One Camera Setup Around the World? What would you bring?

elekm · Jul 23, 2014

FoidPoosening said:
Me? At this point in time (if I could afford it) I'd bring:

-Leica M3
--Leica 35mm summilux-M f/1.4 ASPH Floating Element
--Leica 50mm summicron-M
--Leica 90mm f/2.8 Tele-elmarit-M

My reason is simply because I've heard it's the best.

Briefly, no.

I would simply urge that you try a camera before you commit to shooting with it solely for two years -- even for a hypothetical. While you might love it, you almost might hate it.

Not that there's anything wrong with a Leica. And many would argue that the M2 is the better camera. Or the M6. Or the M4-2.

But you simply can't assume that because a camera has reached cult status that it will be a camera that you'll also enjoy.

Just to stir the pot, I would take a Contax IIa and 35-50-135 lenses. I shot with this for about 75% of my photos for about 2 1/2 years and have always enjoyed using it. This was my travel setup, as well. Love it. Never let me down. The entire setup cost me about $850 - a fraction of the cost of the Leica setup but still a large investment.

Of course, I bought all of this during the "dump film, go-digital craze." That was a very nice time to buy cameras.

Pioneer · Jul 23, 2014

How about a Leica M3, a Perar 28/4, a Sonnetar 50/1.1 and the Apo-Lanthar 90/3.5?

If indoor shots are needed then, with the proper ISO, the MS Optical Super Triplet Perar 28 easily handles the chore. It will flare under outdoors if the sun is just out of the frame on the upper end but if you know that it can be avoided. Finally, this lens is tiny and will fit practically anywhere, so it is a easy to have with you.

The MS Optical Sonnetar 50/1.1 is the smallest, low light lens I know of. This alone makes it worthwhile to have in your travel kit. For me the fact that it is a normal is also a major positive. It does have some focus shift much like the Zeiss Ikon ZM Sonnar 50/1.5, but you are able to make your own adjustments with this lens. It has an adjustment that is accessible on the rear of the lens that will change the focus point.

The CV Apo-Lanthar 90/3.5 is a
compact little telephoto, very easy to pack. It is an LTM lens but the adapter is easily available. The 90 is very quick focusing, I have used it quite successfully in photographing child soccer games. It also makes a terrific little portrait lens so covers those pictures you want of friends, relatives and recent acquaintances.

The above set compliments the M3 perfectly, but it is also a really good set for the M9. With the one you pack extra film (I suggest 400 film), with the other a charger, batteries and extra SD memory cards. It is really a bit of a toss up, pick the one you personally prefer.

RattyMouse · Jul 23, 2014

Film wise I'd bring more Neopan Acros than any one man should be allowed to have, along with a generous helping of HP5/Delta 3200. For color I'd bring huge quantities of 400H.

Pioneer · Jul 23, 2014

elekm said:
Briefly, no.

I would simply urge that you try a camera before you commit to shooting with it solely for two years -- even for a hypothetical. While you might love it, you almost might hate it.

Not that there's anything wrong with a Leica. And many would argue that the M2 is the better camera. Or the M6. Or the M4-2.

But you simply can't assume that because a camera has reached cult status that it will be a camera that you'll also enjoy.

Just to stir the pot, I would take a Contax IIa and 35-50-135 lenses. I shot with this for about 75% of my photos for about 2 1/2 years and have always enjoyed using it. This was my travel setup, as well. Love it. Never let me down. The entire setup cost me about $850 - a fraction of the cost of the Leica setup but still a large investment.

Of course, I bought all of this during the "dump film, go-digital craze." That was a very nice time to buy cameras.

I suggested an M3 kit but this is a terrific idea as well. At least with the Contax you won't be concerned with burning up shutter curtains by mistake. But the total package will end up being a bit heavier than the M3 set I suggested, mostly because the lenses are heavier.

MattKing · Jul 23, 2014

Do we get to bring an assistant to carry stuff as well?

For me, I'd bring an OM2n, with 24mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2 and 85mm f/2 lenses - all Zuiko, of course.

And an OM1 body as a backup.

All of which will fit in a small bag - I could even add a T32 flash!

rhmimac · Jul 24, 2014

A mechanical camera for sure, battery issues are not allowed. Brings me to a nikon FM2(n). 28f2.8 and 50f1.8 alongside to keep it light. Ilford FP4+/XP2/rolleiCN200 film. Always having b&w-C41 development possible with xp2 along the road is worth more than anything.
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Russ - SVP · Jul 24, 2014

Nikon FE-2 with Vivitar Series 1 28-90 and Kiron 70-150 glass.

flatulent1 · Jul 24, 2014

EOS 1V with the dual power grip and 16-35L mounted, plus a TS-E 24 (or 17) for those spectacular architectural shots. If I have to have a third lens, make it a short telephoto, perhaps an 85 1.8, or a 100 2.8L macro.

If I were rolling in dough it'd be a Leica M7, Tri-Elmar, 35 and 90.

Nuff · Jul 24, 2014

I would bring my hassy 501c with 80, 150 and either 50 or 60 lens. I own the first two lenses and I traveled with it fair bit. No issues, I'm strong.

In addition I also have my pentax mx with 43mm lens. But I wouldn't mind having a leica m3 with 50mm lux to accompany my hassy.

naaldvoerder · Jul 24, 2014

2 Contax Aria body's, with 50mm, 28 mm and 85 mm lenses, my current travel setup.

TheFlyingCamera · Jul 24, 2014

The Aria was always a little too petite for my hand, otherwise a great camera. I had 167MT bodies for a while, with the AA battery grip extender, and then also an RX. After selling off my 35mm SLRs, I finally got back into it with an RTS III (NOT a great travel camera, just too bulky and heavy for that, but it was an opportunity to scratch an itch I couldn't afford back when they were new).

OldBodyOldSoul · Jul 24, 2014

If money were no object then I would get one of the special edition F3HP that sit on someone's shelf, unpack it, throw the box and other crap away and give the beauty time of its life. I would do the same with lenses. Otherwise, I would bring one of my F3HP, 35/1.4 and 105/2.5.

ciniframe · Jul 24, 2014

Ok, I'll play.

Olympus OM-1n with 1-10 screen
24mm f2.8 Zuiko
35mm f2.8 Zuiko
85mm f2 Zuiko

Big bag of film.

baachitraka · Jul 24, 2014

Small Format: Two OM-1ns with 28mm f/3.5 and 85mm f/2.0 Zuiko.

-or-

Medium Format: A 6x6 TLR and a 6x6 folder.

Two23 · Jul 24, 2014

For what you describe, I'd have a Leica M6, Leicas 24/50/90mm. In reality I take a Leica IIIc with Leicas 28/50/90mm. The Leica is made for this.

Kent in SD

E. von Hoegh · Jul 24, 2014

FoidPoosening said:
If you could bring one camera setup with you around the entire world in a year or two, what camera would it be? You can also bring three lenses. In this scenario, money is no object.

State your reasons why too.

Me? At this point in time (if I could afford it) I'd bring:

-Leica M3
--Leica 35mm summilux-M f/1.4 ASPH Floating Element
--Leica 50mm summicron-M
--Leica 90mm f/2.8 Tele-elmarit-M

My reason is simply because I've heard it's the best. If I was realistically doing this I'd bring a canon ae1 program and some top canon FD L lenses as it'd be more affordable and I'm more familiar with the camera itself, but what the @#!*% .

What's your setup? GO!

You need to be more careful what you listen to, I heard the earth was flat. You forgot your exposure meter, too.
I'd bring: Nikon F; 28/3.5 Nikkor-H or 35/2 Nikkor-O; 50/2 Nikkor-H; 105/2.5 Nikkor-P; Gossen LunaSix; Tiltall. Why? Because I already own the stuff, it's reliable, and I have over 20 years experience using it - that's more important than the specific equipment

Charles Wass · Jul 24, 2014

I would take the Canon F-1 with FD 24mm F/2.8, 50mm F/1.4 and 100mm F/2.8. It happens that that was the kit I used from 1973 onwards for a few years, though I choose it for the sake of reliability and familiarity, rather than nostalgia. I know the camera uses a battery, but I have coped fairly well from time to time with sunny F/16.

benjiboy · Jul 24, 2014

Canon New F1-AE and FD 24mm f2, 50mm f1.4, 100mm f2. because they are a versatile combination for the sort of photography I do each focal length being roughly twice that of the preceding one, and I know I can carry this for a days shooting without it being excessively heavy.

Pioneer · Jul 24, 2014

I just got back from a 4 hour walk with my camera.

Just pack a Leica IIIa with a collapsible Elmar 50 and an Elmar 90 and be happy.

Maybe a really light monopod like the Manfrotto compact that doubles as a walking stick for those really low light shots.

Take my word for this.

Of course if you are 20 to 40 and are a weightlifter/runner, then you can ignore all of this.

Personally I much prefer to make some nice photographs than to spend my time proving how good of a pack mule I am.

cliveh · Jul 24, 2014

Leica M2 with a 50mm Summilux. Reason:- simplicity of MO.

womble · Jul 24, 2014

Pentax LX with Pentax K28/3.5, K50/1.2 and K135/2.5. It is a camera I know and trust, and three lenses I know and trust. I did actually go around the world last year with these, but I had a Pentax MX as well, and some other lenses. I am a bit of a pack mule....

Alan Gales · Jul 24, 2014

I would have to bring two cameras. My big 8x10 Wehman with 250mm, 14" and 19" lenses for art and my tiny Fujinon X100s for snapshots.

Alan Gales · Jul 24, 2014

E. von Hoegh said:
Why? Because I already own the stuff, it's reliable, and I have over 20 years experience using it - that's more important than the specific equipment

There is a lot of truth to that statement. I hate fumbling with unfamiliar equipment when shooting something important.

Ricardo Miranda · Jul 24, 2014

I'll take a Nikon EM and 28-50-100 or 135mm lenses. That's normally what I take.

dodphotography · Jul 25, 2014

Something entirely mechanical... Batteries plus remote locations is a recipe for disaster.

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One Camera Setup Around the World? What would you bring?

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One Camera Setup Around the World? What would you bring?

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