Headed to Colombia... Oh what to bring...

[ishpop]

I've always read the "what should I bring to _____" threads and for some reason never felt the need to seek consultation myself. But I suppose I haven't travelled as much as many RFFers. Anyways, I'm headed to Colombia for 10 days, 3 in Bogota, 3 in medellin, and 3 in Cartegena.

If I was to summarize the main points I've seen posted most often in response to travel/gear recommendations, it would be something like this:

1. Bring the camera(s) you are most familiar with
2. Bring a Leica M
3. Bring the lightest camera(s)

Sort of joking about #2, but yeah.

So, I'm very familiar with my Minolta CLE and Rokkor 40mm, so that is high on the list. It's also sort of a Leica...

I'm also really familiar with my hasselblad 501c, as well as the Yachica and Rolleiflex TLRs I have. But in all three cases, these are not the lightest cameras by any means. These I'm on the fence about.

I recently bought a Fuji GW690 III, which in a lot of ways feels like the perfect medium format camera in my hands. Its relatively light, the rangefinder seems easy to use, and the viewfinder really helps me frame photos in a way that feels very natural. This is high on my list right now.

I also have a Yachica T4 which I might bring for 35mm film street shooting on the fly.

Lastly, I have some digital options. A 5DII and a host of high quality lenses (24mm 1.4L, 16-35L, 70-200 F4L - the lighter one). Because these are digital, and worth the most money of everything I own, these are low on my list.

So this brings me to my dilemma. As I stated the digital gear is low on my list. But the whole digital vs film thing is messing with my mind lately. Meaning, I find myself pondering the endless angles often used to debate the merits of each format. And especially so now with the prospect of travelling. There are some very practical considerations that come into play. Weight, potential for malfunction, versatility. In many areas the digital options start to become compelling, despite the sort of esoteric and tacit nature of shooting film and how it forces me to "take different pictures" than when I am shooting digital.

I am often left wondering if it is all just a head game I am playing with myself. If in fact the pictures I make with any of these cameras, regardless of format, are really just a reflection of the work, the patience, the creative focus, that I put in. Which is in part why I've found myself so often trying to make the case for digital, as it almost seems like a bigger challenge creatively, despite the logistical, time, and cost constraints that film cameras present. A part of me wants to be able to shoot digital and no longer judge film photos as inherently better or more interesting or more anything. To see pictures as pictures. When I look at the photos of Alec Soth, Steven Shore, or countless other documentary photographers, I doubt they spend as much time debating the camera...

Alas, I'm still leaning towards the Minolta CLE, Fuji 6x9, and Yahsica T4.

To throw a wrench in all of this, I may have access to a Fuji X-Pro-1 as well.

:bang:

 

[Mark T]

Wow, I am confused just reading about it! However, if it were me, and those were my choices, I would take the CLE and the 40 mm. If you must take a back up, make it the Yashica. I wouldn't take two formats. If it had to be medium format, the I'd take the Rolleiflex. Since you are mentioning everything though, I think you can take anything. 35mm is far more practical for travel than medium format.

 

[robert blu]

When I read this kind of thread, or when I face the same problem personally, the first question is what the purpose of the travel is. Basically there are two possibilities:
Number one the purpose is to see places, to meet people and culture, to relax. Like an holiday. And during it you like to take photo. It could also be a business trip where you think to have some free time.
Number two the main objective is to make photo. You "need" to come back with a result, you desire to publish your work, or make an exhibition out of it. But the goal is really to make photos.
In the first case I second the idea to travel so light as possible, in the pre-digital era I got very good pics during business trips with an Olympus miju. In your case the CL should be more than ok.
In the second case you must be ready to work hard, (more or less 🙂) and you should bring the gear which is more suitable for your photo style or interest: if street CLE again, or the T4, if landscape maybe better the Fuji+501C.
I hope this helps.

robert

PS: of course it also depends on how do you travel, plane, car or...if you travel by car and have place you can bring something more, eventually leave in a safe in the hotel and use something different next day.

 

[raid]

What Robert has said above .... A lot depends on what the purpose of the trip is. Will you be traveling alone, and accordingly, you decide 100% how your days will be like? Is this part work, and will you have little time for hauling around MF cameras? Duration of the trip? I have traveled with many cameras, and I have traveled with two or even just one P&S in my pocket. Is it a once in a lifetime trip to Columbia? Will you be meeting with many people and friends?

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I've traveled with camera a lot, and hauled around a variety of gear. When I'm traveling, a major goal for me is photography, so I pack differently than some. I've even taken the 5x7 with me on international trips.

Bring a backup to your main system. Doesn't really matter what it is, bring a backup. It is always possible to have something happen to your main camera, from mechanical failure to dead batteries that are not obtainable locally to theft to dropping it over a waterfall. The backup should be something you are comfortable and familiar with so the switchover is relatively seamless for you. When I went to Argentina with the 5x7, I also brought my Contax G1 with the 28 and 45 lenses. I brought the backup system with me as a just-in-case, but I ended up taking it out with me on some days when I just wanted to explore, and not worry about hauling the big beast around with me, or when I was going places that I wouldn't feel comfortable taking the 5x7 (La Boca neighborhood in Buenos Aires).

On another hand, bringing systems that use the same format is also a good idea, so if you have to switch from one to another, you don't have to spend time shopping for another kind of film or hauling around a whole bunch of film in a different format that you may never use.

Take the appropriate tool for the job. If you want to shoot film, and you like the look of film, take a film camera. If you need to come back with thousands of images, shoot digital. If you want to shoot wildlife or sports, take a small format camera that has long lenses. If you're spending most of your time in major cities, then street shooting with any of your single-focal-length cameras would be fine. I like the sound of the Rolleiflex with the Yashica as a backup, but that's just me, personally. Those two would not be bulky or heavy, from my perspective, but then again I've taken a 5x7 with 12 film holders and six lenses to Argentina, and a Hasselblad kit with 3 backs, a Superwide, and a 500 C/M with three lenses to Spain.

On the digital/film question, to me the digital advantage exists if you plan to be uploading/transmitting your images on the fly. It requires you to bring a laptop/tablet device with you to store your images on, which to me is a pain because you have to haul a laptop along with you. Traveling in Latin America, I'm not big on bringing expensive electronics with me because they make you a target, and because it is less common to have wi-fi or wired internet in your hotel, you're taking your laptop out to a cyber-cafe to use it.

 

[hlockwood]

Ask Tina Manley.

HFL

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

The first question i would ask, well before considering a digital/film dilemma, is about SECURITY. Those cities you mention are not known for being especially safe.

I'm far from being a 'fraidy-cat' international traveler. I've been to Brazil over 25 times, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Argentina, etc. I had a Colombia trip planned three years ago, but had to call it off. I would assume the proscriptions for Colombia would be similar to those for Brazil....

Do Not walk around with your camera showing. Unless you're in a tour group, where everyone has gear out, you do not want to display anything of value. That includes a watch or (gasp) jewelry. Keep your camera in its bag until you're going to use it. You can probably keep it on a long strap, bandolier style, if you're in busy commercial areas, but keep it under your arm when not shooting. Definitely don't wear it around your neck like a pendant.

Take the little Yashica T.

Do Not carry a typical camera case. That goes even for those new-ish messenger bags. Put your camera in a cheap nylon backpack or something that looks like it could not possibly contain anything of value. Get some cushioned photo dividers or something, to keep the cameras/lenses where you want them. Don't dress 'like a tourist.'

Now, regarding which gear to bring.... I always overpack, both clothes and cameras. I have a rolling camera case which also houses my laptop, but that's just for the flight. When i'm there, i would typically take only one camera with me. But, taking everything on the flight means you can leave things in your hotel and decide on the spot which you'll need on that day, for the given situation. You may also find that some things work, and some don't, and it's better to find that out and have options. Taking a lot of gear is really only a pain in the arse while going and returning. Once you're there, if your hotel/lodgings are secure, having 'too much gear' isn't an issue.

If you plan to shoot 'street,' take the 35mm. I wouldn't try to 'reinvent the wheel' by trying to shoot street with medium format. It doesn't suit the work, and most of the 'look' of street has something to do with the grain, no? As for what may be too heavy, as i noted above, you'll likely be best to take only one camera out with you when shooting, and maybe one other lens, so weight shouldn't be an issue. I recall once shooting in Panama city, and i brought an M7 and a Hasselblad 203FE. It was a PIA, shuffling between both formats, and even the driver i had with me ended up occasionally holding a camera or a bag or something. I won't do that again....

And, re: weight —*wear comfortable shoes (not white sneakers, though — don't look like a TAT / Typical American Tourist), and carrying around one body all day, regardless of what it is, shouldn't be a problem for an adult. We 'rangefinder folk' always complain about big/heavy cameras, but when i was living in midtown Manhattan, i always saw teenage tourist girls carrying around dSLRs all day. If they can manage, you can.

 

[ishpop]

Thanks everyone for all of the amazing feedback. To add some context, this is purely for fun, but wouldn't mind getting a gallery for my personal portfolio out of it.

I found it interesting that several people commented on the idea of shooting both 35mm and 120 as being a hassle. I do this frequently personally, most often swapping between 6x6 and 35mm. I guess I like the versatility of framing.

The more I've thought about it I think I may bring the Yashica T4 for street shooting, it seems to nail medium focal lengths without much error, has a nice general sharpness and will help "tell the story" of what I'm experiencing on a daily basis.

For more creative documenting, careful composition, somewhat shallow DOF portraits, I may bring a TLR.

I've decided not to bring the Minolta CLE only because I discovered my shutter curtain has a hole in it, seemingly from leaving the lens cap off in bright sun, magnifying glass effect. I checked with a local camera tech and they dont have parts, so I'd have to send it away and get it back in 2 weeks time...

Part of me wants still wants to bring a true rangefinder for more careful control, and I've considered the upgrade to a metered M6 or M7, but then there is the time needed to get acquainted... I've used the M9 and M9M for about 1 month each as a part of my job, so the M's are not that foreign to me I guess. But yeah, I'd want to have a metered cam. I don't see any for sale right now in the classifieds, but I'd be open to making the upgrade now rather than later as I'm not likely to find a CLE in short timeframe to use my Rokkor-m on. I do enjoy the 40mm focal length.

Thanks again all for the ideas and feedback!

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I have visited two of the three cities you'll hit, Bogotá and Cartagena.

Bogotá was very safe when I went, back in 2006. I stayed at the Candelaria area, in downtown, where people can walk until late at night and there's no violence to worry about... at least, not when I was there. The area I tell you about has cobblestone streets, old houses and buildings, and a nice, picturesque air. Once out of Candelaria, it's not as interesting. People can be a bit sensitive so don't photograph if they shake their head or raise their hand. Why offend your hosts? BTW, I traveled with my M6TTL bodies there, with 35 and 28mm lenses.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT EVEN TRY TO PHOTOGRAPH THE NATIONAL PALACE, NOT EVEN AS A JOKE. The military guards will confiscate your film. Also, don't challenge any place that has a No Photography policy; they are nice but firm... and that's all I'll tell you. If you go to a church or any monument or museum, ask first, never assume.

I'd save my film for Cartagena: it's a gorgeous town with lots of personality and very lively at any time. If you have fast wide-angle lenses, you'll enjoy them there. I took my M5 and a Nokton 35mm f1.4 and had heaps of fun.

Be ready for the cool weather in Bogotá, contrasting with the heat and humidity of Cartagena. I don't have the slightest idea about Medellín, but I am assuming it's a bit like Bogotá: relatively predictable Spanish American big city. Look out for open markets if you happen to be there during a weekend! 🙂

Again, wide-angle glass is the secret for success. About film, the light is very intense, so take some 0.3 or 0.6 ND filters and ISO 400 film and you'll do fine.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

I have visited two of the three cities you'll hit, Bogotá and Cartagena.

Bogotá was very safe when I went, back in 2006. I stayed at the Candelaria area, in downtown, where people can walk until late at night and there's no violence to worry about... at least, not when I was there....

This is a very important distinction to make. There are 'safe' areas in any city. The hazard comes when venturing outside of the typical 'touristy' areas, if you don't want necessarily "picturesque" photo opportunities. I liken this to San Jose, Costa Rica, where there are many areas that would not be a concern while photographing. But, on one visit, i went to an older, more industrial area, to shoot 'street portraits.' I was there for only a few minutes before noticing a big black Mercedes, parked, with two occupants who were just watching me. After a short while, a small crowd began to form, and the driver got out and called me over. I was actually hesitant to speak to him, but eventually did. Turns out he was looking out for my safety, and cautioned me that, in that area, "someone could kill you for less than what that camera is worth."

Might have been a bit of exaggeration, but things did get a bit intense, and the advice was both appreciated and heeded. Point is, unless you really are familiar with your environment, be cautious. Same goes for me in Rio, which i know much better. I know where i can have my camera out, and where i probably shouldn't.

Much, also, depends on YOU, and your appearance. Predators know who is an easy mark. If you look old/slow/weak, you're a better target than someone large and athletic-looking....

Oh, and i didn't mean to advise against shooting two formats at the same time. I've done that a few times. I just meant to suggest that it can be clumsy, and while you might find an advantage with a larger format on occasion, the juggling might keep you from better pictures.

 

[JohnBeeching]

Hi Ishpop,

I travel extensively all over the world, including to Colombia, which I have been visiting for over 15 years, including spending a year in Cali in 2001. My experience is to keep it simple and keep it light. So, my kit is an M6 with 35mm lens in a bum bag (I think in the US they are called fanny bags). This is fairly nondescript and is attached to me; the camera is not obvious except when I have it out to take pictures. Never had a problem.

 

[mastaliu]

Hey, I want to add again that Bogota is safe in the areas you are most likely to visit. I lived in Colombia for 7 years and walked around Bogota with a camera in plain view almost all the time. I can list the areas for you that are not safe, but you aren't likely to end up in those places.

Regarding cameras, I love 120 and my Bronica rf645 is for me the ultimate street camera, small, a bit weird, but great quality.

Oh, and don't forget, no pictures on the TransMilenio!!!

 

[thegman]

I think your plan of Minolta CLE, Fuji 6x9, and Yashica T4 seems good to. If you shoot medium format normally, why leave it at home? A compact is always a good idea for when you're out, but don't want to be bogged down.

 

[Paul Jenkin]

I've never been to Colombia but its reputation as outlined in earlier posts tells me that I would only want to take one format - 35mm - if I was an independent traveller there. A couple of film options (100 and 400 ISO film, a wide lens (28mm or 35mm and a standard / short-tele (50mm or 85mm) will probably get the job done and attract a lot less attention than Hassy, Canon 5D and Leica.

It's all about the journey and the photographic end result. Worrying about getting mugged for your expensive kit will act as a deterrent from shooting freely and, as a result, you'll probably end up with fewer and less relevant shots than you'd wanted.

If you were operating out of a car in a completely safe environment, taking 2/3 cameras and varying formats would be a doddle. I've travelled a fair bit and in parts of Arfica (okay, not South America) I've kept it deliberately low-key and felt safer and lmore inclined to take photos as a result.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

My only advise is that if you're really torn about this, then take the Canon 5D; if you don't know what the light is going to be like, exactly what your main photography is going to be like, then you can just dispose of the shots you didn't agree with.

Otherwise, if you have a clear idea but still are not sure about how safe you'll be, take the smallest film camera you are the most comfortable with. I would also assume that during an emergency, 35mm film would be easier to find than 120 format; for example, at an airport.

 

[ishpop]

Ended up taking the Rolleiflex 3.5f, Minolta CLE, & Xpro1. Still scanning all of the film, but here's a few snaps:


Rolleiflex, Cartagena

Rolleiflex, Salento

Xpro1, Medellin

Xpro1, Bogota

Xpro1, Salento

Minolta CLE, Salento