90mm or even a 135mm Elmar just for the reach. Either those or two Nikonos V bodies, one with the 35mm, the other with the 80mm. The equatorial and tropical zones you'll be traveling through will be hell on cameras not designed for diving.
This sounds like a fantastic trip and I'm a bit jealous. The motorcycle isn't my style but driving there in an old 70's Mercedes diesel is. Have a fantastic trip.
Phil Forrest
Bisakok
Established
I agree with Johan. Shoot medium format... and something that takes 220 means less space for film. The original OP said "one camera and two lenses max"... surely that means a TLR!? And the iPhone for the Facebook posts. And the Bimmer... this is the trip the 1200 GSA was designed for after all.
nightfly
Well-known
I hate having too much gear period.
When I traveled around South America for several months in the mid 90's I brought a Yashica t4. It was great. It rewound the film once or twice too early but otherwise no issues.
I also hate scanning and processing a lot of film when I get home, so now I would take the m9 myself and one or two lenses. Either that or a Ricoh GR or similar.
My next trip will be part bicycling and part just being a tourist so the GR will be in my jersey pocket for riding and I'll bring the m9 when I'm just wandering bike free for pleasure.
Have fun. Personally I wouldn't ever travel with film again unless I had a special artistic need for a certain look.
People seem to think cameras are these frail things but I sometimes think they just like to have excuses for buying twice as much gear as they really need by calling it "backup".
When I traveled around South America for several months in the mid 90's I brought a Yashica t4. It was great. It rewound the film once or twice too early but otherwise no issues.
I also hate scanning and processing a lot of film when I get home, so now I would take the m9 myself and one or two lenses. Either that or a Ricoh GR or similar.
My next trip will be part bicycling and part just being a tourist so the GR will be in my jersey pocket for riding and I'll bring the m9 when I'm just wandering bike free for pleasure.
Have fun. Personally I wouldn't ever travel with film again unless I had a special artistic need for a certain look.
People seem to think cameras are these frail things but I sometimes think they just like to have excuses for buying twice as much gear as they really need by calling it "backup".
marcr1230
Well-known
You should be able to charge batteries via the Bike
equipment choice depends on your goals and habits and constraints
I'd go with 2 bodies and 2 lenses.
equipment choice depends on your goals and habits and constraints
I'd go with 2 bodies and 2 lenses.
Spanik
Well-known
Cannot say much about the gear as it isn't really clear to me what is the most important: the voyage, the motorcycling or the photography. I wouldn't take such a trip without a medium format and a cartload of film.
Thanks for that line of tought. Have been on the lookout for a simple/small MF camera and this really looks a great thing.
Thanks for that line of tought. Have been on the lookout for a simple/small MF camera and this really looks a great thing.
Texsport
Well-known
I think I might consider 2 cameras, 2 lenses, an an adapter to get 4 combinations.
(1) Hasselblad XPan + 45mm
(2) Micro43 + telephoto
(3) Hasselblad to m43 adapter
That would give you a:
1-45mm panoramic
2-45mm normal lens
3-90mm equivalent on m43
4-Telephoto on m43
That would cover pano, portraits, and television.
Texsport
(1) Hasselblad XPan + 45mm
(2) Micro43 + telephoto
(3) Hasselblad to m43 adapter
That would give you a:
1-45mm panoramic
2-45mm normal lens
3-90mm equivalent on m43
4-Telephoto on m43
That would cover pano, portraits, and television.
Texsport
Bill Clark
Veteran
From your description, looks like a terrific trip.
For me, hope this helps you, I take one of my full frame Canon DSLR with a 50 f 1.4 and a Leica M4 with 50 Summicron. The Canon is for making color photographs, all capture RAW only but I bring along sunscreen! Ha! I use an iMac with CS4 to process. I bring the thingy to recharge the battery and a spare battery for both the camera and me!
The Leica is for B & W only film that I process.
I like both methods of capture. For family photos the 50 works just fine for me.
Thats, thats, thats all folks.
For me, hope this helps you, I take one of my full frame Canon DSLR with a 50 f 1.4 and a Leica M4 with 50 Summicron. The Canon is for making color photographs, all capture RAW only but I bring along sunscreen! Ha! I use an iMac with CS4 to process. I bring the thingy to recharge the battery and a spare battery for both the camera and me!
The Leica is for B & W only film that I process.
I like both methods of capture. For family photos the 50 works just fine for me.
Thats, thats, thats all folks.
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