Traveling Abroad - Camera Dilemma

[Ko.Fe.]

M2 with 35mm lens.
Because I ditched 40mm lens and MF 🙂.

Then VM went abroad, didn't she left the Flex at home as well?

 

[jsrockit]

You are the only one that can decide which camera is the right one for you to carry when traveling. I wouldn't give anyone else's opinion any weight.

Exactly, we don`t know how they photograph and what they photograph. Who better to know you than yourself? These threads usually come down to - I know I should bring the Leica and enjoy myself, but I really want to take the Rollei -

 

[julio1fer]

You would do fine with any of your three options. Take whatever you like. If you have enough time to prepare a shot, the Rollei would be my choice.

In a trip to Germany I took a 35mm SLR and found myself mostly using 28mm focal distances. A wide is really useful in the old city areas. It depends a lot on what you like. There will probably be interesting opportunities indoors, so make sure you have either a good aperture or fast enough film, or both. ISO 400 is right for most cases.

Light weight is VERY important on trips. If you are tired, photo opportunities mysteriously start to disappear.

 

[DwF]

Whichever of those pleases you (for me the M2 and 40 for portability).....and remember to pack the charger for your iPhone! 😉

 

[maddoc]

It might be better to inform yourself about the strict new laws regarding photographing people (strangers) in public (DSVGO, came into effect on may 25th this year). Germans are very concerned about their right of privacy, especially when being in public spaces.

 

[Doug]

No love for the Bronica RF645? Surprisingly compact camera...😉

 

[mcfingon]

You need a 50mm lens to re-take Oscar's photo in the old town at Wetzlar 🙂
Using the Elmar-M 50/2.8 in this case in 2017. - John Mc

 

[retinax]

Unless you're traveling by yourself or with other photographers, I'd take the Bronica. Your preference is MF, and this is about as fast to use and light as the Leica. Come to Frankfurt and let me try that Bronica. :angel:



I wouldn't worry about the legal restrictions. Photographing people has been restrictive in Germany before the DSVGO, essentially one owns the rights on one's likeness and exceptions are made in the name of panoramic freedom, press work, and art (among others). Although AFAIK there are no rulings that would apply the new DSVGO to photography, it most likely doesn't change a thing as these exceptions will still apply.

 

[PhotoGog]

Paper and a pencil, Sir. That is how HCB rolls.

 

[Fjäll]

This guy brought only his Rolleiflex and some B&W to his trip to Paris. It's in German but the subtitles works sufficiently. It's all about relaxation he explains:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yWZe7CMBZ0

 

[Axel]

Travelling light is also about films and availability. 135 vs. 120 means packing more / all
rolls to the luggage in case of 120. 135 is still easy to find in most places.


But I agree - personal preference for a system or camera should stay the first point when such
a decision seems to get difficult.

 

[Highway 61]

This guy brought only his Rolleiflex and some B&W to his trip to Paris. It's in German but the subtitles works sufficiently. It's all about relaxation he explains:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yWZe7CMBZ0

Paris has become so dirty and ugly, with all its former typical soul gone away, that 12 MF photos in a 3-days trip there are plenty possible and enough indeed.

I fully recommend the "Rolleiflex only" experience when travelling. I once did that on a 5-days trip to Toronto. I took more than 12 photos but having taken the Rolleiflex and nothing else worked out perfectly.

 

[SteveM]

Of the three I wouldn't hesitate to take the Bronica. I’ve travelled extensively with mine as it is very compact for MF, and an advantage (at least for me) for travel is automatic exposure. However, if you can manage, take both lenses. If only one I’d pick the 45 for cities.

Steve

 

[laurentb]

I am traveling to Germany and I can't decide what camera to bring along with me. I want to pack as light as possible, so 35mm sounds like a no-brainer. On the other hand, I personally prefer medium format. I plan to stick with one camera either way.

I have some options to choose from:

- Leica M2 + Summicron 40mm
- Bronica RF645 + 65mm or 45mm
- Rolleiflex

If you were in my shoes, what would you bring?

Each time I have a similar dilemma, the Rolleiflex does the trip. Small, very high quality, GREAT negatives in the end...

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

I am traveling to Germany and I can't decide what camera to bring along with me. I want to pack as light as possible, so 35mm sounds like a no-brainer. On the other hand, I personally prefer medium format. I plan to stick with one camera either way.

I have some options to choose from:

- Leica M2 + Summicron 40mm
- Bronica RF645 + 65mm or 45mm
- Rolleiflex

If you were in my shoes, what would you bring?

I wouldn't be in your shoes (I'd have more than one camera with me, even the most cared for equipment can occasionally catch you out, besides which, I'm personally hopeless at paring my camera options in the first place). But don't lose sight of some fundamentals. Take a camera you like to use. If you personally prefer medium format I don't know why the Leica is even a candidate. It's got to be the Bronica or the Rollei, surely? What is the point of bringing camera A, if you'd really rather be imaging with camera B, C, D or F? (Assuming, naturally, all the various candidates are suitable for your intended purpose).

 

[Godfrey]

- Leica M2 + Summicron 40mm
- Bronica RF645 + 65mm or 45mm
- Rolleiflex

I have done many a trip with a single camera and lens that were the equivalent (or the same) as the three above. Always returned with nice results regardless, albeit the results are different depending upon the camera.

Toss a coin when you pack and put the one that comes up in the bag. 🙂

G

 

[d.dulin]

- Leica M2 + Summicron 40mm

I was actually in exactly your shoes about a month ago planning for Paris, this is what I chose for my trip and could not have been happier. As much as I enjoy MF I never end up wanting to walk about with my Rollei on trips, so I stopped taking it. The M2 and Summicron-c is a more than capable combo for any kinda of sharpness qualms. I hung mine around my neck like a normal tourist and shot away, lots of interesting people to photograph there.

Anyways best of luck with your choice and enjoy the trip!

 

[Disappointed_Horse]

That would apply equally to the Rolleiflex 😛. The Rollei as you know is actually a quite small "package" - if you prefer 120 then the choice seems clear

I didn't say not to bring the Rollei!

 

[Huss]

I wouldn't give anyone else's opinion any weight.

Apart from mine.
Take a camera.

 

[markjwyatt]

Personally, I would take the Leica. Small, compact, excellent pictures, and available film. I have been travelling this year (for work mainly but not exclusively) with my Contax iia, and it fits into my computer bag. I have been having a lot of fun with it in my spare time. Travelling as a tourist you do have more options. Some trips (personal) I took my Fuji XT-2 + 18-55mm zoom plus my Contax iia.