Hiking the TMB with my LEICA M2

[oldwino]

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Definitely take a 90 (the Voigtlander is a nice lens). I use a 90 in the mountains a lot. And take the 35. But, if you do take the Rollei, then take a 28. Again, that little Voigtlander is excellent. 

[Zeitblom]

When hiking the TMB, still with Kodachrome, a polarizer filter was very useful in those heights.

[Anbaric]

On 6/29/2024 at 11:26 AM, malfaris said:

Regarding using longer focal length  I thought going to such amazing places on top of the mountains a car can't reach that might be once in life time moments I want to document , using 28mm or 35mm will be so far away to have great images

Devil's advocate opinion: You mention not having done a film-only trip before and perhaps using all your film gear isn't quite second nature yet (as with focusing the Rollei). There will be many, many opportunities for spectacular shots that may call for a wide range of focal lengths and lots of rolls of film. There is an argument for just taking your favourite digital camera with a standard zoom lens and some high capacity media cards this time. And rather than dragging a tripod around, using a phone for the selfies (or at least just taking a mini tripod or other small support). I don't think a drone is a practical replacement for a longer focal length. And do you really need to carry backups? If worst comes to worst, there are places on the way where you pick up a delivery from Amazon or another dealer. Your back will thank you for minimising the gear!

Random suggestion: You probably already know this, but if you haven't been to Chamonix before and your route doesn't already include them, it's worth taking the cable car all the way to the top station on the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m), and the little train to Montenvers to see the Mer de Glace.

[malfaris]

On 7/9/2024 at 5:09 PM, chris7273 said:

it depends on the kind of trip, but if it's a hike on multiple days and you are in group of "non-photographers", then I would go "as light as possible"  : M2 + 1 lens. 

My phone for the occasional "I was there" photo or for a panoramic landscape is enough for me. 

Have fun and enjoy your trip :-)

going with my brother and his son , we plan to have fun and enjoy our time at slow pace.

thanks friend

[malfaris]

On 7/31/2024 at 11:35 PM, Zeitblom said:

When hiking the TMB, still with Kodachrome, a polarizer filter was very useful in those heights.

how to use a polarizer on rangefinder? I know there are some solution one made by leica ,but couldnt find a practical one.

[malfaris]

On 7/9/2024 at 6:18 PM, earleygallery said:

Hiking? I'd take just the Rollei.

When I have travelled with a range of lenses I've tended to use the 35 and 90 most often, so that would be my 2 lens travel kit, but it does depend on how one 'sees' I guess. The Elmar 90 f4 is a lovely light lens if you can find a nice example of one.

 

On 7/14/2024 at 6:10 PM, oldwino said:

Definitely take a 90 (the Voigtlander is a nice lens). I use a 90 in the mountains a lot. And take the 35. But, if you do take the Rollei, then take a 28. Again, that little Voigtlander is excellent. 

I decide to take Leica MP as built in light meter is much faster , 35mm summicron v4, 90mm Voigtlander that lens is really light and compact . Rollei is going but staying in Hotel storage for before and after hike photography .

[malfaris]

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On 8/1/2024 at 4:25 PM, Anbaric said:

Devil's advocate opinion: You mention not having done a film-only trip before and perhaps using all your film gear isn't quite second nature yet (as with focusing the Rollei). There will be many, many opportunities for spectacular shots that may call for a wide range of focal lengths and lots of rolls of film. There is an argument for just taking your favourite digital camera with a standard zoom lens and some high capacity media cards this time. And rather than dragging a tripod around, using a phone for the selfies (or at least just taking a mini tripod or other small support). I don't think a drone is a practical replacement for a longer focal length. And do you really need to carry backups? If worst comes to worst, there are places on the way where you pick up a delivery from Amazon or another dealer. Your back will thank you for minimising the gear!

Random suggestion: You probably already know this, but if you haven't been to Chamonix before and your route doesn't already include them, it's worth taking the cable car all the way to the top station on the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m), and the little train to Montenvers to see the Mer de Glace.

some nice tips 

I have time, I have the cable car in my plans but not the train I will check it out

regarding film and digital camera you are very right, it was so inconvenient traveling to Scotland with only Leica M and lenses on my recent trip in the countryside however they did really good in the streets of Edinburg . they are true street cameras.

however this trip photography isn't my goal but the hike so taking film camera to document the memories and the views , I took a small Dji Pocket 3 nice camera for video, and small drone called Hoverx1 which is follow drone without remote very small and weights only 120g, to get unique angles .

[TomB_tx]

4 minutes ago, malfaris said:

I decide to take Leica MP as built in light meter is much faster , 35mm summicron v4, 90mm Voigtlander that lens is really light and compact . Rollei is going but staying in Hotel storage for before and after hike photography .

Good choice. When I last bicycled Scotland I just took a lightweight film CL which has a spotmeter (like M5) and compact 40 and 90 lenses. Got along fine with the small kit.

[malfaris]

would you take small flash for low light situation around camp and other situation or not worth it?

[TomB_tx]

16 minutes ago, malfaris said:

would you take small flash for low light situation around camp and other situation or not worth it?

Wouldn't hurt, but I haven't used flash in about 50 years... I have done campfire / campground scenes at night with long exposures, either on pocket tripod or just resting on a table.

[malfaris]

update after coming back from the trip

Taking MP made my life much easier with built in light meter, glad I took spare battery, on day one I got the battery sign.

35mm + 90mm was really great in nature and mountains , having the 90mm in a fanny bag help with quick exchange and 35mm summicron v4 hanging on my shoulder with strap.

below photo with tripod and old self timer on a light weight tripod

I took 2 rolls for everyday which worked out great too.

I developed the film at home, not impressive like a lab but where I live there is none have to send them overseas.

 

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Edited August 19, 2024 by malfaris

[malfaris]

that was my camping spot , just woke up face

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[malfaris]

35mm summicron v4 , isn't so  nice in corners even at slow aperture, but ok in center and super light weight and compact. however I am thinking of selling it after this trip for what I paid for I am not impressed. I think I was fooled by the king of bokeh hype.

I think I like modern lenses on film cameras, but 50mm summicron Rigid was nice on film not on this trip but in general it's great on both film and digital.

I 

[Fotoklaus]

vor 44 Minuten schrieb malfaris:

35mm summicron v4 , isn't so  nice in corners even at slow aperture, but ok in center and super light weight and compact. however I am thinking of selling it after this trip for what I paid for I am not impressed. I think I was fooled by the king of bokeh hype.

I think I like modern lenses on film cameras, but 50mm summicron Rigid was nice on film not on this trip but in general it's great on both film and digital.

I 

I had a similar experience with a 4/90 Tele Elmar. The King of flare...

Last year i bought The Ultron 2/35 asph. 

Absolute bargain for that quality.

[malfaris]

1 hour ago, Fotoklaus said:

I had a similar experience with a 4/90 Tele Elmar. The King of flare...

Last year i bought The Ultron 2/35 asph. 

Absolute bargain for that quality.

Somebody just recommended it for me also the skopar if I have the Summilux

[Greenhilltony]

On 8/19/2024 at 6:26 PM, malfaris said:

that was my camping spot , just woke up face

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Interesting I can spot the soft corners even without loading a larger view of the image on my iPhone. Looks like a very strong field curvature that can’t be diminished by stopping down to quite a small aperture stop…I wouldn’t expect this happening to a summicron, but I don’t have experience with the V4 so I don’t know if’s for your copy.

[malfaris]

1 hour ago, Greenhilltony said:

Interesting I can spot the soft corners even without loading a larger view of the image on my iPhone. Looks like a very strong field curvature that can’t be diminished by stopping down to quite a small aperture stop…I wouldn’t expect this happening to a summicron, but I don’t have experience with the V4 so I don’t know if’s for your copy.

that what I noticed too clearly there is something wrong with my copy because reading about this lens before buying , none spoke about such issue other than the miss leading name of the king of bokeh . but in general an ok lens. when bought it from eBay that wasn't mention other than mint inside out , which hasn't being true on some purchase and when confront that say they didnt notice.

[malfaris]

Here's a one that I like , you can see the Ektar colors

 

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Edited August 22, 2024 by malfaris

[Beresford]

I have often wondered what lenses might be best for a walk/hike in the mountains. The discussion and then your photographs are a great inspiration.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[malfaris]

On 8/23/2024 at 2:23 AM, Beresford said:

I have often wondered what lenses might be best for a walk/hike in the mountains. The discussion and then your photographs are a great inspiration.

I am very glad , I wrote my impression to help others , since I got lots of help from this forum glad to give back.