(Another) kit consolidation thread!

[Hallsy]

I've been looking at a few of my hobbies of late (photography, golf, watches) and they have a lot in common - I end up gathering more kit than I can use or need!!

In the last 18 months I really got bitten by the film bug, started buying (and fixing) various cameras, home developing, etc - I'm still hooked, but I really don't need all that I have collected. So I decided to thin out my collection a little!
Whilst thinking about what I should and shouldn't keep from my film collection, I also started to look at my digital gear - much the same story - I have too many different setups, yet I can only really carry and use a couple at a time - that and my tastes in photography style have changed over time. A familiar story for many of us I'm sure !!

This is the kit I have currently...

Canon 5D classic + grip
Canon EOS M (plus EF adapter)
50mm EF 1.8 STM
85mm EF 1.8
10-18mm EF-S STM
22mm EF-M 2.0 STM

Ricoh GR

Mamiya RB67 + 127mm f/3.8 & 50mm f/4.5 + 2 120 backs
Yashica MAT-124G

Leica M3 + LTM 50mm Summicron f/2
Olympus OM4 + 28mm f/2.8 & 135mm f/3.5
Rollei 35S
Olympus XA
Yashica Electro 35
Canon Sureshot Supreme

I did have more Canon gear, but sold some of that off last year - moving from a 40D kit to the 5Dc to try FF digital and see what the fuss was about with the 5Dc image look.

The film choice was fairly easy - my main passion with film is medium format, I love the Mamiya for the format, changeable backs, etc but it's quite a big lump. That leads me to also keep the Yashica 124G as it is a lot lighter, and easy to chuck over your shoulder for the day - I'm also just as pleased with the results from this camera.
I could give up on 35mm in favour of medium format, but the M3 is just a lovely camera to use, I can't move it on just yet!! The OM4 was given to me, so that's a keeper (and still very new to me) and the Electro 35 was my first film repair project, is a minter, takes good pictures and is not worth a lot, so is also a keeper!!

The main issue is with my digital setup. I remember when I bought my EOS-M, I loved the results from the 22mm, and also the size - but ultimately, I didn't and still don't like the ergonomics. It's a small camera, but still fairly bulky. It's a bit clunky to use and in many instances I just wish I had an EVF. I bought the EF adapter to get more crossover between my kit, but tbh, I just find the body awkward to use with EF/EF-S zooms or bigger primes, and would sooner use my 5D.

The 5Dc I love for it's simplicity, the extra width that 'full frame' gives and the extra DOF control. I have been really pleased with the look and colours of the images from it, but sadly have not used it as often as I thought I would. This is partly due to my move to more film shooting, but also due to the ease of slipping something slimmer into my bag or pocket for casual shooting. I can also see the limitations in it's high ISO performance, as well as AF in low light (I stick to the centre point in low light). I have not thoroughly compared apples to oranges, but I expect something like a Fuji X-Trans or Olympus EM1 would give it a run of it's money in IQ and also run rings around it with low light capability. Certainly from the reviews I have read the images look really goo and compare well to much more modern kit than my 5Dc.

I have also found that over time, since owning the Ricoh GR and the film cameras - I much prefer prime lenses. Mainly because I don't like to have too many choices, with a prime you adjust your framing to what you have and what your feet can move to!! Simple. I am also moving towards the RF style bodies over the DSLR format, slightly slimmer, manual dials rather than menus, etc.

The only thing I worry I will miss about the DSLR is focus speed, but realistically, the 5D classic is pretty slow (I had a 40D before that) and I only really shoot action once a year, if that. And I used to use my 40D for that!!

So my current thinking is to keep the bold, and use the funds to move to a single digital interchangable lens setup.

My current thinking is either the Fuji Xpro1 (or 2 if I got along with the system) or XE-2/3, or maybe the Oly EM-1 (i or ii), with probably a 35mm, 50mm and 85/100m equivalent prime setup. Maybe something wider, but I have the GR (and wide-ish film options).

I'm drawn to the Xpro1 as it is a cheap entry int the Fuji system, then if I felt I got on with the system I would consider moving on to the Xpro2 if I felt the need.

For those who have used the Fuji Xpro and XE bodies, is the OVF a worthwhile reason to buy the Xpro over the XE? Do you find you use it? I prefer the form factory and larger dials of the Xpro, but can see that the XE-2/3 is a fair bit smaller which perhaps makes it pocketable with the right lens.

I have read a few reviews on the EM-1 and it sounds really really good. Well built, well specced and great IQ. The only thing that puts me off is that for a small camera the grip looks like it adds a lot of bulk, making it less pocketable than the Fuji options.

I've rambled on a bit (sorry), but I gather there have been quite a few who have taken similar steps - do you guys think I will miss the 5Dc once I had a Fuji X or Oly OM-D in my hands?? If not, out of the two systems, which one sounds like it would suit me best?

 

[Bebop]

Since you have some Canon lenses already, what about replacing the 5c and the EOS M with the R or RP? Then you get full frame and possibily better ergonomics (I've not tried the EOS M, so not sure how the R or RP compare). The RP is quite small although the lenses are not, so it's not really pocketable. EF-M lenses wouldn't fit, but EF and EF-S would

I love my EM1ii, and it's good for action, but it's not pocketable either. I can go on a long hike with a full complement of lenses without backache. If I'm off for a city break then the Pen F comes with me - no grip, so small, and very easy to carry with small primes, but no good for action. I also love the black and white jpegs it produces.

I've never used any Fuji's but I'm sure I'd enjoy using those too.

 

[Hallsy]

Since you have some Canon lenses already, what about replacing the 5c and the EOS M with the R or RP? Then you get full frame and possibily better ergonomics (I've not tried the EOS M, so not sure how the R or RP compare). The RP is quite small although the lenses are not, so it's not really pocketable. EF-M lenses wouldn't fit, but EF and EF-S would

I love my EM1ii, and it's good for action, but it's not pocketable either. I can go on a long hike with a full complement of lenses without backache. If I'm off for a city break then the Pen F comes with me - no grip, so small, and very easy to carry with small primes, but no good for action. I also love the black and white jpegs it produces.

I've never used any Fuji's but I'm sure I'd enjoy using those too.

I had not really considered the EOS-R/RP as I don't often go for brand new bodies (my Eos-m is the only body I ever bought brand new!), I tend to save a few pounds by buying last generation or older!

I shall take a look, but as you suggest, I suspect it will be bulkier than I'm looking for. I did consider a newer M body, but the thing is, by the time you have an EF adaptor on there and a reasonable size EF prime/zoom, the smaller body is moot imo.

I suppose with my GR and film cameras, pocket ability isn't the be all and end all (I often carry a bag) - the consolidation is more important. It's hard enough deciding which film camera to take out with me, let alone deciding on which digital i to take as well

Something compact would just see it get more regular use I guess.

I think this weekend I will have to get out to a local Jessops and take a look at the Fuji's, Olympus 4/3 and Canon mirror less systems to see what I think once in the hand. As I say, I won't be buying new but it will give me an idea.

Glad you mentioned the Pen-F, had never really considered one, but I do like the form factor having looked at a few reviews, so that would be a contender as well.