Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/07/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I'm writing this from San Francisco International, as we make our way toward the Philippines for a month-long trip. I decided to take the EOS 1Ds this time, which is already proving to be a questionable decision. Philippine Airlines has a policy of one carry-on with a weight of 15 lbs or less. So, a standard-issue kit consisting of a 1Ds body, EF 70-200 f2.8 IS, 16-35 f2.8 and 28-70 f2.8, plus a 540EX strobe puts you over the limit at 20 lbs in a little LowePro Mini Trekker backpack. I'm stickin' it to the man by stuffing enough gear into my pockets to bring it down to 15 lbs, but what a hassle! Shooting digital, means you've got to carry a computer as well, and that bag weighs around 17 lbs. And of course, you can't check gear in, since you can't lock bags/boxes any more. Travel restrictions getting so onerous, damn near impossible to shoot at home in the US for fear of being harassed. I'm about ready to call it a day as far as photography is concerned. Oddly enough, perhaps the only solution for the globetrotting photographer, who wants the highest quality, is a simple Leica RF outfit, and pick up film as you go. --Jim Laurel