Photography in the backcountry

[Ces1um]

So I'm going backcountry camping this weekend and I'd like to bring a camera along with me. I'll be hiking in with everything needed for survival on my back so space is at a premium. That being said, I'd like to take some star trail photos and some deep forest photos (where light is poor and time is plentiful). I've been considering taking my 4x5 pinhole camera as it's almost indestructible but that requires a lot of gear (although the camera itself is quite light). Selecting this piece of kit over another got me wondering-

for you hardcore backcountry campers out there, what camera/equipment do you bring when you're carrying/canoeing/kayaking/hiking out into the wilderness when weight and space are at a premium? Do you go with your smallest, lightest camera or do you suck it up and bare the weight of the camera you want to bring?

 

[mmerig]

My camera choice depends on the activity and expected photo opportunities. For technical mountaineering, I usually take a Rollei 35. When weight is not so important, I take a Voigtlander Bessa II. If I want a selection of lenses, a Nikon F3HP.

For a current project involving a 4 by 5, see this thread:

http://www.largeformatphotography.i...ra-equipment&p=1463652&viewfull=1#post1463652

 

[jim10219]

Usually both. I usually bring the lightest camera I am willing to use AND suck it up and bare the weight, because when you're hiking, every ounce adds up. Of course, how much weight you can manage will be determined by the terrain, how far you plan to hike each day, if you have to carry water with you, and you're own physical fitness.

That being said, there's no point to going on a photographic hike only to bring a camera that won't take pictures of the quality you want, just because it's small and lightweight. I'd suggest taking as few of lenses as possible, and get a sturdy, yet lightweight tripod to cut down on weight. Then take the camera you want.