What Camera?

Barney

Barney

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How do you all decide which camera to take out? I always end carrying four or five - sometimes stupidly even two Bronicas'

I Want to use them all so much, I don't want to leave any at home. :)

Today for example

Five film cameras and three digital and a tripod.

I don't half chuckle when I read "I have bought xxxxxx camera and lens as its 150g lighter"


Matron, Matron.
 
I usually take one digital and one film, each with one lens or maybe a second just in case. Only if it';s explicitly a togging trip do I take more, but then I tend to also go overboard and eg might take the D850 with a couple of lenses, Olympus EM10iii with 12-100, and a couple of film cameras with a few lenses (all Pentax). I might possibly take the Mamiya TLR too. So I know what you mean.
 
Suitability for what I want to do and what I enjoy.

MFT for compact size, speed of operation and built in flash. FF Sony A7 for IQ, for dof options and MF lenses.
 
lindsay said:
I usually take one digital and one film, each with one lens or maybe a second just in case. Only if it';s explicitly a togging trip do I take more, but then I tend to also go overboard and eg might take the D850 with a couple of lenses, Olympus EM10iii with 12-100, and a couple of film cameras with a few lenses (all Pentax). I might possibly take the Mamiya TLR too. So I know what you mean.
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Oh s***, forgot about a TLR. :)
 
Barney said:
How do you all decide which camera to take out?
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Well I'm lucky in having a decent collection of cameras and lenses and in the past used to give my cameras a workout in rotation (when film, dev and scan were cheap), but these days it's horses for courses and settled on Nikon F4 and FM, Canon T90 and T70 depending what I want to use them for e.g auto focusing or dodgy places e.g. sand.
 
Barney said:
How do you all decide which camera to take out? I always end carrying four or five - sometimes stupidly even two Bronicas'

I Want to use them all so much, I don't want to leave any at home. :)

Today for example

Five film cameras and three digital and a tripod.

I don't half chuckle when I read "I have bought xxxxxx camera and lens as its 150g lighter"


Matron, Matron.
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On this week's Dartmoor Photowalk I had 4 Leica M9s, a Leica D-Lux 7, a Bronica SQ-B with 45 deg finder, 40mm, 65mm, 80mm, 150mm lenses plus my Gitzo GT3543XLS Tripod and a pair of Nikon 8x40 Binos, I know what you mean.
 
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The decision is quite easy for me, I only have two cameras that I regularly use (a few more in the collection but never really get used), and they are totally different. I shoot LF for essentially anything I care about, or while on photography focused trips/outings. For noodling around in the woods etc, or for when the weather is just not suitable for LF (heavy rain or heavy wind) I just take my D810. LF is always my preference, and hence digital is really just for snaps and scouting. I'll even make photos on digital that I am eventually happy with and still make the effort to go back with the LF to remake it at some point. I don't get any real satisfaction from using digital, but for scouting and experimenting it's a hell of a lot cheaper to run than film. There's a host of other nit picky reasons why I choose digital over 135 or 120 film, but they're not wildly important to the point.
 
I dont shoot film these days, but my norm was 3 bodies, one colour, one B+W and a spare. Carrying five is fun but the weight isnt good in the long term. Trust me I know. ;)
 
Barney said:
How do you all decide which camera to take out? I always end carrying four or five - sometimes stupidly even two Bronicas'

I Want to use them all so much, I don't want to leave any at home. :)

Today for example

Five film cameras and three digital and a tripod.

I don't half chuckle when I read "I have bought xxxxxx camera and lens as its 150g lighter"


Matron, Matron.
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A combination of the subject and the type of photograph you want to end up with should be the decision makers for what camera you take out. Maybe also the weather?

If you simply enjoy using the cameras more than you enjoy making pictures, then you could try what fountain pen users do, and set up a rota. This would mean the camera would dictate your approach on any particular day, rather than the subject matter. BUT you could still link the two together; i.e. Sunday is my Rolleiflex day, so I will go to location x and photograph subject y because this suits the Rollieflex's capabilities.

You could have a daily or weekly rota. So, while you are using one camera today, you can always look forward to using one of your other cameras tomorrow.
 
Similar to Jonathon. If I'm going somewhere I really want to photograph properly (and have the time) then I'll take a large format camera. In case of doubt as to what's the most suitable LF option, I'd go with my Canham MQC which is 7x5 - a compromise half way to 10x8. If I want a few decent photos, then a medium format camera. Ideally a Mamiya RZ67 or RB67, but for a light option my Bronica ETRS. Otherwise, a 6x9 folder that fits into a pocket. And for the times when photos might be a good idea, and in colour, a Sony a7rII with 15mm (Samyang), 21mm (OM), 50mm (OM f/1.8 or Canon 55mm f/1.2 ASPH) and 85mm (OM) lenses. Plus a Vivitar Series 1 70-210 if I feel strong...

There are several other cameras that I might feel inclined to use - the Mamiya C330 is versatile.

On holiday, everything except the kitchen sink (as I won't be developing :p) if I can fit it in. The last major holiday we had, it was an Intrepid 10x8 with 10 film holders, the Canham MQC also with 10 film holders, a Harrison Jumbo changing tent, a wheeled camera bag of LF lenses, and the Sony a7rII plus full bag of lenses. NOT something to take for an afternoon (or even day) out.
 
I'd forgotten LF. If I'm on a serious togging outing to a suitable location, then an LF setup is the primary kit but I will take a digital camera - probably the Pentax K3iiiM, for metering and visualising - and maybe a 35mm Pentax with standard for 28mm lens.
 
I usually only take one camera, occasionally two. If I think the location justifies it, I'll take a 4x5 field camera probably with two lenses. If the location is close to a car park I might take a half-plate camera or a 4x5 monorail.

A holiday which isn't a dedicated photography trip will probably see me take a twin lens reflex - with just the fixed standard lens.

A cycle ride or a longish walk might require a 35mm camera - rarely with more than two lenses.

A rainy day at home doing still life will probably be done with a 4x5 monorail.
 
I seldom carry more than two, in the smallest bag I can force them into.

For press work in film days, I usually had a roll film camera and a 35mm camera. These days it tends to be a pair of digital bodies, one with a superwide zoom and the other with a long zoom.

Leica and Rollei from right.jpg
 
Kevin Allan said:
I am genuinely puzzled as to the reason for taking four digital cameras of the same model. Since they can shoot either B&W or colour and have interchangeable lenses, surely one is enough?
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I understand your bewilderment Kevin but Ihate changing lenses in the feild.

The way I do my photowalks with the M9s is I have a 21mm on one, a 35mm on an the second, a 50mm on the third and a 75mm on the fourth, I keep them in my jacket pockets (or a waistcoat if it's really hot) and just grab whichever body/lens I think will give me the best composition. When I take my Fuji X-T2a I have one with the 10-24, one with the 16-55 and a third with the 50-140 and do the same (except the 50-140 is so rarely used it lives in my backpack until I need it.

I find it so much quicker and easier to shoot this way keep in mind I am only documenting my walks this way and if/when I get to a location that has potential I will work it from a tripod with either the Bronica for film or my GFX 50S fir digital.
 
As much as I often take a couple of cameras, I think the adage "less is more" is often good to follow. If I have too much stuff I start to get choice paralysis which ends up ruining the experience, whereas if I take a single camera then I have no option but to work within it's limitations and just focus on taking pictures.
 
FishyFish said:
As much as I often take a couple of cameras, I think the adage "less is more" is often good to follow. If I have too much stuff I start to get choice paralysis which ends up ruining the experience, whereas if I take a single camera then I have no option but to work within it's limitations and just focus on taking pictures.
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This is now my usual approach after trying in the early days of my photography to cover most things, something I see a lot of people try to do on trips from super wide to telephoto. Not I'm more comfortable with a 35mm or 50mm equivalent on one camera but often take two depending on what the day looks like.

A recent trip to Spain I took 35mm, medium format and the 4x5 but generally only used one at a time given where we were that day.
 
I am glad its not just me.

and some constructive ideas on rationalising my predicament.
 
I used to carry both my Pana MFTs, long lens on the G9 if I spotted wildlife, 12-60mm on the G80 for buildings, scenes etc.
Even those two would aggravate my shoulders, so now I usually decide what I'm aiming to shoot before I leave and it's 1 rig only the vast majority of the time.
 
I am with the others who choose against purpose...

So, the z50 is taken out for street photography as it is the most subtle.
Otherwise I will usually have D850 and D780 - one with telephoto and one with wide angle...
 
My workflow is centred around B&W film cameras. The cameras I take are based on what my current fave is or what just arrived in the post.
I don't do much colour work and haven't really accepted that I can do B&W on a digital camera. The camera that I nearly always carry is my Fuji XQ1 as it does a very good job at snaps and is so small that I could carry two of them in the same shirt pocket. I must try more digital/colour this year.
 
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I only ever take one camera and usually one lens suitable for where I'm going or what I'm doing - 7 times out of 10 it will be the Leica MP & 35mm Sumicron.
 
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I generally take two as having had the odd one fail it's really annoying to then have no cameras. I mostly use pocket size ones so it's not a problem to have two in a bag. Usually carry more rolls of film, batteries etc just in case.

I try and rotate them so I go to the same place again I try and take a different camera than previously.
 
Kevin Allan said:
I am genuinely puzzled as to the reason for taking four digital cameras of the same model. Since they can shoot either B&W or colour and have interchangeable lenses, surely one is enough?
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They'll have different sensor corrosion patterns since they're M9s ;)

Topsy said:
I understand your bewilderment Kevin but Ihate changing lenses in the feild.

The way I do my photowalks with the M9s is I have a 21mm on one, a 35mm on an the second, a 50mm on the third and a 75mm on the fourth, I keep them in my jacket pockets (or a waistcoat if it's really hot) and just grab whichever body/lens I think will give me the best composition. When I take my Fuji X-T2a I have one with the 10-24, one with the 16-55 and a third with the 50-140 and do the same (except the 50-140 is so rarely used it lives in my backpack until I need it.

I find it so much quicker and easier to shoot this way keep in mind I am only documenting my walks this way and if/when I get to a location that has potential I will work it from a tripod with either the Bronica for film or my GFX 50S fir digital.
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Makes sense, your wide + tele choices are just out of the ranges that the Tri-Elmars give you.

I'm currently on a two week trip in the US, my setup is 2x Film M bodies (one for b/w, one for colour), 28/50mm lenses, and a Hasselblad w/80mm + an extra back (for b/w). If space was really an issue I would pare it down to an M + 35mm and the Hassy.

The main issue is the weight of all the film, I have about 45 rolls of film with me. Granted I don't carry all of it with me all the time but the extra weight was definitely felt when I was flying out!
 
Bodian said:
Even easier for me. I only have one camera. I haven't even got a phone to take photos with.
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If I were going out with only one camera it would have to be the Panasonic FZ82; very wide to very long, in a relatively compact and light weight package...

Panasonic FZ82 camera GX7 P1140753.JPG
 
I wouldn't normally take more than one of each format on any excursion.

Still relatively new to film, but as I use Minolta and have the adapter for my Sony, I'll take Minolta with lens. The Sony with lens - and maybe one other lens.
 
FruitFlakes said:
They'll have different sensor corrosion patterns since they're M9s ;)



Makes sense, your wide + tele choices are just out of the ranges that the Tri-Elmars give you.

I'm currently on a two week trip in the US, my setup is 2x Film M bodies (one for b/w, one for colour), 28/50mm lenses, and a Hasselblad w/80mm + an extra back (for b/w). If space was really an issue I would pare it down to an M + 35mm and the Hassy.

The main issue is the weight of all the film, I have about 45 rolls of film with me. Granted I don't carry all of it with me all the time but the extra weight was definitely felt when I was flying out!
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Couldn't you have bought the film out there and posted it back when exposed?
 
Kell said:
I wouldn't normally take more than one of each format on any excursion.

Still relatively new to film, but as I use Minolta and have the adapter for my Sony, I'll take Minolta with lens. The Sony with lens - and maybe one other lens.
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With what I have for my 35mm kit - Yashica FX3, ML28, ML35, ML50, ML135 I could do the same with the Sony and adapter...... but I never have.

FOMO with the Sony glass I think :ROFLMAO:

I don't think I've ever used the ML glass on the A7Riii. I have on the A7 years ago and it was pretty sharp tbh
 
Topsy said:
Couldn't you have bought the film out there and posted it back when exposed?
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I could but I’d rather go through the stuff I have stockpiled especially since it’s easy to get a handcheck flying out of Heathrow these days. The weight isn’t a big concern for me anyway, just a minor annoyance.
 
LeeRatters said:
With what I have for my 35mm kit - Yashica FX3, ML28, ML35, ML50, ML135 I could do the same with the Sony and adapter...... but I never have.

FOMO with the Sony glass I think :ROFLMAO:

I don't think I've ever used the ML glass on the A7Riii. I have on the A7 years ago and it was pretty sharp tbh
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I was toying with upgrading my A7 as it's the MKI with no IS - and obviously the lenses don't have it - but I've not really seen the need. I bought it purely to use with the Minolta lenses and don't even have any native Sony lenses.

I do also have the adapter for my Canon, but do prefer using the Minolta kit as heritage lenses for the Sony.
 
Kell said:
I was toying with upgrading my A7 as it's the MKI with no IS - and obviously the lenses don't have it - but I've not really seen the need. I bought it purely to use with the Minolta lenses and don't even have any native Sony lenses.

I do also have the adapter for my Canon, but do prefer using the Minolta kit as heritage lenses for the Sony.
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IBIS is a bit overrated imo

I don't ever use it personally. Or I can't recall when I've used it it's that rare!
 
Rolleiflex 6008i (favorite camera of all time!) = 6 x 6 or 6 x 4.5 Film Studio work; almost always Portra 160 or Ektar 100
Leica MP = General Photography only colour (Kodak Gold 200) or Ilford XP2 loaded - much prefer colour photography but can always do a B&W conversion in software.
Leica M11 = Studio or General Digital
Nikon Z9 = Digital Action/Macro or wildlife.
Drone DJI Mini 4 Pro = Landscape
Nikon Z6 = film copying on copy stand permanently with 105mm 2.8Z Macro

Never need more than one body and a couple of lenses, travel light due to being disabled and I feel it gives 'discipline' in your photography.
 
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Goodness, 95% of you lot are nuts! I take one camera, and the lens (almost always) stays on it for the entire roll. Usually it's the Pentax MX loaded with black and white film and whatever lens I felt was a change from the last one when I loaded the film. Although... there's pretty much always a mju II in my jacket pocket with colour film on board, for safety. The film in that will last for months.

If I'm feeling experimental (ICM, trichromes etc), it'll usually be the Pentax ME. If I'm wanting to use a colour film, C41 or E6 with a bit more control, I'll use the Pentax LX.

Occasionally another camera gets a look-in, but always one camera, one lens.

I don't want to be messing about changing lenses, or worrying which camera is most suited. I want to take photos that "see" what the chosen combo sees.
 
In the early days (for me), there was no choice; it was THE body I had loaded with FP-4 in Summer and either HP-5 or Tri-X for the other 51 weeks... Later on, when I could afford 2 bodies, it was print film in one (usually Kodacolor Gold 200) and slide in the other (usually Sensia 200 unless I was feeling flush and landscapy when a roll or 2 or Velvia 50 would get loaded.)

[digitalbit]These days, I have a trio of Fuji bodies with a trio of zooms that cover 10-24, 18-135 and 100-400 to avoid lens changes and reduce dust problems. [/digital bit!]
 
Nod said:
In the early days (for me), there was no choice; it was THE body I had loaded with FP-4 in Summer and either HP-5 or Tri-X for the other 51 weeks... Later on, when I could afford 2 bodies, it was print film in one (usually Kodacolor Gold 200) and slide in the other (usually Sensia 200 unless I was feeling flush and landscapy when a roll or 2 or Velvia 50 would get loaded.)

[digitalbit]These days, I have a trio of Fuji bodies with a trio of zooms that cover 10-24, 18-135 and 100-400 to avoid lens changes and reduce dust problems. [/digital bit!]
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:LOL:
 
I forgot the tripod.

Ha ha.
 
Nod said:
In the early days (for me), there was no choice; it was THE body I had loaded with FP-4 in Summer and either HP-5 or Tri-X for the other 51 weeks...
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In the mid 1960s, I was in the same boat: a Pentacon FM fitted with a 50mm f2.8 Meritar.

Not even the aperture was coupled to the camera, instead you clicked the aperture to the required f-number, focussed, pushed a ring on the lens to close the aperture blades and then recomposed and pressed the shutter release button.

Actually, it was much quicker than it sounds and I often managed to get the image I was after.

Photographer male model Thames West London Pentacon FM.jpg
 
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