What to take to Tokyo?

[SimonUK]

Morning all,

New here, and not sure if this is the right place in the forum for this, but i'm going to go with it!

I am going to Tokyo for 8 days this August, and i'm really struggling to decide what camera to get.

Over the past 5 years, i've had everything from medium format Bronica's, to Canon 1Ds to 35mm M42 SLRS.

But i've been camera-less for the past few years... And i'm rangefinder curious.

Previously, i've very briefly held and tried a Epson RD1, and i really love it, and the size seemed perfect to me.

I'm thinking that in Tokyo, i'm going to appreciate a wider len's, but i'm also a sucker for the 35/50mm fast primes.

Budget wise, i can stretch to what i need to really, but obviously for the more expensive, i'll need to scrimp and save right until i leave.

I'm currently thinking about a Fuji Xpro1 with the 18mm and the 35mm primes, the IQ i've seen out of them looks pretty good, and the camera itself looks like a good size.

However... I've also been looking at getting an M8 and a 21/28mm prime... This option is significantly more expensive, but i AM Leica-curious...

Can anyone shed any light?

I'm based in the UK, which makes finding Leica significantly harder at a good price, most of it is held up by dealers and has a price tag to match it 🙁

Thanks

 

[kuvvy]

Simon, PM sent.

Paul

 

[Maiku]

Do not take a lot of gear.

Tokyo is hot and muggy in August. The temperature will range anywhere from 30C to 38C. With the humidity it will feel over 40C. Travel light is my best advice.

I learned the hard way living in Japan. Small, compact and light is the way to go in summer.

 

[SimonUK]

Do not take a lot of gear.

Tokyo is hot and muggy in August. The temperature will range anywhere from 30C to 38C. With the humidity it will feel over 40C. Travel light is my best advice.

I learned the hard way living in Japan. Small, compact and light is the way to go in summer.

I've been warned about the humidity! I'm actually going for an event, and have an apartment (with air con!) booked for my to stay in, but i will virtually only be sleeping in it. So i will only be in and around outside for day either side.

Light and small is what i want to go for, i'd like to avoid carrying a bag with me whilst i'm out if possible!

 

[dave lackey]

Gee, I learned a lot already from this post. I never considered the heat and humidity in Tokyo being virtually the same as here in the Deep South.

That being the case, small and light and no bag is the way to go. For just a short trip, personally, I would just take a Leica X2 to carry in my pocket but an M8 with a normal lens and half case would do nicely.

I know when the weather here goes into the red zone, even early mornings are so humid that you cannot dress light enough or have a small enough rangefinder to make it comfortable. Only a shower will do! And maybe a cold libation soon afterwards in the air conditioned locale of your choice.:angel:

Sounds likes lot of fun!!! Tokyo is on my list!!! Enjoy yourself and take lots of photographs!

 

[Kent]

"What to take to Tokyo?"

A lot of money (to buy new gear). 😉

 

[Tonkatsu-Dog]

"What to take to Tokyo?"

A lot of money (to buy new gear). 😉

Exactly! Tokyo is the best place for second hand gear. Bring cash instead of gear and get a camera here that can works with a variety of lenses! With the yen heading towards 140 vs USD you'll pick up stuff at a bargain levels in August!

Maybe a digital Leica or one of those Sony's if on a budget? You should check out Japan camera hunter photography store guide.

 

[Maiku]

Sounds like a good idea, but Simon will end spending more time trying find his way around to find gear than visiting Tokyo. Just take something from home.

If you were there for a month, then I could concur, but you are there for 8-days.

 

[Tom A]

Just came back after 9 days in Tokyo and "country" side japan. I am shooting film, but the choice of lenses is the same for digital or film. It's all in the point of view.
I took a 21mm, a 35mm (fast f1.4) and a 50mm (f1.5). Used the 35mm for about 85% of the shots. Japan/Tokyo is "image" rich - everywhere you go there is something to shoot. Signage, people, street etc.
As stated though - August is almost unbearably hot and muggy. Travel light and get what the locals call a "happy towel". You wrap it around your neck and use it to wipe yourself down every 10-15 min. Really good shoes - REALLY good shoes as you spend hours on your feet - walking, getting lost etc. Also beware of cold AC going into stores, cabs, trains etc. Condensation will cover your lenses and camera in moisture quickly (happy towel to wipe them down).
At least the beer is cold! Japan does not need to be expensive - look for soba shops, coffee shops etc for reasonably priced food. Eat where the locals eat - if you don't understand the menu - just point at whatever looks good. Big department store usually have one floor of restaurants and they are good value.
Have fun,

 

[Bingley]

I don't think an overseas trip is the place to experiment with camera forms you're not used to (eg, rangefinder, Leica). That said, if I were in your shoes, I'd look seriously at a Fuji X100[s, t], or a quality m4/3 camera like one of the Olympus OMD models, or a Panasonic LX100. Any of those would give you great image quality, the Fuji especially so, and would serve well as a second camera if you decide to get a digital M or an XPro. Use an iPhone for back up. I concur with advice to keep it light and simple, particularly since you are just getting back to photography after an absence.

 

[kxl]

I was in Tokyo in March-April and all I used with my D800e was a Sigma 35/1.4 ART. I had brought a 20mm/1.8 lens with me, but it stayed in the bag/hotel room.

A 50mm might have been useful on some days but not at the expense of the 35mm (at least for the way I shoot). So if I had opted for a 50mm, I would have probably brought along and used my 28mm.

BTW, wear comfortable shoes... unless you plan to drive or take a lot of taxis, visiting Tokyo means quite a bit of walking.

-Keith

 

[asiafish]

My last trip to Tokyo I used a Sony NEX7 with a 24/1.8 (35 equivalent) and never really wanted anything else.

M8 with 28 Elmarit f/2.8 would be perfect (37 equiv with crop).

I'm on my way to Seoul and will bring just the Leica X 113 (35mm f/1.7 equivalent) and my M-E with 5cm f/1.5 for portraits, but for wandering the city I'll only carry the X. Small, simple and light is the key in Asian cities.

 

[mdwsta4]

I was in Tokyo for two weeks last year and brought my M2 with a 50mm cron and the Fuji X100s which is a 35mm focal length. Couldn't have been more satisfied with the pair. Both fit nicely in an Ona Bowery along with extra batteries and film. In all honestly, I could have gotten away with using one or the other the entire time.

But I've also been shooting both cameras for a while and am very comfortable with them. Whatever camera you buy I'd be sure you're comfortable with using it before your trip.

 

[SimonUK]

Thanks everyone,

I'm currently exploring some options in the UK, but so far not having much luck!

i'll update when i get a camera!

Simon

 

[SimonUK]

And update!!

I just managed to score a Fuji X100 with a ton of extra bits (filters etc) for £328 on eBay! Excited!!

Thanks for the help everyone, i'm sure i'll be sharing images soon!

 

[mfogiel]

I think you are confused. Take your smartphone, and buy the camera in Tokyo, after having looked at it carefully and considered if you really like it and are convinced to use it.

 

[SimonUK]

I think you are confused. Take your smartphone, and buy the camera in Tokyo, after having looked at it carefully and considered if you really like it and are convinced to use it.

I'm only in Tokyo for 9 days, and 6 of those days i will be working, so no time to go and buy a camera in a country where i can't even remotely understand the language...

But thanks for that constructive feedback.

 

[Colin Corneau]

Glad to hear you found a camera -- I was going to suggest a Fuji X100s or T. I think it's a great choice in terms of both image quality, ease of use and lightness/portability.

The advice Tom A gave about shoes is not to be taken lightly! I was in Tokyo just a month or two ago, happily just in time for sakura season. What others have said about a bounty of photo subjects really is true, so you'll want to be out as much as possible...having good shoes will mean the rest of your body will keep up with your eyes!

I would suggest getting acquainted with the tokyocamerastyle.com blog. A great read, both in terms of cameras but also the unique camera/photography culture in Tokyo. I find it very inspiring and I think it could help you a lot, too. Hey, maybe you can take in some of the galleries they talk about. I did and loved it...even got a few photo books from there too.

best of luck

 

[mr roberts]

I just spent 3 weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto. Lots of walking and Tom's shoe advice is right on. So is the "lighter is better" mantra.

I took an M6TTL with 21, 35 and 75. Lenses and film in a fanny pack (I know...no need to say it) and the camera on my shoulder. It was the perfect combination of weight and versatility. I'm headed to Lisbon soon and going with the same plan.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[maddoc]

If this year`s summer in Tokyo follows the temperature trend of this May then I wouldn`t be to much surprised if temperatures in August will get close to 40C or maybe even a little higher (including high humidity). A Fuji x100 or similar camera might be your best choice, add one or two zip-lock bags and silica gel packs (available locally in the big camera stores) to keep your camera, cell phone etc dry.

Out-door sandals are quite good for Tokyo in summer but also consider having spare clothes with you and some towels. Get a PASMO card for trouble-free train-rides in Tokyo. Depending on your physical condition plan some extra breaks to recover from the heat if your are not used to it.