May - A trip to Vienna
The dilemma of what kit to bring on a photographic trip, organised by a photographic society.
A collection of Leica camera, at an LSI meet up. Credit - Mert Halaman.
The great dilemma of what camera equipment to take on a trip has been foxing photographers around the world for many years. It's really quite funny to watch and I'd like to think that I know better now, but being completely honest, it's been a dilemma for me too on more occasions than I'd care to admit.
So, I'm heading to Vienna to meet up with friends as part of the Leica Society International's spring shoot event. I didn't really take part in much of the event as it was largely indoors at a hotel. Having previously worked in Vienna but never actually seen the place, my wife and I wanted to get out and actually see the city. We met up with our friends along the way and had some great fun with them. So, what kit will I take to photograph Vienna?
You'd be forgiven thinking that after a few trips, and many years of experience, the answer to this question would be really obvious and to some extent, maybe it is. However, I'm reminded on countless occasions that it's not always the case.
It's a Leica sponsored event, so it was a given that I was going to take Leica equipment with me on this occasion. Meeting with Leica AG from Germany, it might seem a little strange with my Sony camera hanging round my neck and sharing photos during the event might get a few odd comments.
People get many things from photography. Taking photos aside, that includes using your favourite camera and lens whether it's appropriate or not, or wanting to show off your new kit when out on a photo walk or with like minded friends. We've all seen enthusiastic photographers turn up as guests at weddings with more kit than the professional photographer, or at photographic shows carrying giant bazooka-like zoom lenses. I'm not sure if I've ever really been that guy, but if I ever was, I'm not now.
For me, as a tourist in Vienna this time, the choice was actually quite straight forward. I knew I'd be doing a fair bit of walking so my kit needed to be lightweight and be able to cover views of the city and maybe a little street photography.
I like shooting colour and monochrome images on both film and digital cameras. So, I took my digital monochrome camera and a film camera with 5 rolls of colour film, Kodak Portra 160. Both are mechanical rangefinder cameras with manual focus.
I took an ultra-wide-angle 16-21mm lens which I mostly used on the digital camera. This covered off the majority of city views. On the film camera, I used a 35mm lens which is ideal for general street photography, portraits and some city photos. Both lenses can be used on either camera.
Photos of Vienna
A well understood photographic term G.A.S. or 'Gear Acquisition Syndrome' is so appropriate here and while it always makes me laugh when I see it in others, and often talk about rationalisation of kit, or carrying only the essentials, I'd be lying if I said I've never fallen victim.
Photographers also suffer with FOMO, 'Fear of missing out', or more to the point, 'Fear of missing the shot'. This usually results in every possible lens and aperture combination being packed into the bag for some people. With a lot of walking ahead, this was never going to be a good idea.
Modern mirrorless cameras are getting smaller and lighter all the time, a couple of standard zooms and maybe a 50mm prime lens will have you covered for most types of shot. If you don't want to be changing lenses all the time, then some will opt for two cameras and two lenses.
The truth, is I could have taken all the shots I wanted on this trip with just my Sony mirrorless camera and a 16-35mm lens. If I go back, this is precisely what I'll take next time. No lens changing required and just one camera to carry. Maybe I'd pack a small compact film camera for snaps.
I enjoy doing photography, but I also enjoy travelling. In the same way as I don't like my equipment getting in the way of taking photos, I also don't like photography getting in the way of enjoying my travel, or that of the people around me.