Is medium format worth it for travel photography?

[Ricochetrider]

It's pretty much impossible in the UK and I don't think ISO 3200 would help either. Trying to make it easier for them (out of boxes in clear plastic bag etc.) doesn't help, they're far too busy rooting in bags for errant lipsticks.

Note also that many UK 'budget' carriers only allow small carry-on dimensions/weights (and some charge you extra to put anything in the overhead lockers).

I had a stop and flight change at Heathrow in November- switching from one airline to another coming from Amsterdam and going to Philadelphia. For anyone who doesn't know Heathrow it's a security stringent airport. I asked about hand checking my film, and the person was kind enough to take my film to show to and ask his supervisor about a hand check. In the end, since it was only 400 speed film, he sent it thru the machine- BUT it would have taken FAR less time and energy to just hand check the film rather than chase down the crew boss, ask, and run back saying no. I was flying in on Vueling out of A-dam and flying out on British Airways, you cannot make a connection at Heathrow without going thru passport control, security etc, both inbound and out again. I always check a bag where I put my tripod and things I cannot carry on, then have a carry-on bag such as my usual medium size messenger bag, that fits under the seat, for carrying cameras, film, some reading material for the flight, water & snacks, phone charging battery, cords etc, and maybe my iPad.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

What are you wanting to do with the final pictures? When I travel, I always take a DSLR and usually a medium format or larger film camera. I shoot lots of landscapes, which in my opinion, often benefit from a larger and sharper prints. With 35mm, 8x12 is the usually largest I can print up to and be happy with the results, provided I’m not wanting grain in my photos. And even to go that big, you pretty much need everything else to go right. Most shots made on 135 film top out at around 5x7 before they get grainy. It’s just not a serious format in my opinion. 135 is great for having fun and posting photos to the internet. But I rarely print from it.

But that’s just me. Everyone is different. If I shot more street photography, I’m sure I’d feel differently, as grain usually isn’t as big of an issue for that as it is for most landscapes. Since you already own a F5, I presume you have experience with it and know what it’s capable of. If that’s good enough for you, then no reason to spend more on another, heavier camera. But for me, I’ve just been disappointed too many times from my 135 cameras in the past to consider them a serious format.

35mm is certainly a serious format and ideal when speed and quick reaction is of the essenceLF is ideal for landscape or wherever the highest quality and detail is required.MF is often the perfect compromise; each format has its pros and cons. I have and use all these formats and enjoy them all.