Thoughts on lenses for multiple cruise trip?

[tom0511]

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get a Ricoh GrIII (or GrIIIx). its great for the evenings or casual and if things go bad with the M11 its a backup which still produces good IQ.

I always carry a small backup camera (Lately the Ricoh) and its so much better than an iPhone and unobstrusive.

Regarding 21 MM I am not convinced about the 21Lux, once had one and sharpens, specially corners was not great. I would Prefer a 21 SEM if you want 21 mm.

Q2 would also be a nice backup

[Mute-on]

3 hours ago, Kiwimac said:

I checked in Lightroom. 
 

Before returning from Nikon to Leica, I used two bodies. One with a 17-35 and the other with a 70-200. Both f2.8. 
 

My four most used focal lengths by photo numbers were 17,35,70 and 200. The hard stops of the zooms.  The in between ranges were used far less. 
 

On that basis, 18 or 21 would suggest themselves over 24 and 28. There is a used 24 Lux available locally and a used WATE. 

Oooh, 24 Lux. That sounds more like it … 

Just reading through the thread I was about to say you really need wider than 35. When travelling I always have a plan B camera (dubbed “Plan B”), which is currently a Canon compact zoom with 24-105 range. Interestingly, like you I’ve tended to gravitate toward the hard stops of the zoom range, and really enjoyed the additional width of the 24, even over the 28 Elmarit I use as my primary lens.

I used to travel with two film Ms, each with a different focal length mounted (and Plan B), but migrated to a single digital M for international travel more recently. Since I actively avoid changing lenses in the field, I vastly prefer multiple bodies if planning to shoot with different focal lengths. However, with the one body I just choose a focal length for the day and go. Plan B is for circumstances where I might not feel comfortable or inclined to pull out the M, such as rain, bustling crowds, or when needing to shoot single handed.

With this in mind, as much as I would personally be inclined to grab the 24 Lux and use it as my primary lens, you might find a Q2 adds the flexibility of having two lens and camera options immediately to hand. Regardless, for a significant trip such as this, you should really always have a backup (that is better than an iPhone, as capable as they might be). A camera that has weather resistance and can be used single handed, such as the Q2, would seem to be a perfect Plan B for your purposes.

Having said all of that, if you can stretch to the M246M AND the 24 Lux, I would jump on it! 

Have a wonderful trip, whatever you decide.

Edited April 25, 2024 by Mute-on

[LeicaR10]

Al Brown,  Great photo in your post #23.  Yep...I don't see any criminal activity on that empty train either.  Safest way to ride the NYC subway system with no passengers.  All kidding aside, my last month experience in NYC was chaos on the trains.  Drug addicts, mentally unwell persons, home challenged, illegals pandering and living on the streets and list goes on....normal for NYC I realize...but not for uninformed visitors who don't visit NYC except a couple times in their life...which in most cases is enough, unless you live there.  r/ Mark  

PS  I can only offer my advice for living there for years and my most recent 3 week visit.  Just be aware of your surroundings...if in doubt, don't do it or go there.

Edited April 26, 2024 by LeicaR10

[GFW2-SCUSA]

From all I read the M 11 is not a camera I would put my trust in for such a trip. I would take a M10 back up which can be found at reasonable (for Leica) prices. At 78 I don't want to lug around a lot of equipment. The two lenses you own are as good as they get and should be all you need. I would carry my CL along as a second camera and if you can find a good one that might be easier than an M10. The trip will be exhausting in itself so personally I'd pack as little as possible.  You wife is a blessed woman to have such a trip as a birthday present. Enjoy the trip and being with her. Photogaphs are secondary.

PS, as a former resident of NYC, it is and always has been a madhouse. Best advice is act like you know what you are doing, be aware of your surroundings and relax. Even New Yorkers are just people going about their daily business. The disturbed folk - well, they are just that and give them a wide berth and keep moving. 

Edited April 26, 2024 by GFW2-SCUSA
added a PS

[MaticB]

On 4/22/2024 at 11:32 PM, Kiwimac said:

Yugoslavia

You are obviously one of those ignorants, who doesn't really know where to go - Yugoslavia doesn't exist since 1991! 

Matic

[fil-m]

You have a great combo, wide and short tele (the APO 35/75). If you (really) want extra gear for different kinds of pictures then any 24mm or wider should do (Tri-elmar, SEM21, Lux 21, Elmar 24 or Lux 24... even an old SA21/3.4). You can also always sell it back later with little loss if you don't bind with it. This third lens will IMO be less useful & more challenging, but still interesting and potentially rewarding if used correctly.

As a backup, I recommend the same kind of camera ie M11 or M10. I never liked the concept of using different camera systems like a M with a Q or a Ricoh; I prefer to maintain a consistent interaction with one camera body that I "perfectly know and master", while using different focals and adapting to their field of view - but that's me.

Have an interesting trip, full of enriching experiences!

[Kiwimac]

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48 minutes ago, fil-m said:

You have a great combo, wide and short tele (the APO 35/75). If you (really) want extra gear for different kinds of pictures then any 24mm or wider should do (Tri-elmar, SEM21, Lux 21, Elmar 24 or Lux 24... even an old SA21/3.4). You can also always sell it back later with little loss if you don't bind with it. This third lens will IMO be less useful & more challenging, but still interesting and potentially rewarding if used correctly.

As a backup, I recommend the same kind of camera ie M11 or M10. I never liked the concept of using different camera systems like a M with a Q or a Ricoh; I prefer to maintain a consistent interaction with one camera body that I "perfectly know and master", while using different focals and adapting to their field of view - but that's me.

Have an interesting trip, full of enriching experiences!

Yes I’d agree. Having identical bodies always makes life a lot easier, if a lot more expensive in this particular instance!

[dugby]

Having just returned from Rome , despite having an unlimited public transport ticket, we were still walking 16k-18k steps per day, ie 10km and more.

The usual visiting sites and many steep step climbs are tyresome with a heavy camera-set.

Pompei is quite broad and hot in the sun, even with hats & sunblock, be prepared to have 4-6hrs of heat there.

I opted to leave my M10-R in Oz, and only shot with my backup camera - Hasselblad Stellar, a very small lightweight compromise.

Hope the orange Sahara sandstorm that just hit Athens doesn’t make it’s way to Italy.

[tom0511]

vor 37 Minuten schrieb Kiwimac:

Yes I’d agree. Having identical bodies always makes life a lot easier, if a lot more expensive in this particular instance!

I would agree if it was just about backup. But an additional smaller camera (like a Ricoh or Q2) can extend your gear, even if the main camera doesn't fail.

I would even bring my Ricoh if I had a second main M body (indeed I do have a M11 and a Mono), because it is so handy for evenings, and its so unobstrusive for certain things. One good thing is that one charge both the M11 and the Ricoh with USB-C. I love to have the same charger for cameras, phone, laptop and iPad now. (and yes, I bring 2  )

 

[Olaf_ZG]

@Kiwimacon such a trip (one in a life time?), I would take a backup. The Q would be great as it is weather proof, so in case of real bad weather, this would be a good replacement of the m11.

slightly off topic: yugoslavia doesn’t exist anymore. And most people here wouldn’t be happy if you ask them if they are from yugoslavia. The war was a long time ago but hatred and proud remained…

[ianforber]

Another vote for the Q2 here. They are astonishing cameras. I’m seriously considered getting rid of my M11 kit just because all my best pictures seem to be taken on the Q2. The only thing that stops me is the relative bulk of the Q2 compared to a M setup. 

Enjoy what sounds like a fab holiday. If you go to that bit of Europe that no longer exists, try to visit Slovenia. It’s one of the prettiest countries I’ve ever been to. 

[Kiwimac]

11 hours ago, tom0511 said:

I would agree if it was just about backup. But an additional smaller camera (like a Ricoh or Q2) can extend your gear, even if the main camera doesn't fail.

I would even bring my Ricoh if I had a second main M body (indeed I do have a M11 and a Mono), because it is so handy for evenings, and its so unobstrusive for certain things. One good thing is that one charge both the M11 and the Ricoh with USB-C. I love to have the same charger for cameras, phone, laptop and iPad now. (and yes, I bring 2  )

 

Is the Q2 a lot smaller than an M11?

[derleicaman]

I find the WATE to be invaluable on trips like this. We did a Med Cruise for our 40th, and it really came into its own. I wrote an article about it for the LHSA Viewfinder. I travel with an M10-P and M10 Monochrom. I also have a 35/2 KOB six bit coded, a 28/5.6 Summaron and 50/1.2. Pretty much covers all the bases. We visited Barcelona, Marseilles, Nice, Florence, Rome, Athens, the Greek Islands and Crete. Shopkeepers in Barcelona said watch your wallet!
I travel to Europe and Germany frequently, and am planning a trip to Japan in the fall. Last spring, I spent two days walking all around NYC and the subway as well. Initially I was not keen on doing this, but I had several friends with me, one who lived in Manhattan and knew his way around. I felt safer in NYC than I do in my native Chicago. As others have said, situational awareness is the key. Don’t stand out, don’t look lost and keep moving and you’ll be OK.

[tom0511]

vor 11 Stunden schrieb Kiwimac:

Is the Q2 a lot smaller than an M11?

A Ricoh GRIII is a lot smaller than an M11. A Q2 is lighter but not smaller than an M11. For this reason I dont own a Q any more, because I just use my M. Of course the Q has some other benefits like af, a fast lens, and close focus ability.

for me now the Ricohs (;before I used a Canon GX1iii) are the perfect pocket cameras. The iq is better than one would expect. And it even feels like a real camera. ( I often have a small OVF on it)

but what works for me doesnt have to work for others.