[10day bicycle tour] What photo gear to bring?

[Spicy]

Hey all.

I'm going to be heading out in 2 days on what's looking like a roughly 500km bike trip (budgeting 10 days, hoping to do it more in 6 or 7) across the Korean countryside for my final "project" having spent the past 3 years living abroad. I'm a fairly avid cyclist, but have never bicycle-toured before. The terrain is said to be fairly varied, but without any massively steep grades (though there are some long gentle ones).

I've got 2 saddle-bags and a back-rack, so space will likely be at a premium. If I can fit my Pelican Case in one of the saddle-bags and still have enough room to spare, I'll be packing my photo equipment in that. Basically, I'm opening this to the floor for opinions/experiences on equipment selection.

Cameras (lens selection in parentheses that I would consider bringing):

• Olympus XA (35/2.8)
• Rollei 35S (40/2.8 scale-focus only)
• Leica IIIc (CV 21/4, Russian Industar-22 50/3.5 collapsible)
• Leica M4-P (CV 21/4, Russian Industar-22 50/3.5 collapsible *BUT* the 50/3.5 won't infinity focus on the M4-P with the adapter ring)
• Nikon F (50/1.8 AF-D)
• Nikon D700 (50/1.8 AF-D, other lenses are too big/heavy)
• Yashica 635 (medium format 80/3.5 - equivalent to a standard 50mm perspective on 35mm film)

Things aren't just simple numbers, though, as there's some sentimental stuff attached. The Nikon F was my father's back when he was in college, and it would be cool to add to its history. The M4-P was my first M, and I brought it with me on a trip to Thailand/Cambodia a few months ago to make my own history with it. The IIIc was my first Leica, and it hasn't been getting much love/action recently.

Caveats:

• Obviously, conserving weight/space is a priority.
• Most of these bodies are unmetered (barring the D700 of course, and the XA and Rollei 35S).
• IIIc needs to have its film leader trimmed every time it's loaded.
• M4-P can't reach infinity focus with the Russian 50mm.
• I'd prefer not to bring the D700 as it was stretching my finances in the first place and replacing it is currently fiscally impossible.

As of right now, I'm pretty sure I'll be excluding the XA (its lightness is attractive, but the meter needle doesn't work which is infuriating but doesn't really affect pictures, its reliability is questionable, and my copy really only takes ok pictures at f/5.6 or smaller), the D700 ($$$$$), and the 635 (big and heavy, and while 6x6 negs would be awesome, no backup in terms of mechanical failure. Also unsure as to how well they deal with bumps/knocks).


I think it's basically coming down to 2 of the following 4. With regards to the Leicas, the film-leader trimming of the IIIc is annoying, but so is not having infinity focus (likely be taking a fair number of landscapes), which would be a problem with the M4-P and the Russian 50mm. The F is heavy and bulky, but arguably the most reliable of the bunch, and also the fastest lens. The
Rollei 35S and its scale focus can be a bit tedious, but then again, great optics, and not having to carry a separate handheld-meter would likely save some weight/luggage space.

Well RFF, what say you?

[robklurfield]

chamois cream.
M4P & barnack. 2 lenses. lots of film. pre-trim some leaders for the IIIc. or, either one of the above plus either the Rollei or Olympus. travel light but have a backup.
lots of chamois cream!

[jsrockit]

Olympus XA or Rollei 35s and enjoy the ride.

[pevelg]

While I am not as avid a biker, I did go on a 2 day bicycle trip that spanned around 202km. I took with me a Hasselblad w/ one 60mm lens and two backs and a Leica M8 with ZM Sonnar 50mm. I spent the majority of the time biking with only brief stops and then camping during the night. While the extra weight of the Hasselblad was perhaps excessive, the photos from it were far superior to those off the Leica. The reason was that of camera shake though. Because it was such an intense workout, the majority of the photos off the Leica were too blurry. The Hasselblad photos however were much sharper though. I found the weight of the Hasselblad helped stabilize the camera and reduce my hand shaking.

BTW, glad you are doing the trip over 6 to 10 days. Doing 200km in two days was really tough, considering the amount of luggage I was carrying (camping supplies, camera bag, food, etc). Make sure you bring some power bars if your energy gets drained before your next resting point.

[marek_]

For simplicity I'd choose the XA. That was my only camera on a 2 month cycling tour of France and Belgium. Some of my most favourite pictures were taken then.

It's small, fits pretty much in any pocket - especially the back of a cycling jersey, and can be whipped out and ready to shoot in seconds. Can be operated with one - handy when on the move. Robust too - I dropped mine whilst riding, drenched it cycling through the rainy Belgium Ardennes and kept it with my tools, rattling together day after day - the camera never failed once.

[filmfan]

XA

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[randomm]

Originally Posted by robklurfield

chamois cream.
M4P & barnack. 2 lenses. lots of film. pre-trim some leaders for the IIIc. or, either one of the above plus either the Rollei or Olympus. travel light but have a backup.
lots of chamois cream!

Sound advice. I toured last year with just my M6, Rokkor 40/2 and roll of film a day...

[bigeye]

35s or XA, depending on your personal preference.

IIIc, if you really have time to think about what you are shooting. You can always pre-trim your film. I don't trim, though. Pull the lens and "T" (open) the shutter. Now you can guide the film into place from the front w/o trimming.

- Charlie

[Matus]

I would load the Yashica with some nice BW films and the XA with Ektar or Portra 160 and concentrate on other things to be prepared for the trip

[bobkonos]

I am with JSRockit: XA or Rollei, and put film in the extra space made by using either of these. On the bike, "light is right and weight ain't great." Have a safe and great adventure.

[kxl]

Originally Posted by robklurfield

chamois cream.
lots of chamois cream!

Excellent advice, although I hope, for your sake, you're not speaking from an unfortunate experience.

[robbeiflex]

I am an avid cyclist and have done multiple trips of multiple days on a racing bike where space is really at a premium, and in the alps where weight in unwanted. I carry a Rollei 35S in my back pocket for these. It is the ideal when it comes to size and capabilities for a trip like this. Scale focus is a great tool for taking photos right from the bike.

Cheers,
Rob

[Ezzie]

I used to cycle a lot, trips of over 1500km in 7-10 days, up and down mountains, the lot. Weight is indeed your enemy. Saddle sores too. But adjusting your speed and range to match your fitness level is paramount. Its easy to be too ambitious.

What to bring along? Apart from the camera kit you will no doubt choose contrary to advice I would bring something watertight, and then something else watertight, and then pack it all in something watertight. When wet, water is your enemy, when dry dust.

When it comes to saddlebags I swear by Ortlieb. They´ve lasted me 20 years, and still good and watertight. Also a few smaller bags, also from Ortlieb also watertight.

[BobYIL]

Originally Posted by jsrockit

Olympus XA or Rollei 35s and enjoy the ride.

An insightful advice...

I know one thing: When you are on two wheels, pick your photo gear as light as possible.

[emmef2]

Based on your requirements and preferences I would choose the Rollei 35 and one of the Leicas.
I second the suggestion on reducing all the stuff you will bring with you to the minimum but dont forget to bring with you tools and spares, because bicyles tend to always have issues in the worst moment.
I highly advise to pack everything, not only the photo stuff, into waterproof bags
Then enjoy your tour, touring with bycicle is awesome and makes you enjoy places and people in a more intense way!

[venchka]

Every time I go through my old negatives from travels many years ago, the negatives that ALWAYS jump out at me were made on 120 film. Either 6x6 or 6x7. Funny thing. Back then I didn't have a forum like this to ask endless questions. I just packed what I had. Sometimes it was a 6x6 Mamiya TLR and a wee Canon LTM camera and 50mm lens all over Europe. Other times it was a Pentax 6x7 and 105mm lens on backpacking trips to 12,500+ feet in Colorado. The end result: My medium format negatives have held up to the test of time over several decades. My favorite images.

Wayne

[FrankS]

Personally I think one would be beyond foolish to try to economize on the size and weight of an XA or Rollei 35, by taking along just one of them. It's a significant experience that deserves a backup camera in case of breakdown. Some folks don't seem to mind jumping with just one parachute, I guess. Take along the XA and the Rollei if you need to be frugal with volume and weight, but for heaven's sake, take 2 cameras on such a once in a lifetime (probably) trip.

[Peter_wrote:]

first of all i would take the XA, because it's the best one for putting it somewhere in an easy reachable pocket and make a quick shot from above the bike.

when u make a longer tour it gets a bit annoying to get off the bike, fishing for the camera, taking the cap off and so on for every time, when you want to make a photo. destroys the "flow" of cycling. and at the end u will stop to make photos at all...

but then i would also take a second camera with me. as backup and for more thinkfully shooting. not so much the rollei, because it has quite the same focal length.

maybe the leica IIIc just with the 50mm or the yashica. depends how much place u still have in your pockets. personally i would take the yashica then.

[sevo]

Originally Posted by Spicy

500km bike trip (budgeting 10 days, (...)

• Obviously, conserving weight/space is a priority.

At 50km a day? I've done that in three or four hours, as a cold start on a tour with a kids trailer and 40kg worth of kid and luggage. Later that trip we did 80-100km as a half day's journey.

At the pace you want to go, you can almost bring whatever you need and like. The main reason not to go full weight would be that you will be space limited, and besides, cycle bags and trailers may shake cameras to bits, while backpacks should not exceed 3-4kg in total.

[Merkin]

The F. It is the most durable, and therefore the most likely to be fine if you crash. The extra half pound won't be noticeable.

Make sure your seat is high enough, and you might want to consider raising your handlebars. Comfort is key on long rides.

[mdarnton]

That's funny. I saw your headline and went to grab a snack. While I was there, I remembered bike trips I'd taken, and tried to remember what I took. Then I figured that if I were doing it today, all I'd take is my Oly XA and lots of film. As it is, I'm perilously close to turning that into my carry all the time camera, since a lot of the time I'm toting a Nikon FG with 35/2, and the XA is not really that bad by comparison, and a lot lighter. You really do NOT need your Pelican case full of gear, and you will regret taking it.

My second choice would be your Leica IIIc pairing. I've done whole vacations with nothing but a Fed 1, 50/3.5 and C/V 15mm, and it's an easy combo. A definite no to any of the weightier gear.

[Spicy]

Thanks guys. Yeah, I'm definitely taking at least 2 cameras, but want to keep it as few as possible (meaning 2 cameras, I guess).

Yeah, I know that 50km/day is pretty relaxed. I usually do 65-70km in a shade over 2hrs 3-4x a week, but that's on a bare bike along well-paved trails next to a river (effectively almost no elevation change). As this is my first bike tour, I thought I'd be safe and plan a very conservative 50km/day x 10 days (though I'm hoping to do it faster), and also to afford time for photos.

I've yet to fully decide, but I think the pair is going to end up being the IIIc with both 21/4 and 50/3.5 because the 50 is so light, and the XA as the rear-cycle-shirt-pocket camera for quick snaps. the Yashica would be great, but 10 days is a long time to carry a big chunk of weight. If it were a shorter trip, I'd almost assuredly take it (or a longer one with a bike-trailer). Also, I'd prefer to have the same film-type in case of a mechanical issue (yay redundancy).

[Mark T]

I have just got back from an 11,000 km trip by bicycle over the better part of the last 12 months. For anything to do with cycling remember "Light is Right"! For the trip you have described I would be inclined to take one small camera, with one small lens. If I HAD to take a second camera, it would be a digital point and shoot for snapshots, becuase it is convenient while cycling and because it does things that a fixed lens film camera does not - low light, zoom etc. That way you are never in doubt as to what camera to use. However, I think the must have a back up camera argument is over-stated. If you camera breaks, you can buy a new one at the next town up the road.
Enjoy the ride!

[Johann Espiritu]

I've done long bike trips and have taken nothing more than my Olympus Mju II and a couple of rolls of film in my jersey pocket. Light is right indeed! Weather proofing is good too!

Pack as light as you can, and if you take a spill (which I hope you don't), make sure the gear can either take the abuse or won't break the bank if you need to repair or replace it.

If you're willing to go digital, something like a Canon S100 (stored in a ziplock bag) might be a good idea too!

[Spicy]

*update*

Going over the negative scans from the XA, there appears to be a problem. Some sort of intermittent difficulty that looks like a light leak, but AFAIK, light-leaks are pretty much either there all the time or not there at all... Perhaps some problem with the aperture blades (since it's aperture priority)?

Not confidence inspiring, so I guess it should be excluded from the list of "potentials..." It's lightweight, but my copy had pretty significant mold/lens etchings, which sometimes seems to really affect contrast and sharpness. Hrrrmmmm