Coming to Switzerland

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hausen

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Have decided that I will take a break from NZ winter in early August and head to my wife's home country of Switzerland. We were planning a 2 month trip but my business partner was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January and that changes a few things. So now it is a 2 week jaunt but the silver lining is because it is so short I will be able to day trip around CH on the trains while my wife does the majority to the family visits. My question is I am tempted just to shoot film 120 slides with Rolleiflex and 35mm slides with either M6 or Xpan. Would it be better for me to have film processed in Ch before I leave because is a long way back to NZ and lots of X-ray machines and hot bags. I will be based near St Gallen so someone who can process E6 around there would be perfect. Think I will order film from B&H and get delivered direct to my Mother in Laws place. Can't wait because is first photography only trip I have had and CH is one of my favorite places in the world.
 
I travelled around a few countries in Europe and had both 35mm and 120 film. Even forgot 2 or 3 pro packs 100 and 400 ISO in my checked baggage on the return. Everything came out fine! I wouldn't worry about it, but if you find a place that is less expensive than NZ for processing, then have at it.
 
hausen said:
[...]because it is so short I will be able to day trip around CH on the trains while my wife does the majority to the family visits. My question is I am tempted just to shoot film 120 slides with Rolleiflex and 35mm slides with either M6 or Xpan. Would it be better for me to have film processed in Ch before I leave[...]
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I wouldn't bother for the exposed films: I also never had problems with the airport x-ray checks. If you start your trips in the region of St.Gallen and use the trains for your excursions I may give you some personal known suggestions:

St. Gallen itself: I suppose you know the city already. Worth a few days of shooting alone there.

Trip St.Gallen - Lucern with the Voralpen-Express. Many panoramic views on this track. Be prepared for the highest viaduct in Switzerland. The connection runs the whole day every hour in both directions.

Make a stop at Rapperswil: Big castle on top of the historic district with a beautiful view over the lake of Zurich or take a local train to Hurden village and walk back the pilgrim trail back to Rapperswil over the wooden bridge.

Plan the whole day for Lucern: The historic city is extensive and you will burn for sure a few rolls of 120 film. ;)

Another trip could be to Constance: Spend a day in the historic districts and at the nice lake.

When do you plan to be here in Switzerland?
 
Switzerland and Rolleiflex seems a perfect match! If you can't find a processor there, just always carry your film in your hand luggage (carry-on, never check a bag with film in it!) and ask nicely for a hand inspection. Usually the answer is no, but if you can keep it under five times through the X-ray, you'll be OK, assuming an ISO under 800. Don't carry all of your film all the time. Sometimes museums and the like will Xray your bag but not you. Just slip your film into your pocket and you're good. I traipsed around three European countries in April and May and so far the negs look fine. I mailed exposed film home at one point. I still don't know about those negs. Have a great time!
 
If you ship film from B&H to Switzerland you will be subject to 7.5% VAT on the value of the shipment plus processing fees depending on which postal/courier service you use.
 
Am always second guessing myself what to bring on any trip. The Rollei + Xpan + M9 or go simple with M9 + M6 + 28/50 Summicrons or go fixed lens to save space with Rollei + Xpan + X100 or all film Rollei + Xpan + Retina iiic? To many choices. Fine balance between having to carry around to much or to little gear:bang: Thanks DCT for those links. Very helpful, wioll be there 1-11 August.
 
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a) Regarding the speed/brightness: It depends. If you do your trip on a sunny day in the mountains or at the lakes, iso 50 is more than enough. In a small alley of a historic district it can be critical low, especially with slow lenses.

b) If this link shows a 5x120 pack, then it is a very good price for Switzerland. Don't know the dealer.
 
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