One problem with G.A.S....

GM Bennett · Jun 19, 2009

...is deciding which camera to take on a trip!

A buddy and I are motorbiking in a big loop around Lake Superior next week, and I'm really looking forward to the break/change of scene.

I want to take a medium format camera with me to shoot a travelogue/landscapes, but I'm having a hard time deciding what to take.

Choices are: Rollei TLR/Mamiya TLR/New Mamiya 6/Hasselblad 500CM/Mamiya RB67/Fuji 670II/Pentax 67/Pentax 645/Mamiya 645/Super Ikonta/Super Baldax (I was not kidding about the GAS!)

First I was sure it'd be the Mamiya 6 with a 50mm, now I'm leaning towards the P67 and a 105mm. I just want to take one body, one lens. I appreciate that the TLRs are more compact. I'll be bringing a small CF tripod. I've got a box of Kodak 160VC and Fuji 400H to bring along.

What would you take?

Thanks, Graham

Sirius Glass · Jun 19, 2009

Take the Hasselblad.

Use the GAS to power your motorbikes!

Steve

jovo · Jun 19, 2009

Like there's only one problem with G.A.S.???

Andrew Moxom · Jun 19, 2009

Nothing much more compact and razor sharp than the Mamiya 6 with a 50mm!!! Nothing!

Simplicius · Jun 19, 2009

GM Bennett said:
...is deciding which camera to take on a trip!

A buddy and I are motorbiking in a big loop around Lake Superior next week, and I'm really looking forward to the break/change of scene.

I want to take a medium format camera with me to shoot a travelogue/landscapes, but I'm having a hard time deciding what to take.

As a sufferer of G.A.S. I suggest the only solution is to buy a new camera to save you this problem. ........... might I suggest a Minolta Autocord TLR as a stop gap?

GM Bennett · Jun 19, 2009

Steve - 50mm or 80mm if it's the Hassy?

Jon - I didn't say it was the only problem! Spousal recrimination is another, but at least I can get away from that on a motorbike vacation!

Andrew - I know, I know - Mamiya 6 razor sharpness vs. Pentax 67 bokeh... it's killing me.

Anthony - I have an Autocord (and a Yashica-Mat, come to think of it) - forgot to add to the list!

E76 · Jun 19, 2009

My vote is for the Rollei TLR. With only one possible focal length, it will save you from the agony of deciding which lenses to bring.

MikeSeb · Jun 19, 2009

160VC.

Sirius Glass · Jun 19, 2009

GM Bennett said:
Steve - 50mm or 80mm if it's the Hassy?

Jon - I didn't say it was the only problem! Spousal recrimination is another, but at least I can get away from that on a motorbike vacation!

Andrew - I know, I know - Mamiya 6 razor sharpness vs. Pentax 67 bokeh... it's killing me.

Anthony - I have an Autocord (and a Yashica-Mat, come to think of it) - forgot to add to the list!

80mm

Steve

Sirius Glass · Jun 19, 2009

GM Bennett said:
Jon - I didn't say it was the only problem! Spousal recrimination is another, but at least I can get away from that on a motorbike vacation!

Trade her in!

You will not get much for her, but the new models have lower mileage and they are terrific.

The new models give a much better ride and treat you right.

Steve

voceumana · Jun 19, 2009

I think Lake Superior scenes call for a sharp lens. Some of my very first MF color transparencies were of Lake Superior & Goosberry Falls State Park (in Minnesota, right on Superior on the north west shore) shot with a Yashica Mat 124. 6x7 is tempting, but if I had to pick one, to keep it simple, I'd go for the Rolleiflex. 2nd choice would be the Mamiya 6 with the 50mm (for depth of field and wider view).

Enjoy the lake & environs--it's a special place--of course, you know that living in SW Ontario.

Charlie Strack

dougjgreen · Jun 19, 2009

If it were me, I'd take the Mamiya 6.

GM Bennett · Jun 19, 2009

Sirius Glass said:
Trade her in!

You will not get much for her, but the new models have lower mileage and they are terrific.

The new models give a much better ride and treat you right.

Steve

Steve - food for thought, but to stick with the vehicle analogy, are you familiar with the concept of having to pay for extra miles on the return of a leased vehicle?! (I'm sure I will also have to pay for this bad joke if my wife ever decides to visit APUG)

Still brooding on which camera to take, but appreciate the replies so far.

GM Bennett · Jun 19, 2009

voceumana said:
I think Lake Superior scenes call for a sharp lens. Some of my very first MF color transparencies were of Lake Superior & Goosberry Falls State Park (in Minnesota, right on Superior on the north west shore) shot with a Yashica Mat 124. 6x7 is tempting, but if I had to pick one, to keep it simple, I'd go for the Rolleiflex. 2nd choice would be the Mamiya 6 with the 50mm (for depth of field and wider view).

Enjoy the lake & environs--it's a special place--of course, you know that living in SW Ontario.

Charlie Strack

Thanks, Charlie!

It's true, the Rolleis are sharp. Here's a home-processed shot from my 2.8F from a ride last fall.

Graham

Sirius Glass · Jun 19, 2009

GM Bennett said:
Steve - food for thought, but to stick with the vehicle analogy, are you familiar with the concept of having to pay for extra miles on the return of a leased vehicle?! (I'm sure I will also have to pay for this bad joke if my wife ever decides to visit APUG)

Still brooding on which camera to take, but appreciate the replies so far.

To continue the vehicle theme ... YMMV
The advantages of getting a newer model:

I have been with this one for eight years and I do not know how long the relationship will last because we still have not had a fight.
A couple of weeks ago when I am thinking about buying camera equipment because of the growing G.A.S pressure she says, "Your whole life you have been working and sacrificing to get everyone else what they needed and what they wanted. Now is a good time to get the Hasselblad 903 SWC so reward yourself."
When we are talking about which decision I should make, she says, "You know what is the best for you. Do that!"

I never had that support when I was married. Do you have that now?
Again YMMV [Your Mileage May Vary].

Steve

Marc Akemann · Jun 19, 2009

I've been around most of Lake Superior and if I had to pick from your list of equipment, my vote would be for the Mamiya 6 and the 50. I would also stash away an Olympus XA, just in case.

What a great trip! Have fun!

Marc

Steve Smith · Jun 20, 2009

Simplicius said:
As a sufferer of G.A.S. I suggest the only solution is to buy a new camera to save you this problem.

Whilst this is a nice solution, how about a towable trailer for the motorcycle? Take everything!

Steve.

JPD · Jun 20, 2009

I'm not going to suggest any of the cameras you have. It would only confuse you more.

I have different feelings around each camera I own, and choose them after how I feel at that moment. Sometimes a 30's Rolleicord feels right, and sometimes a 6,5 x 9 Voigtländer Avus or Kodak Retina.

So, listen to your feelings and choose the girl you really want to go out with. Camera, I mean.

Q.G. · Jun 20, 2009

I think Simplicius gave the best advice.

If you don't, i put it to you that you are not a true sufferer of GAS!

elekm · Jun 20, 2009

JPD said:
I have different feelings around each camera I own, and choose them after how I feel at that moment.

Excellent thought. I do the same thing. I also think about what I'll be shooting and where and factor that into my decision.

jscha · Jun 21, 2009

The dangerous thing about this list here for me is that I see the list of cameras and think by my self, well, compared to that my inventory is actually modest, and there goes the next outburst of G.A.S. ;-)
And wouldn't a SWC be the perfect companion for this trip *eG*

Sirius Glass · Jun 21, 2009

Yes, and I have one. I guess that now I need to buy a motorcycle again!

Steve

GM Bennett · Jun 21, 2009

jscha said:
The dangerous thing about this list here for me is that I see the list of cameras and think by my self, well, compared to that my inventory is actually modest, and there goes the next outburst of G.A.S. ;-)
And wouldn't a SWC be the perfect companion for this trip *eG*

And those are just the medium format cameras! The ironic thing is that when I earned an income from photography, I only had one 35mm body, a backup I never used, and 3 lenses, period. Now that it's a hobby and pros are ditching their analog gear, I seem to have developed a bit of a problem...

SWC, hmmm...

Leighgion · Jun 22, 2009

Isn't a Pentax 67 a bit... well, chunky for a motorcycle tour?

Also, while it might be a minor point, 6x7 is going to give you fewer shots per roll and 120 film isn't quite as easy to pick up on the way as 135.

GM Bennett · Jun 22, 2009

Leighgion said:
Isn't a Pentax 67 a bit... well, chunky for a motorcycle tour?

Also, while it might be a minor point, 6x7 is going to give you fewer shots per roll and 120 film isn't quite as easy to pick up on the way as 135.

These days, the same comment might apply to me, too!

But you're right, luggage is at even a premium, even with (well, chunky) Micatech bags. At this point I'm planning on bringing the xpan, which is sort of medium format, right? That way I can leave my meter at home.

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