Thread: Travelling lighter today, physically and mentally.

Nothing wrong with a collection of cameras on the shelf. it is as much a part of one's history as that photo framed on the wall.

The mistake with thinking that a minimum amount of photo gear clears the mind, is that it is not the amount it how you use it. Different cameras, different formats, different lenses do different things, the problem comes when one tries to do all at the same time. Just bring on each adventure what you know you will use and if next time has different needs bring the stuff that is best to capture those images. They are just tools sometimes you need a table saw, sometimes a jig saw and some times a chain saw.

Amen to the chainsaw...... I don't own myself (or the camera equivalent), but you're definitely right about the right tool for the job.

Personally, (quite amateur snapper/borderline OCD issues) even two cameras now it seems..., is one too many. There's a relaxing "mental order", if you will, in having one tool to grow with. I occasionally surprise myself with some nice shots to boot. Especially now with the X-Pro 1, I think it's particularly the inherent limitations of working with one camera and one lens (ok, two) that presents this kind of personal opportunity and challenge. This of course is my story, and sold by weight, not volume. Some settling of contents may occur.

Originally Posted by Landshark

Nothing wrong with a collection of cameras on the shelf. it is as much a part of one's history as that photo framed on the wall.

As a 30-something Gen-Xer with a mortgage, a lack of shelf space, and a desire to do more travelling, reality unfortunately outweighs such thoughts. My concession to that is my battered but still perfectly usable Canon 350D. Other than that I've avoided getting too nostalgic about cameras. My original Canon 50D was sold in favour of one with 10,000 fewer clicks and that hadn't travelled through Borneo and the Middle East, and my old favourite E-P1 went to a new owner a few months ago. I'm even now considering selling the camera that replaced it (E-PL1) and enjoyed using just as much. Three cameras seems like a good number for me right now (E-M5, G1X, GH1).

More ... more .... more!!!! More is better!!!



All kidding aside, I'm about to head out to the Bay Area, and will carry only ONE camera with me -- the OMD. Thankfully, the lenses are all so small and light -- 14/2.5, 25/1.4 and 45/1.8. I have a 7-14 arriving tomorrow just in time for the trip, so the 7-14 will be the porker lens.

@ Armanius - I have even more cameras than I listed on the bed in the hotel! Lots more! Interestingly, most of my cameras are high end compacts, and while I ventured into DSLR territory for a few years, I've come back to cameras that give me the best performance in the smallest package. They also cost a lot less than the latest super DSLR!

Only a few years ago I went through a period of carrying 'only' two cameras - the GRD III and Sigma DP2. Each camera had its strengths and I had learned to match the camera to the situation. It's certainly freeing to know exactly which camera to reach for in any given situation, rather than a heavier camera with a bunch of lenses, or four compacts in a bag as I used to carry!

I am on the fence about getting a X-Pro 1. I've shot with one for about half an hour at my local dealer, so I have a reasonable sense of what it's like. It feels really good and the image quality is superb. But it's yet another camera, yet another lens system, and more money that I'd be better off saving. Maybe I'll just buy an older Elmar 90 for the M9 and be done with it.

Originally Posted by Landshark

Nothing wrong with a collection of cameras on the shelf. it is as much a part of one's history as that photo framed on the wall.

The mistake with thinking that a minimum amount of photo gear clears the mind, is that it is not the amount it how you use it. Different cameras, different formats, different lenses do different things, the problem comes when one tries to do all at the same time. Just bring on each adventure what you know you will use and if next time has different needs bring the stuff that is best to capture those images. They are just tools sometimes you need a table saw, sometimes a jig saw and some times a chain saw.

Well said. While what I have collected doesn't amount to much financially speaking, each camera has an aura to it and a time and a place to use it. I would only consider parting with the ones that just don't do it for me [or do a proper job for what they are]. I don't have invested what others seem to in camera gear so it's not like I'd be winning the lotto selling any of it nor would I be able to trade up. A few I've kept a hoping my daughter takes interest while in college. She does go out shooting with me but with the Panny I got her in late December and she shys from film. I'd like her to at least try it before it's gone so that she can say she did.

@Archiver: Spend that money on a trip somewhere instead and use what cameras you have. The memories are in what you capture with the camera, not the gear itself. Even if it's not a big vacation, you can still do something nice for the price of another system.

@Armanius: Enjoy your trip and remember to share when you get back.

Armando, I think you are going to one of the most photogenic cities in the country....definitely share upon your return.

Originally Posted by Luke

Armando, I think you are going to one of the most photogenic cities in the country....definitely share upon your return.

Certainly agree with that. Natural vistas, architecture, and - best of all - interesting people!

Thanks everyone! My fiance and I will be having tons of appointments with vendors for the destination wedding later down the year. So I'm just hoping that we'll get sometime to enjoy the city in between the many many appointments.

I totally agree that SF (and the Bay Area in general) is a lovely place, and I can't ever get enough of it. Too bad it costs so much to live there.

Here's a link to our last trip there two years ago. All the pics were with the M9. I think most of the photos have been at one point or another posted here at SC.com. Oh well, enjoy!! San Francisco 2010 - a set on Flickr