Which 35mm SLR to take on 1 Month Trip??

John Galt · Jul 7, 2017

I am going on a road trip from Central New Yorkistan to Newfoundland, gonna be gone for about 5 weeks from the middle of August. Taking two Hasselblads 500c and one 35mm SLR. I have a choice of 35mm SLRs . . . an old tried and true Pentax K1000 SE with a Gemini F2.8 28mm, Pentax f2.0 50mm and a Vivitar F3.5 70-210mm ~OR~ a Canon AE1 Program with Canon f1.8 50mm and Canon F4 70-210mm. Will definitely be taking all the secondary roads.

What would you bring and why??

I am leaning towards the K1000 because I am a retired Engineer and a firm proponent of the KISS principal (Keep It Simple Stupid) but the Canon has features that I ~might~ use . . self timer, DOF preview etc . . .

I do like my manual cameras. I have more experience with the Pentax.

Give me reasons to consider the Canon AE1 Program over the K1000.

Peace \ /

vsyrek1945 · Jul 7, 2017

John Galt said:
I am going on a road trip from Central New Yorkistan to Newfoundland, gonna be gone for about 5 weeks from the middle of August. Taking two Hasselblads 500c and one 35mm SLR. I have a choice of 35mm SLRs . . . an old tried and true Pentax K1000 SE with a Gemini F2.8 28mm, Pentax f2.0 50mm and a Vivitar F3.5 70-210mm ~OR~ a Canon AE1 Program with Canon f1.8 50mm and Canon F4 70-210mm. Will definitely be taking all the secondary roads.

What would you bring and why??

I am leaning towards the K1000 because I am a retired Engineer and a firm proponent of the KISS principal (Keep It Simple Stupid) but the Canon has features that I ~might~ use . . self timer, DOF preview etc . . .

I do like my manual cameras. I have more experience with the Pentax.

Give me reasons to consider the Canon AE1 Program over the K1000.

Peace \ /

Greetings from the Isle of Long.

My choice would be the AE-1P if a 28mm FD-mount lens was part of the FD outfit, but since that isn't the case, I think the K1000 is the way to go [Do you have time and funds to get a suitable 28?].

My reason for otherwise preferring the AE-1P: You can adjust shutter speeds with the AE-1P while looking through the viewfinder to set apertures from f/5.6-11 to cover most travel subjects on the fly [Yes, f/8 and be there!]. During the years I had an AE-1, I used that method to shoot school events for our three children, as well as family vacations and holiday celebrations.

[Again, do you have time before your trip and funds to get a decent 28 mm lens? Hint, hint, wink, wink.]

Regards,
Vince

Alan Gales · Jul 7, 2017

That's easy. You are taking two Hasselblads which are fully manual and a bit slow to use. A 35mm camera shines for shooting action. Take the Canon because the auto exposure modes are faster in case you want to shoot some action.

Sirius Glass · Jul 8, 2017

Alan Gales said:
That's easy. You are taking two Hasselblads which are fully manual and a bit slow to use. A 35mm camera shines for shooting action. Take the Canon because the auto exposure modes are faster in case you want to shoot some action.

+1

cooltouch · Jul 8, 2017

I'm mostly a Canon shooter and I like the AE-1P, but in this instance, I'd take the Pentax, and the reason is simple. Your choice of lenses is better with the Pentax. I don't know anything about that Gemini 28mm, but at least you'll have a 28mm and chances are, if you stop it down to f/8 it will perform well. With the Canon, you have no wide angle lenses. As for the Pentax 50/2 versus the Canon 50/1.8, to me that's a wash. I know from personal experience that the Canon 50 is a fine lens, and I'm sure the Pentax is too. Finally we have a choice between a Vivitar S1 70-210 f/3.5 versus the Canon 70-210 f/4. Well, the Canon is a fine lens, but the Vivitar is one of the best 70-210s ever made, plus it's a half-stop faster than the Canon, so my vote is for the Vivitar.

Finally, since you mention that you prefer shooting in manual mode, you'll find the Pentax easier to use than the Canon since its meter is coupled to both the aperture ring and shutter speed dial. With the Canon, the meter is coupled to the shutter speed dial only. You have to look away from the viewfinder to see where your lens is set, then move the aperture to the meter's suggested setting.

So, given a greater ease when shooting manually and a better lens selection with the Pentax, to me, it's a no brainer. Stay faithful to KISS and take your Pentax.

MattKing · Jul 8, 2017

I was thinking about this thread and realized that the question asked is a perfect example of how things have changed.
In days of yore, the OP would have a single 35mm SLR system, and the only question might be what lenses to take or, much more rarely, whether to take a second body.
My answer to this question today is:
1) which one do you like using the most? Choose that one; or
2) if by some chance you have two systems because you have different uses for them, which use is closest to what you intend to do on your trip.
The two choices are of similar quality. You probably won't lose out if you just flip a coin.
If it were me, and I was taking two medium format bodies, my 35mm choice would be a small rangefinder - maybe even a point and shoot. But I can project medium format slides, so the biggest reason to take a more complete 35mm system - 35mm slides - doesn't apply.

narsuitus · Jul 8, 2017

John Galt said:
What would you bring and why??

I would take the Pentax because of the 28mm lens and because I have more experience with the Pentax.

I would take the Canon because it is a lighter load due to the absence of the 28mm lens.

Two23 · Jul 8, 2017

No brainer. You don't have a wide lens for the Canon, but do have one for the Pentax.

Kent in SD

faberryman · Jul 8, 2017

If you don't know which one to take, then it doesn't matter which one you take.

Les Sarile · Jul 8, 2017

John Galt said:
I am leaning towards the K1000 because I am a retired Engineer and a firm proponent of the KISS principal (Keep It Simple Stupid) but the Canon has features that I ~might~ use . . self timer, DOF preview etc . . .

I do like my manual cameras. I have more experience with the Pentax.

You can use a self timer on your Pentax K1000 SE

DOF preview with any Pentax K mount can be done simply by setting the aperture desired and unlocking the lens and turning it a few degrees before release.

Chan Tran · Jul 8, 2017

Take either but with only the zoom lens. Wide angle is better with the Hassy.

superpos · Jul 8, 2017

i would just take the Hassi with max 3 lenses.
My experience ... the more (different) cameras you take, the more problems you've got. Each time you think about it which is the best for the situation.
Take the Hassi and do everything with this one camera!

Enjoy your trip!

Steve Bellayr · Jul 8, 2017

What do you intend to photograph and bring the appropriate lenses that will decide which camera to take...and extra batteries.

Frank53 · Jul 8, 2017

superpos said:
i would just take the Hassi with max 3 lenses.
My experience ... the more (different) cameras you take, the more problems you've got. Each time you think about it which is the best for the situation.
Take the Hassi and do everything with this one camera!

Enjoy your trip!

+1 (KISS)

ac12 · Jul 8, 2017

You have not said what lenses you have for the Hasselblad.

WHY are you taking 2 different format cameras?
What does the 35mm camera bring to the table that the Hasselblad does not have?
Then which camera (Pentax or Cannon) solves the problem best?

How do you plan to shoot?

One option is to use the Hasselblad for most of the shooting, with the 35mm for the LONG shots where you need to use the long lens.
- With this option either 35mm camera works as all you want is the long lens, for the reach.
Another is to use the 35mm for most of the shooting and the Hasselblad for the few "impressive" shots where you want the larger negative.
- This option calls for a full 35mm kit. Here the Pentax wins because it has a wide lens and the Canon does not.

BTW, that is a LOT of gear.

2 Hasselblad bodies + ? lenses + ? backs
1 35mm body + 2 or 3 lenses.
medium tripod + other gear

As I am also a senior citizen, I suffer from the common problem of not being able to carry the weight of gear that I used to in my 20s. I think harder about putting together a kit for a shoot, to keep the weight down.

PS, I would add a compact camera, 35mm or 120 folder to your kit. That way when you go out to eat, you don't have to carry the larger camera. A 35mm with a small 50mm lens might work here.

PPS. What seems like an easily handled amount of gear at the beginning can feel heavy and burdensome after several weeks, as you get worn down by the traveling. Been there, done that.

Two23 · Jul 8, 2017

mera

superpos said:
i would just take the Hassi with max 3 lenses.
My experience ... the more (different) cameras you take, the more problems you've got.

While I do agree with the premise, I've come to see great value in bringing a back up camera on such a longer trip. Especially one going into a somewhat remote area. Lots of things can go wrong when you just have one camera, especially an older one. Wife & I are heading on a long road trip ourselves (8 states!) and I'm bringing a Nikon D800E + D5300 (for back up,) and six lenses. I also love to shoot film (or I wouldn't be here) so I'm taking a Chamonix 045n with an 1858 Derogy 6 inch. Petzval plus c1880s E&HT Anthony ~4 in. rapid rectilinear (in Copal 1,) a bag full of holders loaded with FP4 & Efke 25, and a lightweight Feisol 3441T tripod. No, I will certainly not be carrying all of that at once. I can pick two or three lenses depending on where I'm hiking to and leave the rest at the lodge. I too have learned to minimize gear to maximize fun! But I still want a back up camera available.

Kent in SD

Theo Sulphate · Jul 8, 2017

Lightness and lack of clutter is my philosophy. On any trip I've ever made, whether days or months,, I've never taken more than two cameras - and one of those cameras has always been able to fit in a small pocket (GR-1, XA2). The other camera has just one lens; I don't carry extra lenses.

But that's just me. For the OP, I'd take the AE-1P for the reasons Alan gave in post #3.

John Galt · Jul 8, 2017

Les Sarile said:
You can use a self timer on your Pentax K1000 SE

DOF preview with any Pentax K mount can be done simply by setting the aperture desired and unlocking the lens and turning it a few degrees before release.

I learned two things from you today!! Thanks Les Sarile

MattKing said:
I was thinking about this thread and realized that the question asked is a perfect example of how things have changed.
In days of yore, the OP would have a single 35mm SLR system, and the only question might be what lenses to take or, much more rarely, whether to take a second body.
My answer to this question today is:
1) which one do you like using the most? Choose that one; or
2) if by some chance you have two systems because you have different uses for them, which use is closest to what you intend to do on your trip.
The two choices are of similar quality. You probably won't lose out if you just flip a coin.
If it were me, and I was taking two medium format bodies, my 35mm choice would be a small rangefinder - maybe even a point and shoot. But I can project medium format slides, so the biggest reason to take a more complete 35mm system - 35mm slides - doesn't apply.

MattKing, the Canon was inherited when my Father passed several years ago, I am a Pentax guy always have been for 35mm. The Hasselblads are recent (this year) acquisitions. The 35mm would be for action/street photography. I have decided to take the Pentax system. However, I expect to use the Hasselblad for most of my shooting.

ac12 said:
You have not said what lenses you have for the Hasselblad.

WHY are you taking 2 different format cameras?
What does the 35mm camera bring to the table that the Hasselblad does not have?
Then which camera (Pentax or Cannon) solves the problem best?

. . . .

BTW, that is a LOT of gear.

2 Hasselblad bodies + ? lenses + ? backs

1 35mm body + 2 or 3 lenses.

medium tripod + other gear

ac12, I will be bringing two Hasselblad 500c bodies (one as a spare, no batteries required ), and two A12 120 roll film backs. The Hasselblad lenses consist of a 60mm, 80mm and 150mm. The Hasselblad system and the Pentax system will all fit in my SKB 24"x12"x6" case (for storage and transport). One small camera bag for 120 and 35mm film. Plus tripod. I will have a camera backpack for shooting excursions.

We (my 83 year old Aunt and I) will be doing this road trip in her new Cadillac CTS. Secondary roads all the way in a leisurely manner taking time to see what we want with no schedule . . . The 35mm is for more casual shots, street and or action. The Hasselblad is for more serious scenic and landscape photography.

At any particular time I expect to be actually humping one system with only one or two lenses.

As for film . . . a mix of Fuji Provia and Ilford B&W (maybe some Tri-X also)

Theo Sulphate said:
Lightness and lack of clutter is my philosophy. On any trip I've ever made, whether days or months,, I've never taken more than two cameras - and one of those cameras has always been able to fit in a small pocket (GR-1, XA2). The other camera has just one lens; I don't carry extra lenses.

But that's just me. For the OP, I'd take the AE-1P for the reasons Alan gave in post #3.

Theo, no airports, the only public transportation we will be using is the ferry from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland.

Alan Gales said:
That's easy. You are taking two Hasselblads which are fully manual and a bit slow to use. A 35mm camera shines for shooting action. Take the Canon because the auto exposure modes are faster in case you want to shoot some action.

Alan Gales . . . exactly

Theo Sulphate · Jul 9, 2017

John Galt said:
...
Theo, no airports, the only public transportation we will be using is the ferry from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland.
...

Hm??? I didn't mention or imply airports nor public transportation.

I've travelled across the U.S. multiple times by car and in European cities on foot - I still take one main camera (such as a Pentax SP500 or Canon AE-1P) and a small pocketable camera. I travel extremely light. But -- those are my preferences -- I do realize most photo enthusiasts will take much more.

What Alan said in post #3 made sense to me.

RalphLambrecht · Jul 9, 2017

superpos said:
i would just take the Hassi with max 3 lenses.
My experience ... the more (different) cameras you take, the more problems you've got. Each time you think about it which is the best for the situation.
Take the Hassi and do everything with this one camera!

Enjoy your trip!

Me too. I would take one Hassy and two lenses 80 and 50; done.

film_man · Jul 9, 2017

What do you intend to shoot with the 35mm camera that the Hasselblads won't cover? You've got backup covered already with the 'blads so which other camera you take is irrelevant. The focal lengths are all covered as well. In fact, I just don't see why you need a 3rd camera (35mm or not) at all. You say "action" or "casual", well both the Pentax and the AE1 are manual focus, manual wind, so it's not like you're getting any fast action shots that the hassy won't do.

That leaves "casual". For that I prefer something with a light meter.

jeffreyg · Jul 9, 2017

For my 2 cents: I have taken many trips with two Hasselblads. One with a 50mm lens and the other with either a 150mm or 250mm plus a 2x extender. Both with the same film, a handheld meter, yellow, orange and light green filters. Street occasions and grab shots are not that difficult or slow once you get the hang of it. Should there be a problem with one of the bodies, the lenses and filters will work on the other body. Using the same film in both prevents any metering confusion. I also take a carbon fiber tripod so the quick connect fits both. I carry my gear, film etc in a camera backpack and take an empty daypack to use if just walking around with less gear. For me it keeps it simple and easy to enjoy a trip as well as doing serious photography.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

Sirius Glass · Jul 9, 2017

RalphLambrecht said:
Me too. I would take one Hassy and two lenses 80 and 50; done.

In May I took four week trip to Greece and the Greek islands with my Hasselblad with the 50mm and 80mm lenses and the Hasselblad SWC. I ended up using the SWC the most, then the 50mm lens and occasionally the 80mm lens.

cooltouch · Jul 9, 2017

Given that the OP has two Hassys, I wouldn't even worry about carrying a 35mm. For casual stuff, I'd recommend *gasp!* a cellphone.

MattKing · Jul 9, 2017

An Olympus XA would work well as a special purpose 3rd camera.
As would one of those water resistant point and shoot cameras.

Which 35mm SLR to take on 1 Month Trip??

John Galt

vsyrek1945

Alan Gales

Sirius Glass

cooltouch

MattKing

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narsuitus

Two23

faberryman

Les Sarile

Chan Tran

superpos

Steve Bellayr

Frank53

ac12

Two23

Theo Sulphate

John Galt

Theo Sulphate

RalphLambrecht

film_man

jeffreyg

Sirius Glass

cooltouch

MattKing

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Which 35mm SLR to take on 1 Month Trip??

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