Doubts about what to take with me to Rio

[patrickallo]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I'm heading to Rio for a conference in a few days, and keep on hesitating on what I should bring along to shoot some pictures while not working.

 

All options include a stack of PlusX and TriX.

 

The first option is my M2 with just a single lens (most likely an older 35 cron, but it could also be a 50).

The second option is a Nikon FM2T with, again, just a single lens (most likely 50).

The last option is an Olympus Mju2.

 

Roughly, the leica is less bulky than the nikon, but it is also more expensive to replace. The Mju is perhaps the safest option, but also the least flexible one.

 

Any thoughs?

[giordano]

I used to have a mju2 but the image quality wasn't good enough to be shown next to Leica or Nikon photos. I replaced it with a Rollei 35.

 

If it's theft you're worried about, the Nikon is cheaper to replace.

 

Sent from another device..

[earleygallery]

If you're questioning the safety of your camera I don't think that you should be going there at all!!

[hepcat]

Make sure the camera is insured, and take your M2. It's a camera, not an irreplaceable heirloom. It's meant to be used to take photos, not be buried in a bag in a closet.

[E.M]

I'd take an M2 with a 35 , but I am a 35 shooter almost all the time .

[doolittle]

I'd bring the M2 and the mju2.

[Michael Geschlecht]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hello Patrick,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

I choose the camera & lens(es) I take by how I want to see the World.

 

That usually means an M with a 35mm Summicron which gives ME (not necessarily someone else) the most versatility with the angle of coverage I like & does it with the least ammount of equipment.

 

ALWAYS with a lightmeter, lens hood, narrow shoulder strap without pad to wrap around my wrist. Strap adjusted so when it is on my shoulder & pulled up to my eye it becomes taut & gives me +1 stop of handheld stability. And a small solid table tripod with a large ball head & at least one cable release. Also, most importantly, wherever I go, including Rovaniemi, a speedo. The Leica M & 35mm Summicron of bathing suits.

 

Enjoy.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

[patrickallo]

In the end I did bring the Nikon FM2. Not only because it is cheaper to replace, but because I hadn't really used it since I bought my M2, and thought this would be a good chance to go back to my original travel camera (I bought the FM2 new in 1998).

 

On the point of 35 vs 50. I've always been more 50 than 35, but vastly prefer the handling and size of my 35 cron when compared to my 50 cron (the one with the built-in hood).

[Ted Lemon]

I have been to Rio and Sao Paulo many times and always took my M7 and then M8.

 

I would hire a taxi to take me around shooting for a day and a local pal who covered my back (it is equal to Barcelona for street theft – but can be violent in Rio where they are mostly sly in Barcelona). That way I visited markets, the interesting train station and other places to shoot for a book I was doing, but don’t go to a favela unless you are asked by someone who lives there that can be trusted.

 

Also my advice is to not take anything on or near the beaches with you, not even a mobile phone.

I am not being paranoid this is experience talking, being chased along the beach by 3 guys for a poxy little phone was just a joke I ended up diving into a taxi to escape them.

 

Brazil is a great place with wonderful people, food and music but the poor are (like in other countries) desperate - it just happens that there are more violence and drug related crime plus guns on the streets than most places.

[Lee Martin]

I'd take the M2 and the 35mm lens and the MJU, if you get there an feel uneasy, or your gut feeling makes you think that it's not safe, leave the Leica somewhere secure, I.e hotel safe ? And just use the MJU on the streets.