Since the original post here, I have thought to write something. Because I like the question a lot. Since the mid seventies I have only really used quite small bodies with either 50mm, or 40mm, or 35mm. Then, and still now, it was and is for professional use. Although in the beginning I have gotten the faster lenses, 1.4, maybe even 1.2, it has been more than 20 years that I prefer the f1.8 or f2 versions. Simply because of the smaller size and less weight. And because I find the 'smaller rig' less intimidating to the people I photograph.
Most of this time I used Olympus OM1 and Olympus OM4(Ti) with these three focal lengths, and the Zuiko 40/2 is my preferred lens. The OM4Ti's began to give up on me about five years ago and I replaced them with the LX. I tried both K an M 50/1.4 versions, but settled on the 50/2 - for the reasons mentioned before. Getting into Pentax opened up quite a world for me, because of the M42 lenses and because of some third party lenses. Until I got the LX, I never thought much about different lenses, I was happy with what I had. I tried many different (Pentax and some other makers) lenses in this 35 to 50mm range, but in the end I kept only a few: a 58/2 Takumar, a Zeiss Ultron 50/1.8 and a Zeiss Tessar 50/2.8 (both the Icarex versions). I got a ME Super because with the 50/2 it is so beautifully small, I keep it for the bike rides (this is Holland). And I just got a K2 because the Ultron fits so well on that one.
I know that compared to today's digital cameras all the cameras mentioned are big and heavy. But, and finally I come a bit closer to the OP, I like the size of the analog SLR with a smallish lens. The LX or a bit smaller (ME Super), or a tiny bit larger (K2) . . . I think it is all much of the same thing. But some lenses, to me, do not fit so well on certain bodies. The Ultron or the K50/1.4 (now stone me) on the ME Super is not my idea of a 'small rig', I find the balance gone. But K2 plus Ultron or K50/1.4 is fine. So, perhaps a 'small rig' is not neccesarily the smallest camera/lens to me. And for sure the camera doesn't have to be super light, to the contrary.
Sorry for the poor quality (Iphone) pics
Last edited by Hilo; 10-24-2012 at 08:22 AM.