The Obsession With Smallness

[FrozenInTime]

Between 1995 and 2003 I carried this Minox AX absolutely everywhere - normally loaded with Fuji 800 or Kodak CN400.
It's one of the few all manual cameras : fixed aperture, manual shutter and focus.
It controls were so perfectly designed to be turned by pressing a finger and rotating - there was no conflict between size and usability.

I typically made 6x4" prints - but did do some at 16x12".

 

[mrrobleyleica]

I am bucking a trend here! Just got a Pentax 67 😀

Now you mention it's reminded me to take mine for an outing, daytrip in the car, not over shoulder these days.
What lens did you get?
They're big and heavy, but amazing and built to last. I used mine without a tripod - street style, pushed 400 agfapan with a 75mm and used to get some great shots, but may lead to curvature of the spine if used for more than a few hours at a time.
I'm in the school of small kit these days, so may flog it.

 

[KenR]

Having just come back from a walk with my Fuji GSW690 I can say that I know personally all about big heavy objects - but the results are amazing and justify the backache (and stooped shoulder).

 

[ChrisPlatt]

My Minox is in my pocket always and just shot a roll with the GT.

The beauty of a true pocket camera is that it can be with you at all times.
It's always there when you need it, and not in the way when you don't.
Further it does not draw attention. IMO that's very important, too.

Chris

 

[Rico]

I'm a fanatic for big, heavy cameras when they're on a tripod! One gains platform stability and more room for grips and controls. Out and about, however, I want a lighter load and less visibility. M4 and two lenses is nice, but shirt-pocket T3 is even better. Five years after I took this gear shot, the pictured cameras are still my most used: moderate speed 35mm lens on uncropped 135 format.

 

[Tomas M]

To be honest, everyone should calm down on size and weight, lenses and specs, sensors and accesories, and appreciate a camera for what it is in it's simplest form. Make the camera for you, make an image which is techincally correct and pleasing to you, rather than worrying about the weight and brand of the camera. A camera won't make a better image, a lens won't make a better image, and a certain film won't make a better image, only you will make a better image.

 

[user237428934]

....rather than worrying about the weight and brand of the camera....

This is questionable. You will never get a good picture out of a camera if you don't feel comfortable with you equipment.

 

[bojanfurst]

Now you mention it's reminded me to take mine for an outing, daytrip in the car, not over shoulder these days.
What lens did you get?
They're big and heavy, but amazing and built to last. I used mine without a tripod - street style, pushed 400 agfapan with a 75mm and used to get some great shots, but may lead to curvature of the spine if used for more than a few hours at a time.
I'm in the school of small kit these days, so may flog it.

I got a 90mm 2.8 and a newer 55mm. Down the road I'll get something longer, but these two will work for a couple of projects I need to work on over the next couple of months.

 

[Spanik]

I prefer a camera that has some weight as it adds stability, is large enough to grip without cramping your hand and large enough so the controls can be used without pressing 3 buttons at a time. And it should have a nice large bright viewfinder. Al the rest is nice to have.

Recently got a Sony NEX-3 that I wanted as a camera to put in the bag and always have around. Well it is impossible to use because too small and if you mount a lens on it so unbalanced you spend more time trying to get a hold on it than to take pictures.

My main camera set is a Mamiya 645 ProTL with a motor grip, 35/55L/80/150mm lenses. If I want to travel light a Fuji GS645Zi and if I'm not going far a Kiev 60 with the Sonnar 180mm 😀

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

It seems to me that this is one of those questions that invite multiple answers from each responder. Sometimes I like big, hefty cameras and other times I prefer the lightest possible camera. Then again, I really like using lots of different cameras and have survived to that point in my life where I can afford the choice. 😀

 

[whitecat]

The GT a little bigger than a pack of cigarettes. Fits in your shirt pocket.

 

[NaChase]

It seems to me that this is one of those questions that invite multiple answers from each responder. Sometimes I like big, hefty cameras and other times I prefer the lightest possible camera. Then again, I really like using lots of different cameras and have survived to that point in my life where I can afford the choice. 😀

Well this is the kind of healthy debate I wanted. There are any number of rational reasons people want small, portable kits; it's just when people obsess over smallness for smallness' sake that it becomes goofy. A couple ounces and grams one way or another is unlikely to break the camel's back.

 

[DougFord]

Portability ranks at the top for me as well. Add full frame, film and a 35mm lens and I'm happy.

 

[steveniphoto]

i guess i'm one of the few people who aren't bothered too much by size.. i carry a pentax 645 a lot along with a couple other cameras and it hasn't bothered me once yet.

 

[Vics]

Well, the OP is 23 and I'm 67, and I'm also one who breaks it all down to ounces and grams. I've been traveling in France, Spain and the UK for five weeks now, with a Rollei MX and a lot of Tri-X. Believe me I'm still looking to go lighter, and the MX is very light. Keep in mind all the other stuff you're carrying. My wife and I pack really light, one bag apiece, but we're OLD!
The OP can't imagine what a difference forty or fifty years can make!

 

[dave lackey]

Well, the OP is 23 and I'm 67, and I'm also one who breaks it all down to ounces and grams. I've been traveling in France, Spain and the UK for five weeks now, with a Rollei MX and a lot of Tri-X. Believe me I'm still looking to go lighter, and the MX is very light. Keep in mind all the other stuff you're carrying. My wife and I pack really light, one bag apiece, but we're OLD!
The OP can't imagine what a difference forty or fifty years can make!

Understood!😉

Your choice of the MX (Not all that small) and Tri-X makes for a rather small package without all the electronics/chargers/tablets, etc. I find that when carrying the M3 or the IIIF alone, a handful of film and the light meter is all I need and am beginning to appreciate small!:angel:

One bag apiece? I need advice on just how to do that for five weeks. Is it how you pack clothing (roll v. fold)?

 

[Pherdinand]

A lot of people pay hundreds of dollars more to buy one-pound lighter bikes while hating to check their own weight on a bathroom scale.

that's a good one 🙂