Backpacking with Medium Format and a child...

Hello,<BR><BR>

 

As a newbie to medium format, I'm already in love with it. This summer, my

husband and I plan to do some backcountry hiking, as we do every year. We live

in Anchorage, so the surrounding area is perfect for extended weekend hiking.

I have come across one major problem, how to pack my camera.<BR><BR>

Previously, we packed all our gear in our backpacks, and carried our cameras

around our necks, with extra gear in compartments. That is not exactly

possible with my RZ67. Now that our daughter is almost four, we don't need to

pack quite as many things for her (diapers and 3 changes of clothes per day :-)

etc.) so space may not be an issue.<BR><BR>

So, for those of you that take your medium format and young child out for a few

days in the mountains (away from the car and road systems) what do you suggest,

and how do you do it?<BR><BR>

Yes, I could use my 35mm, but with the beauty of nature, I want to do it

justice.<BR><BR>

 

Thanks for your input,<BR>

Kimberly

if you're going to backpack with an rz, you might as well bring your kids along too... ,-)

<p>

Fuji GA645Zi</p>

See my <a href="http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/fujirf.htm">Fuji 645 RF Page</a><p>

Dan</p>

Recommended by the Dad of a 2 and 1/2 year old, and owner of a Fuji GA645Zi

Kimberly, if you are travelling in the mountains for a few days with a child and an RZ, a photo backpack would seem out of the question. Yes the Rz is heavy, but if you only take one lense- either the 110mm or 90mm (I would sugest the 90), a tripod and two backs, just stuff it into whatever backpack you have. If you are not going to take a tripod, then I would sugest just taking your 35mm since for quick hand held shots the 35mm may give you better results. Yes there are better medium format systems to take into the mountains, but unless money is no object-you use what you have.

I definitely think it's unfair and unkind to make that child carry your RZ67 on the trail. You

should downgrade to 645, at least!

My daughter is the same age and I take my RZ with me on all kinds of activities with her, but the funniest thing happened a few weeks ago. We went to the local botanical garden and were deep inside the grounds. When it was time to go she wanted to be carried to the car. I told her that I couldn't carry her because I had the camera. She said, "Daddy, I have an idea. You leave the camera here and then you can carry me." I just cracked up...

 

I carry the RZ in a small Tamrac Expedition 4 backpack with just one lens (110mm), one extra back and a Sekonic light meter. It makes for a nice compact kit.

If I need to carry my MF equipment and lots of non-photo gear, I use my 45L rucksack (crag-hoppers) and put a "slimmed-down" Medium Format system into a Lowpro Traveller bag, which goes (minus the shoulder strap)into the ruck-sack. The Traveller is an excellent little bag that holds my Hasselbad 500cm, 80 and 50mm lenses, plus spot-meter and some grads. I also carry a 4-section Velbon carbon Fibre tripod in the ruck-sack.

 

The whole thing, plus clothing and food is heavy, but just about OK for a days walking/scrambling.

 

If you can get away with less non-photo gear then the Lowepro range is good (if you can navigate their annoying website).

Hello Kimberly, well that is a brute of a thing to lug around. Whilst my Hasselblad takes less space, every lens adds weight and there's always extra magazines. ... not to mention the tripod. There are some good, specially designed back packs on the market. One just learns to accept the equipment-bundle thing, and depending on extent of the trecking, one learns to refine the kit to bare essentials, for both survival and photography. I have chosen not to own a car from now on, and get around on a bicycle. Which kit to take is always a concern.

 

I can imagine that one day you may consider a lighter-weight medium format camera for out doors. On the other hand, a light-weight medium format view camera eg Arca Swiss, or Linhof Technikardan with 6x6 or 6x9 film magazines. We are talking extra dollars here, but much more image making versatility for the same unit of bulk/weight. If you went down this road, there's no turning back, because you'd be even more hooked than you are now.

 

Cheers, Kevin

Mamiya 7?

TLRs take up about the same kind of room as a 35mm SLR. Medium format folding cameras will even fit into a pocket.

Fuji GA645, GA645i or GA645zi.

I carry my RZ with 110,50,& 210 lenses,film,filters,batteries,120&220 backs,lightmeter (I don't use an AE prism finder-too heavy),cleaning

kit,cable releases,film and instruction manual (but no flash) in a

Lowepro wheeled (mini?)Trekker-with space left over.It's quite comfortable on the back, and a carbon-fibre tripod wouldn't add much to the 21 lb.wt.Several companies make wheeled photo backpacks;how much film do you plan to carry, and will it be colour or B&W? The wheels are great at airports.Insure the entire kit before you leave.

If you are taking a young child and for only 2-3 days, just weigh it all, and see if you can put it inside your main packs, dividing up the weight and bulk to suit each walkers capacity. It's always interesting to hear of other people doing this, and how they do it.

 

I'd be interested to hear how much all your photo gear weighs, in toto. My MF gear comes to about 10 pounds: two rangefinders, a CF tripod, film, filters, CRs, and spot meter [addictive, unfortunately, and 250g]. My partner and I each carry a waist bag - for a Fuji GA645zi and Mamiya 7/lens. I find carrying all I need in front of me means I can get it ready fast [the reason I don't use LF] for fleeting light, for handheld shots and in exposed locations - I carry the 1330g tripod in one hand unless the footing is very poor. I feel that a poorly focused/framed, but otherwise good composition is better than the perfect shot we never take. If you do this just occasionally, maybe just put up with your RZ for the few days involved, and use ot like LF, nice setups and time to do it properly, maybe brackets, etc. This can be very family-friendly, breaks are usually very welcome with young kids.

 

You have to see what you are prepared to shoulder - do a 'dry run' test now and see what you think...try rigging out your youngster with a small backpack, to carry a lens or two; all members of the family benefit from your output, only fair each should contribute!

My suggestion: 35mm digital SLR, tripod, autopano pro, and enjoy your daughter-life is too short.

A Mamiya or Fuji medium format rangefinder would seem just the ticket. If beyond your financial means, I would suggest an older medium format folder. Check this site: www.certo6.com. It's worth checking out even if you don't have a real interest in folding cameras. What Jurgen does restoring old folders is pretty amazing.....

I suggest the Mamiya 7II. I have packed and biked it all over Europe. With four lenses, it weighs less than the same kit in Canon. The pictures do justice to nature like no other camera I have used. I take it with me every year to Yosemite. When I return home and go over all the photos that I have taken with my 4X5, 617 and 35mm cameras, the 6X7's from the Mamiya are still my favorites.

Great idea. My Mamiya 7II, 50, 65,80 weigh no more than my 35m kit (F3 and assorted lenses). We take our kids along. They are more trouble than the camera. (But we love them anyway)....

How about hiking with the camera system broken down to spread the weight and space around? Since you're hiking and seem like you're more into landscapes versus wildlife, you could just assemble what you want when you get to your desired location.

Thanks for all your replies!<BR><BR>

I was gone this weekend to Homer, so I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I tried packing everything in my pack. It fit, but I could barely lift it off the floor...not good. So I think that if I was to go on a trip again, I would choose my 65mm lens, body, 1 back, tripod (maybe eventually get a carbon fiber one), and the rest of my normal gear. That should help with the weight. I also think my daughter could carry her own snacks. :-)<BR><BR>

Yes, thank goodness for breaks! My husband is also into landscape photography, so everyone enjoys them. But I sure don't forsee him hauling any of my gear, he considers a power winder on 35mm too much weight. :-)<BR><BR>

 

Yes, a rangefinder would work very nicely, but I'd rather buy film for the equipment I have instead of buying another camera. Considering that my main photographic passion is portraiture, I'll need to keep the camera that I have.<BR><BR>

 

Tony, I'll have to look into the Lowepro Traveller bag, it sounds promising.<BR><BR>

 

Uriel, I usually don't fly when I go to the backwoods on a hiking trip, at least I hope I never do. :-) But if I ever take an airline trip, I will keep your suggestion in mind.<BR><BR>

 

Philip, would a waist pack work with a large backpack? (The kind that have the thick padded waist straps, and fit like a scuba diving vest)? I have thought about that.<BR>

 

Thanks again, we'll see how this goes. <BR><BR>

 

Kimberly

sounds like fun kim!

i've worked as a photog for volunteers for outdoor colorado, and i had to carry my rz and flashes, lenses, filters, film and meter over 20 miles in a day. that's about 40 pounds of stuff, and i didn't need provisions.

now, my daughter is 3 and i still take my cameras with us. usually it's 4x5, but the rz does come along sometimes. first i would recommend getting a cheap used one to take with you unless this is all you do (i have 2 bodies for this very reason). but really, you'd be surprised just how little you need. a light meter fits in a cargo pocket (read: get cargo pants/shorts). get a good hip pack, or make some room in the top of your back pack. you'll need a wide lens (i like the 65, maybe a 50 is more you), and a normal, and if you're super prepared, bring a long or a converter. next you need a polarizer (this can stay on the active lens). stick a cable release in your pocket. film can be stowed with food and random pockets. nothing else is necessary. tripod can be made out of a large rock or stump and your jacket or hip pack. lens shade can be made out of your hat (that's why ansel always wore a hat). done. so you only need room in your pack for your lense(s). get some carribeeners (sp?) and figure out how to lash the camera to your pack for hiking so it doesn't bounce (you'll get bruises on your hips if you don't get it secure, trust me), and then it's ready if you see something along the way. if you bring along 100 film, you'll have plenty of speed to handhold anything, and no, it won't get all blurry (f/8 or 11 is fine). and if you have to stop, is that so bad (you gonna tell me a 4 year-old wants to keep going)?

as for stopping to shoot with the kids, well, good luck. my wife usually entertains our daughter (and the crowds) while i set up my field camera, so i have that luxury. you can have them help by holding something or whatever and then they'll get interested. you know your kids so good luck with it.

i would also recommend a split-image finder or the focusing. it really helps with most situations.

have fun!