Lazy city photography

<p>I am going to attend a conference in Lisbon. While going out in the afternoon and evenings, for once I would like to let go of my Nikon D300/18-200. But the city is so beautiful, I have heard, so missing photo opportunities would be tough. Please let me hear your opinion on my three options:<br>

1. Bring my trusted Nikon FM2 + 45mm/2.8. It fits in my (big) pocket. And I´ll have to accept either cumbersome hand inspection in security OR biting my nails until I get the prints from the lab.<br>

2. Bring my pocketable Leica C-Lux 2. I can get acceptable results, but it sure ain´t fun to use. But I can always bring it with me.<br>

3. Accept sarcastic remarks from my wife about being obsessive-compulsive and schlep the D300 around. Maybe even miss some shots because the big camera sticks out like a sore thumb?<br>

Yes, I know. An Olympus E-P1 is what I need. But I´ll wait a little.</p>

 

<p>#1- You can also Fed Ex your film to the hotel, avoiding hand inspections. That is a good combo. I have an FM-2n and the 45/2.8, but who has a pocket that big? As much as I like the 45/2.8, on a one-lens trip, I'd be tempted to take a short zoom, at least a 35-70, or something really fast, like a 50/1.4, but the rig gets bigger.</p>

<p>#2- If it's no fun, leave it behind or better yet, sell it.</p>

<p>#3- Sarcastic remarks from the better half are a significant part of the fun of being married. The way they smirk, and their eyes light up during those lectures is priceless. Study the character Silent Bob in the movie Clerks to learn a viable repertoire of non-self-incriminating absorbent reactions. You could miss a picture if one of those lectures goes long! Sound waves hit the eardrum, then they dissipate into background radiation. Photographs will be around a lot longer. If you want to take the big rig, do so.</p>

<p>#4- Seems like a good excuse to pop for the EP-1 to me. Don't you have a secret camera acquisition slush fund? If not, it's time to start one.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Thanks, Luis! I did not expect advice to be that eloquent and funny, at that. I´ll try the Clerks lesson.<br>

E-P1 must wait for the Panasonic GF-1 to materialize.</p>

<p>You don't happen to have an AF-D 35/2.0 sitting around do you? Or maybe that new AF-S 35/1.8? Just pop one of those on the D300. It'll seem a whole lot smaller, and you'll get some really nice shots. An AF-D 24 or 28 would work equally well, maybe even better.</p>

<p>Maybe this is an excuse to buy a new lens?</p>

<p>Alas, Frank, I only have a non-AI Nikkor 35/2.0 and unlike my first FM, you can´t flip the meter coupling tab away - so it will not mount.<br>

But you are right, a 35/1.8DX would make an acceptable package. Thanks for the tip!</p>

<p>Sven, if you go the 35mm route, you should get the f/2.0 AF-D version so you can use it on your FM2. I went to Paris once with just an FM2n, a 24mm f/2.8 and a 50mm f/1.4. Light, mobile kit and got plenty of nice photos.</p>

<p>An AFD 24mm or 35mm would make an excellent combo with the D300, while keeping the weight "manageable."</p>

<p>Thanks folks. I already have a 35/1.4AIS so might use that. But for film, the 45 pancake is razor sharp and fits the FM2n perfectly, so I think I´ll take that combo with me.<br>

But the Pana GF-1 w/ 20/1.7 sure looks tasty!</p>