One lens

[Pieter12]

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I’m sure this has been discussed to death, but a forum search did not turn up any results. I will be traveling and most probably will take my S3. However, I would like to limit myself to one lens. I have a 35, 70 and 120, plus a Hasselblad 28mm. Even with those choices I think a 45 would be the best all-around lens. Or maybe it’s just GAS.

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[shedboatshed]

Really just depends on how you like to shoot. I'm hoping to pick up a 45 one day and that would be my single lens option. Otherwise, 70 or 35mm depending on where I'm going.

[HuntingSand]

You could try and find the Zeiss Contax 55mm Distagon, which gives you something like a 42mm on the S system. It’s an f3.5 lens, and you’d need the S-C adapter, but it’s a really stellar performer on the S, and much smaller and lighter than the native Leica 45. Hugh Brownstone has a video on YT putting that chunky 45 on an S camera and doing some walkabout street photography in NYC, I don’t think he ever repeated that exercise. That Distagon was slightly below $1000 on the 2nd hand market some years ago, but has considerably appreciated in value since. And no, mine is not for sale, sorry 😎

[da_eltsch]

Hey Pieter, I would not worry too much and take just either take the 35mm or 70mm and forget about the GAS ... 😉

[Sailronin]

Hey Pieter, For what it's worth, I would take the 70mm, it's much lighter than the 35mm.  

[Einst_Stein]

Leica Qx and Xx already show Leica's thoughts: 28mm eq. if the camera is crop friendly, other wise 35mm eq.

So, 35mm for S3. 

[Stuart Richardson]

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If you are not sure, I would bring the 35mm and 70mm, or just bring a more appropriately sized travel camera. A kind of all or nothing approach. I shot the S cameras for almost ten years and was never tempted to bring them on a trip. The M and Q cameras in particular are just better for that kind of thing, unless the main purpose of the trip is photography and you don't have an alternative. I will acknowledge, however that I live in a country that is good for the S cameras and when I travel, it is mostly to more urban places. So I can see if it is the opposite for you (you live in an urban or less photogenic place and are traveling to a more photogenic one), you might prefer to bring it. For me though, the weight, size, lack of stabilization etc. I think they are better in a studio or working from a vehicle, rather than the kind of camera you drag with you through the streets of a city or along with you in your carry on luggage (or even checked in an air case, tbh).

Edited September 23, 2024 by Stuart Richardson

[Pieter12]

I usually don't take more than a Fuji Pro or X100 when I travel for pleasure. The main objective of this trip will be photography, traveling by car. I am not going to an urban destination. I am just considering if streamlining the S set-up is feasible by limiting myself to a 45mm lens. Or I might just go in a different direction altogether and bring a ton of gear in a big backpack or wagon.

[davidmknoble]

So, think 35 or 50.  Your Fuji X100 is a 35mm I think, so your 45mm choice makes sense to what you are used to shooting. I like the walkabout with the 70 because it is so small and light compared to the others, but then I’m using a 50.

[tom0511]

With the S3 you have room to crop. So if its either 35 or 70 I would take 35.

The 45 could be a bit tight for some things. Also its even bigger and heavier than the 35. Eventhough its an excellent lens and if its not to tight for you - go for it.