it isn't just professionals that need it though. If you spend
thousands of pounds, dollars, euros or whatever on a foreign holiday
where you're going to be shooting a lot you'd be rather foolish not to
have some spare equipment in case of failure. And for all the reasons
mentioned it's better to have identical equipment. I've had cameras
and lenses fail on me in out-of-the-way places, but I've been able to
carry on because I've had spares. I've seen people whose batteries
have run out, and they've been in tears because they couldn't get any
new ones.
I suppose it would be prudent to say <g> that I am not experienced/shooting enough. Except the shutter failure of my ME Super that wasn't possible to see until the film was processed <g>, I haven't had yet any gear problems. I can see your point though.
Well, I suppose my confusion is resolved. Just in case - my apologies for anyone whose eyebrows were raised...
Boris
