Good ol' 35mm Cameras...

14 days is nothing. I'd take my 1D II, rocket blower, and a bunch of NP-E3s & CFs. Each battery can do ~800 shots depending how much you chimp, so do the math from there. The batts shouldn't fully self-discharge in just 2 weeks.

PhotoJourno wrote in post #7759416
Thanks for the great comments.

Let's create a ficticious situation that somewhat recreates some of the hardships I might be encountering. Pretend each of you must face this assignment (Challenge if you will), and maybe share how you would deal with it FROM A PURELY TECHNICAL POINT OF VIEW.

Ready? Here we go...

Regardless of what's led up to this point, you are about to embark on a trip. The objective, is to jump on a train, any freight train, and survive 14 days, trying to get as far away from Point A as possible, and in the meantime capturing the entire adventure on still images and documenting the stories, etc.

The clothes on your back, and maybe a couple spare undies and socks inside a regular school backpack. Maybe a hidden pouch with a Drivers License and a Press credential.

You will not only meet some hardships of your own, but also encounter some interesting and others not so kind folk. What would you do to be as well equipped for this trip as possible, without risking thousands of dollars of gear (thus making yourself a target for a brick in the head) and still accomplish your goals? You'll have a collegiate writing pad in the backpack with a few spare pens.

14 Days. No laptops, no cell phones, blending with the environment, and its characters.

Now it's your turn

14days is easy, My 30D, Sigma 10-20 and 28-75 Tamron..might grab another memory card or two however

I've been shooting my 30D since October on the current charge, well over 3000 shots on the pair of batteries in the grip...14 days is easy for it

But film, I'd chop that Nikon system down to the 24mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4 and the 135 f/2.8 and swap the F3 for the FM2...

It'd be cheaper but still as capable, the 400mm f/3.5 would be tough to lug around, the other three are pocketable lenses..

cdifoto wrote in post #7759421
...14 days is nothing. I'd take my 1D II, rocket blower, and a bunch of NP-E3s & CFs...

Very interesting. So in your opinion any weather issues, or anything else that may come in the way, would not favor an old mechanical film camera over say a 1D ?... I am asking sincerely, because I feel somewhat stuck at that point.

Also, a 30D with a Tammy or Siggy ... makes me wonder. Not a zillion dollars in gear in case if breaks, falls, etc.... but will it make it?

For me it would be an original plain Nikon F without a doubt, it's a great camera and works as a weapon as well. They can't cost that much, film gear is dirt cheap, you don't need or want a mint condition camera.

PhotoJourno wrote in post #7759433
Very interesting. So in your opinion any weather issues, or anything else that may come in the way, would not favor an old mechanical film camera over say a 1D ?... I am asking sincerely, because I feel somewhat stuck at that point.

Maybe, maybe not. But I like digital and I like my 1D II. I wouldn't get a film camera just for a trip. Sealed lenses keep the equipment-killing crap out so all you have left is sensor dust...and I've only wet cleaned my sensor maybe 3-4 times since I bought the camera (2 years ago I think).

Depending what my trip consists of I'd probably be perfectly happy with just the 1D II and 24-70L. I might not even take a flash along since it requires a stash of AAs (more weight).

So my priority would be on hording a bunch of brand new NP-E3s and a generic portable charger (just in case I run into an outlet somewhere) and a pile of 16GB CF & matching SDHC. 16GB on a 1D II is about 1500 shots, depending on ISO.

cdifoto wrote in post #7759444
Maybe, maybe not. But I like digital and I like my 1D II. I wouldn't get a film camera just for a trip. Sealed lenses keep the equipment-killing crap out so all you have left is sensor dust...and I've only wet cleaned my sensor maybe 3-4 times since I bought the camera (2 years ago I think).

Depending what my trip consists of I'd probably be perfectly happy with just the 1D II and 24-70L. I might not even take a flash along since it requires a stash of AAs (more weight).

Very good points, I truly appeciate it, sir.

I am now about to go to bed, but gonna be thinking about this. Will check back in tomorrow.

PhotoJourno wrote in post #7759433
Very interesting. So in your opinion any weather issues, or anything else that may come in the way, would not favor an old mechanical film camera over say a 1D ?... I am asking sincerely, because I feel somewhat stuck at that point.

Also, a 30D with a Tammy or Siggy ... makes me wonder. Not a zillion dollars in gear in case if breaks, falls, etc.... but will it make it?

I have confidence in my gear, I'm not exactly an angel when it comes to my stuff:

I'd also find a hole in my bag for my Fuji P&S just in case. It takes SDHC and would be good enough in case my 1D II did go down. Something is better than nothing but I wouldn't want to carry around more than one 1D II and 24-70 on my back for two weeks solid.

You have to keep in mind that the cost-effectiveness of a robust film body goes right out the window when you whip out your credit card to pay for all that film and it's developing. We're not talking about 3 rolls from a birthday party. You might be looking at 100 rolls of film or more. That's only 3600 exposures. Even cheap film is about 2 bucks a roll. You're at $200 just for film. Developing at Wal-Mart costs $2.19 or so a roll if you just get the negs back so figure another $220. $420 later and all you have is negatives. You don't have scans or prints. You also have cheap Wal-Mart developing...they aren't exactly known for quality and/or consistency. Quality processing costs more.

cdifoto wrote in post #7759475
I'd also find a hole in my bag for my Fuji P&S just in case. It takes SDHC and would be good enough in case my 1D II did go down. Something is better than nothing but I wouldn't want to carry around more than one 1D II and 24-70 on my back for two weeks solid.

You have to keep in mind that the cost-effectiveness of a robust film body goes right out the window when you whip out your credit card to pay for all that film and it's developing.

also how much film can you carry?

You get 1600 shots you said for 16gbs of CF storage, 1600 shots worth of film figuring 36/roll is 45 rolls of film or so! Thats a pain to carry!

Not only that...each roll of film figure costs an average of $5 for film, figure $10 for processing at a good lab [I'm going based off my old Slides for prices here] thats $675 in film right there!

Figure like cdi with 3600 exposures, and you're carrying a backpack of film which isnt entirely light, $500 in film and another $1000 in processing...$1500 for film versus well..for 3600 exposures on my 30D figuring I get 900/8gbs...and duplicate 8gb cards like the one I have is $20....thats ...$60..

...Even if i went expensive and got Sandisk Extreme IIIs I'd be at $50/card...$150

haha, anyone that knows me around here would tell you to buy some Rebel G's.

SO my answer, buy a Rebel G or two. There amazing, I love mine. Some would argue that there not the "most" robust build quality, but I have dropped mine a ton and its still good.

If you have Canon glass, buy one RIGHT NOW. Then buy something else that meets your robust needs.

(O BTW, if people don't know about this amazing camera there like 30 bucks at adorama, thus the reason why I said just go buy one right now)

I would use my EOS1n with boost that would carry me through a few weeks in the field. Plus use Kodachrome as my medium of choice!

KenjiS wrote in post #7759470
I have confidence in my gear, I'm not exactly an angel when it comes to my stuff: toweled my 30D off and it always keeps on working...The thing is a tank

Let me guess, you were snowmobiling and took a tumble.

If the Contax RTS took off as Nikon or Canon did, it would still be my choice.
Purchased new in 77, it still has features and remotes unlike anything current.

Canonet QL17 GIII. Period.

sjones wrote in post #7759361
Your points are strong. However, the FM2 has a meter, and if we assume that it's lost due to dead batteries, then we have to assume the same occurs to the EOS-1V.

Agreed.. if pushed to the wall, all batteries are gone, and we're left with no choice and no meter, then sunny 16 and all-mechanical-FM2 (with no meter) it is. Of course we hope it doesn't get that bad, but if it does, then guesstimate and good luck