Digital medium format in Kyoto
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Having lived in Japan for about 10 years now, I’ve been to Kyoto quite a few times, each time with a camera and set of lenses at hand.
My most recent trip starts this coming Sunday. I’ll be taking a night bus from Shinagawa, departing at around 11 pm, and arriving in Kyoto just before 7 am. I could take a Shinkansen there, but I will be running a half marathon in Yokosuka earlier on Sunday, and taking the bus that night gets me into Kyoto earlier than if i were to catch the shinkansen the next morning. I’m betting that I will be tired enough so that I sleep like a baby during the night bus ride. Just to be sure I will pop a couple of sleeping pills as I board the bus, that way I can hope to get a good nights sleep and arrive feeling relatively refreshed.
On the way back home the following Saturday I will be taking the shinkansen as that is the absolute fastest way to travel, and I will be able to leave Kyoto after sunset and still make it home in time for a late dinner in Yokosuka.
This will be the first time that I will be shooting (digital) medium format in Kyoto. Usually I shoot DSLR or Rangefinder, but this time I decided to trade off my more light weight kit and go for maximum image quality.
Here’s what I plan to bring:
Mamiya AFDII
Mamiya ZD back
Mamiya 35mm f3.5
Mamiya 55mm f2.8
Mamiya 80mm f1.9
Mamiya 150mm f3.5
Set of 3 extension tubes for macro work
A sack full of CF cards
While I am there I will also be checking out the used camera shops in Kyoto and Osaka to see if I can find a good deal on a Mamiya 200mm f2.8.
All of this fits nicely into a Lowepro Micro Trekker 200, which is my favorite backpack to use. I may change bags and instead use a Domke wax-wear F2, it depends if it looks like there will be a high likelihood of rain as the Domke is very water resistant.
Since I have not really had time to put the ZD back through its paces yet this should be a good opportunity to really see what it can do.
To date I’ve only used this medium format setup for single day type shooting (6-8 hours at a stretch) so I think I have a pretty good idea about what to expect as far as weight goes. I am still a bit concerned, but I do also know that the results will quickly make me forget about the increase in weight compared to a DSLR kit.
But I do also have a backup plan/sanity check: I will also take along an Olympus E-P1 with a 20mm f1.7 and 14-42 kit zoom. This will serve as my backup in case I don’t feel like carrying so much gear on any particular day. The PEN will also serve as my nighttime low light camera.
Since this is a solo trip, and the only point is to take photos, explore more of Kyoto, and relax, I don’t think I’m going too nuts here with the gear I am bringing.
I just wanted some other people’s perspectives about this plan. Given the same choice of gear, would you do the same thing?
My alternative DSLR setup would be a Nikon D700 with some fast primes: 14/2.8, 35/2, 50/1.4, 85/1.4, and 180/2.8
Jeff, you are going back in time and become a “Sherpa” photographer again. Why don’t your try to photograph Kyoto in the Samurai way: one camera and one or two lenses 😉
Sorry, I could not resit.
Cheers,
Tregix.
I was wondering if you ever shoot film with your Mamiya setup? If you can, it would be interesting to shoot a few rolls on your Kyoto trip to compare to the digital back.
Do huh? Mamiya? EXIF info says Kodak… EXIF also says 5D, Leica M8, and some pictures taken in 07. Whats that all about?
Kyoto in the fall is my favorite place on Earth, so I’d be thrilled to get to take the same trip you are even if all I could bring was a cell phone camera. What I know about photography would fit on a Post-It note so can’t give you any advice on what equipment to bring, but have a great time. If you haven’t been, I’d recommend Renge-ji, near Miyake-Hachiman station – there’s a few pics of it here, in the fall it’s amazing and not as crowded as the popular spots like Tofukuji: http://regex.info/blog/2009-09-11/1312
One of my friend sin Nagoya just went to Kyoto and the colours are still lovely there, though the trees start to become a little balder (rather than bolder…).
You should have a lovely time though. As for going solo, well, i don’t know if your mrs enjoys your photography exercises when you guys are out and about, my ex’s usually didn’t appreciate my concentration on good shoots (read: they were bored out of their skulls!), so a solo trip should give you a good opportunity to go the long way!
As for kit, well, it sounds liek you hit it spot on, though personally I might dump the 55 for weight savings etc, instead you could take a netbook for storage and viewing purposes (don’t try modding pics on a netbook, there is no way the screen will allow you to make good judgement calls!)
Forget about the DLSR (D700) option: Been there done that. Don’t forget the whole reason of bringing MF with you this time round. All in all I think your kit selection is spot on.
PS I got your email, thanks for the suggestions! Unfortunately work does not permit me to take my remaining holidays (scks k9 procriation rod!), but I get to take them to next year. My friend in Nagoya invited me to come during blossom season, which I think coincides with Easter if I’m not mistaken. Since Nagoya is abt 1,5 hour away from kyoto, I think that would be a brilliant opportunity to visit Japan (also gives me some time to boost my budget…). I’ll contact you nearer that time.
Have fun buddy!!
You have a beautiful blog. These are beautiful photographs. I like the blog layout too. I am not sure, of course, if you like old photography or that like we used to take over 50 years ago while in Japan, but there is some I did with others at my Sendai-shi, Japan blog.
http://sendai-shi.blogspot.com/
Hurry up and show us all of your photos from your trip 🙂 were all waiting 🙂
Me too.
Abraham Lincoln, Thank you so much for sharing the link to your blog. I really enjoy seeing photos of Japan from days past.