Travel Gear

[Bruin]

I was about to say M3+40+28 also. Personally I've never felt the need for anything longer than 50 in metropolitan Asia, but a wide was often welcome in cramped streets, markets, and interiors.

 

[Roger Hicks]

From 'Short Schrift' on www.rogerandfrances.com:

Few topics generate more responses on the photographic forums than "I am going to Delhi [or Paris, or Istanbul, or wherever]. What cameras should I take?"

The curious assumption is that you are going to take different pictures from any you have ever taken before. If this is your first trip abroad, it seems a reasonable assumption that you will take the same sort of pictures you take at home, but in a more exotic location. If you have been abroad before, equally, you should have some recollection of what you shot when you were there.

You have only to remember two things. First, if you take too much, you have to carry it all; security is a concern, even when you put the bag down in a restaurant; and you're always having to decide what to use. Second, if you take too little, you risk insufficient versatility and the risk of your one camera breaking or being stolen. Two cameras, two to five lenses, and you've got it. How hard is that?

Cheers,

R.

 

[Mister E]

The Fuji with 65/5.6 is really slow. Bring the Fuji with just the 100 or the M3 set.

 

[damien.murphy]

Hi all,

Quick question, just wanted some help with choosing gear for an upcoming trip to Asia. I'll be overseas for 2 weeks, going to Japan and Taiwan with Taiwan being the bulk of where my stay will be. I'm trying to figure out what to bring with me on this trip, as I expect to have camera in hand every step of the way! Will probably do mostly landscape/cityscape shots, along with some "street" and portraits of relatives/friends.

The choices:

1) Medium format set up: Fuji G690 + 3 lenses (65mm, 100mm, 180mm)
2) Leica M3 + 3 lenses (28mm, 40mm, 135mm)
3) Nikon F3 + 2 lenses (50mm, 28-75mm zoom)

What do you all think? I would love to go with choice#1, but it is very heavy and I'll need to bring LOTS of rolls of 120 film! I'll also only have a digital P&S with me so, really limiting myself here to mostly film work.

Thanks very much, I appreciate all of your help!

There's a nugget of photo wisdom that goes along the lines that the best camera is the one you have with you.

Which of the above options do you see yourself dragging around everywhere for two weeks ?

Also, what type of travel experience do you wish to have, and what photo outfit fits in with that.

 

[damien.murphy]

I don't put 120 through x-ray machines, so that would exclude the MF option for me

Stewart, is there a reason for your bias ? I've never travelled with 120, and am genuinely curious, as I would like to travel with 120 at some point in the future

 

[Roger Hicks]

Stewart, is there a reason for your bias ? I've never travelled with 120, and am genuinely curious, as I would like to travel with 120 at some point in the future

Dear Damien,

Done it for 30 years and never had a problem.

Cheers,

R.

 

[ferider]

M3 + 40mm and nothing else. It's liberating and safe (always have it with you).

 

[damien.murphy]

Dear Damien,

Done it for 30 years and never had a problem.

Cheers,

R.

Ah.. good to know. For a second there I thought there was some sort of additional x-ray protection in the 35mm cassette! 🙂

 

[FrankS]

Lens choice is a subjective decision. Here is mine:

if 1 lens, then: 35/40mm
if 2 lenses, then: 28 and 50mm
if 3 lenses, then: 20/21, 28, and 50mm

 

[merciless49]

Thank you all for contributing! It's very interesting seeing how everyone has a different approach and of course, the passion comes through. I've decided on the M3+40mm+28mm route. There will be a backup camera, in the form of the Fuji Natura Black P&S, as well as a digital P&S that the girlfriend will be bringing.

Thanks to everyone again for all the great response! I'll post some pictures upon returning. And I can't wait to play with the Nikon F! (And take lots of pictures)

 

[Brian Levy]

I just opened a camera bag and discovered my perfect travel camera. I did not even kow I still had it A nice Minox C. Film is available as is processing and with ISO 100 film results good 5"x7" printing. The PX27 battery is not readily available but the PX28 should work per the web as the voltage difference does not affect the meter or shutter speeds.

I used a III and LX for some years and the results were quite good and the basis of my getting the ML. I can not even remember getting the C but must have at some point as it is sitting here. I'm going to get some film and a battery and fire it up.

As an alternative for you, I'd suggest the Leica CL with the Cron-C. The 40mm is a great compromise between a 50 and 35 and an excellent lens. A good set will be less than a decent M3/40/28 and no need for a meter. I'd bet for the price difference you could pick up something nice at one of the camera shops there and add it to your collection.

 

[merciless49]

Hi all from afar! Well, turns out that most were correct in saying 1 camera, 1 lens. I've used the VC 40mm f1.4 lens almost exclusively, as it is very versatile for all situations! Here are a few pictures that I liked, please give critique as you see fit! And, the entire set is uploaded here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ming_y_lee/sets/72157625459920152/

Tokyo Tower at night

Tsukiji Fish Market at 4:45AM

Harajuku

 

[Colin Corneau]

Take the 690 w the 65mm for groups and environments in good light where detail is important.

Take the m3 with the 40mm for spontaneous everyday shooting.

Leave all the extra lenses at home. Just bring film.

Excellent advice. The 40mm is nice and light (as is an M3) and is the perfect all-around lens...I think if you're going that far, the quality of medium format is something you won't regret.

So what if it's a bit heavy (and it's not, really, especially if you invest in a good carrying system) -- that's temporary and fleeting...lost photographs and regret are forever.

 

[merciless49]

Colin, I definitely agree! Though in the end I decided against the MF option because I didn't want to lug around two bags (1 backpack and 1 camera bag). So the M3 option gave me enough versatility in that regard. I also purposely used Ektar 100 so I can take advantage of the fine grain, which helps. Nothing replaces medium format, but, so far I've been very happy with the results!

 

[merciless49]

Another one, since I'm still waiting for the rest of the rolls to be developed (need to drop them off, and soon!)