Help!!! Trapped On An Island For 4 Months- What Camera!?!

[xpandebt@9%]

I am going to be on Tern Island (http://www.hawaiianatolls.org/video/nowramp020911.php - click on the picture for a quicktime video) for FOUR MONTHS! I am going as a volunteer for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the managment agency for the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Tern Island, on the French Frigate Shoals, is a 57 acres island artificially built as a plane refueling station about 400 miles northwest of the main islands for WWII.

I leave mid-May!

To the questions:

😕 If you were stuck on a TINY island in the middle of the Pacific for 4 months (possibly longer), what camera(s) would you bring, and why? Digital or film? Bring a tripod? Filters? Tell me of what I have not thought!

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Weight is a consideration. I am only allowed to bring 40 pounds of stuff (that's it!)- which may include my laptop (~5lbs), various clothes, and who knows what else I can fit. Food and toiletries are already at the island. Would you even bother with a tripod?

Expense is a consideration. I did mention they're NOT paying me- no income! I don't have much money, but I don't want to sacrifice noticeable quality in the images I shoot.

I would like to take my new (used) Hasselblad XPan II and one, two, or all three lenses (haven't confronted that horrible decision yet, but I have all three), and my underwater point and shoot Cannon Sure Shot A1 camera, which has macro capability. Both of which are film, obviously. I believe they have refrigeration for the food, so it's theoretically possible to preserve my film there before and after exposure.

Would you ditch these for something else, and if so, what and why? Would you go for a dSLR, stick with the rangefinder genre... HELP! PLEASE!

Photography subjects that I can pre-congnize are seabirds (thousands), turtles, monk seals, underwater coral reefs, sunsets, people (summer population: 12), and whatever else I find on the island.

High humidity, heat, wind, rain, ever-present and random bird poop from the sky, and exposure to corrosive salt and gadget-jamming sand are all considerations as well. How do you propose preserving the equipment? Is it even necessary for a four month stint?

I am a beginner photographer, and have posted a few pictures that I have been able to scan-in and post to this website's galleries. I have been teaching myself photography from books and gallery critiques from this and other websites for a few months now. I don't know if you need to know that for this challenging question, but there it is anyway.

The gravity of the consequences of being limited to 40 lbs of stuff is settling in like a scorpion sting. HELP!!!

 

[ChrisN]

I assume the main purpose of the trip is work and not photography? One camera - a Nikonos V.

Edited to add my reasoning. I would like to take a good rangefinder kit for B&W, a DSLR and several lenses for colour, and something waterproof as well. With all of that I would be jumping from one kit to the other, confused and always sure I wanted the other outfit on any particular day. I'm sure I'd get better photographs if I limited myself to one camera, and concentrated on learning to use it to get the best photos that camera can possibly produce.

 

[clarence]

I must say that if this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you, you might want to bring your favourite camera setup. If this is the X-pan, so be it. The great thing is that you're on an island, so you won't be doing too much travelling, and there won't be too many chances to worry about losing or damaging your equipment. You can easily keep at your camp / accomodation whatever lenses you don't feel like using, whenever you want to carry a lighter kit.

If you're into landscapes, go for the tripod. If not, forget it.

Also, I would learn how to strip and repair my camera before I leave, and to bring whatever spare parts I might need, but this might be a little too extreme for some people.

Digital will be much lighter, unfortunately, because you won't have to carry 4 months of film (>30 rolls, for me). Sometimes debates are resolved here.

Have fun!

Clarence

 

[xpandebt@9%]

I assume the main purpose of the trip is work and not photography? One camera - a Nikonos V.

Thanks for the quick response! Yes, the main purpose, for me, is to gain valuable experience with their work projects. However, the work is limited to 6 shifts of 8 hours during the week. This allows me for ample time to explore the island with my probing eye. I plan to gain valuable experience with my newfound hobby as well.

One thing about suggesting cameras- IT'S A NEW LANGUAGE TO ME, so please have pity on me and explain why you choose a particular make/model that I do not currently own, and how expensive you think it is. This will cut down my research incredibly!

Thanks again!!!

 

[sf]

Something waterproof. Nikonos is a good idea, ChrisN.

Of course, something 100% mechanical would be a good idea.

 

[clarence]

Here's another idea that just popped in my head:

How about bringing 2 cameras: 1 for 'serious' photography, and one for snapshots to document your time there?

The snapshot camera could either be a simple half-frame camera or a digital point-and-shoot or any other similarly sized camera. You can carry this everywhere, even when you're working, and use it for when you want to just take pictures of vaguely interesting things. For the times when you will be able to focus completely on photography, you can take out the Xpan instead. You can save a lot of film this way, and you will find that your exposures on the Xpan will be of a much more consistent quality.

That's how I divide my film and equipment use. I hope this helps!

Clarence

 

[Jocko]

Xpan, the best advice has already been given: take your favourite camera/s.

But in the abstract this situation points to one of the advantages of the RF camera. A Bessa R with 3 or 4 lenses would weigh very little, take up next to no space and produce absolutely excellent results. And - if the camera was damaged - it would not exactly be a financial disaster!

As for beig trapped on an island... some of us have been for years! 😀

Cheers, Ian

 

[trev2401]

Nikon FM2 and tons of rolls of film...

 

[xpandebt@9%]

Here's another idea that just popped in my head:

How about bringing 2 cameras: 1 for 'serious' photography, and one for snapshots to document your time there?

The snapshot camera could either be a simple half-frame camera or a digital point-and-shoot or any other similarly sized camera. You can carry this everywhere, even when you're working, and use it for when you want to just take pictures of vaguely interesting things. For the times when you will be able to focus completely on photography, you can take out the Xpan instead. You can save a lot of film this way, and you will find that your exposures on the Xpan will be of a much more consistent quality.

That's how I divide my film and equipment use. I hope this helps!

Clarence

Clarence,

That is a very good point. Even if I don't bring my laptop, I could still download my shots to computers they have, upload them to an email address or some other system (they have a dedicated NOAA satellite dish that provides internet). If I got a point and shoot, which one would you recommend for size, durability, and megapixels (keeping in mind I'm talking a few hundred dollars at most)?

This does, however, present me with a further problem if I want to be able to take underwater shots. I count three cameras with this system. Anybody know of a point and shoot underwater digital camera that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (I'll need the arm and leg for the work and the pointing and clicking). I am all for multifunctionality, which is one good reason for taking the XPan, since it has standard AND panoramic from which to choose.

 

[zuikologist]

Perhaps a rangefinder outfit for land and a waterproof digital for underwater (Pentax make one I think), which you could also use as a snapshot camera and a back up in case of accidents. Lots memory cards, film and batteries or a charger.

 

[clarence]

Clarence,

That is a very good point. Even if I don't bring my laptop, I could still download my shots to computers they have, upload them to an email address or some other system (they have a dedicated NOAA satellite dish that provides internet). If I got a point and shoot, which one would you recommend for size, durability, and megapixels (keeping in mind I'm talking a few hundred dollars at most)?

This does, however, present me with a further problem if I want to be able to take underwater shots. I count three cameras with this system. Anybody know of a point and shoot underwater digital camera that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (I'll need the arm and leg for the work and the pointing and clicking). I am all for multifunctionality, which is one good reason for taking the XPan, since it has standard AND panoramic from which to choose.

I'm sorry but I'm quite ignorant about digital cameras. I'm sure there are other RFF members who will have much to offer you in terms of advice, though.

As for your underwater needs, if you do intend to take plenty of underwater photos, then I would concur with the suggestion to bring a Nikonos. There's another thread in this sub-forum that might be useful:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22420

Another option is to purchase an underwater case or bag for your digital camera. The last time I checked, they were in the range of about 50USD and above for digital point-and-shoots. These bags fit over your camera and allow you to use them underwater.

If you do have internet access, then you should seriously consider at least bringing one digital camera. If your Xpan breaks, you can take photos of it and send them to the forum to ask for help!

Clarence

 

[ChrisN]

What sort of depth are you talking about, when you say underwater? There's waterproof then there's waterproof! For diving you need a dedicated diving camera, either a Nikonos (or similar) or something in a dedicated waterproof diving housing. If you are just splashing about in the shallows, even something like Sony's DCS-U60 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Sony/sony_dscu60.asp is a lot of fun. Two megapixel, waterproof to 5 feet deep. Takes good pics too.

The first attachment is a pic of the little Sony with the M4, the second is s shot of the M4 taken with the little Sony.

 

[jaapv]

Well there seem to be more pleasant jobs than mine on the world... I'd say travel light and take a Leica Digilux2, they go for about 700$ used now, (or Panasonic equivalent) and the rather nice dedicated underwaterhousing. btw when switching from regular to panoramic on any digital camera you merely cut off pixels at the bottom and top, thereby losing resolution. That you can do in postprocessing as well or better, making this "feature" a rather pointless ignorant-customer scam. The same goes for "digital zoom", another totally worthless sales-promoting " extra" dreamt up by marketing scammers.

 

[sf]

You know, if you're going to be literally stuck on a 30 acre island for 4 months, it seems you'll have more serious problems than film and batteries and lenses and cameras. . . you'll have to face down the threat of losing your mind. 30 acres is a small island for 4 months of solitude. A camera only offers so much companionship.

Maybe you should take a few dismantled cameras and spend your free time taking them apart and putting them back together again.

 

[Socke]

Hm, my post and vote went missing.

Ok, again.

A lightweight SLR with 28-200 superzoom together with the XPan and all lenses. The SLR should give you some reach for wildlife and closeups and a somewhat soft picture is better than none at all. The Tamrons, Tokinas and Sigmas in this range can produce reasonable 5x7 and even a 8x10 is possible stopped down to f8 or f11 with ISO400 film.

I don't think the canon will be of much use, if you stay for four month you'll probably have the chance to learn to dive and go deeper than 5 feet.

Edit:

Coming to think about it:

Very old Canon EF 75-300 at 280, ISO400, f5.6 1/500th in bright afternoon sun.

 

[JohnL]

This is a tough one. I don't have the answers, but I do have a few questions, to which *your* answers might be enlightening ...
1 What sort of pictures are you *most* interested in bringing back from this trip? In other words, if you had to sacrifice certain capabilities, which would be the last to go? Landscapes, macro, people?
2 How many images would you expect to make in four months? You have about 16 weeks, so that's potentially 16 full days (more or less) plus spare time for another 100 days (roughly). Would 1/2 roll x 100 plus 3 rolls x 16 (total = about 100 rolls) seem about right? Too much? Not enough?
I think you will find a tripod useful both for landscapes (early and late in the day) and for macro work (all times of day). If I were faced with this question, I think I'd take a DSLR with a mid-range zoom and a macro lens, at least for starters. I think I'd also take a flash. If I still had space, I'd take something longer for the birds. Having said all this, you'll probably get some great pictures whatever you take.

 

[xpandebt@9%]

You guys are funny. All great suggestions.

I don't think I can afford a $700 camera right now.

I like the idea of using a zoom, even if it's soft, but I get the feeling from online reports that the wildlife on this island are fairly approachable. I eventually will fork out the dough for a nice zoom lens to get quality images, but not just yet, because of expense.

I will not be doing any scuba diving while there, so just "splashing" with snorkels, and apparently no more than 5 feet deep. The Pentax suggestion is a good one, I found a waterproof 6 megapixel p&s for under $300 ($270 w/rebate). The W10 model: http://www.pentaximaging.com/produc...a--Optio_W10/reqID--7399568/subsection--optio seems to be a decent model. Anybody have experience with this one? Any others in this category?

Thread administration: I'm new at this website, so is it better to "sticky" a thread to another category, or "copy" it? I copied this thread to other relevant categories (p&s, poll, and xpan). I intended to have them all update when anybody added something from any category. How bad did I screw up???? Does sticky do that? There's no explanation at the time of selection, so I picked one. I need all kinds of help...

Edit: Yeah, I posted it four times, but the above explains why. I think I screwed up the decision to copy instead of sticky. Can one of the administrators combine all four so that they all update as one in four places? Or can I? Sorry for the inconvenience/annoyance. Call me a newbie. :bang:

 

[Andy K]

Is there something wrong with my connection to RFF or has this same thread been posted four times?

 

[cbass]

Xpandebt -

If I were you I would bring the gear that you're most comfortable using. In your case, the Xpan and the Canon A1. Of course, you'll need to bring film with you as well. I'd take the 45mm lens and leave all the others at home - changing lenses all the time is a PITA.

If you do decide to go digital I would skip the DSLR and instead bring a Panasonic FZ7 ($329 US). The FZ7's strength is its versatility: a terrific zoom range (good for wildlife), image stabilization and excellent photo quality. And no worries about dust on the sensor. If you want a waterproof digital P&S, Pentax makes two - the WP and WPi - for under $300 US if you shop around. They are waterproof up to about 1.5 meters and are reportedly quite good picture-takers.

Above all, enjoy your trip. Don't spend any time obsessing over your photo gear or wondering what shots you might be missing. Just have fun!

Travel safely!

 

[dostacos]

Thanks for the quick response! Yes, the main purpose, for me, is to gain valuable experience with their work projects. However, the work is limited to 6 shifts of 8 hours during the week. This allows me for ample time to explore the island with my probing eye. I plan to gain valuable experience with my newfound hobby as well.

One thing about suggesting cameras- IT'S A NEW LANGUAGE TO ME, so please have pity on me and explain why you choose a particular make/model that I do not currently own, and how expensive you think it is. This will cut down my research incredibly!

Thanks again!!!

my bessa's with 25,35,50mm lenses and my caonoet with a waterproof housing EDIT: ah...my cameras if I go not my cameras if YOU go 😀

get a good carryon bag, I don't think that will count against your 40 pounds. a pelican 1510 will hold your gear and have room for some underwear and socks [always have in the carry on in case they lose your baggage] end edit