Matus
Well-known
Hello, in two months (end of March beginning of April) me and my wife will be (most probably) going for 3 week trip to the New Zealand.
We will be mostly doing hiking in the mountains of the south island, seaside etc. Mostly one day hikes from hotels or with a camper. We will have a car for the whole period.
We both do photography (though only I am obsessed with it), but the photography is not the main concern of this trip.
Now - I have a bit problem camera-wise. My wife takes her film SLR with 28, 50 and 100(macro) lenses, so I would prefer a medium format camera to take along. Here comes a problem:
Currently I have: a
1) older DSLR that I do not plan to take - rather heavy with week AF and 6Mpix does not make sense to me (and I prefer the film anyway)
2) Rolleiflex T: a nice camera I usually use with Digisix small lightmeter. But is limited to the standard lens. I would like to have a wider - and if possible a longer lens option too
3) Tachihara 4x5 and 75, 125, 210 lenses - probably too large to take along - I may ship it to NZ beforehand, but I am not decided yet. The shipping would probably cost a bit...
If I had the funds, I would probably get a Mamiya 6 or 7 with 50, 75(80) and 150 lenses but thats out of reach as the cost would be around 1500(2000) euro. (Donations welcome
)
To be considered:
- My budget would be around say 500 - 700 Euro at most.
- In 35mm format my most used lenses are 35/40mm followed by 75mm, but I do not have anything wider.
- Whatever camera I would decide for, I would love the have the "A" (aperture priority) mode.
- I would probably would not want to have only wide (like 28mm in small format) lens option
My question would be: Should I:
- Go for a rangefinder like Bronica RF645 + 45 + 65 (probably more than 700) the 100mm lens is out of question.
- Take a GA645 or GA645zi and forget about the wide angle
- Get some 6x4,5 SLR with lenses like 35, 55, 120(150) - would it be doable - how heavy would be such an outfit?
- Forget the MF cameras altogether and get an Bessa R3A with 25, 40 and 75/90 lenses?
- forget about new complicated stuff: take the Rolleiflex, add a small 35 RF (like Olympus XA or similar) for fast shots and keep the Tachi in the car for those great "100-feet-from-car" vistas.
- any other ideas?
I guess I need to make up my mind fast to have at least one month to get handle of the new equipment
We will be mostly doing hiking in the mountains of the south island, seaside etc. Mostly one day hikes from hotels or with a camper. We will have a car for the whole period.
We both do photography (though only I am obsessed with it), but the photography is not the main concern of this trip.
Now - I have a bit problem camera-wise. My wife takes her film SLR with 28, 50 and 100(macro) lenses, so I would prefer a medium format camera to take along. Here comes a problem:
Currently I have: a
1) older DSLR that I do not plan to take - rather heavy with week AF and 6Mpix does not make sense to me (and I prefer the film anyway)
2) Rolleiflex T: a nice camera I usually use with Digisix small lightmeter. But is limited to the standard lens. I would like to have a wider - and if possible a longer lens option too
3) Tachihara 4x5 and 75, 125, 210 lenses - probably too large to take along - I may ship it to NZ beforehand, but I am not decided yet. The shipping would probably cost a bit...
If I had the funds, I would probably get a Mamiya 6 or 7 with 50, 75(80) and 150 lenses but thats out of reach as the cost would be around 1500(2000) euro. (Donations welcome
)To be considered:
- My budget would be around say 500 - 700 Euro at most.
- In 35mm format my most used lenses are 35/40mm followed by 75mm, but I do not have anything wider.
- Whatever camera I would decide for, I would love the have the "A" (aperture priority) mode.
- I would probably would not want to have only wide (like 28mm in small format) lens option
My question would be: Should I:
- Go for a rangefinder like Bronica RF645 + 45 + 65 (probably more than 700) the 100mm lens is out of question
.- Take a GA645 or GA645zi and forget about the wide angle
- Get some 6x4,5 SLR with lenses like 35, 55, 120(150) - would it be doable - how heavy would be such an outfit?
- Forget the MF cameras altogether and get an Bessa R3A with 25, 40 and 75/90 lenses?
- forget about new complicated stuff: take the Rolleiflex, add a small 35 RF (like Olympus XA or similar) for fast shots and keep the Tachi in the car for those great "100-feet-from-car" vistas.
- any other ideas?
I guess I need to make up my mind fast to have at least one month to get handle of the new equipment
spysmart
Established
I'm in NZ right now on a 3 week holiday- my camera choice is a Leica M6, Zeiss 18, 28 'cron and 50 'lux plus a Ricoh GRDII.
I've just carried that kit (plus sleeping bag, wet weather gear , food etc. total 14Kg ) around the Kepler track - no problem. But was pushing the 50l size of my rucsac.
Also as a day walk up Ben Lomond and a few days in Milford.
The GRD has been really strugelling with dynamic range, but as done a sterling job for record shots and where I did not want to burn my limited film supply.
If you are doing hikes throught the up through the bush weight and size is going to matter.
I've done a similar trip with just a hassy 501 and 80mm, but this trip, I've used the wides a lot ( and even then many that will required digital stitching ). I reacon a Hassy SWC would be the ideal single MF camera for the trip, but those fast RF lenses have been handy in the bush and at dusk.
I am regretting not taking my Gitzo traveller tripod - I ditched it at the final pack - big mistake :-(
I've just carried that kit (plus sleeping bag, wet weather gear , food etc. total 14Kg ) around the Kepler track - no problem. But was pushing the 50l size of my rucsac.
Also as a day walk up Ben Lomond and a few days in Milford.
The GRD has been really strugelling with dynamic range, but as done a sterling job for record shots and where I did not want to burn my limited film supply.
If you are doing hikes throught the up through the bush weight and size is going to matter.
I've done a similar trip with just a hassy 501 and 80mm, but this trip, I've used the wides a lot ( and even then many that will required digital stitching ). I reacon a Hassy SWC would be the ideal single MF camera for the trip, but those fast RF lenses have been handy in the bush and at dusk.
I am regretting not taking my Gitzo traveller tripod - I ditched it at the final pack - big mistake :-(
Ben Blacket
Established
The outfit you take depends on your style of shooting, your subject & what you plan to do with the photos. No one else can tell you that.
One might choose a 35mm p&s, while another would carry a 4x5 with every lens, even though both are making 1 metre prints!
I used to lug a bag of cameras & lenses around & I found it counter productive. Getting a camera/lens out of the bag & changing lenses became a hassle. I ended up not taking a photo at all, especially with my girlfriend or mates standing next to me saying, c'mon!
Now I carry one camera with lens attached & some film in my pocket. I can carry a camera over my shoulder instead of inside a camera bag.
I guess I realised that if I want to enjoy a holiday with others AND be able to take photos, then I have to take photos along the way, as apposed to going on a holiday to take photos!
Hope this helps!
One might choose a 35mm p&s, while another would carry a 4x5 with every lens, even though both are making 1 metre prints!
I used to lug a bag of cameras & lenses around & I found it counter productive. Getting a camera/lens out of the bag & changing lenses became a hassle. I ended up not taking a photo at all, especially with my girlfriend or mates standing next to me saying, c'mon!
Now I carry one camera with lens attached & some film in my pocket. I can carry a camera over my shoulder instead of inside a camera bag.
I guess I realised that if I want to enjoy a holiday with others AND be able to take photos, then I have to take photos along the way, as apposed to going on a holiday to take photos!
Hope this helps!
P C Headland
Well-known
Take what you're familiar with, rather than something new and untried.
The Rolleiflex would be a great camera to take, even with the fixed lens. It will force to concentrate on the image and composition, rather than always wondering what lens. Great lens, and relatively easy to carry. You could add a Rolleinar close up lens or two.
My travel camera up till our return to NZ was an Iskra - I rarely if ever thought the one lens was a limitation.
On a side note, make sure you are well prepared for your walks - too many tourists go in unprepared and get into trouble.
The Rolleiflex would be a great camera to take, even with the fixed lens. It will force to concentrate on the image and composition, rather than always wondering what lens. Great lens, and relatively easy to carry. You could add a Rolleinar close up lens or two.
My travel camera up till our return to NZ was an Iskra - I rarely if ever thought the one lens was a limitation.
On a side note, make sure you are well prepared for your walks - too many tourists go in unprepared and get into trouble.
TJV
Well-known
I got my Mamiya 7ii kit from hksupplies.com and they were cheap, fast and helpful. If you email them or visit their web site you may be able to pick up the standard 80mm and camera for about what you mention or a little more. Not sure where you live but mine arrived in NZ without tax.
I'm with P C headland, I'd be inclined to take less camera gear and more provisions on your tramps. I've counted at least five headline news stories this summer where tourists have got lost in the bush with only beer and a tank top to their names. The bush here can be savage.
One thing I will say though - you'll probably appreciate a wide angle.
I'm with P C headland, I'd be inclined to take less camera gear and more provisions on your tramps. I've counted at least five headline news stories this summer where tourists have got lost in the bush with only beer and a tank top to their names. The bush here can be savage.
One thing I will say though - you'll probably appreciate a wide angle.
Matus
Well-known
Thanks. I will try tu summarize and update.
Currently it seems that the Tachi 4x5 with 75, 125 and 210 lenses will go along, although primarily to be used from-the-car and not taken on the back to every hike. The hiking would be covered with my Rolleiflex T and a Olympus XA (I just have to manage to get a nice well working copy ... anybody? )
The Mamiya 7II wouldbe VERY nice but ...
... when I started to put together the photo expenses I realized that there is not enough left for new camera (Just the film goes 100 - 200 euro ). I do however consider getting a new carbon tripod with a ball head - most probably the Feisol CT-3442 with Photo Clam Ball head PC-33NS from www.reallybigcameras.com what would be together 1.3 kg instead of current 2.5. Although this tripod would get used mostly with 4x5 - I will probably get the tiny (550g) Giottos RT-8000 to handle the rest.
Getting prepared is important - I used to hike day trips but since I am in Germnay the possibilities ware rare. We will definitely not start with the most difficult hikes. I will also try to minize the backpack weight.
Currently it seems that the Tachi 4x5 with 75, 125 and 210 lenses will go along, although primarily to be used from-the-car and not taken on the back to every hike. The hiking would be covered with my Rolleiflex T and a Olympus XA (I just have to manage to get a nice well working copy ... anybody? )
The Mamiya 7II wouldbe VERY nice but ...
... when I started to put together the photo expenses I realized that there is not enough left for new camera (Just the film goes 100 - 200 euro ). I do however consider getting a new carbon tripod with a ball head - most probably the Feisol CT-3442 with Photo Clam Ball head PC-33NS from www.reallybigcameras.com what would be together 1.3 kg instead of current 2.5. Although this tripod would get used mostly with 4x5 - I will probably get the tiny (550g) Giottos RT-8000 to handle the rest.
Getting prepared is important - I used to hike day trips but since I am in Germnay the possibilities ware rare. We will definitely not start with the most difficult hikes. I will also try to minize the backpack weight.
P C Headland
Well-known
Matus, if you can't find an Olympus XA, consider getting a Minox 35GT-S or GT-X. Wonderful lens, and as small as 35mm cameras get.
Debusti Paolo
Well-known
my travel mf rf kit is
BRONICA rf645 with 45/65/100 lenses,flash + 903swc with 2 backs !what else?
BRONICA rf645 with 45/65/100 lenses,flash + 903swc with 2 backs !what else?
Leigh Youdale
Well-known
At the risk of being radical, could I suggest the Canon G10? Great reviews, my (future) son-in-law has just come back from a very successful photographic trip to Europe and UK over three weeks and is delighted with it. No need for interchangeable lenses - equivalent is 28mm to 145mm - and so very suitable for a wide range of photographic situations. 14.5 MP. Compact, not too heavy.
I already own a range of film cameras from 6x9 through 6x6 (including TLR's) as well as a Nikon SLR a Bessa R3A and a couple of Leica IIIf's which take the CV lenses too. They all have their uses. If I had to choose for a trip to NZ I'd take the Bessa with the 25mm and the 75mm lenses, plus a Leica, but I'd probably prefer to go out and get the G10 for ease of use, simplicity and low bulk and weight.
I already own a range of film cameras from 6x9 through 6x6 (including TLR's) as well as a Nikon SLR a Bessa R3A and a couple of Leica IIIf's which take the CV lenses too. They all have their uses. If I had to choose for a trip to NZ I'd take the Bessa with the 25mm and the 75mm lenses, plus a Leica, but I'd probably prefer to go out and get the G10 for ease of use, simplicity and low bulk and weight.
Matus
Well-known
Paolo, that's a nice kit. But if I would get a similar one I would have to go to NZ by foot
Leight - no, digital is not an option. Should I have say a Canon 5D or similar I might consider it, but P&S is no way. I have see some photos from G10, and while the performance is not bad it is far from a DSLR. And I just like less and less the "digial" look. Too clean with a strange response to fine details. But this is just a personal feeling (not even strong enough to be called opinion) that I do not want to discuss here. And it is not you being radical, it is actually me ...
Should I figure out (over this weekend) that i can not take the LF I would consider the Bronica RF645 witj 45 and 65 lenses as I would save some money which I consider to spend on a new carbon tripod and a ball head (as mentioned above).
The Olympus XA I take for sure.
Leight - no, digital is not an option. Should I have say a Canon 5D or similar I might consider it, but P&S is no way. I have see some photos from G10, and while the performance is not bad it is far from a DSLR. And I just like less and less the "digial" look. Too clean with a strange response to fine details. But this is just a personal feeling (not even strong enough to be called opinion) that I do not want to discuss here. And it is not you being radical, it is actually me ...
Should I figure out (over this weekend) that i can not take the LF I would consider the Bronica RF645 witj 45 and 65 lenses as I would save some money which I consider to spend on a new carbon tripod and a ball head (as mentioned above).
The Olympus XA I take for sure.
Haigh
Gary Haigh
Matus, I travel a bit, often just with the Leica M4 and 35mm lens. I go to Tokyo soon with the same, plus 28mm Ultron 1.9 and a Lumix Lx3. Mostly I do street photos so none of this may suit you. Weight is a big consideration. You can find some of my travel shots on Flickr ( Gary M4) and Leica portraits on Leica Boutique gallery. Hope this helps.
Enjoy your travel, with or wiithout a camera.
Gary Haigh,South Australia
Enjoy your travel, with or wiithout a camera.
Gary Haigh,South Australia
Debusti Paolo
Well-known
Matus,I think you should also swim for a while.....
the bronica rf 645 is really A GREAT performer especially if used with the little (great for auto fill in )flash ! you could also consider the combo 65 & 100mm lens! I suggest you to save the tripod & ballhead money to try to buy all the 3 lenses.Now on ebay.it there is a 45mm with fnder @about 5 euro with a buy it now price of 350 euro!I have got great pics with delta 3200/65 lens wideopen ,handheld @1/8 and 1/4 sec!ciao a presto I'm waiting for a postcard
the bronica rf 645 is really A GREAT performer especially if used with the little (great for auto fill in )flash ! you could also consider the combo 65 & 100mm lens! I suggest you to save the tripod & ballhead money to try to buy all the 3 lenses.Now on ebay.it there is a 45mm with fnder @about 5 euro with a buy it now price of 350 euro!I have got great pics with delta 3200/65 lens wideopen ,handheld @1/8 and 1/4 sec!ciao a presto I'm waiting for a postcard
yanidel
Well-known
I believe New Zealand has a lof of wonderful sceneries so I would probably take a long tele (90mm) to compress landscapes if you go the 35mm way.
FrankS
Registered User
I would certainly take the Rolleiflex.
BTW, the Rollei's large negative can stand being heavily cropped, which gives you a longer lens effect. If it is cropped to 135 film size, you have a 75/80mm lens result. Used full frame, the Rollei gives a 40mm equivalent result. These, you said are your most used focal lengths, so the Rollei is perfect.
Why not get an slr body for yourself that is compatable with your wife's kit? That way you can share lenses and have a backup option if one of them breaks down.
BTW, the Rollei's large negative can stand being heavily cropped, which gives you a longer lens effect. If it is cropped to 135 film size, you have a 75/80mm lens result. Used full frame, the Rollei gives a 40mm equivalent result. These, you said are your most used focal lengths, so the Rollei is perfect.
Why not get an slr body for yourself that is compatable with your wife's kit? That way you can share lenses and have a backup option if one of them breaks down.
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Matus
Well-known
Thank you for your input.
Yes - the RF645 with all 3 lenses might replace the Tachi, but The price for such a kit would be around 1500 euro. Just too much. Body, 45 and 65 mm lenses are reasonably easy to get, but the 100 is a rare bird that sells around 700 or more. And I do not see any reasonable options on ebay right now (remember - I am in Germany, so if US seller doe not include "Worldwide" shipping option I will not see it).
Would we have started planning this trip longer ago the RF645 (or even Mamiya 7) might have been possible.
As my wife takes her 35mm stuff I wanted to get MF. Another 35mm SLR does not sound attractive to me.
Right now it looks that we will fit in the weight restrictions (7+20kg per person) even with the Tachi, so it probably goes along. Once in the NZ - it will spend most of its time in a camper van anyhow. I still consider dropping 400 euro for the tripod to save 1.2 kg to make hiking for shorter hikes possible with the Tachi.
The Rolleiflex goes along for sure. If one day I will get the new Bessa III it will be hard for me to let it go , but I do not want to become a collector (sigh) ...
Yes - the RF645 with all 3 lenses might replace the Tachi, but The price for such a kit would be around 1500 euro. Just too much. Body, 45 and 65 mm lenses are reasonably easy to get, but the 100 is a rare bird that sells around 700 or more. And I do not see any reasonable options on ebay right now (remember - I am in Germany, so if US seller doe not include "Worldwide" shipping option I will not see it).
Would we have started planning this trip longer ago the RF645 (or even Mamiya 7) might have been possible.
As my wife takes her 35mm stuff I wanted to get MF. Another 35mm SLR does not sound attractive to me.
Right now it looks that we will fit in the weight restrictions (7+20kg per person) even with the Tachi, so it probably goes along. Once in the NZ - it will spend most of its time in a camper van anyhow. I still consider dropping 400 euro for the tripod to save 1.2 kg to make hiking for shorter hikes possible with the Tachi.
The Rolleiflex goes along for sure. If one day I will get the new Bessa III it will be hard for me to let it go , but I do not want to become a collector (sigh) ...
Ben Blacket
Established
With all this gear choice & 'which camera' talk, what do you hope to acheive creatively from this trip? Do you have a theme or project in mind or just general landscapes? What will you do with the photos - print them for personal use or have an exhibition?
It sounds like you're just after an excuse to buy another camera!
It sounds like you're just after an excuse to buy another camera!
chippy
foo was here
sounds a little harsh Ben, it sounds like (correct me if i am wrong) Matus is sticking with cameras of different formats he already has, and at best has made an excuse to buy a new light wieght tripod. cant blame him for considering possible better options, better than winging about it later. but if the money aint there...then stick with what you got--its the best camera to have film in it.
still though, you make a very good point to have an idea of what you want to produce...but ya know, sometimes ya just dont, and want to cover some bases, especially if you dont get away that often
i like the option of the wife taking the SLR, they are good for certain things (the camera too--JK), and if your like me you can ask to carry it or have a little try, and burn some film. the rollei takes care of candid and planned quality shots (i prefer hasselblad but thats ok
and seriously consider a folder in place of a rollei, but thats me) . and the 4x5 for planned great negs, even if it means getting up early or revisiting a place in the morning or evening--hey presto--all things covered and have fun. lucky to have so many options and dont worry if one doesnt get used too much...it just means you were busy enjoying yourselfMatus
Well-known
- Ben -
You do have a point. Although I am not getting another camera, you are right that one should have an idea what the output is supposed to be. To have an exhibition would be indeed great, although I did not consider that yet (never made any and do not have enough consistent material up to now), but I do like the idea of large prints (I am just processing several different ones that I plan to print around 50x60cm from 4x5). I am currently in the process of learning/doing my own webpage. It would greatly boost my self confidence if I could sell a few prints at some point.
Although quality for such prints can be obtained form a 6x7cm slide, I just do not have such a camera and my Rolleiflex is limited to normal lens. So the Tachi with the mentioned lenses goes along and will be used from the car or for half a day trips. I did carry this camera on a one day trip with an elevation of over 1000m and it was OK. Now with a lighter tripod, lighter backpack and no heavy DSLR could be even better.
And I do not have to meantion the joy of using the Tachi ...
- chippy -
I was actually considering a folder - but will just not be on the market at that point (the new Bessa III) but it would not fit in the budget
But I have hard time estimating how much film to bring along ...
You do have a point. Although I am not getting another camera, you are right that one should have an idea what the output is supposed to be. To have an exhibition would be indeed great, although I did not consider that yet (never made any and do not have enough consistent material up to now), but I do like the idea of large prints (I am just processing several different ones that I plan to print around 50x60cm from 4x5). I am currently in the process of learning/doing my own webpage. It would greatly boost my self confidence if I could sell a few prints at some point.
Although quality for such prints can be obtained form a 6x7cm slide, I just do not have such a camera and my Rolleiflex is limited to normal lens. So the Tachi with the mentioned lenses goes along and will be used from the car or for half a day trips. I did carry this camera on a one day trip with an elevation of over 1000m and it was OK. Now with a lighter tripod, lighter backpack and no heavy DSLR could be even better.
And I do not have to meantion the joy of using the Tachi ...
- chippy -
I was actually considering a folder - but will just not be on the market at that point (the new Bessa III)
but it would not fit in the budget But I have hard time estimating how much film to bring along ...
chippy
foo was here
- Ben -
- chippy -
I was actually considering a folder - but will just not be on the market at that point (the new Bessa III)
But I have hard time estimating how much film to bring along ...
true Ben, if your not familar with a folder or know if its a reliable camera it is too much of a risk to purchase one directly before am aventure or important outing--there can be a learning curve also, although if you are capable of 4x5 then it is relaxed easy, pretty much the same as the rollei. the new bessa III will be a very nice cam but dont discount the old guys if it ever comes to a choice, some of them are truely fine cameras and the end results will be as good or at least have thier own signitures.
I sure look forward to seeing some pics of NZL when you get back, saying what cams they came from in the future....send me a pm when you do, because i dont look at all these forums every day and would miss it...
As for film mate, well your on your own there, work out potential usage and wiegh that against your money budget and you will come to a film budget allowance..considering you have muliple formats to use it will be more difficult to work out compared to many on here that travel with just 35mm
Ben Blacket
Established
I was only having a dig about buying another camera Matus!
If you love using the Tachi, go for it - if you get the most enjoyment from it, it suits your style & you feel most comfortable using it, you'll get the best results from it.
Could you use it handheld when you're on the go as well?
Just to tease you, here's a bigger folder!: http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~razzle/
If you love using the Tachi, go for it - if you get the most enjoyment from it, it suits your style & you feel most comfortable using it, you'll get the best results from it.
Could you use it handheld when you're on the go as well?
Just to tease you, here's a bigger folder!: http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~razzle/