the complication of MF

[FrankS]

It's tough enough if you have a few cameras and lenses, to decide what gear to take out to photograph with or for travelling, even if all you need to consider is 35mm gear. Add medium format with its quantum leap in image quality, into the equation and it becomes more complicated, especially when the MF camera in question is the highly portable and easy to use Bronica RF645. Its only downfall is the lack of lens choices, though the 65mm f4 normal length is fairly versatile.
I'm thinking that 2 BRF645's, one with B+W film the other with colour neg film, along with a 35m RF camera, say an M6 or Hexar RF with 25, 35, and (a faster) 50mm lenses for focal length variety and better low light capability, would be a killer outfit.

This is so subjective, because the ideal outfit for some is a single 35mm camera with a single lens, and for others it is an 8x10 view camera. But this is what I'm starting to think about. Anyone care to comment?

 

[maddoc]

I think it really depends on the situation which camera / lens set to choose. I just came back from a conference in Tokyo and since the regulations about carry-on baggage in Japan have changed I was forced to reduced my photo-equipment to a minimum (had to carry my notebook also and didn't want to bring more than one bag and and a small suitcase) So I only took the MP with the Summilux 50mm and the Elmarit 28mm and didn't have the feeling of missing some lens. Sure, on a business trip the time is limited but also on a short vacation I wouldn't carry more than 2 bodies and three lens (28,35,50 or 28, 50, 90), which fits into my Artist & Artisan camera-bag.

I can't tell about MF gear but when I start thinking about carrying one or two MF bodies with lens together with a small 35mm kit in a Subway in Tokyo during rush-hour ... (and in Japanese cities it seems to be always rush-hour ...🙄) To my opinion it always ends up finding the ideal compromise between highest flexibility and smallest kit.

-Gabor

 

[aad]

I'd need a wheelbarrow!

 

[FrankS]

Yes, it's all about the situation. I'm thinking about times when photography is the primary activity.

I don't have my second BRF645 yet, but I believe this kit would all fit in my Domke 803 satchel bag.

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

Well, last Wed. I did a 15 hour road trip to pick up an 8x10 enlarger. So I guess I'm sorta leaning toward the larger negative.

And that is my subjective view.

However I have to go on a business trip in a couple of weeks, and I am thinking about taking only my Rollei 35S and my Gray Baby Rollei tlr.

Or I may take 35mm rangefinder and a 120 tlr or folder. Definetly not taking the 8x10 on this trip.

Wayne

 

[Iskra 2]

Simplify, simplify, two Iskra's, one loaded with Astia 100 and the other Portra 400VC. Then maybe a medium (100mm) and long (200mm) for the SF body (T90). And of course, the Colonel's Zorki 4/Jupiter 8 to impress the Locals. 😀

I might change my mind though. 😱 🙂 Regards.

 

[BILLC]

More than half of my shooting is MF but when I travel I tend to use 35 because I can always get film. The days of racks of 120 next to 35mm and the post cards are long gone.
Bill

 

[fishtek]

Hmmmmmm........

Hmmmmmm........

The question made me think too much...

Over the last while, I'm managed to pare down my gear to almost the right ratio of gear/function.

I've got a Canon DSLR and a SLR backup body, with 3 zooms and 2 primes, and the Bessa R with 35/50/75 lenses. I usually give some thought about what I'll be doing, how much time for shooting, environment, etc., then load a bag with what seems to be an efficient kit. As I'm still re-learning the rangefinder/film/chemistry stuff, I tend to haul the DSLR out more than the RF, but I'll often stuff the "R" with the 35 into a side pocket...

Best!
Don

 

[jaffa_777]

I find that my Mamiya 6 is the perfect camera fo me in regards to travel, quality, weight, and compactness. The lenses are a lot slower than what you can get in 35mm, but I find that even shooting 400 film in MF is better than the smaller negative of 100 speed in 35mm.

My ideal setup would be two mamiya 6 (or 7) bodys over each shoulder, with a small 35mm camera in the bag with a 1.4 lens ready to shoot in really low light situations.

 

[Peter55]

For everyday fun photography I think all you need is a single 35mm camera with a 35mm lens.
For special purpose photography, like say a Birthday or an event you should always bring 2 bodies and at least 2 lenses, possibly 3.

 

[gb hill]

Frank, the setup you described sounds perfect to haul along to an event like a wedding or bar- mitsva, I have never used MF and have my eye on a tlr right now. Landscapes are nice, but for everyday street use just how practical is MF. Another question I have wondered about is, why have so many wedding photographers left MF for DSLR's? Surely the quality on MF is far better. Is it the hassle?

 

[Keith]

Simplify, simplify, two Iskra's, one loaded with Astia 100 and the other Portra 400VC. Then maybe a medium (100mm) and long (200mm) for the SF body (T90). And of course, the Colonel's Zorki 4/Jupiter 8 to impress the Locals. 😀

I might change my mind though. 😱 🙂 Regards.

Strange to read about the Iskra ... I am currently contemplating one of those at the moment for my trips into the local rainforest where I will need to carry a small light tripod as well. The 6x6 will suit this environment I hope! I wouldn't fancy carrying two Bronicas. 😱

 

[FrankS]

Frank, the setup you described sounds perfect to haul along to an event like a wedding or bar- mitsva, I have never used MF and have my eye on a tlr right now. Landscapes are nice, but for everyday street use just how practical is MF. Another question I have wondered about is, why have so many wedding photographers left MF for DSLR's? Surely the quality on MF is far better. Is it the hassle?

Mainly it's the cost of film, I think, and the ability to take almost unlimited numbers of pictures with digital. Also the instant feedback on whether the shot was made. It certainly isn't better quality, but good enough.

 

[kully]

If space is at a premium, I'm a heretic and take the D70 + 18-50/2.8. If I'm mainly going to be shooting at night or if I have some more room the R2a + 40/1.4 comes along with HP5+.

If I have loads 'a room I also bring my Seagull TLR and the IIIa (just because it makes people go "ooo").

However, I have found I have the most "fun" when I only have one camera to choose from - even if it's a Fed-2.

 

[JonasYip]

I used to travel with a full DSLR kit (incl zooms, fast primes, and backup body) and still toss in Mamiya 7 with one lens (50) just to have that big neg. But then I started reducing my load, carrying instead 2 RFs + the Mamiya 7. Eventually the 7 got replaced (when travelling at least) with a nice compact Fuji GS645 folder. My next trip I'm thinking of carrying one RF and two lenses and no medium format at all... but I'm sure at the last minute I'll toss something in.

j

 

[pstevenin]

I'm going to travel to Tunisia with the whole family (including the twins who still do not want to walk...) let say I'll have to make a choice among bodies.

I plan to go there with the Fuji 670III for slides (Velvia 50 & PanF 50) the little GR-D (to play with filters & back-up) and the M6TTL + 35 cron & 90 tele-elmarit. I'll probably hide the gear on the kid rucksack ;->

If I get caught, I'll be on my knee for the Fuji only !

 

[Doug]

Frank, sounds like you're contemplating a second RF645 body. I made that choice, choosing the second body with the 135mm frames in anticipation of finding a 135mm lens some time. Both bodies and three lenses, finder, meter, film, etc, fit very nicely in a LowePro bag measuring about 8x9x13.

As you know, the camera is surprisingly compact, scarcely larger than a 35mm RF and smaller than many SLRs. Not at all unreasonable to travel with such a kit, and I've done so. As you say, reserve one for color and the other for fast B&W (for me that was Tri-X Pro 220 at EI 1000 in Diafine, yellow and orange filters handy.) I didn't see much need for a 35mm rig along too, though on one trip in addition to the above pair I had a P67 along too in its own bag.

 

[iml]

My plan is to eventually acquire a Mamiya 7 (the Bronica RF645 looks good, but I like the idea of 6x7). That with an 80mm lens, the M6 with 50mm, and the R-D1s with 35mm for colour, should do me for most serious photography days and will fit in a reasonably compact bag. Otherwise it'll remain the Olympus 35 RC and/or Ricoh GR-D for normal carry-around use.

Ian

 

[PetarDima]

I hope that MF will give you a chance to take portraits & landscapes in old, traditional way, Frank. I am waiting for Bessa + 40mm lens, and i think that that will be NEW BETTER begining for me ... that is very interesanting : I always wanted to find photo gear which will fit to my mind and hands, but that combo must be simple: body + 2 or 3 lenses. When that camera become a part of my mind & body nothig else is need ... there is no excuse for BIG mistakes.
Now, 40 mm lens is something between 35 & 50 - it could be good replacement for bouth 🙂
Next step is something wide - 28mm, I think, and than I'll be able to say:
I'm done
and to take on life time credit one truck of B&W films,papers & chemicals from Ilford company.🙄

 

[Pherdinand]

a killer outfit, yes, but very expensive and not for lightweight traveling.