Cuba trip - advice please

[john neal]

I'm off to Cuba for New Year and wondering what kit to take - I will probably bring the EOS 5D, but what rangefinder and lenses for B&W?

I'm currently leaning towards the Leica II with 25mm, 35mm and 50mm lenses (VC, Canon f2.8 , Canonf 1.4, in that order), or should I take the Summar for the proper vintage feel?

Film will be some of the last of my Plus-X.

Any advice most welcome 🙂

 

[Brian Legge]

My friend Josh went to Cuba earlier this year. I believe he took only an Nikon FM2 with a 28mm f2.8 and a little digital point and shoot.

Here are some of his shots from the trip:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?ss=2&w=31172343@N04&q=cuba&m=text

I admire him for how minimal he went. I don't know if I could have done that. 🙂

 

[Bob Michaels]

John: I have been there 5 times this year and numerous times in earlier years. Whatever works best for you at home will work in Cuba.

I normally shoot with a 28mm. 99+% of my photos in Cuba were shot with a 28mm. I only shoot Neopan 400 or Tri-X. Faster film is handy for me as I am frequently shooting inside homes.

Make sure you take everything you need as nothing is available there.

I always take spares. Last time it bit me in the *ss as someone stole my camera bag with 2 ZI bodies, 2 ZM and one Hexanon lens plus a GF-1 kit. Also all my luggage. Crime is almost non existent other than property crime against tourists which unfortunately seems to be increasing. Be very careful of your gear.

Post me off list if you want some suggestions about places to photograph.

My photos are at www.bobmichaels.org

 

[Bob Michaels]

.................... I am strictly going with color, since Cuba calls for it. ........................

People see things differently for sure. I find Cuba mostly devoid of color except browns and greys. You must look long and hard to find a building whose paint is newer than the revolution. Many of the old cars are painted with house paint. It is very different from most of the other Caribbean island nations.

 

[john neal]

Bob,

Thanks for the offer - PM sent, oh, and happy birthday!