Multiple bodies, fixed lenses?

[LCL999]

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As an alternative to a single system camera and multiple lenses, think about one body per lens.

The pros.

Leaf shutters, better integrated auto focus and image stabilization. Much quicker to choose a different focal length. Much greater robustness, and much less risk of getting dust on the sensor.

The cons.

A somewhat more bulky camera bag.

Personally, I find that when I go out shooting I very seldom change the lens.

So if you were to go down that path, what focal lengths would you choose? I guess the quality of zooms these days is such that you only need one body and with a good zoom.

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[Keith (M)]

If the X-Vario had had a half-way decent EVF, it would have met the majority of my photographic needs...  Years ago a Contax G2 with Contax 35-70mm had done just that!

[Mute-on]

One camera - 35

Two cameras - 28 & 50

I’d rather change cameras than lenses.

Cheers

J

[stuny]

We do carry-on luggage only even when traveling for five or six weeks, and my small kit helps achieve that goal, though there are other things we do as well.  My current kit is a Q and a V-Lux 114.  It's rare for that pair to disappoint me.

[Narsuitus]

On 12/26/2018 at 2:25 AM, LCL999 said:

So if you were to go down that path, what focal lengths would you choose?

I have gone down that path.

I use 21, 28, 35, 45, and 90mm focal lengths on three rangefinder bodies.

When I do not have time to quickly change lenses, I carry the three bodies with a lens mounted on each body.

My favorite combination is 21/35/90.

My second favorite combination is 21/45/90.

My third favorite combination is 28/45/90.

My favorite combination for landscape photography is 21/28/45.

Edited January 6, 2019 by Narsuitus

[adan]

On 12/26/2018 at 1:25 AM, LCL999 said:

The cons.

If a camera needs repair, you lose that lens for 3 months as well. I'd still want interchangeability.

The great Rock n' Roll photographer Jim Marshall often carried 5 Leicas with 21, 28, 35, 50, and 90 lenses mounted. Especially with the 90, he said, once he found a body that could focus it consistently, he never took that lens off again.

 

[sblitz]

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All true, but as a former Q user (yes I traded it in for the CL because I needed the cropped sensor and interchangeable lens), BUT we you see the Q files and what you can do with them, including cropping to a tiny size, I will say there is something very positive to be said for having sensor and software tuned to a single lens. 

For film, will I prefer two cameras so I can shoot two different films... I have lots of lenses but have narrowed it down to 35,50,90. Pretty much covers everything .. I do love my 40, however, and I will often take that as my solo lens. That's my two cents.

 

[Richard Link]

Uh...just one problem with this strategy (see photo - not mine). Ok - maybe not if they were all Leica rangefinders...but then you would need an attentive bodyguard.

 

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[a.noctilux]

🤣

nice find, but it's a fake 😈

nobody would carry/use Nikon AND Canon in real life/real use.

Only one Metz flash ⁉️

[benqui]

one camera: 35 mm

two cameras: 35 and 90

Don't need more

[Chuck Albertson]

On ‎4‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 10:41 AM, Richard Link said:

Uh...just one problem with this strategy (see photo - not mine). Ok - maybe not if they were all Leica rangefinders...but then you would need an attentive bodyguard.

 

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

..and a full-time physiotherapist.

[Cyril Jayant]

This photo is just for a joke . The Flash is not mounted to the camera with a bracket. Anyone with this set up when you want to change the frame or type you have to put the flash in to the pocket 😝

[Cobram]

On 1/16/2019 at 8:46 AM, adan said:

If a camera needs repair, you lose that lens for 3 months as well. I'd still want interchangeability.

The great Rock n' Roll photographer Jim Marshall often carried 5 Leicas with 21, 28, 35, 50, and 90 lenses mounted. Especially with the 90, he said, once he found a body that could focus it consistently, he never took that lens off again.

 

Great info Adan. I'm currently digging his photos and was asking myself which lenses he used for his marvelous work. Obviously there are 50 and 35mm Lux but I'm interested in his choices regarding 21 and 90mm angle. Do you maybe know which historic Leica lenses he used?

[Einst_Stein]

I carry two cameras, one with zoom, the other prime.  

Sometimes they would be Leica XV + XU; sometimes S3/30-90mm + M/90mm; sometimes S3/30-90mm + Hasselblad SWC with two backs, one back for tri-X, the other for Kodak 100~160 color negatives.