Which camera for trip to Vietnam

I don't have any of those camera but do have an Olympus G. The idea of having both the aperture and shutter speed (when in manual) dials on the front of the camera was a rather brilliant idea. But I have always used cameras (even auto exposure) with the shutter speeds on the upper right deck. I just can't get used to the shutter speeds anywhere else. I don't know that it would cause you any problems, but if you think it would, you might want to take one of the others. Other than that I would think that the better camera due to its size and lenses. Just be sure to have extra batteries or a light meter (even an app on your phone).

The idea of an MF folder has merit. I like them. They do give much larger negatives, but only give 10 or 12 shots per roll as opposed to 24 or 36, and normally the rolls cost more. You can probably find 35mm film in Vietnam, and probably even b/w. I suspect 120 would be a little harder to come up with outside maybe some of the larger cities.

If it isn't going to become a weight or luggage problem, a wide angle lens would be beneficial in tight places like some rural villages, jungles/forests, and landscapes. But that might be my style of shooting more than yours.

I hope you enjoy it there and get lots of good photos you can share with us when you return.
 
TBH, I like the X300, I own one. It is a well thought out camera and by no means "soulless". Yes, it is plasticky, but it is also well thought out. It is basically a lesser spec X700. It does just what I want it to do and it doesn't get in the way of getting the picture.

And Minolta was also in Vietnam back in the day, look at picture 32 and 42. And there must be several users of SRT101 cameras, as that was one of the best selling cameras of the time.

Still, from the cameras you have, I would bring the Olympus.
 
Thanks for all the replies!

Looks like the OM2n might be the winner. As I said they all take readily available batteries (personally I think in this day and age the "problem" of battery dependence is hugely over rated!)
I have got totally mechanical cameras (Minolta SRTs) which are just too bulky for me to enjoy, plus when wandering around I much prefer to use aperture priority than full manual.

While I love shooting with the little Nikon FG, I currently only have a 50/2 for it so would need to source a 28 or 35.

I've got Zuiko 35-70 zooms (both the 3.6 and 4 fixed apertures) but I'm leaning towards my Vivitar 35/2.8 which is actually quite sharp. So that along with a trusty 50/1.8 should do the trick.

I have got some money burning a hole in my paypal account so what are your thoughts on going to a 50/1.4? Worth it over the 1.8? Or go all out and try to get a decent 24/2.8?

Here's a family pic of what I currently have (OM10 not included):
 
Roger Hicks said:
In the 60s and early 70s I'd never thought anyone would go there for a holiday...

Cheers,

R.
Click to expand...

No kidding! I was in college in the 60's working my way through school as a photojournalist. My draft # was 76 and I had an accident and was injured seriously on a shoot. I had to drop out of school and was notified immediately to report for a physical and induction on the 8th of Jan 1970. I wa the only one in 100 that got out. I celebrate every Jan 8th getting out of the draft.

I'm very sad about what happened there and the needless loss of life on both sides. The Vietnamese have to be very kind and forgiving people but I just can't go there and dredge up old memories.

Have a wonderful trip!
 
Bring enough film to cover all your anticipated shooting, as film may be all but unavailable locally.
 
Roger Hicks said:
Two Leicas and a Nikon F would be traditional.


In the 60s and early 70s I'd never thought anyone would go there for a holiday...

Cheers,

R.
Click to expand...

Leicas unfortunately out of my league and TBH I have tried them in the past and never saw what the fuss was about (but that's a story for another day / thread)

I Nikon F would be awesome. Anyone care to donate one?

I went there back in 2009/10. Great country, beautiful people, stunning scenery however yes, the war was still very much at the forefront of any tourist activities. It was almost a bit surreal as any people you'd speak to were lovely and friendly and just loved to talk about their country, food, and customs, however tour guides almost seemed to push the whole war experience, sometimes to the point where you'd start to feel uncomfortable.

Back then we did Hoi An and Hanoi, this time it's Saigon and Hue. Really looking forward to hitting the streets in Saigon and then taking in the (hopefully) quiet countryside around Hue.

Cheers all.
 
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