I figure on taking the 28, 35, and 50 for sure. There's little doubt I'll take the 21 f/3.4, probably set up on the M2; the others being used on the M6. The main lens question is, should I take the 90? Or leave it home in order to keep the kit small. Another question is whether to increase weight and bulk for hiking by carrying the M2/21 in addition to the M6. I like wide-angle perspective, but I'll have the 28, and somwtimes when shooting something like a forest with its rather repetitive details, more can be less.

I'm inclined to shoot Velvia. I would appreciate the extra stop of speed of Provia 100 in the diminished October light in the woods, but I'm reluctant to give up the punchier saturation of Velvia. Then again, Provia F might handle the contrast of light and shadow in the woods, a bit better.

So let me profit from the experience of anyone who has shot in that area. We'll be staying in B&b's in the woods around Middlebury, Goshen, Green Mountain area.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), August 22, 2001

Answers

Bob:

I have not shot fall color back east recently, but I have shot it in the eastern Sierras. IMO, my film pick would be Velvia IF you're going to use a tripod. Otherwise, RDPIII (Provia F) with a Tiffen 812, and I'd take along a few rolls of Provia 400 just in case. For lenses, I find the 24 and 90 get used most often -- The 90 is great for isolations. So in your case, I'd probably take the 21, 28 and 90. If I had to leave something behind it would be the 35 or the 50.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), August 22, 2001.

I second the recommendation on the 90mm. Last time I shot fall colors I think I used a 135mm (in my SLR outfit), and it was used a lot.

-- TSW (tsesung@yahoo.com), August 22, 2001.

Bob, I live next door in New Hampshire. The fall colors really look best under slightly overcast conditions. Fortunatly we are prone to overcast conditions in the fall, so a mix of Velvia and Provia ( 50 \50 ) would not be a bad idea. In the Green Mountains the space is really closed in, so I would bring the 21mm. The 90mm is a must as well since there are many fairs and festivals going on in the fall, and plenty of colorful characters to capture. If you have any specific questions about the area, feel free to e-mail me at home.

Steve

-- Steve Belden (otterpond@tds.net), August 23, 2001.

Which 90?

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), August 23, 2001.

Bob, I would definitely bring the 90 (or even 135 Tele-Elmar) for situations when one needs to isolate details from the scenic but sometimes could be rather repetitive New England Fall colors landscape. If I had to choose three M lenses outfit for another Fall colors trip to the New England area, I would bring the 21, 50, and 90 (or the 135). BTW, this is a shot that I took with my 180mm APO-Telyt-R last year in White Mountains NP, NH. IMO, the White Mountains area is a must for Fall colors. Travelling in the New England for the first two weeks of October can be hectic, plan to make reservations ahead of time for places to stay expecially during the weekends. Enjoy.

-- Gerald (hsus@netzero.net), August 23, 2001.

Bob, I would definitely bring all those lenses. I've photographed extensively in that area, always with Hasselblad: 2 bodies (one in the car is backup), 2 backs, 50, 80, 150 and 2x, plus meter, tripod, etc. etc. and an M4 with the 21/3.4 (as I have never felt like investing in a SWC or a 40 for the few shots a year I'd take with it). So your Leica kit shouldn't be too oppressive! I don't see any reason for you to *carry* the M2 body with the 21. It doesn't meter on the M6 but it fits fine. (But bring the M2 and a meter as backup!) Just meter with the 90 (like a spotmeter) and transfer the settings. In really contrasty light you might want to do that for the other lenses too. As to film, Velvia is *it*. In overcast light, rate it at 50. When the sun comes out, rate it at 40 or 32, to better handle the contrast. You can change EI on the same roll, we're not talking about any difference in processing times, only exposure. (If you want to shoot some print film, try Portra 160VC, my favorite. Shot a ton of it in R.I. last autumn, loved it.) As for filters, I suggest a polarizer and an enhancer (or a combination thereof). Get a 77mm, just hold it flat to the lens. After all, you'll be working on a tripod of course!

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), August 23, 2001.

Andy, it would be the 90mm Elmarit, the original model, which I bought new in about 1961. It's my heaviest and bulkiest M-lens, but one I think I ought to use more than I do.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), August 23, 2001.

Thanks to everyone who answered. I went out and bought Velvia, & Provia F 100 & 400; more than needed, I think, and I'll select what's appropriate for the conditions. I,m going to bring my monopod/walking stick with ball head, and maybe the Gitzo, or else the Leitz table-top model. And based on all the recommendations for both the 21 and the 90, I'll bring them both. Thanks again.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), August 26, 2001.

My family has just returned from summering in VT and two recommendations come immediatly to mind 1)Drive Route 100 North from Warren up to and through Stowe for the best drive/photo combination in NE, 2) Spend some time at Shelburne Farms (in Shelburne, VT 15 mins north) to see the most beautiful experimental agricultural project of the 20th century WWW.shelburnefarms.com

-- Brooks (bvonarx@home.com), August 27, 2001.