One camera!

[Bingley]

Dave, I think the premise of your original post is something of a non sequitur. Just because you've determined you need only one camera doesn't mean you can't have more than one, let alone that you must sell off the excess.

I certainly have more cameras than I need. I think I have all the cameras I enjoy.

 

[michaelwj]

i don't want less gear...i just want to take fewer lousy pics!

Hi Joe,

Do you think the two could be related?

On the other hand, your postcard was excellent. Could it be that everyone takes loads of lousy pics but just don'y show them?

 

[burancap]

Well Dave, I suppose if I was giving serious consideration to cutting down to one camera and I owned an F6, the real decision would be: What lenses am I keeping???

 

[kxl]

Interesting, Keith, two D800E bodies!

What smaller lenses do you like (in an effort to keep the overall form size minimal)?

Nikons: 20/1.8G, 28/1.8G, 50/1.4G, 85/1.8G
Sigma 35/1.4 ART


I also have the 28/2.8 AIS, CV 58/1.4 and 105/2.5 AIS, as well as a Kiron 105/2.8 macro lens, and the holy trinity of f2.8 zooms for occasional needs (like today, when I needed reach, so I had to get out the 70-200mm and the 1.4X teleconverter.) The size/bulk does get daunting at times, but can't beat DSLR versatility.

If you go with the F6 as your one and only body -- get the Sigma 35/1.4 ART. If you like the 35 FOV, it is a MUST HAVE. I recently came back from a 3 week trip and it was pretty much the only lens that I used with my D800E. If you're a 50mm shooter, get the Sigma 50mm/1.4 ART instead. I'm actually tempted to sell my Nikon 50/1.4G to get the Sigma--it is that good.

The Sigma 24/1.4 ART is coming out soon in the US, but from early reports, it does not have the same WOW factor.

Good luck!

 

[farlymac]

As an unrepentant gearhead, Dave, I wrestle with this question daily.

In my former line of work, I had the attitude that there was nothing I couldn't try to repair, and really took enjoyment out of figuring how to return a complicated piece of equipment back to working order that no one else seemed to be able to understand.

I sort of do the same with photography, figuring there is some way to get a decent photo out of any camera I have. Sometimes I bought other brands than my Nikons because they were less expensive. At other times, someone would give me a body of a brand I didn't have, and the hunt was on for lenses and accessories.

Then there is the matter of format to consider. Not so much so within the 35mm family of cameras (though there is the choice between rangefinder and SLR), but with 120 roll film, do you go square, or 6x7-9, or roll-your-own 620? And I'd still love to get back into 4x5 someday.

There are even lots of fine P&S models to carry around, if one doesn't want to chance losing or damaging a more expensive model.

I think, what ever you are using the most right now, will probably be what you finally settle on later.

PF

 

[Frida]

I'm a one camera, one lens guy. Back when I had my D700 for wedding work, it was all I used, along with the 35/2 I had on it. Then I switched to an SD1100, which, of course, had a fixed zoom lens. We recently picked up an X100s, which comes with a fixed 35/2 equiv., and that's my only camera now, although we still have the SD1100.

I also pretty much only shoot my family. I can't think of anything more important.

 

[Rayt]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/100068301@N02/shares/0u5oaX

I like using the Rolleiflex for street. The square seems to be much more natural for what I want to shoot.

*not sure how to get a flickr image to appear anymore.

 

[back alley]

Hi Joe,

Do you think the two could be related?

On the other hand, your postcard was excellent. Could it be that everyone takes loads of lousy pics but just don'y show them?

this is the least amount of gear that i have had in years and i like that...but it's only because of finances not any noble philosophy...
add to that that i am in a slump just hating everything that comes out of my cameras...but thanks for the kind words about my postcard.

 

[mfogiel]

The most versatile film camera system I use, is Contax 645.
- The negative is small enough to give 16 shots on a roll, yet big enough to get great prints uo to A2 format
- There is autofocus that can speed up operation if needed, although it is not terribly fast, but you can easily focus with this huge VF ( I have installed Maxwell treated screen for extra brightness)
- There is mirror lock up, multiple exposures, motor drive, extra battery grip, great metering system, WLF or prism, interchangeable magazines on the fly, shutter that goes down to 1/4000, reasonably fast flash synchro
- you have some of the finest lenses in the 35mm/350mm range, including Planar 80/2 and APO Makro Planar 120/4
- you can adapt Hasselblad lenses and shoot with automatic aperture stop down ( although you have to measure light at full aperture) - this includes lenses like 50/2.8, 110/2, 150/2.8
- finally, there are digital backs available for this platform if needed

Main drawbacks: cost, weight, no longer in production

For an "Old Man's" camera I would really see myself using a Rollei TLR with a light tripod. It produces simply wonderful images, and it makes you interact with people easily. It is a work of art and it is completely mechanical. You don't need to fiddle for vertical/horizontal. You can compose each shot thoughtfully.

MF20110602 by marek fogiel, on Flickr

 

[dave lackey]

I am really enjoying this discussion. Surprises all around.

Like some, I suppose, I have found delight in trying different cameras since my SLR days. It was this adventure into different areas of photography that kept my interest and led me to Leica cameras. I only wish I had discovered Rolleiflex years earlier as the CiroFlex has caught my eye in a different fashion.

But adventure is tiring lately. Everyday is an adventure of sorts and, as a metaphor, I long for the comfort of my old jeans, a t-shirt, comfortable shoes and my own bed at night as opposed to being on the road. Camping is fun. Road trips are fun. But I am ready for more than the experience of something different everyday.

Somehow I feel there is a reason for me to be taking pictures and I just don't believe it is for selfish reasons only. I am beginning to understand that I have a role in providing photographs and writings for our family for their fulfillment somewhere down the road.

To do that, I must spend less time playing with cameras and spending more time with family and friends. The presence of a camera should be second nature, not planned, as natural as breathing. But I must not stop there. I must print and share those prints as in the past. And, yes, it is time to frame and display these photographs in our home.

It is all a matter of balance between time and commitment. Getting rid of clutter is always difficult but, as Bob said, there comes a time.🙂

 

[dave lackey]

this is the least amount of gear that i have had in years and i like that...but it's only because of finances not any noble philosophy...
add to that that i am in a slump just hating everything that comes out of my cameras...but thanks for the kind words about my postcard.

Good morning, Joe,

Self-critique is a paralyzing thing when taken too far and it is easy to do that, unfortunately. All my life, I have done the same thing and it has done nothing but hold me back.

Personally, I can tell you I like your work a lot. It is you! You are a unique individual and your work is very good. I always enjoy your posts but I most admire your perspective on all things discussed. I enjoy that and your photos are something I wouldn't want any other way than the way you see and shoot.😎

Keep on Clickin' !!!!

 

[airfrogusmc]

Good morning, Joe,

Self-critique is a paralyzing thing when taken too far and it is easy to do that, unfortunately. All my life, I have done the same thing and it has done nothing but hold me back.

Personally, I can tell you I like your work a lot. It is you! You are a unique individual and your work is very good. I always enjoy your posts but I most admire your perspective on all things discussed. I enjoy that and your photos are something I wouldn't want any other way than the way you see and shoot.😎

Keep on Clickin' !!!!

I totally agree. I to am a fan Joe.

We can sometimes be our own worse critic. I think most of us go through some of that.

 

[nongfuspring]

Yeah this is an interesting discussion, and parallels something I've been struggling with lately also.

I think the F6 is a great choice, but it wouldn't be mine just because of how large it is. When I bought the Contax RX I thought it would my final stop for film cameras, but as time went on I realised that there were just so many situations where it was too big, too heavy, or too conspicuous. For me a "camera for life" is also one that I can take with me in any situation. Considering the F6 is over 50% heavier than the RX it's definitely not the rig I would voluntarily carry with me on a daily basis. I might suggest a smaller SLR, like that FE you had those years ago.

At the moment I'm considering cutting back to a digital set up, and possibly just a Rollei 35 or refurbished Werra 3.

 

[Calzone]

Oh, one other thought...

A Rolleiflex... That would certainly be interesting!🙂

Dave,

Marek's idea about a Rollieflex is not a bad one. Imagine doing B&W only, processing yourself and contact printing the negatives. Basically you can control everything including costs. A Rollie 3.5 has a 40mm FOV and a Rollie 2.8 is about a 43mm FOV. I like the 3.5 because it is smaller and lighter.

Cal

 

[BillBingham2]

I was thinking a well tuned Fuji GS645 folder might be an option. Give you a bit bigger negative while using a camera that should be pretty familiar.

A baby crown graphic with a roll film back might be a good idea for something if interchangeable glass (that is small) is important. Perhaps a Ektar wide and something in a medium telephoto.

But the Fuji is very small yet yields a good size negative to work with.

B2 (;->

 

[lynnb]

Dave,

I think in terms of size as well. Small cameras to take everywhere (I have two XAs, one loaded with FP4 and one HP5 @800, they slip easily into a jeans pocket); SLRs for general purpose/wide angle, two bodies for bw and colour film; and TLRs for portraits and working slow and deliberately.

So that's 2 camera cases packed ready to go plus the XAs in a pocket when I need them. Works well for me.

Cheers,

 

[Spanik]

If I really had to choose it would be the Mamiya 645ProTl. Can't help it, that camera just feels good to me. Like mfogiel says, that format is also a good compromise between size and film use.

 

[robert blu]

Hi Dave, I understand your thinking and what you are after. Different perspective but I sometimes have similar thoughts, but that should be a different thread.

Now it seems you are much in love with your F6, exzellent Camera. This Should be firsts part of your answer: keep it. Second point: because of size and weight of F6 I would keep a small digital together (X1 you already have) for when you need a smaller camera or you need to shoot different ISO than the film you have in the main camera.
Cheers, robert

 

[Out to Lunch]

I don't see the point nor quality of limiting oneself to one camera and one lens.

 

[Calzone]

I don't see the point nor quality of limiting oneself to one camera and one lens.

Peter,

I have too many cameras. On one hand this is good, but they can be a liability because they need to be used and maintained.

The best reason to shoot only one camera and one lens is simplicity so one can concentrate on the discipline of just taking pictures.

I think of culling down my kit all the time, but I also don't want later remorse.

Too much gear is a curse as well as a blessing.

Cal