linsey_ybarra

<p>ok, thanks so much!!</p>

<p>one more comment!..</p> <blockquote> <p>the next lightest SLR that I can think of is Bronica SQA. It has interchangeable lenses, backs, prisms. </p> </blockquote> <p>I actually had thought a lot about the bronica sqa before! having the option of switching between 6x6 and 645 would be super awesome, but I can't seem to find the 645 back for this camera anywhere. It exists, right? I read somewhere that it has the capability of switching between 645 and 6x6 depending on the back (it may have been a different bronica but I'm pretty sure it was in the sq line.. maybe the ai?) Anyway.. do you know anything about this? </p>

<p>So many responses here, thank you SO much everyone!! You have been such a great help! A few responses to some comments/questions...</p> <p>For everyone suggesting 645: I am definitely rethinking this now! As I said in my post, it's not ideal but I would consider it. I just really love the 67 and 6x6 formats so much, for both the size and dimensions. I usually shoot 6x6 so going down to 645 (even though it's not THAT much smaller) is a little bit of a sacrifice, and does feel almost too close to 35mm. At the same time, it could be my most practical option and might be the best compromise. I'm going to look further into the cameras that have been suggested. As far as lenses go, I really want to just bring one good all-around lens. I do shoot primarily portraits which is why I want at least a f/2.8, but I would be totally fine with a 75 or 80mm lens. It would actually probably be better than a longer lens because a lot of the places I will be shooting are going to be tight areas (going to be primarily in africa and asia, which will mean small homes, alleyways, etc.) I shot 6x6 in India and found that a 75mm lens was perfect for most of what I wanted to shoot. I only wish it had the capability of focusing closer, which is why I'm looking for that as well. So I guess it will depend.. if I can't find an 80mm lens that can focus close then I may have to compromise in some area. I'm hoping this isn't the case though. Close-up filters could also be an option in that case if I can find some decent ones.</p> <blockquote> Quite honestly I'm surprised that anyone has even bothered to suggest camera models of supposed suitability for this venture. The idea is mad beyond belief........... </blockquote> I'm not going to quote your entire post, but yes I have considered every thing you mention here and I have worked it all out. I have considered many other options... just 35mm, just digital, etc. and have settled on what is going to be the best for me (I'm going to be shooting hybrid btw, also bringing either a canon 6d or a mirrorless if Fuji comes out with a full-frame before we leave). I appreciate your concern but don't really find the pretentious way in which you stated your ideas to be necessary. I also don't think it is necessary or really relevant for me to explain why I have settled on this idea but if you are so curious to know then I can explain it. For those suggesting rangefinders: I don't have anything against rangefinders in general, but they are definitely not suited for what I want to shoot. I know they would be the most practical by far for this trip (as I stated in my post) but like I said, I'm not interested. I have shot with them before and they are only capable of shooting about 30% or less of what I shoot. In fact, I bought a Fuji ga645 specifically to test out for this trip because it's so lightweight and easy to use, but after going through a bunch of rolls I realized it just wasn't at all what I was looking for. There are no rangefinders (that I'm aware of) that can shoot as close as headshots... only about half-body, and I absolutely need that capability. Also, the widest aperture I am finding on RF's is 3.5 or 4, which is just impossible with the low light I will be in (not sure if I will have a flash with me or not but I prefer natural light when I can swing it anyway). I will of course shoot some landscape, architecture, etc. but I shoot very little of that compared to portraits. I mostly shoot environmental portraits, candid portraits (and street), and headshots so I need a camera and lens that can do all 3 of those things. <blockquote> Personal digressions should be handled elsewhere. "Should" be. Doesn't always work out that way. But these sorts of spats tend to alienate prospective new members. Photo.net participation is way down as it is. Let's try to make it a more welcoming place. </blockquote> Thank you for that. I am new to photo.net! (new to posting at least.. I have used it for a long time to read forums) I actually joined specifically to post this question. I am very pleased with the responses though... *most* of the comments have been extremely helpful! <blockquote> Before I want to suggest something is to learn more about what you want to shoot. You stated portraits. Are your interests in other types of mediums, such as nature, wildlife, street type of photography? </blockquote> I think I answered this question in an earlier paragraph. I hadn't thought about extension tubes for close-up work but that's a great idea! (I think someone else suggested that as well.. thank you!) and I will answer your other question below-- I guess I should explain for everyone what I mean by backpacking. Yes it will be your typical backpacking trip to a lot of different countries and we will have to walk around with our backpacks a lot as we are traveling and transporting to different areas, but the times I will actually be shooting will be when we have settled into a place for a bit. We're going to 30-35 different countries and we will be in each one for at least 2 weeks, sometimes up to 3 or 4 months. So really, the concern with the camera is more about being able to pack it with all of my other stuff (clothes/toiletries etc.) into one large backpack that I am capable of carrying around in between countries and as we transport to different areas. We are not planning on spending too much time hiking or walking really long distances with our packs, though it may happen here and there if necessary, and we probably will spend a lot of time hiking/walking around with just our camera bags but our main focus is on people and culture so I can't imagine a ton of crazy hiking unless we are heading to a small tribe or village. So I know that lightweight is relative in medium format, but I'm willing to sacrifice for the space/weight since it's not like I'm going to be hiking all over the place with my pack. That being said, I obviously don't want to bring more than necessary... I'm really trying for the bare minimum that still allows me to shoot what I want. We never know if we are going to get stranded, end up camping somewhere, or having to walk miles to different places etc. so I need to at least be able to handle the size/weight. My ideal kit would be a digital body with one versatile lens, and a medium format body with one decently versatile lens--probably around 80mm and at least f/2.8 (another reason for needing that is I'm going to be in a lot of low-light situations with no tripod), and then basic necessary accessories--battery charger for my digital, maybe an extra back if the MF has interchangeable backs, a close-up filter or tube if necessary, memory cards, a whole bunch of film (I will have the ability to order online if I run out so that's not a concern), and possibly a speedlight and/or reflector.. some sort of lighting aid. Apart from that, I really don't want to bring a whole lot more. Just a simple kit. I find that even when I have access to a lot of gadgets I rarely use them.. I just prefer basic, simple, and pretty versatile. Anyway... I would appreciate any other suggestions! A lot of great ones have been made and I will start doing my research on the equipment mentioned. Thank you everybody!!

<p>Those are both very helpful responses! I have been thinking about both Bronicas and Hassy's... I don't have experience with either but they both seem like they might work well for what I'm looking for and they are solid cameras. I will look into them both more in depth, thanks for your help! </p>

<p>I'm wanting to buy a lightweight medium format SLR for traveling... my husband and I are going on a 2 year backpacking trip and I just can't fathom not shooting film. I really want to shoot with an SLR but I know it's nearly impossible to find lightweight MF cameras that aren't rangefinders, so I'm just looking for some decent options. I know it will probably be impossible to find everything that I'm looking for, but here is what I'm looking for in order of priority:</p> <p>1 *lightweight* (as much as can be for an MF SLR) and not bulky (or at least something that breaks down and can pack in a somewhat compact way)<br> 2 *close focusing range (or an option of good close-up filters) with lens option of at least f/2.8 or shallower -- I shoot primarily portraits<br> 3 *price range under $1,000.. but preferably under $600<br> 4 *6x7 or 6x6 format (not interested in 645 or 690, but would maybe consider it)</p> <p>interchangeable backs would be nice but are not totally necessary. I love all-mechanical cameras and wouldn't mind something that is fully manual... I would actually be lower maintenance backpacking and not needing a battery. Not interested in TLR's (I already have traveled with a few different ones and I love them but they are not what I'm looking for for this trip) and I'm REALLY not interested in rangefinders (I know they are the most lightweight but they just don't work for what I like to shoot). Also not interested in 35mm. </p> <p>numbers 1 and 2 on this list are must-haves and the rest are preferences. I could definitely budge on price if it really were worth it! Thanks so much in advance!! </p> <p> </p>