Film speeds and type for important trip overseas

[Artem]

I am off to North Korea for a week and a bit and am worried about my choice of film. On account of the nature of the trip, missing shots due to over- or under-exposure will be an important factor as I am unlikely to return. I would prefer to shoot transparencies; however, the exposure latitude is what worries me most. As regards film speed, I plan to take from 100 to 400 but if there is something out there capable of 800 I would also pack a few rolls, just in case. My equipment is: an M7; a Noctilux; 75 Summilux; 35 Summicron. If it helps to decide, I have shot Agfa Scala 200X and I loved the results and had no real issues with over- or under-exposre. Converesley, I tried Velvia and that was rather hit and miss, although this might have been a matter of not rating it properly, as I used 50, rather than the common 40 or so. I'd like rich colours; I don't really want anything "flat". Any suggestions would be great!

 

[kaiyen]

Hm. This is a tough one.

For color, if you want to stick with chromes, I would recommend Provia 100 and 400. I've recently seen the latter pushed to 3200 (epgy/glenn's post) and it looked quite impressive, though that's obviously not your ideal approach, doing a 3 stop push of a slide film. But Provia is saturated enough to give you a bit more kick, but with more latitude than Velvia. If you are really concerned about latitude then go with Astia, but you won't get much in the way of extra saturation (which is something you speciifcally are seeking).

For B&W, it really depends on what types of films at what speeds and developers you are most familiar with. For me, I'd bring just TXT and rate it anywhere from 200 to 6400 and use specific developers depending on my EI. But if you aren't familiar with TXT, then that's not the best choice. Let us know what B&W films you've used and we can recommend those.

allan

 

[wyk_penguin]

Considering your M7 has AE, you can just use any type of slide film that you are familiar with, just remember to set the exposure compensation right. And since this may be once in a lifetime visit(since the DPRK may be blasted to ashes by the US shortly), bring lots of film and bracket liberally.

I believe that you aren't allowed to shoot at will in North Korea, so be careful not to get busted. Post the pics when you are back.

 

[clintock]

Can you even bring a Leica into North Korea now? Isn't there some kind of US sactioned ban on luxury items? May be worth checking out, but you probably already know the details.

 

[alexz]

North Korea ? Xmm, heard not very flattering things as regarding photography there - people (turists, and western in particular) got quite restricted by what is allowed to be photographed..chances you know how is going there already...

 

[RML]

Such a once-in-a-lifetime trip is NOT the time to experiment with cameras, lenses or film. Use whatever you normally use, know how to use and know the expected results. If that means slides, shoot slides. If that means film, shoot film. Stick with what you know.

 

[Sparrow]

Such a once-in-a-lifetime trip is NOT the time to experiment with cameras, lenses or film. Use whatever you normally use, know how to use and know the expected results. If that means slides, shoot slides. If that means film, shoot film. Stick with what you know.

That sounds like good advice. A friend, who travels a lot, carries a few disposables if he thinks there’s any likelihood of the “confiscations” he experienced in Africa

 

[varjag]

I understand this is not what you want, but for North Korea I wouldn't use too saturated film. Dusty grey life of the "2nd world" looks distinctly different from exploding colors of 3rd world, and you might end up with slides not giving you same impression as when you were there.

But as said, the best choice might be the stuff you shoot normally. Otherwise I would support suggestions of Provia and Astia.