M10 for hiking and landscapes

[pikovsg]

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Is anyone using the M10 as their backpacking cam? How do you use it, how do you carry it, store it and what filters do you use?

 

 

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[pgk]

Yes (well M9 but near enough ). I generally use it handheld but do use a tripod at times - Kirk QR Fitted. In a rucksack (fitted with a camera bag internal padding (Billingham Hadley) and UV filters (or at time a pola). Not rocket science - I'm sure most walker/hikers have a similar solution.

[marcg]

The only problem with the Billingham and other luxury camera bags is that they are extremely heavy.

 

If you are considering a walking/hiking holiday then you may not relish the idea of carrying such a heavy item around – at least not by the end of your days walking anyway.

 

There are some decent backpacks out there which will store camera equipment as well as acting as a hikers day sack as well. Lowenpro do a very decent one both in 15l and 22l and pretty lightweight – the bottom half will easily carry your camera, lenses and some bits and pieces and the top half will carry a waterproof, sandwiches, phone, power bank, water bottle blah blah blah.

 

For quicker access to your camera, you might want to consider a small waist bag.

 

How do you carry your camera? – I would have thought, around your neck – ready to take pictures.

[pgk]

The only problem with the Billingham and other luxury camera bags is that they are extremely heavy.

 

But the innards aren't! They are small, light, well made and versatile and you can buy them without the bag itself. I've yet to find a purpose designed camera rucksack that works for me. Most are too cluttered with 'helpful' bits which get in the way. A simple hiking rucksack is great and just needs padding around cameras and lenses. I've worked this way for years.

[Rupert Greenwell]

I have walked 100's of miles with either a M240 or M246, I carry a backpack either Exped or Fjallraven, the camera is slung around my neck, using a 120cm strap the camera rests against my hip and does not bounce, when there is not much of interest or pouring with rain the camera goes into the pack, either wrapped in a item of clothing or a waterproof Exped bag. I have just got a Leica polarising filter and holder. Depending on where I am going I use either a 28mm 0r 35mm and take a 50mm F2.8 or 90mm F4. 

   I have one or two Billingham shoulder bags but find  a backpack far more comfortable,I have never tried a specialised photographers backpack as I only carry a minimum of photo gear, sometimes I will take a X Pan aswell. The M cameras are great for what I do, weatherproofing, robust and compact with excellent performance.

[LocalHero1953]

I have the M240 not the M10, but that would make little difference.

I have an FStop Loka backpack which is designed and sold as a camera backpack, but, TBH, I find it an excellent all-round backpack which just happens to take its own purpose-designed insert.

I use it with the insert for air travel (it's within cabin baggage size regulations for longer haul flights). While walking I either have my M240 on a wrist strap ready for use, or, if I need two hands free for scrambling, I put it on the left shoulder strap with the Peak Designs CapturePro Clip, usually facing lens downwards.

 

Edit: I find a neckstrap worn bandolier style OK on its own but incompatible with a backpack (if underneath I can't slide the strap round to use it easily, and if over the top it just hangs awkwardly), and hanging in front it just bounces while walking and gets in the way if I bend down to look at something.

[CJJon]

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I would use a cross-body strap with a cross-body pack and carry it on me. Being able to sling the camera around to the back of your hip is nice when traipsing through he woods. A fanny (belly) pack worn up front with a lens or two and spare batteries. Make sure you have something to ditch the camera in if you get caught out in the rain. 2 gallon freezer bags work well. 

 

I use B+W filters and would plunk an XS-PRO Clear with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating filter on my lens for protection.

[Rupert Greenwell]

Luckily for me the strap over the backpack bandolier style works, I have just tried it !, although a A & A slider strap is better still, I often wear a very lightweight Barbour wax coat with hood, when it is raining the camera sits on my hip over the coat pocket which allows me to cover the camera with the waterproof pocket flap.

   I f you do go for a backpack do try a few on with some weight in, they are very individual as to what suits you best. I find that the more capacity that they have the more comfortable they are to wear, my Exped is 40 litres the Fjallraven 32 I think, plenty of room for a day in winter or the bare essentials in summer. You may want to carry a tripod , some packs are better for attaching one than others.

[Eric1]

Be like Robert Capa and carry a leather bag. It will get roughed up over time hiking and will allow you to focus on taking better pictures. I use the Bowery leather bag designed by Ona. Fits a camera and two lenses. If your a man its not that heavy.

[Tobers]

I do quite a lot of walking and landscaping and take my M10 and 3 lenses with me.

 

Generally I have two lenses in a little Think Tank belt pack. The camera usually goes around my neck on a strap, and is secured onto my rucksack strap with a Peak Designs clip. This stops it flapping about nicely, and it's always ready to take a picture. If the weather is bad, I'll just put the camera in whatever rucksack I'm using. For longer walks I'll use a 5.11 Tactical Ignitor. For shorter wanders I'll just use my Billingham Hadley Small.

 

I don't use special padded inserts, but I do have one of those extremely useful Domke padded wraps which are excellent: http://www.domkebags.co.uk/shop-online/domke-19-inch-protective-wraps/

 

I did a write up on the M10 in the wild, with some of this info here: http://tobinators.com/blog/2017/03/landscape-2/leica-m10-in-the-wild/

[Rupert Greenwell]

Tobers

 

Really enjoyed M10 in the wild, stunning photos, I agree fully with your M10 review. I have not seen the Peak Designs clip before and will look into that. Do you you wear the Think Tank belt pack at the same time as your rucksack ? I find that my rucksack has only room for a small pouch in which I can put a small pair of binos . Have you replaced the Lee Sevens filters, I am thinking about buying some filters but don't know what will work on the M lenses.

[honcho]

Is anyone using the M10 as their backpacking cam? How do you use it, how do you carry it, store it and what filters do you use?

 

 

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Leica MP here,  but I don't mind any old digital M pretending to be as useful as a film M for hiking and landscapes.

 

I'll take any one of my lightweight backpacks, depending on how long, how high and how far I'm going, with a Peak Design Clip on the shoulder strap.  Generally, I dislike camera backpacks because they are over designed with too many superfluous features which makes them uncomfortable, heavy and bulky as a result.  For travel to camera-hostile wet, sandy and dusty places such as beaches, sometimes I'll take an Ortlieb Day Shot backpack because it is fully waterproof, but I wouldn't use it for serious hillwalking.

[Stealth3kpl]

I have a couple of loops of cord through the eyelets with a couple of carabiners. They are clipped to my sac shoulder straps. With these I take the weight of the camera off my neck when I'm not using the camera, the weight being on my shoulder straps. They are are long enough that I can see through the eyepiece if needed quickly, but for comfort I unhook the camera from the sack when needed for any length of time.

Pete

 

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[Stealth3kpl]

If the weather is poor it goes in a dry bag in the sack.

If it is dusty or I am sweating on the camera, or there is light drizzle or snow, I leave my camera hanging off my sac and pull a dry sac over it, just snapping the fast tech buckles closed. It can be removed quickly.

https://www.trekkinn.com/outdoor-mountain/sea-to-summit-lightweight-70d-dry-sack-1-liter/136312179/p?utm_source=google_products&utm_medium=merchant&id_producte=2287675&country=uk&gclid=CjwKEAjwvr3KBRD_i_Lz6cihrDASJADUkGCapytA_F_DC_YAJaqHMbIXTXpRrL1pcANyjhvZulWlmBoC2NPw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Rupert Greenwell]

What a good idea, sadly my Exped rucksack does not have anywhere on the shoulder straps to attach anything but my Fjallraven does. Your idea will also work when carrying binoculars around the neck which like a camera bounce against the chest. 

[Jon Warwick]

I've walked hundreds of miles in the Alps with Leica Ms. Typically carrying 1 M camera and 1 lens at any one time. Normally in a Billingham for Leica bag. This is carried across my body so the bag sits on my hip. Very quick and secure access. I carry a rucksack in addition.

 

If I want to walk even lighter, as an alternative, I put the M in its dedicated Leica Neoprene case, then in an Exped waterproof bag, and then into the rucksack. Need to stop more to take photos though.

 

If I take a tripod too, it's because I'm using the M on a nodal plate to do some stitching of the mountain scenery.

 

This year, this set-up may change given I am considering getting an FStop bag because I'm contemplating taking my 4x5 film camera for some mega-resolution shots -- to be printed very large -- on some of the shorter (but still dramatic) scenery days!

[Printmaker]

I usually pack a Domke F5XA inside my backpack. It is usually at the top for easy access. Often on a trail, I'll put it on a belt and use it as a fanny pack. Sometimes I carry my Leica around my neck and slip it into side pocket of my backpack when it rains. It all depends on the conditions of the trail. It rains a lot here in the tropics (with muddy & slippery hills) and having a small bag to tuck a camera into can prevent disasters. It is a lot easier hiking in California or New Mexico where conditions are more consistent.

 

I reserve my Billingham for more civilized conditions and my Filson for road trips. Even then, I'll put my FX5A inside the Filson along with a light waterproof jacket or flannel shirt and a few travel essentials.

 

The FX5A holds a M style camera with lens mounted and 2 more lenses linked back to back and a flash or iPhone (+ batteries, cards, filters). In a pinch I can get 2 M style cameras in the bag with lenses attached but it is too heavy for fanny pack use with the extra camera.

 

Tripod? Sometimes.

 

Oh yeah: M10. And sometimes + Monochrom.

[paulsydaus]

Is anyone using the M10 as their backpacking cam? How do you use it, how do you carry it, store it and what filters do you use?

 

 

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There is a really nice guy on YouTube using a md and the new 28 f/5.6. He is actually a normal guy. Can't remember his name but look it up.

 

 

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Look here: Leica M

[Fridtjof]

Very good question! I imagine that if camera bags are a big question for photographers generally, they are even more of an issue for outdoorspersons.  I have a cupboard full....

 

First, putting your camera in a rucksack is fine for transport and truly bad weather or dust storms, but it leads (for me) to lots of "can't be bothered stopping and taking off the rucksack" moments.  Lots of missed opportunities which you WILL regret.  You need something that is easy to access and is quick and convenient, especially when the weather is marginal, you're tired or in a hurry.  As Thorsten Overgaard says, "Always wear a camera."

 

Thus some method of having the camera (and hopefully one or two spare lenses) in front and ready for action is important.  I've done this in two ways, described below. (Trial and error will help: everyone has a different rucksack and different preferences.)  You need a method that will protect your gear if you stumble, and keeps your hands free for scrambling, trekking poles, ski poles, shaking hands with the locals or wrangling the wildlife.  Holding your shoulder bag by your side while you walk is just not on.

 

One method (good for a couple of 30+ day Himalayan treks where just a large day pack was required between breakfast and the end of the day) was to use a Lowepro bum bag (specifically for cameras, with plenty of dividers), reversed so that it was right in front of my belly button and not colliding with my day pack.  This was comfortable with an SLR, several lenses, film and odds and ends, but would also suit an M system well.  The tripod was buckled to the outside of my rucksack as it was much less frequently used.  This is a good arrangement, especially as you can take your pack off but still walk around with the camera bag.  The opened (padded) bum bag also formed a very useful "shelf" on which to change lenses.  With minimal practice it was possible to take a photo almost without stopping (and potentially delaying the non-photographers in the group on narrow tracks); this meant my overall count and hit rate both went right up. Mighty expensive back in the days of film, but what an experience.

 

The second method (and more my default now) is to find a small camera bag of suitable size/shape for the camera and lens(es) being used and with suspension points near the top so that it stays upright when unzipped, and rig it to the front of my rucksack straps with nylon cord and small carabiners, similar to one of the posts above.  In addition to the two hanging points at the top you need a method of securing it near the bottom (just some nylon and a small carabiner clipped to the bottom of a shoulder strap will do) so that it doesn't swing around as you walk and drive you mad.  Most rucksacks have plastic or webbing loops on the shoulder straps that you can work with.  It flops around a bit when you take your pack off as using my system it is only attached to one strap when the pack comes off, but it's stable, secure and right there in front of you for instant access while you're on the move.  An added benefit is that it counterbalances in a small way the weight of everything else in your rucksack.  This method is good for both day packs and overnight packs.  I've used it extensively on multi-day walks, ski tours and climbing (the last somewhat cumbersome- climbing is best done with a small P&S or at most a Leica Q).

 

Finally the question of filters and other miscellanea.  I know the use of protective filters can divide people, but given the harsh environmental conditions of walking, skiing and third world locations, I think a good quality clear or UV filter is prudent.  Other than that the only things you can't do without are a circular polariser (super-important) and either a variable or some fixed ND filters.  Just about anything else can be fixed in post.  A thin plastic shower cap is good for unexpected rain or nearby waterfalls, and a garbage bag or two for more determined weather.  Some camera bags include a light nylon shower cover, which is handy. Plus lens tissues, and on longer trips you might need to clean the sensor, god forbid.

 

For long trips a solar panel and charger are required, but that's another topic....

 

Just remember that some of the best photos are taken in bad weather.  Sunshine can be really boring.

 

John.

[g2van]

I've used three products for hikes:

Lowenpro APex 110 AW - long/multi-day hikes

Peak design clip - long multi-day hikes

Sling bag - day hikes

 

For multi-day and long hikes, quickest access and ease of use is the Lowenpro Apex 110 AW as a waist bag, connected to my belt as well as having a strap connected to my backpack so the bag and camera doesn't pull my pants down (!). The Lowenpro is ugly as hell but it is padded has enough space for an extra lens (small), battery, SD card, small cleaning kit and has a waterproof cover. It makes for very easy and quick access. It can also be used as a safe and padded bag to be put away in the backpack. 

 

The peak design clip is nice and works. It does depend on the backpack strap you have in order to secure it. It takes practice (preferably before the hike) to get used to the locking and unlocking of the system confidently with one hand just by feel. Downside of this clip: be real careful when taking off the backpack - don't just drop it since the camera is attached to it! Also, you still need another bag/case to store the camera away in the backpack. And its not waterproof.

 

Any sling bag for a day hike is good. Sling bags just make taking out and putting in the camera so much easier than a backpack. I use a small hiking sling bag and put the camera in an Artist & Artisan soft camera pouch. 

 

I find slinging a camera over my neck or cross slung not very comfortable while hiking/snowshoeing as it sways around too much.