a photographer who uses only 1 lens

[evikne]

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13 minutes ago, g2van said:

How about if we look at this topic from a different angle: if you were going on a hiking trip through the country side but will also pass some towns and small cities and had to carry everything on your backpack (clothes, toiletries, etc) and it was for more than 2 weeks, what camera kit would you take along and how heavy would it be?

M10 + 35mm Summilux pre-ASPH.

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[aksclix]

55 minutes ago, g2van said:

How about if we look at this topic from a different angle: if you were going on a hiking trip through the country side but will also pass some towns and small cities and had to carry everything on your backpack (clothes, toiletries, etc) and it was for more than 2 weeks, what camera kit would you take along and how heavy would it be?

SL2+VE24-90
GFX100+110f2

[FrozenInTime]

31 minutes ago, g2van said:

How about if we look at this topic from a different angle: if you were going on a hiking trip through the country side but will also pass some towns and small cities and had to carry everything on your backpack (clothes, toiletries, etc) and it was for more than 2 weeks, what camera kit would you take along and how heavy would it be?

These days, that's what I keep a CL + 18-56 for ; light, versatile and compact enough to fit on a hip belt pouch ready for use. It also does not hold much emotional attachment, so if loss, robbery or accident occurred, it would not be the end of the world.

In the distant past I've backpacked in Australia for a month with just a Hasselblad 501, 80mm and twenty rolls of Fuji NPH ; that returned a set I'm proud of and my best darkroom work - to the point of wishing digital photography never happened.

If it was a business trip, with no expectations of photography days, something like the Ricoh GR wins.

For a photo orientated overnight hike, city break, or business trip that includes a weekend,  I'm back to a Leica and 40mm.

The iPhone is there for tourist views and instant panoramas.

[Dennis]

3 hours ago, g2van said:

How about if we look at this topic from a different angle: if you were going on a hiking trip through the country side but will also pass some towns and small cities and had to carry everything on your backpack (clothes, toiletries, etc) and it was for more than 2 weeks, what camera kit would you take along and how heavy would it be?

Yes, we can. But when I think about one lens kit, it's for EVERYTHING. It's the whole package.Not just when I don't have space, or because of the weight, or for traveling. Or I have to. But for choice. I mean ALL IN, embrace the modus operandi, workflow, philosophy, and pro/cons to shooting with one-lens only. I think it is fascinating. Did I say it already?

[Mr.Prime]

I dunno, there’s something about this conversation that reminds me of an old adage: ‘when your only tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail’.

[Dennis]

33 minutes ago, Mr.Prime said:

I dunno, there’s something about this conversation that reminds me of an old adage: ‘when your only tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail’.

yes, it can happen on the road. But it's not Don Quixote here ...

When I work on assignment, I usually work with 35 and 58 combo, that's it. So I don't see why one lens only is impossible. Especially if my usage % is about 80% (for 35mm) - 20%

As mention above, Peter Turnley

[jaeger]

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I found and watched this youtube video because I was looking for answers...  I have tried 24, 35, 40 (VM), 50 & 90mm fast M lenses.  I reckon something... if I keep shooting M with only one lens, I get better and better.  I can remember all the characters of that one lens, I can adjust to its focus shift, I don't need to see the frame lines and even feels better in my hands.  But when I keep switching around lenses - I get completely lost and get terrible shots.  It seems to be only happening in Leica M and I don't have this problem using Nikon.  I use 17mm to 200mm Nikon prime and zoom lenses and never feel weird.

I also reckon it doesn't matter which focal length and there is no single ultimate lens for M.  More I stick with one (of any lens I have), more we work together better... and... more intuitions... I shot faster, focus faster and images come out more aesthetic...  Once I switch to another lens, it will take me many shutter counts to get good again.  Has anyone experience this too?

[chasdfg]

@jaeger I agree. I feel one really only knows a lens inside out when they've used it for months on end. Or years on end. You really do "master" the lens - you know its flaws, when the flaws can become plus points (e.g. bad flare can be good flare if you know when the lens exhibits it, when to use it, and when to avoid it), you accommodate for focus shift (on lenses which exhibit this), you frame better (speaking primarily of primes) because you know when the image starts and stops (as rangefinders framelines are not entirely accurate), you choose appropriate angles for the focal length, know how many steps to walk forward or back to get your ideal framing, and I shoot better from the hip too. Learning the lens inside out also applies to its mechanical function in knowing where the tab is, how easy to turn the focus ring, remembering to periodically check the aperture on the aperture rings for lenses with looser aperture rings, etc. 

I discovered this when I used my 35lux FLE as my primary lens for about 2 years when I first got it. I always travel with only 1 lens and for all my trips in the past 6 years or so have been with the 35FLE (barring two, one of which was with the 35 1.4 ZM and another with a 28Cron v2). If I need to go wider, I stitch my images. This is not ideal but it works for the most part and keeps me from buying glass wider than 28mm since they also require the use of an OVF or EVF to frame properly anyway. I could probably do it all with a 35FLE. It's my go-to lens and the first lens I pop onto a new camera every single time. I could probably do with a 28mm if I skipped a 35mm altogether. If I had one lens and it was a 28mm it'd be a 28cron or 28lux. 

From my experience, you do lose what you learn and have to re-familiarise yourself with that lens after you've used other lenses and not touched that "primary lens" for a while. When I acquired the 28cron and 50APO, I abandoned the 35FLE for quite some time and took a while to reacquaint with it when I used it again. Felt like a new-old lens when I did though. The more lenses you have the less opportunities one has to master each lens. Of my 5 lenses, I can't say I'd acquainted myself properly with any of them but the 35FLE, which is a shame (and also shows how superfluous the other lenses are, e.g. a 75mm which is quite limited in use). 

I never felt this way with Nikon or other manufacturers I shot with...without sounding like marketing-speak, the Leica M is about limitations, and through limitations one takes control of the photography where the role in taking photos lies more with the photographer than the camera. It is immersive. Getting a feel of your gear is more important because of the manual controls - to be able to count half stops on the aperture ring or shutter speed dial or to know your focus ring tension are factors which don't arise in other cameras, especially if there is autofocus and information is displayed in the OVF/EVF. They affect the speed of which you take a photo too, muscle-memory and all and with no AF to fall back on. But this concerns mainly the manual controls and manual focus lenses. Knowing your gear, whether it is using primes and familiarising oneself with framing, knowing a lens's optical flaws, a sensor's highlight retention and shadow recovery would benefit any photographer using any camera system.

 

Edited January 5, 2021 by chasdfg

[Danner]

On 1/2/2021 at 7:04 PM, Ko.Fe. said:

Only one lens? Wow...

Back then, before consumerism, one camera, one lens was normal for millions. Well, now some recognized photographers are using nothing but mobile phone. One mobile phone with 28mm lens equivalent.   

But those are photographers. Not lens collectors.  . 

And then Apple comes out with three focal lengths in the latest iPhone, ...

[Lelmer]

9 hours ago, g2van said:

How about if we look at this topic from a different angle: if you were going on a hiking trip through the country side but will also pass some towns and small cities and had to carry everything on your backpack (clothes, toiletries, etc) and it was for more than 2 weeks, what camera kit would you take along and how heavy would it be?

iphone 🙂

[Aryel]

6 hours ago, Dennis said:

Yes, we can. But when I think about one lens kit, it's for EVERYTHING. It's the whole package.Not just when I don't have space, or because of the weight, or for traveling. Or I have to. But for choice. I mean ALL IN, embrace the modus operandi, workflow, philosophy, and pro/cons to shooting with one-lens only. I think it is fascinating. Did I say it already?

When I feel like this about some photography choices, I do not hesitate, I go for it. I am not a professional though... At the end of the day, this is the only way for you to find out.

[Ko.Fe.]

10 hours ago, Danner said:

And then Apple comes out with three focal lengths in the latest iPhone, ...

Dual lenses phones were well before it. And speaking about multiple lenses on same body:

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

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[Ko.Fe.]

14 hours ago, Dennis said:

Yes, we can. But when I think about one lens kit, it's for EVERYTHING. It's the whole package.Not just when I don't have space, or because of the weight, or for traveling. Or I have to. But for choice. I mean ALL IN, embrace the modus operandi, workflow, philosophy, and pro/cons to shooting with one-lens only. I think it is fascinating. Did I say it already?

Fascinating? I had one lens one camera from late seventies to 2010. Always one camera, one lens. Went to different countries and continents. It was just norm back then. No pathos involved :). Even now, I go out for events and travel with one camera one lens. Way better than dinking with multiple bodies and lenses. Got my pictures published. 

[oldwino]

I find that my camera bodies "want" a certain focal length on them: 

My M2 is a 35mm focal length camera. (all Ms probably are). Other focal can be used, but that viewfinder is perfect for the 35.

My II is a 50mm camera. I've used everything from 21 to 90 on it, but 50 seems to be the best for that body.

My CL (digital)? The 18 Elmarit. I have the Sigma 30 for it - its a great lens with lovely rendering and color - but the 18 just feels "more righter" on it. If I want that 50mm look on digital, I prefer my Nikon Z6 with the 50s. Or my old 50 Summar.

I realize this is all very personal, but it is interesting how these relationships between camera and lens develop. 

[Herr Barnack]

13 hours ago, chasdfg said:

@jaeger I agree. I feel one really only knows a lens inside out when they've used it for months on end. Or years on end. The more lenses you have the less opportunities one has to master each lens. Of my 5 lenses, I can't say I'd acquainted myself properly with any of them but the 35FLE, which is a shame (and also shows how superfluous the other lenses are, e.g. a 75mm which is quite limited in use)...

...I never felt this way with Nikon or other manufacturers I shot with...without sounding like marketing-speak, the Leica M is about limitations, and through limitations one takes control of the photography where the role in taking photos lies more with the photographer than the camera. It is immersive...

True and very valid points IMHO.

Many moons ago (M8 era), I took a workshop led by Constantine Manos.  When asked about what equipment he uses, he told the class that when he traveled for photography purposes, his kit was a pair of M8 cameras, each mounted with a 28mm Summicron.  He would have his hotel keep one in their safe in case he was mugged while out making photographs.  That way, he could get his backup camera and still be able to shoot.

He did okay with that simple set up; by "okay," I mean he made a huge number of compelling, arresting images and also made a nice living as a Magnum photographer.  As observed by @chasdfg , "the role in taking photos lies more with the photographer than the camera" (I would add "and lens").

Back to the question of

Quote

How about if we look at this topic from a different angle: if you were going on a hiking trip through the country side but will also pass some towns and small cities and had to carry everything on your backpack (clothes, toiletries, etc) and it was for more than 2 weeks, what camera kit would you take along and how heavy would it be?

Not being as talented and resourceful as someone at the level of Constantine Manos, I would probably chicken out and trade clean underwear for a second lens in my kit. 🤧

 

Edited January 5, 2021 by Herr Barnack

[evikne]

35 minutes ago, oldwino said:

I find that my camera bodies "want" a certain focal length on them: 

My M2 is a 35mm focal length camera. (all Ms probably are). Other focal can be used, but that viewfinder is perfect for the 35.

My II is a 50mm camera. I've used everything from 21 to 90 on it, but 50 seems to be the best for that body.

My CL (digital)? The 18 Elmarit. I have the Sigma 30 for it - its a great lens with lovely rendering and color - but the 18 just feels "more righter" on it. If I want that 50mm look on digital, I prefer my Nikon Z6 with the 50s. Or my old 50 Summar.

I realize this is all very personal, but it is interesting how these relationships between camera and lens develop. 

And the Q is best with a 28mm. 😄

Edited January 5, 2021 by evikne

[Mr.Prime]

2 minutes ago, evikne said:

And the Q is best with a 28mm. 

I think high resolution digital changes everything because instead of deciding on your focal length when you take the shot, you can instead decide during edit. Then the question of one lens one camera is moot.

[evikne]

3 minutes ago, Mr.Prime said:

I think high resolution digital changes everything because instead of deciding on your focal length when you take the shot, you can instead decide during edit. Then the question of one lens one camera is moot.

I know a lot of people want a Q with a different focal length, but my comment was just meant as a joke (because you cannot change the lens on a Q), not as a contribution to that debate.

I just edited my previous post to add a smiley. 🙂

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[Mr.Prime]

1 hour ago, oldwino said:

I find that my camera bodies "want" a certain focal length on them: 

My M2 is a 35mm focal length camera. (all Ms probably are). Other focal can be used, but that viewfinder is perfect for the 35.

My II is a 50mm camera. I've used everything from 21 to 90 on it, but 50 seems to be the best for that body.

My CL (digital)? The 18 Elmarit. I have the Sigma 30 for it - its a great lens with lovely rendering and color - but the 18 just feels "more righter" on it. If I want that 50mm look on digital, I prefer my Nikon Z6 with the 50s. Or my old 50 Summar.

I realize this is all very personal, but it is interesting how these relationships between camera and lens develop. 

yep, that’s my feeling too (post #81) but my camera is an M3 which has a finder optimised for 50mm.  I’m not yet in posession of my M4 to try the feeling with a “35mm finder”, it should be here within the next 4 hours !

 

Edit: it’s now in my hands!

Edited January 5, 2021 by Mr.Prime

[Dennis]

1 hour ago, Herr Barnack said:

"the role in taking photos lies more with the photographer than the camera"

🙌

1 hour ago, Herr Barnack said:

Constantine Manos

So, this guy (the mighty) was using only a 35mm (equivalent) total kit? For most of his career?