Taking the G to Central America Panama Is it a good Idea

[panamacolin]

Hi,
I will be going to Panama for 3 weeks in decemeber. I plan on doing a good bit of travel while I am down there. While travelling im sure I will be riding buses c&ing etc. I was wondering if you think the G could handle the rough terrain.

I only have 1 G body and I dont think I will have enough cash for a backup. I also own A nikon F4 and a couple of nikon lenses I was considering taking this but it such a large camera for travel I could also buy a nikon fm or fe for around 150.00 as a backup.

With the G I have 28mm and 35mm. I am think I am going to sell the 28mm and put it towards a 90. If I can get the funds together by selling my nikon gear I could also get the 21mm.

I also need a bag for my G wondering what would be a nice bag that wouldnt be prone to thieves. I dont want it looking to high tech because people tend to look more. Also I want it to be waterproof!

I was also thinking I could sell the 35mm buy a 45mm and buy a 90mm. I really like the 35mm perspective though.

Please let me know what you would do!

 

[erichard44]

> Colin

I have traveled with the G2 and all I can suggest is that you make sure you put in fresh batteries and take spares. I never had any trouble with the camera when traveling. All the reports I have read is that it is very reliable. It is also small, quick, and quiet.

In terms of lenses, all of them are excellent, and I think it is more of a question of which perspective you prefer and which lens you actually will use. The 90 is not much of a telephoto, really, but it is excellent for portraits.

I have the 90, 45, 35, and 28. I really like the 28, because of the clarity and view, but I think the 35 is easier to handle for pictures and composition. In my experience I used the 35 for a majority of the shots I took while traveling. At the time I did not have the 28. The 45 is very sharp as well.

I could see traveling with just the 35. Now that would be a compact package.

My only issue with the camera is that it is not easy to change lenses, compared to systems where lens changes are part of the game, such as slr's. With the G2, especially the wide angles with the protruding rear elements, it gets to the point where you just leave the lens on and use it, because of the buttons to push and the worry about the lens. Considering that, although I tend to carry all the lenses, I usually just put one on and leave it there.

Have a good trip.

Richard

>

 

[derekstanton]

I would advise that you don't carry the camera system in a bag designed to carry photographic equipment. Camera bags are a prime target for thieves. I'd suggest you 'convert' another type of bag for use with your gear. Use an ordinary backpack or shoulder bag, and customize it with foam inserts, or the usual camera bag cell divider inserts with velcro. But, anything with a Domke, Tenba, Contax, Canon, etc. logo on it will be an obvious mark. Similarly, any bag made for cameras just has that 'camera bag look....'

 

[doug101]

I use an all black LowePro "Photo Runner" bag for the G2, 28,45,90 and TLA200. The bag is tiny and can be used as a fanny pack or shoulder bag. It has proven to be discreet, compact, convenient (as it opens from the top). A very handy bag for this system, and it looks more like a hiking fannypack than a camera bag.

 

[saspencr]

I use one of two systems. When lightweight isn't as big an issue, I use the nylon contax system bag. I have looked at numerous bags and find this one most efficient for lens changes. To disguise it, I take duck tape and tape across the label and on parts of the bag to make it look old and beat up. When weight is a greater concern, then I use foam box looking bags from Outdoor Research and put them in my backpack. Scott

 

[writing4me]

A side note: think about adding travel insurance, or just regular insurance for your camera. It will a very tiny amount - but if you drop it in a river, leave it behind or it gets lifted, you get enough money to replace it again. Your auto insurance or home insurance company will probably offer you a plan cheaply. Worth the peace of mind especially for those of us who don't take spending money lightly Enjoy your trip and show us pics when you return! -Lynn

 

[daleh]

I have a 90mm which I have never used. Caps, leather bag and lens shade also. Would be happy to trade even up for your 28mm if it is in like new or near new shape (i.e. perfect glass, no dents or dings). Email me at daleh@surewest.net if you are interested. I am on Ebay as "xkodaker" which will give you a reference as to my honesty, reliability etc. I live near Sacramento, CA. Hoping to hear from you. Dale Herrington

 

[bunthorpe]

Hi Colin;

I have traveled with the 35MM and the 90MM and a G2 kept in a small Billingham bag (which can also easily be stuffed inside a small back pack). Left the 45MM and 28MM at home, and did not miss them at all. The 35MM was used nearly all the time, with the 90MM used just for portraits. Film used was Kodak Supra 400, which scans well. I was absolutely delighted with the results.

Good luck with your trip!

Best,

David

 

[panamacolin]

Hi,
Thanks for all the replys! I have decided I will take the 35mm and 90mm. I still would like some input on bags. I have heard good things on the quality of the Billingham bags. Is there on in particular that is good for the G camera and 2 lenses?

Let me know thanks,
Colin

 

[writing4me]

Those crumpler bags would interest me if I could get the site to load. I saw a glimpse of the three bags, but the rest of their site broke up.

Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

Does anyone have an email address for the people at that company? I can't access their contact page. I was just thinking about ordering a LowePro Nova 2 or 3 and would like to compare. Thanks, -Lynn

 

[writing4me]

Oh, I forgot to suggest this before. If you are worried about the camera bag not being water proof, how about putting a zip-lock plastic bag around the camera and or lens, and placing that inside of the camera bag whenever you're in a place where water (or sand) contact might be likely? Cheap solution, but water proof for when the camera isn't in use. -Lynn

 

[tomasjpn]

Lynn,

I had the same problem with the Crumpler site - it doesn't load properly using Internet Explorer. Try it with Netscape and it should load correctly.

Mark Edwards

 

[denyz]

> Hi Linn

try sales@crumplerbags.com or info@crumplerbags.com

Greetings

let,s Fantasy rules

 

[spluff]

Hi,

For an appropriate Billingham Bag, may I suggest the Hadley Small. It is not cheap, around £90 in the UK - but it is well made, has two tall dividers and one half size divider. It is more than adequate to take your G system along with film, a beanbag, a flash and batteries. It is also quite compact - and you can walk around without it getting in your way.

As an alternative, may I recommend one of the Cycle & Lifestyle bags from Crumpler - rather than one of the photgraphic bags. Their photographic bags are very good at protecting your gear - but they can be a bit bulky. Instead, I've bought their bag called "Wonder Weenie" (they all have zany names!!) - mine cost £43 - and you can buy an insert designed for cameras for about £20. This has three inserts - and again can easily take your G system with a load of accessories - although it is not as spacious as the Billingham. The other advantage is, you can use the Crumpler as a normal bag if you don't want to carry the camera around - and if you go for one of the duller colours, they can look pretty low-key. And finally, they are very robust - I prefer them over my Billingham.

Hope that helps!!

Cheers, Saras

 

[writing4me]

Thanks John and Mark! -Lynn

 

[bunthorpe]

Hi Colin;

Billingham was originally a fishing bag manufacturer that found out its bags were being used by pro's for cameras. IMHO, your best bet is to buy a used fishing bag on ebay (Brady, Hardy, Lyddesdale etc. - older is less inexpensive and least obtrusive) and separately a liner. I have had such a bag for 17 years, and it is still going strong - like an old friend! Some even have netting attached, into which you can stuff loose items.

May I also second the suggestions of a bean bag and/or table top tripod.

Best,

David

 

[jsmisc]

What a very good idea Lynn about the zip lock plastic bag. I shall try that. Thanks.
John

 

[malcg1uk]

Hi Colin

The G1 is a well made, reliable camera and certainly up to extended travel. Obviously being an electronic camera it's battery dependent, but otherwise you should have no problems. You can't go wrong with any of the lenses. I use the 45 the least but it's a personal thing. I wouldn't sell the 35, it's a great all rounder. 35 and 21 make a great pair for travel IMHO. Add a 90 for a really great, lightweight outfit.

For bags, I'd second what others have said - go for something unobtrusive. I'm really sold on the M classics bag made for Leica rangefinders. It doesn't really look like a camera bag, although it is perhaps a little too smart looking and might attract unwanted attention for that reason. It is however fantastic for swallowing a small outfit plus all those travel essentials, hangs close to the body, is very secure and comfortable to carry. A little pricey though, but will last for ages.

Hope this helps

Malcolm Farrow

 

[panamacolin]

Hi,
Thank you everybody for the info. Keep it coming. I have been looking on ebay for a hardy, brady, and Lyddesdale bags, but I cant find one that fits my needs. I have also been looking at the crumpler and billingham site. Some of the bags on the site interest me. I wish there was a store locally that would have some bags to try. We have a photo shop in town (Tallahassee FL) but they dont have anything that is small that interest me.

Thanks,
Colin

 

[mike]

>Colin- I lived in Panama from 70-73. Spent the first 9 months living in the San Blas at a resort called Islandia (long gone), very near Ailigandi and Achutupu. After that, my family lived in Panama City, and I went to school at Colegio San Marcos. My mother worked at the Officers' club at Albrook, so I spent some time in the zone, but mostly in the city, or at Rio Mar, Santa Clara, El Valle. I haven't been there since a trip back in 74 (I was 16). My Dad says Panama City is very different, much more built up, and the traffic is indescribable. I spoke with a friend there 2 years ago, and he mentioned that the economy wasn't so great, and that crime was up. Be careful!