Still undecided about taking both...

[ToddB]

Hey guys,

Okay.. This is driving me crazy.. I'm still undecided about taking both my Rollei's on big trip next month. Let me ask you guys.. When your taking a big trip, how many cameras do you take? I may load my bag and see how it feels tonight.

Todd

 

[frank]

At least 2 cameras in case one stops functioning. As well as backup, a second camera can be a different type with different strengths for different shooting situations.

 

[BrianShaw]

One... one that is known to be reliable. Maybe I've been lucky but in the past 25 years have not had one fail on me while on the road. Prior to that is a different story, but that was professional work and the conditions were quite extreme.

 

[k.hendrik]

How do you travel? alone/walking/bike/motor/train/plane ? city/nature/the stars I need more input... but your Q. is all to well known!

 

[ToddB]

Probably going to do a fair amount of walking. I have a backpack style camera bag for big trips like this.

Todd

 

[MattKing]

Make sure that you include in your "test" bag all the other things (film, meter, water, snacks, guidebook, jacket, etc.) that will likely accompany the camera(s).

 

[film_man]

On a trip I always take at least two. One to use and the other for backup and maybe another one if I have something particular in mind (eg the Nikonos). However, when out and about usually only one camera is with me, the others are in the hotel/car/wherever. I just need to know that I still have a camera back in the hotel if the one in hand dies (which has happened). So the extra weight is only an issue while travelling to/from the destination.

 

[jbridges]

Two. The key for me is to bring one for longer exposures/landscapes and one for snaps while walking around. My backpack includes some filters, a meter, repair tool, strip of duct tape, travel tripod, cable release, and a bunch of film.

 

[ToddB]

I'm favoring taking Rolleiflex T – Model K8 T3 along with my Leica M3. It takes striking sharp images.

Todd

 

[frank]

On a trip there are at least 2 distinct types of photography that's going to happen: formal and informal. The first is done in the hopes of obtaining a wall mount worthy print, the second is family snaps for an album. Medium format for the first, and a small quick handling camera for the snaps.

 

[ToddB]

I'm favoring taking Rolleiflex T – Model K8 T3 along with my Leica M3. It takes striking sharp images. What do you think?
Todd

 

[bdial]

If the trip is specifically for picture taking and nothing else, two.

Otherwise, keep it simple, take one that is known to be working well.
Worst case you stop taking pictures sooner than you planned, or you buy a P&S during the trip.
Think of it as a good excuse to visit camera shops, flea markets and antique markets.

If it's a pleasure trip with the family, you'll have plenty to do wrangling all the other stuff. You can make prints worthy of your walls, or a gallery's walls with any camera.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Two bodies. As mentioned, one on the street, one back at the hotel/apartment. And the Rolleis make excellent travel companions. You couldn't ask for a better travel camera. Not only do they make lovely images but they're incredibly people-friendly - folks just love them and are very willing to share personal memories of a parent or relative who had one or something like it.

 

[ToddB]

Thanks guys..

Todd

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I'm favoring taking Rolleiflex T – Model K8 T3 along with my Leica M3. It takes striking sharp images. What do you think?
Todd

Todd- as someone who once took multiple formats on a trip, I'd say don't. Just stick to one system or the other. Otherwise you get analysis paralysis when going out the door in the morning, and format regret in the afternoon. Whichever one you don't have with you will inevitably be THE camera you wish you had when you see a scene that would fit that camera perfectly, which then fuels the next morning's anxiety to a higher pitch. I was on the fence about it before my Paris trip 2 years ago, then I committed and took just the Rollei 2.8E (and a second one as a color/bw option and/or backup in case something went wrong). Sure there are plenty of shots I saw but didn't take because they would have needed a different lens, a faster shutter, whatever. But I didn't go to bed with regret or wake up with anxiety.

Also, those two cameras are so different in their style of operation, you'll end up taking sub-par photos with each because you'll be trying to switch between shooting styles and won't get a good rhythm with either.

 

[Alan Gales]

Your wife will probably bring 20 pairs of shoes. I don't think two Rolleiflexes are too much to bring.

 

[ToddB]

Thanks "TheFlyingCamera".. I have a feeling that I'll be taking more with the Leica do to the format and the 35mm Summiron lens that I got. Something to consider...

 

[frank]

I simply can't understand the paralysis of choice syndrome. Does a carpenter fret over which hammer or saw to use, or does he simply choose the best tool for the job?

 

[MattKing]

I simply can't understand the paralysis of choice syndrome. Does a carpenter fret over which hammer or saw to use, or does he simply choice the best tool for the job?

And if the carpenter doesn't know what he/she is going to encounter in the day to come .....?

 

[frank]

And if the carpenter doesn't know what he/she is going to encounter in the day to come .....?

He takes along a variety of tools.

 

[k.hendrik]

Try this: take your cheapest camera(no second ones!), a lot of B&W film and enjoy your trip. Maybe there's ONE picture after a lot of soul searching/looking afterwards, that is worthwhile. Then you are a very happy man

 

[ToddB]

Hey.. there an idea. Just take my Canon QL17 GIII. Just kidding. Canon is nice camera, but I want to get the best pictures possible.

Todd

 

[Sirius Glass]

If you carry both Rolleis around your neck, the Bling! factor will be much higher.

Oh, I see you have a Leica. Take both. You will be glad that you did.

 

[ToddB]

Here my crew and gear on trip back in 2012, Palace of Versailles. I was equipped with Mamiya C220, Nikon F4, film and a Samsung Point and shoot digital

 

[k.hendrik]

Just kidding. / best pictures possible

I wasn't. / compare to what ? listen to an old fart who's been there & done that: your best picture is made inside your head not inside the machine.