Silly "Should I also take the 4x5" Question: Avoid if not in the mood!

I know, you've read this kind of question a million times in different forums, and there's never any right answer. Nevertheless, having myself read and laughed at these kinds of questions, here goes:

I'm going to be travelling for nearly a month in the Greek islands and Tuscany!! It's primarily a family trip, and it's the first time we're travelling w our 1.5 yr old son. So I thought of just taking the Hasselblad kit and the Bessa for people pics. BUT, (big but), I have several hundred sheets of quality 4x5 film in my fridge, a very light Gowland 4x5 kit, and a reasonably flexible, patient, and reasonable wife. My parents are joining us for the first half of the trip, so there'll be someone else to watch our son. What would you do? (that's the kicker).

GB:rolleyes:

Of course take the 4x5! If not you`ll regret in when you`re in Tuscany...

But will I have the time for it?? (high drama)

I've been to Europe 3 times, my 4th trip is coming up in 2 weeks. I'd only bring my LF kit if my stated purpose was to photograph in Europe. Travel light; bring only the Bessa. My Blad kit wasn't much lighter than my LF kit, and not that much more rapid in use... at least the way I used it (much the same as LF anyways!). You will be overwhelmed with wonderful sensory input, and you'll be able to photograph more in less time with the range-finder. Maybe bring a small tripod. My theory is that you want to be able to react to what you see and feel in an efficient manner, and you will be seeing and feeling a lot... especially if this is your first time there. :) If you find some extremely compelling subject(s), write a travel grant when you get home and go back with the LF gear (and all that free money)!

Have fun!

its very simple :
if you want to take l/f pictures take only one camera (the 4x5)
if you also want to shoot m/f or 35mm don't take the 4x5
if you want to shoot digi leave all else at home

Quote:

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and a reasonably flexible, patient, and reasonable wife.

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I've got one of those pieces of equipment too. Best investment I ever made.

Go ahead and schelp several hundred sheets of 4x5 film.

Me, I take only one of the three systems. My brain gets confused easily. HA!

Just imagine the photograph of a lifetime and it's only 6x6..8))..EC

Take it but only take so much film so you're not tempted to spend the whole trip shooting. You ahve to live life a little, too.

G.
Take all and see if you can borrow and 8X10 while you are at it. It is much better to have taken the items and not used them than to have to not taken the items and wanted them. Regrets can haunt you for some time. I have traveled extensively with all that gear and more, all I can say is it is worth the effort.
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