sevo
Fokutorendaburando
Or better yet, mark two for the same positions (easy to do - cover one with the other, search brightest position), so that you don't have to unscrew and screw it all the time.
fixbones
.......sometimes i thinks
I do agree that bringing only one system definitely makes more sense.
Think i'll bring:
Bodies: MP and ZI. One for color and the other for B & W. Hexar AF for ISO 1600 B & W
Lenses: 50 cron and sonnar, 35mm and a 21mm perhaps (potential for new gear).
That way, i'll have both RF with 50mm to walk around which covers boths B & W and color. The other 2 lenses (thankfully small) in my Domke F6.
The Hexar AF comes out when its dark.
Think i'll bring:
Bodies: MP and ZI. One for color and the other for B & W. Hexar AF for ISO 1600 B & W
Lenses: 50 cron and sonnar, 35mm and a 21mm perhaps (potential for new gear).
That way, i'll have both RF with 50mm to walk around which covers boths B & W and color. The other 2 lenses (thankfully small) in my Domke F6.
The Hexar AF comes out when its dark.
Bob Michaels
nobody special
Everybody is different but when I go to Cuba for two weeks in October, I think I will take:
2 Zeiss Ikon bodies (& extra batteries)
Zeiss 50mm f2.0 and 35mm f2.0, CV 28mm f3.5 and 21mm f4.0 lenses
50 rolls of Neopan 400
That way I have backups for everything and am only taking what I shoot with 99% of the time. Shooting different types of film never works for me as I always seem to have the wrong one in the camera in my hand.
When actually out walking and photographing, I have one body with the lens on it and occasionally a different lens in a pants pocket. The other pocket is full of film. (& spare battery) Everything else is left behind.
I probably will not shoot all that film, but there is no worse feeling than worrying about rationing film because you think you might run low.
I carried exactly that same kit while out photographing today, except less film. Everything stayed in the car but one body with 35mm lens which I shot with all day.
2 Zeiss Ikon bodies (& extra batteries)
Zeiss 50mm f2.0 and 35mm f2.0, CV 28mm f3.5 and 21mm f4.0 lenses
50 rolls of Neopan 400
That way I have backups for everything and am only taking what I shoot with 99% of the time. Shooting different types of film never works for me as I always seem to have the wrong one in the camera in my hand.
When actually out walking and photographing, I have one body with the lens on it and occasionally a different lens in a pants pocket. The other pocket is full of film. (& spare battery) Everything else is left behind.
I probably will not shoot all that film, but there is no worse feeling than worrying about rationing film because you think you might run low.
I carried exactly that same kit while out photographing today, except less film. Everything stayed in the car but one body with 35mm lens which I shot with all day.
raid
Dad Photographer
You will most likely enjoy your trip more by seriously cutting down on the equipment and focusing on composition with one wide angle lens and one 50mm lens with one RF camera plus the XA.
I once traveled for six weeks to Europe with a Rolleiflex TLR and a tiny Minox GT P&S. I never felt that I had lacking photo equipment with me.
Go light. Very light.
I once traveled for six weeks to Europe with a Rolleiflex TLR and a tiny Minox GT P&S. I never felt that I had lacking photo equipment with me.
Go light. Very light.
fixbones
.......sometimes i thinks
What do you guys think about going 100% B & W for the trip??
It is definitely something i'd consider. A bit scared i admit but the idea sounds rather exciting too.
That way, it'll be down to 2 bodies and 50,35 and hopefully 21mm.
The other thing is to bring the Cron or sonnar? Hhmmm ...
It is definitely something i'd consider. A bit scared i admit but the idea sounds rather exciting too.
That way, it'll be down to 2 bodies and 50,35 and hopefully 21mm.
The other thing is to bring the Cron or sonnar? Hhmmm ...
35mmdelux
Veni, vidi, vici
2 RF bodies, 21mm, 35, 50. All kodachrome.
Jcar
Newbie
Hello,
Egypt is wonderful and you will have a delightful time. I have visited Egypt at least six times and I always loved it and I still look forward to returning there.
I just want to mention a word for your film. I only shoot B&W and I have never felt at a loss for having not shot color.
Also, I quit carrying 400 speed film in Egypt -- 100 or 125 speed took care of everything just fine.
Have fun!
James
Egypt is wonderful and you will have a delightful time. I have visited Egypt at least six times and I always loved it and I still look forward to returning there.
I just want to mention a word for your film. I only shoot B&W and I have never felt at a loss for having not shot color.
Also, I quit carrying 400 speed film in Egypt -- 100 or 125 speed took care of everything just fine.
Have fun!
James
raid
Dad Photographer
James,
Is there some danger present when walking around in Egypt and take photos? In particular, in the poor areas of Cairo, is it OK to take openly photos of the situation there?
Is there some danger present when walking around in Egypt and take photos? In particular, in the poor areas of Cairo, is it OK to take openly photos of the situation there?
Jcar
Newbie
Hello Raid,
That is a really good question. I have never experienced any problems in the poor areas of Cairo...the people have always been so friendly in these districts and they are more safe, at least in terms of violent crime, than any Western city. I believe that this fact is what made the February 2009 bombing in the Khan al-Khalili so tragic -- many Egyptians were outraged at this vile act.
However, just like anywhere, proper respect must be paid to customs and sensibilities of the residents. Intrusion will possibly cause a scene -- unless you are slick and feign that you are photographing something else-- but a gentle approach goes a long, long way.
The police and the military are usually the most curious...cigarettes are a great form of baksheesh / ground-breaker for these poor underpaid civil servants...I always carry a few packs of a European brand (giving out the local Cleopatra Cigarettes will not get you too far since they are cheap and not much of a "treat").
Of course, just like everywhere, I never advertise my camera when walking about -- I keep everything in a jacket pocket or around my neck and under my arm inside my jacket (I even wear a lightweight jacket in the summer just for this purpose).
However, the nightlife in Cairo can be sketchy -- again, just like many places, the ne'er-do-wells come out at this time as do their scam artist cousins.
Anyway, my conversational Arabic is good and I am very familiar with the country so this most likely helps a lot.
I hope I did not ramble too much...if I did, let me know Raid and I will try again!
James
That is a really good question. I have never experienced any problems in the poor areas of Cairo...the people have always been so friendly in these districts and they are more safe, at least in terms of violent crime, than any Western city. I believe that this fact is what made the February 2009 bombing in the Khan al-Khalili so tragic -- many Egyptians were outraged at this vile act.
However, just like anywhere, proper respect must be paid to customs and sensibilities of the residents. Intrusion will possibly cause a scene -- unless you are slick and feign that you are photographing something else-- but a gentle approach goes a long, long way.
The police and the military are usually the most curious...cigarettes are a great form of baksheesh / ground-breaker for these poor underpaid civil servants...I always carry a few packs of a European brand (giving out the local Cleopatra Cigarettes will not get you too far since they are cheap and not much of a "treat").
Of course, just like everywhere, I never advertise my camera when walking about -- I keep everything in a jacket pocket or around my neck and under my arm inside my jacket (I even wear a lightweight jacket in the summer just for this purpose).
However, the nightlife in Cairo can be sketchy -- again, just like many places, the ne'er-do-wells come out at this time as do their scam artist cousins.
Anyway, my conversational Arabic is good and I am very familiar with the country so this most likely helps a lot.
I hope I did not ramble too much...if I did, let me know Raid and I will try again!
James
* keep it to a minimum (lighter is better!)
* stick to one system (two bodies max, three or four lenses max)
* standardise on one filter size if possible
* stick to one or two types of film
If I had your kit, I'd seriously think about picking up a second F-mount body (either FM, FM2, FM3A, FE, or FE2) for cheap and taking the two F-mount bodies with the 20,28,50, and maybe the 100. I'm guessing all these lenses take 52mm filters - a good thing.
My travelling kit used to be FM3A x 2 & 24/2.8, 50/1.4, and 105/2.5, but I hardly ever used the 105/2.5. This was a great kit, but even this gets heavy when you're carrying it all day every day for weeks on end. I ended up almost doing my back in while in Chiang Mai last January.
Now my travelling kit is Zeiss Ikon x 2 & CV 28/3.5, CV 35/1.4, and ZM 50/2. Provia 100F goes in one camera and the ZM 50/2 lives on that, and Provia 400X goes in the other camera and the CV 38/3.5 goes on that during the day and the CV 35/1.4 takes its place at night. Amazing how much lighter this kit is compared to my SLR kit.
* stick to one system (two bodies max, three or four lenses max)
* standardise on one filter size if possible
* stick to one or two types of film
If I had your kit, I'd seriously think about picking up a second F-mount body (either FM, FM2, FM3A, FE, or FE2) for cheap and taking the two F-mount bodies with the 20,28,50, and maybe the 100. I'm guessing all these lenses take 52mm filters - a good thing.
My travelling kit used to be FM3A x 2 & 24/2.8, 50/1.4, and 105/2.5, but I hardly ever used the 105/2.5. This was a great kit, but even this gets heavy when you're carrying it all day every day for weeks on end. I ended up almost doing my back in while in Chiang Mai last January.
Now my travelling kit is Zeiss Ikon x 2 & CV 28/3.5, CV 35/1.4, and ZM 50/2. Provia 100F goes in one camera and the ZM 50/2 lives on that, and Provia 400X goes in the other camera and the CV 38/3.5 goes on that during the day and the CV 35/1.4 takes its place at night. Amazing how much lighter this kit is compared to my SLR kit.
Leigh Youdale
Well-known
Hi,
I see you're getting heaps of advice, so here's some more!
The trip was great - first time in Paris and in Ireland but been to UK several times before (wife is English). We came back with 2500 images between us which I've edited down to around 600 to print into photobooks.
First, I wouldn't go totally B&W. Travel photography really lends itself to colour and I'm sure you'll end up disappointed if you just take Mono.
I had one RF loaded with colour and the other with B&W, plus my wife carried the digital P&S which was handy for the occasional "grab" shot apart from allowing her to take what she wanted. It was a good backup. I had it on "Finest" setting and used two 4GB cards. Didn't take a computer.
In general I tended to have my 25mm lens on the colour camera (main use was interiors and wide scenic shots) and either the 35 or 40 on the B&W (main use was street photography). You'll find that good B&W shots come from getting in closer to your subject and trying to avoid lots of clutter and small detail, so really wide lenses are not always so suitable. If I had to go with just two lenses I'd probably pick a 28mm and a 50mm even though I find the 25mm CV is ideal for a lot of what I do. But inevitably the lens you want to use is one the "other" camera, so maybe a second 50mm so each camera has one and then swap the 25 or 28 around as needed. That's two bodies and three small lenses.
I concur with others that the light in Egypt will be fairly strong and you will rarely need more than 100 ISO film, but a lot of consumer Fujicolour comes as 200 ISO and that's OK. I doubt you'll need 400 ISO B&W but you could throw a couple in, just in case. The lower speed film gives much better results in my view anyway. I used a lot of APX100 which is a wonderful B&W film but you can't get it anymore.
As for the lead bag question - well, I've never had any (low speed) film spoiled by up to 5 or 6 passes through the hand baggage Xray (bear in mind that the Xray dosage is cumulative so at some point it WILL have an effect). But I have had film that was checked in ruined - it was an unexpected and unavoidable security scare at Heathrow but nevertheless, the film was badly zapped and unusable for printing. I've had many arguments since with uninformed security guys and their supervisors and now carry a document from Canberra quoting chapter and verse on the regulations wherein they MUST do a hand inspection if requested. They often act surprised and I'm sure many of them have not been told this in their training. This doesn't apply outside of Oz of course and staring down an armed military person in India can be a touch and go experience, believe me!
On this last trip I put all my film (having emptied my cameras) through the Xray inside a lead bag and it was not challenged or questioned in either Australia, UK or France - which surprised me. I was expecting to have to empty it out post-Xray and then get it inspected. You'll just have to be prepared for anything - I think it all depends on the day, who is one, what time the shift ends etc etc.
Above all, be ready. Photo opportunities come quickly and unexpectedly when traveling and you really need to have a camera at hand and already set for anticipated distance (zone focussing) and exposure so you can just flick the shutter lock and go.
mhazzaa
Mahmoud
hope you enjoy it
hope you enjoy it
It could get really bright in most tourist locations in the morning. so have with you an ISO 100 or so film for those shots. Street is fine with 400 if you avoid noon.
Egypt is some what colourful, it is not India. so have some color when you shoot street.
There is only koack c-41 bw film in Egypt and aside form the consumer kodak film there is the ISO 100 profoto which i found okay. You will not find film faster than iso 400 (you probably won't need it, but bring a couple of iso 800 rolls just in case)
gear: a wide angle for the sights (pyramids, Nile, Mosques, Churches, temples and beaches) the 20mm on the Slr would do it. The 2 rf bodies one for colour and one for BW. The VC35mm one one body (for most street stuff) and the 50mm lux on the other (the 50 will come in handy if some one agrees of their portrait taken rather than a wider snap) i think all would fit into a small backpack (which you will carry for water and LP guide anyways).
I am Egyptian, so feel free to drop me a line if you needed anything or if you have questions. i'd gladly help.
We could shoot some street off of the tourist map if you would like to.
Mahmoud
my links: mhazzaa.deviantart.com
wlife.shutterchance.com
hope you enjoy it
It could get really bright in most tourist locations in the morning. so have with you an ISO 100 or so film for those shots. Street is fine with 400 if you avoid noon.
Egypt is some what colourful, it is not India. so have some color when you shoot street.
There is only koack c-41 bw film in Egypt and aside form the consumer kodak film there is the ISO 100 profoto which i found okay. You will not find film faster than iso 400 (you probably won't need it, but bring a couple of iso 800 rolls just in case)
gear: a wide angle for the sights (pyramids, Nile, Mosques, Churches, temples and beaches) the 20mm on the Slr would do it. The 2 rf bodies one for colour and one for BW. The VC35mm one one body (for most street stuff) and the 50mm lux on the other (the 50 will come in handy if some one agrees of their portrait taken rather than a wider snap) i think all would fit into a small backpack (which you will carry for water and LP guide anyways).
I am Egyptian, so feel free to drop me a line if you needed anything or if you have questions. i'd gladly help.
We could shoot some street off of the tourist map if you would like to.
Mahmoud
my links: mhazzaa.deviantart.com
wlife.shutterchance.com
fixbones
.......sometimes i thinks
Great to have input from a local =D
Yeah i reckon colour and wide angle is important. However, am a bit reluctant to bring my SLR system.
Most probably use one of the RF for color.
Alternatively, get the GRD III for color work (GAS GAS GAS)
Yeah i reckon colour and wide angle is important. However, am a bit reluctant to bring my SLR system.
Most probably use one of the RF for color.
Alternatively, get the GRD III for color work (GAS GAS GAS)
Don Parsons
Well-known
My vote is for Reala which scans easily and then do the b&w conversion. Go light. I took a canon a570 (35-100 +/-) to Turkey, France, England and Ireland last year and didn't feel I missed a single shot.
Vics
Veteran
Sometimes, less IS more!
Sometimes, less IS more!
Take the least amount of gear you can stand. Try to narrow things down as much as possible. Nowadays I go with an M3, a collapsible 50 and about three rolls of Tri-X per day of travel. I've never wished I'd taken more gear, but I have often wished I had taken less!
Vic
Sometimes, less IS more!
Take the least amount of gear you can stand. Try to narrow things down as much as possible. Nowadays I go with an M3, a collapsible 50 and about three rolls of Tri-X per day of travel. I've never wished I'd taken more gear, but I have often wished I had taken less!
Vic
35mmdelux
Veni, vidi, vici
Did someone say creativity? For 20 yrs I shot with 1 lens and never felt like I missed anything. On my last overseas trip I took a 28/50, surprisingly used the 28 most of the time. Never felt like I needed more gear.
Bob Michaels
nobody special
A general thought: Your photographic style does not change with the location. Carry what you carry at home. Use what you use at home.
In addition to the excellent advice about never trying something new on a special trip or occasion, realize you use the bodies, lenses and film you do because it works for you.
Who remembers Garry Winogrand's famous photo of a football game shot with a 28mm lens?
In addition to the excellent advice about never trying something new on a special trip or occasion, realize you use the bodies, lenses and film you do because it works for you.
Who remembers Garry Winogrand's famous photo of a football game shot with a 28mm lens?
David_Manning
Well-known
Sounds like you're getting lots of advice.
Question: are you going to Egypt on a photo assignment, or are you going to enjoy a new experience?
If you're going on assignment, take your whole kit in Pelican roller-bags. Hire a local fixer who can translate and has a car.
Okay, seriously, you're traveling on vacation, right? Just acknowledge you won't get a shot of everything now...take the pressure off yourself. Take your MP, 35 and 50 lenses, and Plus-X b&w film. Take a digi p&s.
The digi p&s will do color, has a flash, has video, and is VERY unobtrusive for taking to dinner and strolls later in the evening when you should be drinking in the smells and foods of Egypt.
Take the battery-less MP with a 35 strapped on, the little 50 in a pocket, and 125- (or 100)- speed film and walk the country during the day. No bag...it probably won't rain on you. Put the other little lens, film, and passport/wallet/phone in the pockets of some cargo shorts/pants.
Remember...you can always buy a travel book full of spectacular color photos. Lots of tan, gold, red, and access to anywhere you can't go. Concentrate on the MOOD and feeling of your trip, and shoot all b&w and capture that mood. Shoot details and faces, and just like a movie, shoot the beginning and the end (it'll make your travel log/book/journal feel more like a story).
Simplify, light, and fast. One film, one camera, one or two lenses. No bags and crap hanging from your neck. Remember to take the camera away from your face to see with your eyes too!!!
----Dave, professional traveler
Question: are you going to Egypt on a photo assignment, or are you going to enjoy a new experience?
If you're going on assignment, take your whole kit in Pelican roller-bags. Hire a local fixer who can translate and has a car.
Okay, seriously, you're traveling on vacation, right? Just acknowledge you won't get a shot of everything now...take the pressure off yourself. Take your MP, 35 and 50 lenses, and Plus-X b&w film. Take a digi p&s.
The digi p&s will do color, has a flash, has video, and is VERY unobtrusive for taking to dinner and strolls later in the evening when you should be drinking in the smells and foods of Egypt.
Take the battery-less MP with a 35 strapped on, the little 50 in a pocket, and 125- (or 100)- speed film and walk the country during the day. No bag...it probably won't rain on you. Put the other little lens, film, and passport/wallet/phone in the pockets of some cargo shorts/pants.
Remember...you can always buy a travel book full of spectacular color photos. Lots of tan, gold, red, and access to anywhere you can't go. Concentrate on the MOOD and feeling of your trip, and shoot all b&w and capture that mood. Shoot details and faces, and just like a movie, shoot the beginning and the end (it'll make your travel log/book/journal feel more like a story).
Simplify, light, and fast. One film, one camera, one or two lenses. No bags and crap hanging from your neck. Remember to take the camera away from your face to see with your eyes too!!!
----Dave, professional traveler
raid
Dad Photographer
James,
Thank you for your suggestions. I may have a one month trip to Cairo next year, and I am already planning ahead. I was told that some people [in charge] are not overly pleased if photographers take risks in general. Safety is the most important issue here.
Thank you for your suggestions. I may have a one month trip to Cairo next year, and I am already planning ahead. I was told that some people [in charge] are not overly pleased if photographers take risks in general. Safety is the most important issue here.
fixbones
.......sometimes i thinks
Jon: Thought about getting an extra F body too.... really interested in getting a FM3a (for this trip or not). However, since i already have 2 RF bodies and 3 lenses that i really like, i might just wanna stick with them - smaller, better low light ability, perhaps slightly lighter.
Great advices everyone!! Certainly did help my thinking process.
- will stick to my RF system
- bringing MP and ZI plus both 50mm and 35mm.
- Hope to purchase the ZM 25mm f2.8 before the trip to supplement my kit since i tend to shoot wide with color. Will go w/out the viewfinder. Thus the Hexar AF will likely have to go
- Films: TriX and Fuji 400H (i love grains)
- .....and the XA just for fun.
Great advices everyone!! Certainly did help my thinking process.
- will stick to my RF system
- bringing MP and ZI plus both 50mm and 35mm.
- Hope to purchase the ZM 25mm f2.8 before the trip to supplement my kit since i tend to shoot wide with color. Will go w/out the viewfinder. Thus the Hexar AF will likely have to go
- Films: TriX and Fuji 400H (i love grains)
- .....and the XA just for fun.