The Traveller's Dilemma

[Rafael]

How do you choose the photographic gear that you take with you on trips to countries where for meteorological reasons or for reasons of public safety you face the very real possibility that your gear will be damaged, stolen, etc.?

Obviously certain types of choices are made for you. For example, you cannot substitute a 35mm lens for a 21mm. If you need the 21mm focal length on your trip, then you take the lens. If you don't, you leave it at home.

But what about the choice between lenses of the same focal length and speed or cameras with the same VF magnification? Do you take your best gear?

[back alley]

off the top of my head and without any great thought...if it were me i would take my cv kit as it would be cheaper to replace if it were lost and i think it would be less painful to lose than the zi kit.

joe

[peter_n]

I take two bodies and figure out the focal lengths I need. If I have more than one choice in a given focal length I generally take the lightest lens for obvious reasons. The value of the equipment doesn't come into it.

[Nikon Bob]

Whatever I think will work best/is most suitable. If you have expensive gear then an insurance policy might be a good idea.

Bob

[Steve Bellayr]

What and where you will photographing should dictate the equipment.

[mervynyan]

MP + 35lux are with me everyday, if i do a photo trip, in addition, will take m7ii/43/80/150, and a lot of films.

if you worry about losing stuff, you better stay home.

[Doug]

I take what I want to shoot with, but at the same time I wouldn't like risking something that was hard to replace, a collector item...

[einolu]

for the past year or more i have only had a bessa r and a 35mm skopar that i take with me when i travel (and a digital p&s), if it breaks im f'ed. i might get another r + skopar while they can still be had for backup but i would rather spend the money on something else.

[blakley]

I bought a banged-up M6 for this exact purpose, and I've painted almost everything on it black. I put an old 35 or 50 lens on it & don't worry too much.

[michaelging]

I think in life as well as travel photography , if all you think about is what you are losing, then no matter what happens, you have already lost.

[vrgard]

That's exactly what my CL kit is for. Not only would I be less upset if it were stolen, but it is also physically smaller so it fits in my luggage better, tucks into my pocket more easily, is less obtrusive in social settings, etc. Of course, that answer changes if I think I will need something else/different/more. But it is nice to have the CL kit as my "grab and go" travel kit.

-Randy

[mw_uio]

This is what you do, have your camera strapped to your body over the shoulder and a light dark jacket covering your camera that is on your side. What you wear is important. None of this geeky pants that you can zipper off to make shorts. Where ever you are, walking and standing, you must portray yourself like you own the frickin place. Also no pointing of your hands. That spells trouble. No clothing with labels. Go unshaven and unbathed. No new clothes. Dark boots, no watch, no chain, no rings, small bills in your front pocket. Your Id in the bottom of your boot. Passport left at the hotel or with a friend. Have a transportation plan to the local you are going to, and one back. No map either. Study it before you go. A pack of Marlboro's also. If you feel that the heat maybe coming then step into a local shop for safety. Do not change your film right in the street. Not where everyone can frickin see you. If you have a M7, then use 'aperture priority' without a doubt. Did you know that 'Moaan' on flickr uses his M7 with it set to 'aperture priority' always.

Cheers
Mark
Quito, EC

[surlysimon]

hi
As I have said before my basic travelling kit is an Olympus XA and XA4 (38mm lens and 28mm lens) and one other good camera which for now is my Nikon D50 with either the kit lens or 30/1.4 sigma lens.
It is a matter of covenience and domestic harmony more than quality of equpment.

[pvdhaar]

When sailing, I take a Nikon F75 with a cheapish zoom. If it goes overboard, nothing's really gone overboard.

If my RF's with the Hexanon would sink, I'd feel sick, really sick, for a long time..

[kully]

Molly-cuddling is a pain in the bum. I don't have anything as expensive as an M7 or MP but I'll take my M2 or Bessas anywhere.

I've trained myself with cheapo SLRs so that I won't lose them no matter how drunk I get. And, I've never, ever been robbed whilst travelling (and I've been to some rough places, including most of the 'axis of evil' countries :) ) - that's by following (some) of the things that mw_uio put down.

Buying something expensive but being too scared to use it is a horrible feeling.

[mtscherning]

I have my cameras and equipment for one simple reason; to use it, so of course I do so

[ClaremontPhoto]

if you worry about losing stuff, you better stay home.


Very well put.

[ChrisPlatt]

Toting lots of camera gear when traveling is just a pain in the neck.
Unless the trips main activity is photography I find a really good pocket
camera is often the best choice.
If you don't have one, a compact rangefinder camera is the next best thing.

Chris

[angeloks]

I bring my 1V with a 50mm f1.4, prime lens all the way! For their IQ, their light sucking hability and their small weight.

I also carry a IIf with a 50mm collapsible when I want to be sneaky. When I need something wide, I use the 25mm CV lens. I don't mind bringing the barnack since that kit is just plain small! And having two cameras make me more confortable.

[alan davus]

During the 1970's I spent 7 years travelling (oh! to be young again) a lot of it hitching in the Third World, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America and so on. I can honestly say the only place I ever felt unsafe was in the States. For the most part leave the fear factor behind and take a good dose of common sense. That will get you through most situations. Photographically speaking, my companion during those years was a single body with a 50mm lens and I never felt deprived by not having more gear. Today if setting of out on a similar sojurn, the only other thing I would add would be a 35mm lens. I almost laugh at people who travel light with only 2 or 3 bodies and the minimum of 5 or 6 lenses.

[RML]

Insurance, insurance, insurance!

[Sparrow]

…….and what if you leave your prrrecious at home, safe, and thieves come in the night and burgle them; what then…… only thing to do then is to make less of an emotional investment in inanimate objects, now how hard would that be!



;)

[iml]

I like to travel light. One camera, two lenses, or two cameras, one of them a fixed-lens compact. A lot of my photography on home ground involves a lot of walking on hilly coastal paths, so I tend to travel pretty light even when I'm photographing at home as well, recently I've got into the habit of taking a Rollei TLR and an M6 with either a 50mm or a 28mm, and nothing else, or the Rollei and a Pentax K100D with a single prime lens if I think I might want to shoot some colour.

If I worried about something getting stolen, I wouldn't buy it in the first place, which is one reason why I have no interest in buying expensive cameras.

Ian

[alcaraban]

I would take the more convenient equipment in terms of weight, focal lengths, number of items ... but never worry about losing or damaging it. Actually, I always bring my most importance and irreplaceable piece of gear: myself.

The only risk I couldn't bear with is leaving my "best" (I haven't really good gear, even if I really appreciate what I have) stuff at home and getting it hitted by a comet (fire, thief, earthquake, etc...) while I am away. That would be fun.

[kalokeri]

Very good, Stewart.

At least I bought cameras and lenses for using. That´s what I do although I never take everything I have when I leave for travelling. I suggest to travel light.

Don´t take to much gear with you, but take what´s best in your personal opinion. Bad weather and thiefs might happen, but that´s no reason for leaving your best, most useful gear at home. Maybe insurance will make you feel comfortable.

.Thomas

[pvdhaar]

Insurance, insurance, insurance!
Doesn't help if your gear is out of production, or you cling on to it for emotional reasons..

[Robert Price]

Whell when Travelling Abroad. I will usually take, My Canon Rebel (xti now) And 2 lenses, Laptop, Flash. For film I bring my G2 and 3 lenses (28, 45, 90) as well as the flash. All of it will fit in my backpack.

[alan davus]

Whell when Travelling Abroad. I will usually take, My Canon Rebel (xti now) And 2 lenses, Laptop, Flash. For film I bring my G2 and 3 lenses (28, 45, 90) as well as the flash. All of it will fit in my backpack.
I rest my case.

[BJ Bignell]

Like the majority of persons, I voted for "take your best gear". My best happens to be the CV kit, but still...

If you are going in a situation where the environment will damage your gear, does it matter what you are using? If you absolutely need the shot, you will make some appropriate attempts to protect your equipment, but in the end you will still take the shot and risk ruining your camera. If you don't take the risk, why bother bringing the camera?

As for theft, what can you do? Valuable and non-valuable articles are always at risk of being stolen from your hotel room, your home, or right out of your hands, and in the end I don't believe that the material loss matters. Keep your exposed films separate, in a bag or suitcase that is less likely to be taken, and when you get home you'll still have your photographs and your memories.

I'm not a materialistic person - nor am I suggesting that you are - so I try not to get worried about physical possesions that are not essential to my survival. A good insurance policy for your gear will go a long way to salving your conscience, and protecting your wallet.

If a piece of equipment cannot be replaced due to scarcity or emotional attachment, then it has a different value that needs to be evaluated separately. In this case, I would likely be more protective of it, and may elect to leave it at home if I had a reasonable alternative.

[DavidH]

Always the best that I can take - packaging restrictions play more of a deciding role for me - always fighting the limits of airlines. But gear is gear and I see no point in compromising...although it is all very well insured as well.

That said, I wouldn't take big expensive looking gear to some trouble spots because it makes you a target for all sorts of problems, not because I'd worry about losing the camera itself.

I don't collect cameras, I buy them to use. If I'm too afraid to use one because of value then it's not a camera, it's a showpiece or investment.

[angeloks]

I wouldn't consider something of sentimental value / a collectible that cannot be replaced as a proper working tool... You can always get the same (or similar) item without the embarrass of it being irreplaceable. If your M3 or IIIf has a particular value to your eyes, just get one beat up for your trip and don’t bother arguing whether you should bring your most precious collectible items on the field or your wife’s wedding gift…

[nomade]

I would take the best i have esimating the best possible outcome... after all we buy to use, right??

[ClaremontPhoto]

...after all we buy to use, right??


I'm laughing at that one.

Many of us do. But by no means all.

[Magus]

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[laptoprob]

I liked handling my IIf on recent trips. I got the J-9 to have a short tele with screwmount.
Always debating if and if so which body should be nr2. That can be the CLE for real lowlight stuff or the M4-2.
Next trip, cycling to Paris, I will probably only take the IIf, small lenses and the J-9.
Or should I bring a backup...

Stopped worrying about insurances long ago. Not practical while using old stuff, if it is camping gear or cameras.

[giellaleafapmu]

Perhaps, one should add "the best gear for the job I have to do abong the gear I have"...
Why spending money on anything if you are going to leave it at home?

GLF

[nightfly]

I don't understand collecting and I only have 1 rangefinder body and two lenses so I'd bring that one and maybe just one of the lenses (a 35mm Summicron) because really the less gear you bring, the easier it is to shoot. I don't really draw the line between going out to shoot locally and shooting for travel.

That said, I'd probably also bring a Yashica T4 with color film if I was going someplace colorful.

I think the less stuff you bring, the more likely you are to have the right thing with you. Planning for travel is always much more complicated than actually traveling. Once you're gone, you generally forget about what you don't have and concentrate on using what you do.

[LazyHammock]

I would second the advice to travel light. My current favorite kit - M3 and ZM Planar. There are some wide shots I'll miss I'm sure but my bag is light and my back and feet are grateful at the end of the day. The camera got quite wet in Germany a couple of weeks ago on a number of occasions but it wipes dry and keeps on shooting (no electronics to worry about).
I'd hate to lose the camera and lens but I have little sentimental attachment to it and could replace it if necessary.
My bottom line would be take what you most enjoy shooting, don't overload yourself and don't spend so much time farting around with your gear as to miss the travel experience.
Have a good trip.
Nick

[shadowfox]

For me it's simple, the best, most versatile gear I have is not expensive nor it is rare. It's inconspicuous, quite beat up, and not loud. So I take it everywhere.

... oh, and also my trusty XA, it hardly takes any space ... ;)

[sepiareverb]

I'm still trying to figure out what to bring on this trip- first by plane in a long long time.

[pachuco]

I've been to places where the last thing I am worried about is my gear. When you look around and think, I may not make it home if I don't watch myself! Funny how value changes in those times. Your start thinking about how to use your expensive camera as a weapon and you say the hell with it if it saves your life! :)

[aliceelizabeth]

as someone has previously said, insure yourself up to the eyeballs. I'm a student and I'm not sure if they operate in the usa but Endsleigh have been really good with my accident prone nature.

Also...I may be wrong in supposing this but you love a camera for the photos you get out of it, it's the product which makes you fall for the thing. So risk it.

[Finder]

My family had a habit of saving our "best" clothes for best. The result was we never wore them and eventually they would be thrown away because the were the wrong size or style. Enjoy your stuff while you have it. There is no point in getting something if you don't use it.

[dexdog]

I carry the gear that I want on any trip and don't worry about it, although I am careful about personal safety issues.

[ClaremontPhoto]

Buy a popular daily newspaper for the place you're in, and carry it with you.

Nobody will ever believe that you're local; but on the other hand you're not a typical tourist either...

[wlewisiii]

Line 4. Take what I have & be damn*d as I'll have to anyway :bang:

William

[mcgrattan]

My travel kit is a Fuji GS645S with a mixture of 100 and 400ASA films, and two compacts. The compacts are usually loaded with fast film -- Delta 3200 or Neopan 1600 in black and white -- or 400ASA C-41 film. If one compact is loaded with black and white film, the other is loaded with colour.

Last time, it was a Mju II (stylus epic) and a little Minolta zoom compact. All three together fit in a small bag [they are smaller combined than a standard SLR with kit zoom]. The compacts can be carried in a pocket if I am not taking a bag or if am going out drinking.

I have all kinds of other gear I use at home, but if I am away somewhere it's usually the Fuji plus a compact camera, or a 35mm slr plus a compact camera. Small and versatile.

[mcgrattan]

Also, I've never really worried about having a camera stolen. I generally have insurance, and I'm fairly streetwise and aware when I'm out and about.

[nomade]

I'm laughing at that one.

Many of us do. But by no means all.

I said afterall, not all of us buy to use...:D

We buy stuff to use them usually...

[shadowfox]

Buy a popular daily newspaper for the place you're in, and carry it with you.

Nobody will ever believe that you're local; but on the other hand you're not a typical tourist either...

I thought you're going to tell us to proceed and shoot through a hole on the newspaper... :p

[BillBingham2]

Now that the kids are old enough to know not to mess with my stuff (though the oldest wants what ever I am carrying even though he has a Bessa R), I carry the “good stuff”. If something happens to it, I can replace it, though it will be painful.

B2 (;->

[Magus]

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[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

[peter_n]

Just figured out my stuff this morning. Domke F-2 bag and my two M7s. Would love to take my new Bessa R4A but I'm not taking three cameras and where I'm going I don't need super-wides. (But I'm taking it to Dublin later this year :).)

Lenses are CV 15 (weighs nothing and you never know... ;)), M-Hexanon 28, Summilux 35, Summilux 50, Tele-Elmarit (thin) 90. I thought long and hard about taking my 24 but I'm not going to encounter situations where it's use would be optimal.

Now to fill out a customs form 4457.

[sepiareverb]

Magus- thought you had me confused with my father! We fly from Boston to Oakland on the 27th, returning on the 5th of July.

Peter- I'm packing the F-2 bag as well, and I am leaning toward the 2 M7's as well- (inconspicuous won't find me regardless of what I pack Magus:D ) and for sure will have the 50/2.0, and either the 28 or 25- probably the 28. A Contax T2 for quick snaps (I don't focus well while drinking;) ) and then? The Rollei 80 will be here Wed, so I'll have time to play with it before I go and see if it does what I hope it will, now debating whether to bring the XPAN and 45! I do like to go by car, all these decisions are so much simpler!

[back alley]

IF i were going someplace, like a normal holiday...i'd take the zi kit, body and 4 lenses.

what could be a more perfect kit than a 25/35/fast 50 sonnar/ and a 90?
i could even throw in the r4m as backup if i were feeling insecure.

joe

[harmsr]

When I want to travel light, it normally means one of the following three combinations.

The selection normally depends on where I'm going and what I want to photograph.

1) Film - M5 - 35 Lux ASPH, 50 Lux ASPH, 90 Elmarit
2) M8 - CV 15, 28 Cron ASPH, 50 Lux ASPH, 90 Elmarit
3) M8 - CV15, 35 Lux ASPH, 75 Cron APO

Plus the little DLux3 gets thrown in.

I don't ever remember taking all 6 lenses.

Personally, I don't have a cheap kit for travel and a better kit for local. I bought my gear to use, and will just be cautious with it whether at home or travelling. Attitude and awareness are big protectors. If you don't walk around unaware of your surroundings and also give the impression that you can take your of yourself, the proposed theif normally selects an easier target.

Best,

Ray

[Magus]

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[harmsr]

Hi Magus,

It was a true dilema, but only on the M8.

The film side was very easy. (My 35, 50, 90 won out. I never really liked the 90 focal length before, but have come to like it and "see" shots with it also.)

-------------

The M8 was harder with the 1.33 crop.

The CV15 is just small and handy. It seems to always get into the bag. It is also my only super-wide.

I have really fallen in love with the 28 Cron's signature. It's focal length of 37 works for me on the M8 well. However, I never did get used to 28 on film.

The 50 Lux is a favorite.

I really liked the 90 Elmarit when I compared it against a new 90 Cron. It is much lighter, smaller, easier to focus, and has a signature which I prefer.

Those three lenses make up a good focal length range for me as a 3 lens kit with the possible addition of the CV15.

--------------

On film, I love the 35 Lux ASPH. On the M8, the 46 focal length is too close to the 28/37 and the 50/66 for my use with them at the same time. I really only end up using the 35 Lux with the 75 being the next step. This works great for a two lens kit, and my feet make up the difference.

The 75 Cron is another lens that I love, but don't really use on film. My preference is to grab the 50 or 90. This is not really because of the focal length, but rather because of the proximity to the 50 frame lines in the view finder. On the M8, it becomes a 100 that is close to a film 90 and is a good combination with the 35/46 for a nice change in perspective.

Although this could change in the future, it is how I'm shooting now.

Good to see you also my friend.

Best,

Ray

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

[sepiareverb]

I'm hoping the Rollei 80 will fill that spot for longer than 50 for me...

But only time will tell.

[jarski]

when living and travelling in big cities, I would often feel better not by taking the best camera with me, especially at night time. but then again, I dont have so many options..

having discreet bag that hides camera for most of the time when its not needed, is a must for me. usually I dont walk around camera hanging openly from my neck or shoulder.. this feels sometimes a bit anoying, taking it in and out all the time, but least its away from the eyes of thefts..

a lot of it hitching in the Third World, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America and so on. I can honestly say the only place I ever felt unsafe was in the States.
am doing this right now. and to be honest, poorer the country is, more unsafe I generally feel, I cant help it.. nothing ever has been taken from me, but from my collegues yes. I know I look like tourist or stranger, but least that I can do is to try look like a fit and an aware tourist :p

[kuvvy]

I can honestly say the only place I ever felt unsafe was in the States.

I feel the opposite alan. Just got back from the US and I felt much safer than in my home town in the UK. Even in New York which many people would think as an unsafe place. Maybe it's because when there are lots of tourists about then nobody seems to notice cameras or bother if you are taking pictures whereas at home within minutes of walking out with a camera there seems to someone eyeing up your gear and what you're doing.
Could be I'm paranoid less when on holiday.

Have to say that I love going to the US. Been to Florida, Boston, San Francisco, LA, Vegas and New York. Only been back home a couple of weeks and already thinking about next years trip, possibly New Orleans.

[sepiareverb]

...Even in New York which many people would think as an unsafe place...

New York does get a bad rap. I lived there in the 80's, not the finest hour for NYC, but rarely got any sort of hassle at all. I carried cameras all over, and did a lot of live performance shooting of bands- late at night and in all areas. Never any problems there at all. Whenever I get to visit I rove all over camera in hand without a thought about it.

[raid]

In my last trip overseas, I took my mint M6, and I could have chosen ten other cameras but I wanted to enjoy a nice new camera for a change.

Raid

[steamer]

I just got back from Ulaanbaatar, I have never had anything stolen there but I have talked to a few people who have been mugged and had their cameras taken.

This trip I was cautious except for my Contax T, I only brought stuff I could easily replace: Yashica gsn, Contax T2, Oly XA, Oly OM2 and a Lumix fz5 digicam.

The final outcome of the trip: I was never in danger throughout the whole visit, had way too many cameras, learning to love the XA, and I missed my G2 and Contax II a.

[RML]

I just got back from Ulaanbaatar, I have never had anything stolen there but I have talked to a few people who have been mugged and had their cameras taken.

This trip I was cautious except for my Contax T, I only brought stuff I could easily replace: Yashica gsn, Contax T2, Oly XA, Oly OM2 and a Lumix fz5 digicam.

The final outcome of the trip: I was never in danger throughout the whole visit, had way too many cameras, learning to love the XA, and I missed my G2 and Contax II a.

Sadly, the Western lifestyle is leaving its indelible mark on Mongolia too. Mostly in the form of people needing money, fast. And with huge unemployment figures, generally low incomes and high prices, (and a male population that's often fit, strong, used to hard work and not afraid to wrestle) this is resulting in more muggings taking place. Especially tourists, who generally are wealthier, carry lots of expensive goods, and usually aren't as fit, strong and tough as Mongolians (we're fat and weak from our luxury lifestyles, admit it. :) ), are a prime target.

Years ago, when I first went to Mongolia, I could rely on the country being safe. Nowadays, all I can hope for is that I'm not an attractive target. That doesn't mean Mongolia has become an unsafe place. Only that nowadays one must be as vigilant and prepared as in any modern, western(ised) country.

BTW, only yesterday I heard first hand experiences from South Africa and Kenya. These are places where carrying cash can easily cost you your life. Though the USA, UK, the western European countries, Japan, etc may be rife with pickpockets, bag snatchers and other such opportunistic thieves, I don't feel unsafe. All it takes is a bit more vigilance, a bit more preparation. There are places in this world where that's not enough, where you'd need minders or armed body guards to "safely" go about.

[Simon Larbalestier]

For me it depends on the purpose of the trip, length of stay and the method of travel. If it's work related then back up bodies and fast lenses are essential. Airline restrictions are a deciding factor and i have also to decide if it's to be a 120 kit or 35mm + Pano. If its only for pleasure then i can manage with a Ricoh GR1. Fully insured is a given.

[Talus]

I've yet to really hit the road with my M6. I was in Guatemala with my DSLR and just a 18-70 lens ( I was living out of a backpack for two weeks so I kept it as simple as possible). and it was nice, also the only camera that I owned. It was big though and attracted a lot of attention. The biggest pitfall was that there were a lot of spots that didn't have electricity so keeping the battery alive was tough & when I did have access to electricity I didn't want to pull out my camera in a room full of strangers to get the charger plugged in. I did wish throughout the trip that I had a telephoto though.

Now that I have the M6 & 50mm 'cron, I've decided to make it my travel camera. Hopefully I'll have a 90mm elmarit soon. I think the two will be enough to be my kit. I don't think I'd want to travel with much more.

I'd take with me whatever I have. I bought it with the intent to use it. If I didn't then why own it at all?

[goo0h]

I bought a banged-up M6 for this exact purpose, and I've painted almost everything on it black. I put an old 35 or 50 lens on it & don't worry too much.
Would that be security by obscurity? ;)

[jarski]

I was in Guatemala with my DSLR and just a 18-70 lens ( I was living out of a backpack for two weeks so I kept it as simple as possible). and it was nice, also the only camera that I owned. It was big though and attracted a lot of attention.
I think if you are in wrong place in a wrong time, even if you carry a Holga, they come and take it, along with everything else imaginable.

past 6 months I've done 3 work trips to Guatemala (engineering), always with 1 DSLR and 1 lens. I truly love the place, although I sometimes feel like a Gulliver in Lilliput land :o
Downtown (Zona 1) of Guatemala City, Colonial Antigua, Pacaya Volcano, ofcourse Maya temples of Tikal. very nice places, nice memories and nice photos to remember afterwards.

[MelanieC]

Also, I've never really worried about having a camera stolen. I generally have insurance, and I'm fairly streetwise and aware when I'm out and about.

So am I -- I didn't live in West Philly for years for nothin' -- and I still got mugged when I went back to visit Philadelphia. Lost two cameras. Sometimes there's just nothing you can do. I am really, really glad I did not have my M3 on me that day.

There are times I'd think twice before bringing my best, mostly because they were my father's and are literally not replaceable. When I went to Morocco, I brought my OM-1 instead of my M3 for this reason. In addition, I was working on an archaeological site, and archaeology is dusty and dirty. I can always get another OM-1. In fact, I already had, because an OM-1n is one of the cameras I lost when I was mugged.

If my best cameras did not have any sentimental value to me I'd be more willing to use them in all situations. As it is, I already use them in far more situations than I think most people would, since both are in what one might consider "collector" condition. I don't mind if they get a bit of use wear, as I never intend to sell them. But I really, really don't want to lose them.

[MartinL]

I've followed what seems like good advice, even thought I've never had to "take advantage" of all the potential benefits.

I always have a P&S (now, a SuperShot S70--shoots RAW) primarily for the purpose of documenting. I keep the camera in one of my more protected spaces--like a zippered pocket. Photos include menus that I've wanted to remember, roadsigns and posted directions that I can't remember. Sometimes for interiors (museum, church, etc.) I've asked permission, "May I take a picture?" holding up the P&S a then, discretely, shooting with my SLR. I also snap passports and other items (including camera and lenses) just in case of significant theft (never happened).

When I traveled with my 1D, I took a single 24-105 zoom and flash. A heavy, conspicuous package, but weather-worthy and flexible. Now, I'm looking forward to the comparatively featherweight M8. My 4 CV lenses are so light that it'll be tough to leave one or more behind.

[JonasYip]

I voted "I take my best gear" since I generally have no fear of bringing the expensive stuff if I need to. That's what it's for after all.

That said, I'm probably going to bring my CV 40 and 28 on my trip this week rather than my 35 lux and 28 cron, but primarily because of size.

j

[jamin]

I plan to visit Kazan- Russia for about 2 weeks in mid-Sept and I will bring along R2A w/Heliar 50/2, y-g#11, loaded w/Neopan 400 and Z1 w/Planar 50/2 loaded w/either Neopan 1600 or HP5+ @1600. I'm fixated with y-g#11 for bright sunny outdoor shots.

[IGMeanwell]

This is interesting topic

I took a road trip right after a graduated college, I wasn't into photography at the time, and all I had with me was my Kodak APS camera, a bunch of rolls of 400 speed film

Now, 4 years later, it would depend where I was going... but if it were the same trip I would probably take one of my DSLRs with a couple lenses, my Fuji F30, and my Yashica T4

but if it were a place I absolutely needed to pack light, it would be my Yashica T4 and my Fuji F30 ... Both would suit most of my needs

[srajr]

This really is an interesting topic. I'm leaving Wednesday for Europe for a three week trip. No definite plans, except to visit Romania for about a week of the trip. I'm taking a Canon G7 for snap, but I can't decide between my Contax G1 w/ 45/2 or the R2M with either 40/1.4 Nokton or 50/2 Heliar. I plan to shoot quite a bit of B+W (Neopan 400 & TriX at 1600 ) and a few roles of Provia 400X. I have a couple of rolls of Velvia also.

I'm hoofing it & riding the train, have a small pack & am travelling lite, so two film cameras or multiple lenses is loading it on too much.

As far as type of shooting, let's say I'm all over the map, but big on available lite. Cityscapes, bars, casual crowd situations, plus nature, landscape, ruins, etc. One stop diff. between the 1.4 & 2.0 when shooting TriX/1600 hasn't really been too much of a factor so far.

So, which will it be... G1 with the 45/2 or R2M & 40 Nokton ?

Ray

[RML]

I'm hoofing it & riding the train, have a small pack & am travelling lite, so two film cameras or multiple lenses is loading it on too much.

In my experience, trains are both the best way to travel (most of the time, that is) and one of the worst places to keep track of your belongings, especially when you travel on the same train for extensive distances. If you have a compartment with 2-4-6 bunks, occupied with other tourists and can lock the door from the inside, you usually wouldn't have much trouble. When you have to share a train section, like you'd often do in India, you have to think of ways to secure your belongings. In India, for instance, most people will lock their luggage with a lock and attach it to the frame of the bunks with a chain and padlock. I did the same and still was worried about my stuff. Nothing happened, thankfully, but I did not sleep easy. :) My wallet, tickets, passport and other valuables went inside my sleeping bag. Of course, a thief can slash that but out of sight is usually out of mind.

Also, trains in Eastern Europe are a bit notorious for the high incident of robberies.

And always be careful at (big, crowded) train stations (and airports). Pickpockets, bag slashers, luggage swappers, etc. are everywhere on those, and you'd be hard-pressed to recognise them. They usually don't look like poor, badly dressed, unshaven criminal types. :)

[Pherdinand]

I lived 25 years in Romania, traveled a lot on the train, nighttime too, alone too, i never ever got robbed or got anything stolen from me.

It's not because it does not happen there. It's just a matter of being aware of what is happening around you. If you look like a dizzy rich tourist, you are a good target.

[mfunnell]

I take the best gear for the intended task (within weight/bulk limits) and I take travel insurance.

...Mike

[ruben]

…….and what if you leave your prrrecious at home, safe, and thieves come in the night and burgle them; what then…… only thing to do then is to make less of an emotional investment in inanimate objects, now how hard would that be!

;)


That's exactly my worst nightmare !

Nevertheless, back to the question as originally formulated, there are two points I will give them attention. There is not an absolute correlation between "best" and "most expensive", unless you are not ready to compromise.

The best compromise you can make is to select whatever you are ready to risk. Whatever you are not ready to risk, simple leave at home and there is no question at all. Ceirtanly there is a concrete correlation between the concrete risks you think about, and the concrete price of whatever gear you have to select among.

The second point I would like to call attention to, is related to the way we build our systems. If you own only a single new body of the expensive brand "X", around which you bought 2 or 3 or 4 expensive new lenses, then you are in trouble indeed, and not only overseas. Trouble doesn't exist only as a fact but also as a potential fact.

If you buy such an expensive car (expensive for your budget) that you cannot sustain along the year, then in some sense you have no car.

Of course I am not advocating cheap vs expensive, nor new vs used, but the combination of all of them making your system or systems versatil.

Fortunately, upon these days there are lots of very good and used gear to select from, so that reasonable choices and moderated risks can be taken. And versatil systems built too.

Cheers,
Ruben


PS
I wrote once or twice that if I have not 2 bodies of the same brand I have no camera at all. Thanks Rafael for reminding me why.

[d_ross]

nothing gives you better travel pictures than your feet :-)