Re: [Leica] Roman Holiday

["Bruce R. Slomovitz" <brslomo@erols.com>]

Paul,

On the trip which my wife and I made in September/October  to Bavaria, South
Tyrol, and Italy, I took an M6 with 50mm Summicron f2, and a Nikon with a
50mm f1.2, 35mm 2.8 and 80 to 210 zoom (f4).  I also took an SB16 flash for
the Nikon.

From your note, I gather we must be about the same age (I'm 50).  I can tell
you that I got quite tired lugging all that gear around.  Luckily we had a
car this time and didn't have to contend with busses and trains or other
public transport (with the exception of water transport in Venice).  My wife
is also not a photo enthusiast and I felt that it was unfair to burden her
with my gear.

I guess my advice to you would depend upon what interests you.  I'm very
interested in churches and I can tell you that in many Italian churches it
is very difficult if not impossible to use a flash.  In some, you are not
even supposed to take pictures at all.  so the M6 with a fast lens would be
good.  However I found the flash quite useful in people's homes and was glad
I had it.  I would say that if I had it to do over again, I would leave the
telephoto at home.  I think that if you're not shy about getting close, you
can do just fine with your 50mm.  I think for the exteriors of buildings and
for interiors as well, the wide angle is essential.

By the way, September is a wonderful month in which to visit Italy.  The
crowds have started to dissipate but it's still gloriously sunny and warm.

Buona fortuna,

Bruce S.
- -----Original Message-----
From: Paul T. Collura <pcollura@epix.net>
To: Leica <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Date: Sunday, March 29, 1998 5:14 PM
Subject: [Leica] Roman Holiday


>I agree with Bruce that Italy is unique. The art and culture are
>astonishing especially if one observes carefully.   I have had the good
>fortune to have spent two college summers many years ago in Italy as
>well as my Honeymoon.  As the children grew I took my son to Italy as a
>father-son trip that was one of the best in my life.  I will be
>returning this September for a  25th Anniversary  honeymoon.
>
>I thought that I had my equipment needs thought out - M6 with 21, 28 and
>50mm lenses, R7 with 35-70 zoom , 100 APO but I'm not sure what I want
>to bring. I need to be considerate of my wife who is NOT a photo
>enthusiast.  I would welcome those that have been to Italy recently to
>describe what worked well for them and what did not and could have been
>left at home.  I'm almost tempted to replace the R system with a P&S to
>maximize traveling relatively unencumbered.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>Paul T. Collura
>
>