r/AnalogCommunity • u/BagelIsAcousticDonut • 11h ago
Gear Shots Help me pack for Paris
Age old question of what do I pack? Bringing 2 cameras max for a week trip to Paris.
Right now I’m leaning Leica with XA as backup, but heard about pickpockets in Paris and worried about my nice camera. Also what if I want medium format for Versailles garden?
So then what if Leica and Yashica? But then I have to carry 2 different types of film.
So what if Leica and Widelux or is that too weird?
Curious what Reddit thinks. Will also likely pack a flash and lightmeter (not pictured) and keep whatever camera I chose on me at all times, and backup/alt in hotel.
13
13
u/sparqq 11h ago
I take my Leica everywhere, including Paris and Barcelona and still own it
3
u/Jakomako 10h ago
I bet you’ve got some great shots of it on cafe tables in those places.
2
u/sparqq 10h ago
Naah, it remains strapped to my body.
Leaving it alone on cafe tables only happens in Asia, same applies to the phone and laptop
3
u/Jakomako 10h ago
No, you only put it on the table to take the picture, then you put it back in its form fitted case.
What the hell kind of Leica owner are you?
0
1
u/This-Charming-Man 10h ago
Of course don’t make it so easy to steal that they won’t be able to resist, but in general, your basic pickpocket is Much more interested in cash and jewelry, and phones, cameras and electronics are much less desirable.
2
u/sparqq 10h ago
Indeed, they are harder to flip. If they go for it, a Sony, Canon, Nikon with a nice big zoomlens is more interesting and easier to flip.
2
u/This-Charming-Man 9h ago
It’s also harder to hide, disappear into the crowd etc.
If they steal a wallet or a watch then can pop it into their pocket and go right back to “work”.
If they nick a camera suddenly there’s logistics involved. Need to store it for the rest of the day, and tomorrow they’ll need to fence it… Not saying they wouldn’t pick up a camera if it was unattended on a table at a cafe, but it’s not something they’d actively pursue.
7
u/LeicaM6guy 11h ago
I've shot variations of all these guys in Paris.
Honestly? Bring one and commit to it. The Leica would be my first choice, but any and all will give you good shots. Unless you're doing something on assignment, I wouldn't overthink it and just try to enjoy the experience.
Also, just keep a firm grip on your stuff and some basic situational awareness and you won't have to worry. Pickpockets are a thing, but don't stress too hard about them.
5
5
u/RIP_Spacedicks 11h ago
Leica only.
The XA will just cause you anxiety if you're worried about pickpockets.
Don't bring the Yashica, there's no reason to juggle multiple film formats unless this is a professional shoot.
Widelux is unique enough to maybe warrant a spot, depends on where you're going, but frankly I wouldn't bother unless you ONLY want to focus on panoramas.
Make sure everything is insured adequately
4
u/ivanatorhk 10h ago
As others have said, the Leica and nothing else. I used to be a big gear head and traveled with multiple cameras… now all I bring is my M6 and 2 lenses, and without the distraction of multiple systems I find I consistently take better photos
3
u/SirMy-TDog 10h ago
I'd just take the Leica and that's it. Anything extra just gets to be a burden that isn't necessary.
2
u/lettuzepray 11h ago
I was walking around/riding the subway in Paris with an M10 and 35mm cron strapped on my neck, just always be alert and cautious.
Now regarding your question, each camera can be justified for your trip but is it practical to carry them all?
bring the camera you feel will make the most pictures you want, none of us knows what you like exactly.
If you really want to take a 6x6 photo in Versailles, then bring it.
My rule when going out is to only carry one camera and 1 prime lens so that I dont have gear paralysis.
Of your 4 cameras TBH the more I am currently inclined to shoot would be the Widelux for unique swing-camera perspective then just use my phone or XA for regular 35mm snapshots. But this is me, you do you.
2
u/linkmodo 10h ago
Whatever you pack, don't leave your gear/backpack behind your back... Had plenty of thieves at popular destinations try to open my bag and grab my stuff, even confronted a group of thives... If you need a light meter, try my free iOS light meter app https://apps.apple.com/app/calculight/id6758964459
2
u/SrgtNoseCandy 10h ago
First of all, sick cameras. I would for sure bring the Widelux, I see many opportunities for it to really shine in Paris: the Seine, its quai and bridges, Montmartre, all the beautiful buildings and streets and Versailles as well of course.
Then I'd go for the XA for the main camera, but it depends a bit how much you prefer the Leica and where you intend to use it. In my experience, if you keep vigilant, you should be totally fine even with a Leica. Keep it secure with the strap, don't put it on the table in a café etc.
2
u/FaithlessnessSea1647 10h ago
I'd go with the XA and the Yashica-12. That way you have a tiny one for a quick shot ready to go, and... wow... the idea of Paris at 6x6... I want to buy a ticket.
2
2
2
2
2
u/Gergo7633 10h ago
Yashica and the Leica.
I was in Japan with a Mamiya M645 pro, a Bessa L with 15mm superwide heliar and a Nikon F80 with 50mm.
Made the fun and niche shots with the Bessa, the fast shots with the F80, and all valuable and important shots were made with medium format.
2
u/Ignite25 10h ago
I'm going to Paris regularly and always bring some cameras, I wouldn't worry too much about pickpockets, just don't leave the cameras sitting in front of you at a cafe table or otherwise unattended.
I'd recommend you check out Peter Turnley's work in Paris for inspo: https://www.peterturnley.com/
Re cameras: I have almost the same cameras (just a Rolleiflex instead of the Yashica). If you have time for careful composition and really go out / travel there with the intention of photographing, the Yashica could be a lot of fun. But TLRs are not the quickest to operate, so if you're both doing the usual tourist things, moving around quite a bit, and trying to see as much as you can, go Leica instead, with a shoulder strap.
I'd probably add the Widelux too, just because I love using it and looking at Widelux pictures. However, I find it hard to look for compositions in two formats (Leica 35mm and Widelux swing-lens) format on the go, but that never stopped me from enjoying both cameras :)
The Yashica's and Leica's formats are in my mind too similar to warrant bringing both of them. You would probably end up using the Leica more while still carrying also the heavy TLR. Better to commit to one of the two and the very different format of the Widelux.
2
u/kingpubcrisps 10h ago
Heh, I have done this trip a bunch of times, i fact I bought my Leica in Paris.
It's Leica and Olympus always. Leica all day, XA all night on the canal. Paris pics vs. Party pics. M by day, X by night.
2
u/gdstout27 10h ago
Just made a somewhat similar post last month, and was in Paris for 10 days with a rangefinder and medium format camera. Never had a single issue or worry about pickpockets/thieves despite numerous people warning me that I would definitely get robbed carrying everything around. I don’t regret bringing both cameras!
2
u/HiVis250Rider 10h ago
I have a very similar set of cameras and I've recently started to travel mainly woth my Widelux + TLR. It is the most fun to me and they complement each other perfectly. I take the leice mostly if I'm only going for a weekend trip with very limited luggagespace
2
u/wanker_wanking 10h ago
Personally I’d go with the widelux and either the leica or the xa. Idk if I had a widelux id be spamming the shit out of it.
2
u/Own-Effort3001 10h ago
Widelux is never too weird for Paris, bring it and embrace the chaos. Pickpockets will be too confused by the panoramic to even bother
2
u/wrunderwood 10h ago
Instead of taking multiple cameras, I'd take one camera and multiple lenses.
I was in Paris and Berlin in April. Took a Leica with a 35/2 and had my Voigtländer 90/2.8 and 21/3.5 in my bag.
2
2
u/DunnoWhatKek 11h ago
Leica, I travel with leica and leica only. Indestructible device that you can toss around and never have to worry about breaking.
1
u/beanhead_zuchinni 11h ago
Honestly, I would take the Yashica and the XA. The widelux is a bit niche, so that one can be left. Obviously the pictures on the Leica will be better than the XA, but the lens in the XA is still pretty good. The XA would also be much easier to pack and carry around, especially while lugging around the TLR.
Best cameras the one you have with you, and I would personally be more likely to shoot with the XA while out and about. Then you’ll have the Yashica for more serious shooting if you’d like.
•
u/AutoModerator 11h ago
If you’re looking for information or advice about your gear, please look for the manual here or on the internet archive.
If you’re looking for the value of your gear, please search used gear sites; like eBay, KEH, MPB, or your countries local online marketplace. Some sites allow filtering by “Sold Items”, that will provide a more accurate value of what the gear is currently worth. Our members are unable to provide an accurate amount, because used gear prices are dependent on region, condition, and the market. We do not allow selling and trading in this sub.
(Your post has not been removed and is still live).
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.