Response to What lenses would you take on a short trip to Europe

I wish to thank everyone who responded to my previous thread. I knew

I could come here for great advice!

All of the advice was great, and having such differing opinions just

shows you how much compromise is involved in choosing between camera

equipment. And yes, it did also remind me that much more important

than the equipment is the photographer's skill and creativity, which

I'm working hard to develop.

One point that there was little disagreement about was the need to

simplify. And the point is well taken: for all of the good reasons

mentioned, I will only have two lenses with me while walking around

(I know Cartier-Bresson had only one, but everyone's gotta start

somewhere, right?). Of course, having 2 more lenses in the hotel

room can't do much harm :)

Even two lenses can be a chore to lug around with the F100 and a

tripod. I'm very tempted by a kinesis belt system, but would rather

not have the equivalent of "TOURIST" emblazened on my forehead. If

anyone has any experience to share with respect to carrying stuff

around, please do share! Btw, I'll be mostly in Lisbon, Portugal and

the surrounding coutryside.

Many of you also suggested bringing a second camera body. A great

suggestion for anyone who uses both color and B&W. I am currently

using an F100, and wondering what would make a good second camera.

Another F100 (or F5) seems like overkill, and the N80 is out of the

question since it doesn't use manual lenses (I'm big on manual

lenses). A manual camera, such the lovely FM3a or a used FE2,

doesn't seem like a good investment at this point with Nikon coming

out with good G lenses that lack an aperture ring (a bad idea,

IMHO). If anyone has any ideas here that would be great, too.

Finally, Richard suggested bringing along a light meter. Can you

give me an idea how a light meter can be helpful in 35mm photography?

Naji

My experience in carrying stuff around: well, I just do it. I try to imagine myself as a photographer rather than a tourist. I eventually learned to lose interest in what other people thought of me and my camera bag. When choosing what equipment to carry, I think about balancing what equipment I would like vs. what burden or hinderance the carrying of that equipment may have on my enjoyment of sight seeing.

Even if Nikon made all their lenses "G" (no apperature ring) starting tomorrow, there's enough used market lenses around to complement an FM3a purchase. Since FM3a is still in production, I don't think a conversion to "G" overnight is going to happen.

Patrick,

>>no apperature ring<<

interesting spelling. I always thought it was 'aperture'....

Carsten

Naji,

When I play the tourist/photographer I usually carry my camera and strap on a "fanny-pack". I have a nice leather one that can fit any of my primes up to my 85mm, as well as a few rolls of film. On this years trip I took a 50mm/f1.4 and either a 28mm/f2.8 or the 28-105 zoom with me. Really worked out well.

As to a second body, my primary 35mm rig is an F5 and I have an old FG that was a gift from my mother that I still trust. We just returned from a week at Disneyworld and I found that I carried the FG most of the time and only took the F5 out at early in the morning or late at night when I was by myself photographing hotels and such.

Enjoy your trip,

Sounds like you've made some good choices. As far as a second body / backup body goes, given your stated criteria I'd suggest either: another F100 (why would that be overkill?); or, an N90s (F90x), which does most everything your F100 does - if I'm not mistaken, accomodates MF lenses - and is dirt cheap right now (I believe if you check the previous threads here, you'll find one for sale in near-mint condition, for $500, I think it was, including some accessories); or, a simple, manual backup, such as the all-mechanical FM2.<P>

Personally, I favor a messenger bag for carrying a light setup. This keeps everything at the ready, until I'm ready to start shooting (at which time I take the camera out of the bag and put it around my neck. - I find that a neoprene strap works wonders for making the load seem lighter.)<P>

I don't use a tripod for walking-around shooting - so I wouldn't be carrying one, unless I were planning a day of landscape or architectural shooting. In which case, I recommend a neoprene tripod strap.<P>

Finally, a handheld light meter can give you more accuracy, as well as more flexibility, than relying on your camera's meter. But much of this depends on your shooting style and interests. Some photographers would call a handheld meter a necessity; others might call it an option. It's a good idea, I think, in any case, to have one and to know how to use it.

You can pickup a 8008s for a very decent price and they are

small and very well built. They also have all the options in

metering including spot. Great camera and often overlooked.

My second is always a P&S. I've never had camera breakdown

on me yet, so the P&S is more than adequate depending on

what you get.

I use a standard waist pouch for the extra lenses and stuff.

Mines pretty big but not overly so. It will carry two lenses and

filters plus film. I swing it around so that it sits in the middle of

my back. Tie a windbreaker around your waist and it's hidden.

I use a handheld meter often, but more so for the incident

capabilites. I don't think you'll need to take one unless you can't

meter with your camera very well. Extra stuff is extra stuff. You'd

probably be able to get one anyways if need be.

On vacations, I never find myself needing more than a 28mm and a 105. You could throw in a 50mm 1.4 for low light occasions, but you'd be surprised how seldom those come along. Just the two lenses will cover 99% of what you want superbly--and they are not heavy.

Robert