What would you choose.... for your minimalist photo equipment list ?

photoptimist · 06-27-2021, 04:01 PM

Over the years, I've gone minimalist with two categories of kits:

Superzoom kit: I've often gone through photography phases where all I carry (sometimes all I own) is a camera body with one superzoom lens such as an OM-4 + Tamron 28-200, Minolta Dimage bridge camera (28-200 equivalent), K10D or K-5 + Tamron 18-250. Although superzooms are a bulky and the optics ain't great, they have the supreme advantage of covering a good range from decent wide angle to decent telephoto all with the turn or push/pull of the zoom control. For active travel photography (e.g., tour groups and impatient family), it really is a good way to get shots without the delays of swapping lenses.

Literal bag-of-primes mini-kit: I've had some fun shooting with the K-1 carrying a small collection of small M42primes. A Vivitar 28/2.5, a Takumar 55/1.8, a Super-Takumar 135/3.5, plus a tiny Vivitar 2X teleconvertor covers 28 to 270. A small stack of 49mm filters adds close-up and polarizer functionality to the 55 and 135 (I really need to find a smaller 28 with a 49mm filter ring). I like the compact solidity of older M42 lenses. The very slow process of changing lenses adds to the slower style of manual exposure photography. It's minimal technology but not minimal time!

chessov · 06-28-2021, 01:17 AM

Originally posted by lesmore49

This is my thinking and this us what I would choose...and why ?

That is it, no other photography equipment. I think I could do the overwhelming majority of my photography with one body and 2-3 lenses and a simple flash. Either Pentax K-1 or Leica.

The same here.
For the K-1, I could do with the upcoming 21 mm Limited, the 31 or 43 Limited, and the 77 Limited
For a M mount body, perhaps just two: the ZM 21mm 4.5 and the ZM 50mm 1.5.

3by2 · 06-28-2021, 02:07 AM

My minimum kit would revolve around a 3 lens travel kit (15,20-40, DFA100WR or 70 Ltd) or a single lens space premium kit of KP and da 20-40 or possibly a two lens kit of the 21 and 40, depends on activity, location and pack limits and assumes current aps-c kit

**tranq78** · 06-28-2021, 06:11 PM

Minimalist gear consists of:

Carbon fiber tripod + Markins ball head + L-bracket. Polarizer, intensifier, and grad neutral density filters. Those are mandatory.

I can make do with one body and one lens if I have to, and it doesn't have to be the latest, greatest body or lens. A tripod improves my photography 1,000%.

I use a Gitzo travel tripod and small Markins ballhead for vacations and travelling.

**ThorSanchez** · 07-09-2021, 08:01 AM - **1 Like**

I'm going on a little family vacation in a few weeks, mainly to Arkansas. Just because that's the last state I've never visited. I'm thinking my camera kit will be K-3 III, spare battery, USB charger, lenspen, 15/21/40 LTD. That's it. Could leave the 15mm behind, but it's so small I'll probably take it.

I'm thinking it goes in my smallish Tamrac bag, which can hold some other stuff as a carry-on for the plane, although I'm quite fond of my even smaller Domke F-5 XB.

dbs · 07-09-2021, 05:14 PM - **2 Likes**

K5 ii and the 18 - 135.
Does most of it

Jonathan Mac · 07-27-2021, 12:18 AM

Recently I've been using the K-3 and 20-40mm Limited and it makes a pretty good single-lens setup. It's not ideal as the zoom and maximum aperture ranges are a bit limited, but it's pretty flexible and IQ is very good.

lesmore49 · 07-27-2021, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by dbs

K5 ii and the 18 - 135.
Does most of it

I remember when we went for a trip to Newfoundland. Took one body, my K5 and two lenses...my 18-135 and 55-300. The 18-135 was the primary lens...very useful zoom.

house · 07-27-2021, 10:21 AM

I used the K-5 with only the da21 alot. Honestly this may have been my most enjoyable time in photography.

Then the da15, da35, da70 which was quite nice. Two primes in a bag + one on camera is nice and the focal lenghts were clearly spaced.

Now on ff Im in a bit of a mess and really want to slim down. If the dfa21 turns out good enough I might reduce down to a dfa21, hdfa35 and dfa100 (+ K28 shift because I need it and fa50 because you gotta have a fast 50).

The ambition is to sell all apsc gear, my kids use some of it but its just to much stuff.

**dhodgeh** · 08-03-2021, 08:26 AM

Check my sig......

At times, I might replace the M 135 with a M 100 Macro

normhead · 08-03-2021, 09:41 AM - **1 Like**

This kit does everything. It is protected from everything including full immersion, impact and being used as a seat, and fits in my airflow day pack.
DA 16-85, DA 55-300 PLM, and 1.4TC, although I can replace the 1.4 TC with my Sigma 24 macro, if I think macro will be more important that reach.
Tess uses her K-5, I use my K-3, insert the body of your choice.

I can go for a lighter pocketable camera, but I really am spoiled for at least APS-c image quality, dynamic rage, and resolution.

It's minimalist in the sense of it's the smallest kit out there that will do everything I want my kit to do. I don' even consider crimping my style. That's not minimalist, that's crippling.

I survived for years with a Program Plus and a 55mm lens. I guess I could easily revert to the K-1 and my DA* 55 1.4, but it would be painful.

wadge22 · 08-03-2021, 12:01 PM

K1

300 2.8 + 2 matched TCs (I have tamron 60b)

a longish macro lens with tripod collar (i've got sigma 180, but pentax 200 or irix 150 would be perfectly suitable)

DFA 50 1.4

heavy duty monopod w rrs or promediagear 1axis head

I'm afraid for me minimal still won't be small...

lesmore49 · 08-03-2021, 01:41 PM

When I first started photography, back in '68, all I had was my Pentax S1a (basic camera) , my small Sekonic Auto Lumi 86 light meter, and the lens that came with the S1a, a Takumar 55mm F 2. I later picked up a small Honeywell 100 flash, and an Asahi Pentax cold flash shoe, that mounted to the camera, by sliding it into the top of the viewfinder grooved frame.

This was it from about '68 to '74, and from '68 to '70, this minimal equipment kit, earned part of my daily crust .

I had a job at a publishing company and the company told me, in addition to my other non photographic duties, to make myself more useful and to get a camera, learn how to use it and take publishable pictures. They had a photography department, fortunately and one of the pro photographers (I didn't consider myself a pro, by any stretch of the imagination) taught me how to light meter, focus, set the settings on the camera, load, push ASA (ISO), etc. and get on with this part of my job.

In some of my less lucid moments I used to think ...well this is how Eisenstadt and Cartier-Bresson did a lot of their work....and maybe so.

In my more lucid moments, I did and do realize, I was just a guy operating a camera, well enough to get by.

Certainly not Eisenstadt.

Wheatfield · 08-03-2021, 05:03 PM

For me, an 8x10 field camera. I like the idea of doing 8x10 contact prints and not bothering with an enlarger.

A 3 lens kit, as wide as possible, something in the 360mm range and one between 500mm & 600mm.

That's photography at it's most minimalistic.

lesmore49 · 08-03-2021, 08:21 PM

Originally posted by normhead

I can go for a lighter pocketable camera, but I really am spoiled for at least APS-c image quality, dynamic rage, and resolution.

Couple years ago, I bought a Ricoh GR ll. Has an ASP-C sensor.

Does only have a fixed lens...a 28mm F 2.8, but lens quality is good, IMO. Image quality is excellent. It is pocketable, if you have very large pockets, but I carry it around in a small Vanguard pouch, which attaches to my belt.

I bought it when the GR lll had just come out. My GR ll, was new old stock, by then I suppose.

The GR lll has some improved features, but I wanted to stay within my budget. I've been happy with the GR ll. It's a keeper.

08-03-2021, 09:41 AM - 1 Like	#86
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,448	This kit does everything. It is protected from everything including full immersion, impact and being used as a seat, and fits in my airflow day pack. DA 16-85, DA 55-300 PLM, and 1.4TC, although I can replace the 1.4 TC with my Sigma 24 macro, if I think macro will be more important that reach. Tess uses her K-5, I use my K-3, insert the body of your choice. I can go for a lighter pocketable camera, but I really am spoiled for at least APS-c image quality, dynamic rage, and resolution. It's minimalist in the sense of it's the smallest kit out there that will do everything I want my kit to do. I don' even consider crimping my style. That's not minimalist, that's crippling. I survived for years with a Program Plus and a 55mm lens. I guess I could easily revert to the K-1 and my DA* 55 1.4, but it would be painful. Last edited by normhead; 08-03-2021 at 09:50 AM.

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06-27-2021, 04:01 PM	#76
photoptimist Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,121	Over the years, I've gone minimalist with two categories of kits: Superzoom kit: I've often gone through photography phases where all I carry (sometimes all I own) is a camera body with one superzoom lens such as an OM-4 + Tamron 28-200, Minolta Dimage bridge camera (28-200 equivalent), K10D or K-5 + Tamron 18-250. Although superzooms are a bulky and the optics ain't great, they have the supreme advantage of covering a good range from decent wide angle to decent telephoto all with the turn or push/pull of the zoom control. For active travel photography (e.g., tour groups and impatient family), it really is a good way to get shots without the delays of swapping lenses. Literal bag-of-primes mini-kit: I've had some fun shooting with the K-1 carrying a small collection of small M42primes. A Vivitar 28/2.5, a Takumar 55/1.8, a Super-Takumar 135/3.5, plus a tiny Vivitar 2X teleconvertor covers 28 to 270. A small stack of 49mm filters adds close-up and polarizer functionality to the 55 and 135 (I really need to find a smaller 28 with a 49mm filter ring). I like the compact solidity of older M42 lenses. The very slow process of changing lenses adds to the slower style of manual exposure photography. It's minimal technology but not minimal time!

06-28-2021, 01:17 AM	#77
chessov Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 107	Originally posted by lesmore49 This is my thinking and this us what I would choose...and why ? That is it, no other photography equipment. I think I could do the overwhelming majority of my photography with one body and 2-3 lenses and a simple flash. Either Pentax K-1 or Leica. The same here. For the K-1, I could do with the upcoming 21 mm Limited, the 31 or 43 Limited, and the 77 Limited For a M mount body, perhaps just two: the ZM 21mm 4.5 and the ZM 50mm 1.5.

06-28-2021, 02:07 AM	#78
3by2 Closed Account Join Date: Feb 2019 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 819	My minimum kit would revolve around a 3 lens travel kit (15,20-40, DFA100WR or 70 Ltd) or a single lens space premium kit of KP and da 20-40 or possibly a two lens kit of the 21 and 40, depends on activity, location and pack limits and assumes current aps-c kit

06-28-2021, 06:11 PM	#79
tranq78 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,005	Minimalist gear consists of: Carbon fiber tripod + Markins ball head + L-bracket. Polarizer, intensifier, and grad neutral density filters. Those are mandatory. I can make do with one body and one lens if I have to, and it doesn't have to be the latest, greatest body or lens. A tripod improves my photography 1,000%. I use a Gitzo travel tripod and small Markins ballhead for vacations and travelling.

07-09-2021, 08:01 AM - 1 Like	#80
ThorSanchez Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,803	I'm going on a little family vacation in a few weeks, mainly to Arkansas. Just because that's the last state I've never visited. I'm thinking my camera kit will be K-3 III, spare battery, USB charger, lenspen, 15/21/40 LTD. That's it. Could leave the 15mm behind, but it's so small I'll probably take it. I'm thinking it goes in my smallish Tamrac bag, which can hold some other stuff as a carry-on for the plane, although I'm quite fond of my even smaller Domke F-5 XB.

07-09-2021, 05:14 PM - 2 Likes	#81
dbs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Clare Valley S A Photos: Albums Posts: 7,560	K5 ii and the 18 - 135. Does most of it

07-27-2021, 12:18 AM	#82
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,887	Recently I've been using the K-3 and 20-40mm Limited and it makes a pretty good single-lens setup. It's not ideal as the zoom and maximum aperture ranges are a bit limited, but it's pretty flexible and IQ is very good.

07-27-2021, 09:48 AM	#83
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,325 Original Poster	Originally posted by dbs K5 ii and the 18 - 135. Does most of it I remember when we went for a trip to Newfoundland. Took one body, my K5 and two lenses...my 18-135 and 55-300. The 18-135 was the primary lens...very useful zoom.

07-27-2021, 10:21 AM	#84
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	I used the K-5 with only the da21 alot. Honestly this may have been my most enjoyable time in photography. Then the da15, da35, da70 which was quite nice. Two primes in a bag + one on camera is nice and the focal lenghts were clearly spaced. Now on ff Im in a bit of a mess and really want to slim down. If the dfa21 turns out good enough I might reduce down to a dfa21, hdfa35 and dfa100 (+ K28 shift because I need it and fa50 because you gotta have a fast 50). The ambition is to sell all apsc gear, my kids use some of it but its just to much stuff.

08-03-2021, 08:26 AM	#85
dhodgeh Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: FLA-USA Photos: Albums Posts: 214	Check my sig...... At times, I might replace the M 135 with a M 100 Macro

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08-03-2021, 12:01 PM	#87
wadge22 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: NE Ohio Photos: Albums Posts: 897	K1 300 2.8 + 2 matched TCs (I have tamron 60b) a longish macro lens with tripod collar (i've got sigma 180, but pentax 200 or irix 150 would be perfectly suitable) DFA 50 1.4 heavy duty monopod w rrs or promediagear 1axis head I'm afraid for me minimal still won't be small...

08-03-2021, 01:41 PM	#88
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,325 Original Poster	When I first started photography, back in '68, all I had was my Pentax S1a (basic camera) , my small Sekonic Auto Lumi 86 light meter, and the lens that came with the S1a, a Takumar 55mm F 2. I later picked up a small Honeywell 100 flash, and an Asahi Pentax cold flash shoe, that mounted to the camera, by sliding it into the top of the viewfinder grooved frame. This was it from about '68 to '74, and from '68 to '70, this minimal equipment kit, earned part of my daily crust . I had a job at a publishing company and the company told me, in addition to my other non photographic duties, to make myself more useful and to get a camera, learn how to use it and take publishable pictures. They had a photography department, fortunately and one of the pro photographers (I didn't consider myself a pro, by any stretch of the imagination) taught me how to light meter, focus, set the settings on the camera, load, push ASA (ISO), etc. and get on with this part of my job. In some of my less lucid moments I used to think ...well this is how Eisenstadt and Cartier-Bresson did a lot of their work....and maybe so. In my more lucid moments, I did and do realize, I was just a guy operating a camera, well enough to get by. Certainly not Eisenstadt.

08-03-2021, 05:03 PM	#89
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,975	For me, an 8x10 field camera. I like the idea of doing 8x10 contact prints and not bothering with an enlarger. A 3 lens kit, as wide as possible, something in the 360mm range and one between 500mm & 600mm. That's photography at it's most minimalistic.

08-03-2021, 08:21 PM	#90
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,325 Original Poster	Originally posted by normhead I can go for a lighter pocketable camera, but I really am spoiled for at least APS-c image quality, dynamic rage, and resolution. Couple years ago, I bought a Ricoh GR ll. Has an ASP-C sensor. Does only have a fixed lens...a 28mm F 2.8, but lens quality is good, IMO. Image quality is excellent. It is pocketable, if you have very large pockets, but I carry it around in a small Vanguard pouch, which attaches to my belt. I bought it when the GR lll had just come out. My GR ll, was new old stock, by then I suppose. The GR lll has some improved features, but I wanted to stay within my budget. I've been happy with the GR ll. It's a keeper.