versatility in your camera bag

[FrankS]

Different people may have different ways to "best" pack a camera bag for photography. I would not get into setting guidelines on what equipment to pack.

Hi Raid. I think I made it pretty clear that this worked for me, and I was interested in the alternate views of others, not that my way of packing was a guideline for others.

 

[tbarker13]

I prefer to travel light. Small bag. One rangefinder and 2 lenses. (occasionally I'll get crazy and toss in a 3rd.)

 

[FrankS]

This, to me, is the real key to the question -- EXPECTING. I tend to think first before selecting a camera. My orientation is to think "singular" when packing a camera but ensuring that it will largely be a good choice for the kind of shooting I EXPECT to do.

Sometimes there are surprises, but I've never felt hobbled with a poor choice... except when packing only LF gear and then finding some fast action that would be nice to photograph. In that situation I rely on my photographic memory to have a perpetual recollection of the event. 😉

I felt that I needed the Hexar AF for unobtrusive people photography (relatives in their houses), but I would not be satisfied with the Hexar AF when doing relaxed contemplative photography, say of the 1950's tractor and other abandoned farm machinery that I often photograph in different lighting and weather conditions. For that, I wanted the the Nikon SLR.

Sorry, I don't mean to sound defensive, just explaining my choices.

 

[Roger Hicks]

For me, versatility is one camera (or two similar/identical) cameras that I can use quickly, without thinking, and without hsving to decide what camera to use. Four incompatible 35mm cameras would be less versatile for me, though I might consider Leicas plus medium format.

Cheers,

R.

 

[FrankS]

Different tools for different jobs?

 

[dave lackey]

I felt that I needed the Hexar AF for unobtrusive people photography (relatives in their houses), but I would not be satisfied with the Hexar AF when doing relaxed contemplative photography, say of the 1950's tractor and other abandoned farm machinery that I often photograph in different lighting and weather conditions. For that, I wanted the the Nikon SLR.

Sorry, I don't mean to sound defensive, just explaining my choices.

Frank,

It actually sounds fine. A plan is just that. To go without a plan is a default plan for potential problems and/or disaster/regret. Now, if you were to hang all three cameras around your neck, then I suspect you might have a problem but your plan allows you to pick and choose for each task or fun time as you see fit.🙂🙂🙂

 

[FrankS]

It seems that most responders so far pack in a more focused manner, while I am packing more of a variety of tools for a variety of situations.

I know that for myself, I enjoy variety.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Different tools for different jobs?

Dear Frank,

That's the thing, really. To me they look live very similar tools for a fairly modest range of jobs.

Cheers,

R.

 

[dave lackey]

For me, versatility is one camera (or two similar/identical) cameras that I can use quickly, without thinking, and without hsving to decide what camera to use. Four incompatible 35mm cameras would be less versatile for me, though I might consider Leicas plus medium format.

Cheers,

R.

Oh, how I wish I could have two or three M bodies with various lenses.😱 THAT is a plan that seems to be the dream plan. Partly because it makes so much sense but also because I simply can't afford to buy that much M gear at the moment. But, someday....😀

 

[Gumby]

Sorry, I don't mean to sound defensive, just explaining my choices.

You haven't been defensive at all. If I may whisper... when I really want versatility I take a 35mm SLR (Nikon) and a bag of lenses . But that's just me.

 

[FrankS]

I should really do some scanning of negs in order to share some of these results on line, but I sooo dislike scanning. Also, I do not necessarily like sharing images without discretion all over the internet. My photography is for myself and those close to me.

 

[dave lackey]

I should really do some scanning of negs in order to share some of these results on line, but I sooo dislike scanning. Also, I do not necessarily like sharing images without discretion all over the internet. My photography is for myself and those close to me.

Hey, same here! Hate scanning but wish I had a scanner. Post very few images for the same reason.

Otoh, I shoot some images just to share because it may be an experiment that has an interesting result or it is just plain fun.

 

[ferider]

Just arrived in Europe (for a week). All I have is my Hexar AF and Neopan 400 - feels very versatile 🙂

 

[FrankS]

Just arrived in Europe (for a week). All I have is my Hexar AF and Neopan 400 - feels very versatile 🙂

My hat is off to you Roland, and to anyone else who can find contentment with one camera.

 

[raid]

Hi Raid. I think I made it pretty clear that this worked for me, and I was interested in the alternate views of others, not that my way of packing was a guideline for others.

Frank,
I was not referring to what you have said here but to what I was going to say ... I meant to say that I am not setting any guidelines. :angel:

 

[Sparrow]

Two bodies, 35 and a 50, two hoods, in the only bag I have ... Oh, and film 🙂

 

[damien.murphy]

Difference in how I pack my camera bag, lies in whether I'm shooting for me, or a gig for someone else. If the former, I'm happy with whichever of my film cameras catches my eye, and no more than one prime lens usually. If the latter, I shoot with a dslr and a zoom that covers focal lengths from 24mm-135mm, with a fast prime to be used if needed.

From what I can see people vary wildly on this one, with most preferring the choice and flexibility of a kit to cover most eventualities, or else preferring the liberation of a simple, spartan setup.

I fall into the second category, preferring a spartan setup, with my personal shooting being an extension of where I am & capturing that. I tried the bag of kit approach, and a lens covering most focal lengths, but it didn't fit my shooting style.

Different strokes for different folks, I guess..

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

Great post and thread, Frank.

Versatility is the key to me.

I use the R3A on my wrist with 28 3.5 at f/8 for most soft light scenes. A Leica IIIF with 50 3.5 at f/8 for direct sun (left jacket pocket) and the Hexar AF for real low light (right jacket pocket). Usually my XA inside my left pants pocket (in case I prefer not to be seen with a bigger camera) and my compact stylus epic 28-100 in case I need to stay away from the subject (right pants pocket). I carry no bag. Sometimes a Coronel Tapioca photo vest. I use the vest especially if I plan to do portraiture, so I throw the 90 Summicron in. All this is light enough to me even for hours of walking, and everything's in a precise place I already know, so I enjoy it this way, and can act faster than with a bag. I don't carry too much film: apart from what's inside my cameras, maybe two or three rolls. I have never found more than 100 good situations the same day...

Cheers,

Juan

 

[monochromejrnl]

My typical film kit includes an M3 with 50'cron (mounted) and 35'cron + a SWC with two A12 backs for wide. A L308 handheld meter to measure light. All of this fits comfortably in a standard Hadley with room to spare for film.

If I need to focus up close then I replace the M3 with a Pentax MX with 50 or 55mm lens.

GF1 + 20 and 14 as backup occasionally - in which case I also bring M/u43 and an M42/i43 adapters. This gives me 21mm on the wide end and up to 100mm with a 50mm mounted on GF1 for portraits.

Having said that, I typically only take one camera and lens unless it's a photo related outing.

 

[Mcary]

For me it really depends on whither I've schedule a shoot with someone in which case I bring my Bronica SLR kit + Either my M6 or M8 plus a couple of lens and possibly my Zeiss 533/16

Bare bones walk around M8 or M6 with 35mm + 50mm or 15mm in jeans pocket with extra film/SD cards/Battery

Lightweight Bag Tarmac shoulder bag with M8 and M6 each with a 35mm lens on them plus a 50mm and 15mm along with extra film/SD cards/Battery


If I'm flying someplace I pack my Leica gear along with my Laptop and film in my carry-on bag and place my Tripod and MF gear in my checked bag.

For me versatility has more to do with using different formats rather then using focal length lens.