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1 camera + 1 lens trip to Berlin in mid December


wlaidlaw

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I'm disappointed, Wilson B) - I thought you would join the merry band of 1-lens excusioners (it is, to me, a liberating experience). Any chance we can dare you to leave the Noctilux at home?

 

Eoin, 

 

I have been looking at peoples' photos of Berlin and the ones which really caught my eye were the nighttime street shots, with very swirly bokeh of the street lights behind. I suppose I could dust off my 35 ASPH Summilux (pre-FLE) and take that as a single lens alternative. Luckily it is a very good one, with minimal aperture shift but with its chrome/brass body, it is not a lot lighter than my Noctilux. 

 

Wilson

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I'm late to this topic.

It doesn't matter which lens you take. Whichever it is, spend the time between now and then thinking about the kinds of shot you could get with that lens, and how to tune your eye to spot them. Forget about shots you might have taken with other lenses (however many lenses you take, there will be some shots you'll miss through not having the right one).

My choice these days for a single lens carry is the Summicron 50AA. It has taken me a long time to grow into this FL and lens (I didn't touch a 50 for about two decades until a couple of years ago), but I'm still astounded by the clarity and colour obtainable (when the operator allows) from this small package.

 

But in the end I find I'm never short of subject matter while travelling, so I match my subjects to the lens, not the other way round.

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I have been looking at peoples' photos of Berlin and the ones which really caught my eye were the nighttime street shots, with very swirly bokeh of the street lights behind. I suppose I could dust off my 35 ASPH Summilux (pre-FLE) and take that as a single lens alternative.

 

This is the lens that I found to be of most use and I shot in twilight with it too. Despite its much stated and discussed shortcomings (can't say they worry me) its a very versatile and capable lens.

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I agree with LocalHero; just pick a lens that doesn't hurt you and draws fine. The angel is not important in advance, once there you will see things according to the focal length you happen to carry.

You didn't tell us you had a pre-FLE 35 up your sleeve which is low on focusshift, I can guarantee the colors and bo-keh will be wonderfull in Berlin nights.

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I mentioned earlier in this thread that I have been debating my lens choices for Venice at about the same time that Wilson will be in Berlin. I had already decided to 'lug' my Canon 17-40 L and the 24-70 L (both Mk I). Just for fun I'm going to add my APO Telyt M 135mm for the lagoon shots and the Voigtlander Heliar III 15mm just because I love it so much and it doesn't weigh anything.

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Eoin, 

 

I have been looking at peoples' photos of Berlin and the ones which really caught my eye were the nighttime street shots, with very swirly bokeh of the street lights behind. I suppose I could dust off my 35 ASPH Summilux (pre-FLE) and take that as a single lens alternative. Luckily it is a very good one, with minimal aperture shift but with its chrome/brass body, it is not a lot lighter than my Noctilux. 

 

Wilson

Hi, Wilson. There are 2 constraints that you have mentioned - One is for you and your wife to take as little as possible with you, and the other is weight restrictions when out shooting. Both point towards one camera / one lens. The second points towards a manageable combination. If the 35mm Summilux is manageable, I think it will be a great combination (I find it very nice to shoot with, and almost never remove it from my M6). If that is too heavy, then a lighter 28mm or 35mm is likely to be the most versatile. I spent several years purposefully only carrying a 17mm lens when shooting 35mm film - No children or animals were harmed along the way.

Knowing that you have several excellent choices available in your stable, I think you will get a real sense of liberation from just choosing one horse for this trip, and taking a cerebral snapshot of anything that the focal length cannot manage.

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There isn't a wrong lens among those you mentioned. The 35mm is not a wimpy choice. It's the choice lens. Most photojournalists - if they had to take one camera and one lens -- would choose the 35mm. Have a great time on your trip and good luck with your photography.

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Just put all your lenses on the table in a big circle, get one of those twirly spinning arrow things in the middle, and spin the arrow. Whichever lens the arrow points to when it stops, take that one. Make the best shots you can using that focal length. If you don't have a twirly arrow, then I will make a random decision for you ............... 35mm 'Lux - there you go.

 

Everything that might happen photographically is pretty random. And the lens you happen to have on the camera at any random moment - is just another random factor. This is true whether you have 10, 5, 2 or zero other lenses in your bag or back at the hotel. So why worry. Just accept the that the actual lens on your camera has been randomly set before you left home, rather than at the time of each photo.

 

One good thing is that less lens changes means less chance of missing a photo. So your probability of a great shot will increase by only having one lens. What is that lens's focal length, not so relevant.

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Just put all your lenses on the table in a big circle, get one of those twirly spinning arrow things in the middle, and spin the arrow. 

Be aware of your reaction on the decision given by the arrow: now you know if you are happy or feel regret. Your regret points in the direction of the lens that you would miss most.

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Even though I only have two lenses for my Leicas (240 and M6) they are a 35cron and 50lux.

 

Hence my bias would be for the 35mm or even a 28mm. Same as what most have recommended.

 

If I wanted to travel real light I'd grab my Fuji X100s.

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One lens? Wilson, you may not be pleased to hear that, but since your M is a digital one, the MATE would be my personal choice. 28, 35 and 50mm in one little package, ideal for city travel, and I do not care about f4 only if the body is a digital one. Just crank up the ISO if needed. 

 

Best,

 

Andy

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One lens? Wilson, you may not be pleased to hear that, but since your M is a digital one, the MATE would be my personal choice. 28, 35 and 50mm in one little package, ideal for city travel, and I do not care about f4 only if the body is a digital one. Just crank up the ISO if needed. 

 

Best,

 

Andy

 

Andy, 

 

I sold my MATE to another forum member two weeks ago. Since getting the SL and 24-90, I had not used it a single time. 

 

Wilson

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For Berlin take a 35 whether it's a 2,8 S'ron, 2.0 Cron or 1.4 Lux. I have been there lots of times and a 35 is the first choice for Berlin. There is no need for wider lenses form my point.

I have been to Italy last week. Had my M and two lenses. Used mostly the old 35 2.8 Summaron with superb results. So the 50 was most of the time in the hotel...

enjoy your trip to Berlin.

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I have decided I will take the 28 Summicron but put a 50 Noctilux in my case, for night walks. So much for one camera one lens!

 

Wilson

 

JMHO but the one camera/one lens fascination is overrated.  Traveling light and fast is a good thing, but a 28 and a 50 are mandatory - at least for me.

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