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 30 some-odd acre 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

 

[Andy K]

Anything that will still operate without batteries.

 

[xpandebt@9%]

Anything that will still operate without batteries.

Yeah, I had that thought, too. That leaves out both of my current camera options (XPan and Canon). They both take different batteries, too. However, the Canon lasts "forever" with new batteries- I think I've changed them once or twice in the 12+ years of owning it. Granted it doesn't get used a ton, but it goes hundreds, if not thousands of frames before needing replacement. I think I could get through 4 months of regular use on this camera without worrying about batteries.

The XPan is different. I did a few night shots with full-bulb, which drains the the batteries, and have already replaced one set in the first two months of owning it. The batteries (2x CR2) are small and don't weigh much, so I could see including a set or two more for backup without too much damage. The weight of the lenses is a different case, though.

Was there another reason to consider a battery-less camera? Do you suppose I would be in jeopardy due to the humidity and salt vapor with the XPan?

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[pvdhaar]

Anything that will still operate without batteries.

Sounds like wise advice, but you can still get burned severely. Battery independance notwithstanding, my Bessa-T became toast after a measly 20 rolls of film. The repair job is already two months underway, and I wouldn't even be surprised if it took longer than a 4month stay on Tern island.

 

[xpandebt@9%]

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

Clarence, I laughed my ass off when I read this... but, of course, you are right.

I checked the Nikonos website, but they only offer an underwater camera case for coolpix models of digital cameras (too expensive to buy separately). For underwater, I would be satisfied with my point and shoot, or a digital point and shoot. I don't think I am ready for dealing with trying to keep water out of my snorkel AND thinking about how to "make" a shot at the same time. Plus, I'm already afraid of the inevitable presence of sharks! I don't want to drown from the brain-freeze of too much thinking while underwater! The Nikonos V looks like a well-built camera, though. And the lenses are crazy-small, as mentioned.

Looks like I have veered towards a digital underwater point and shoot instead of my film Canon, for many good reasons. But this does get me in the quandry about the battery use again. I can reason that the added weight of batteries offsets lots of rolls of film, if weight is the only concern.

Who knows a good model with enough pixels and cheap? I have heard that 6 megapixels approximates film quality (though not sure which film was in reference).

For those involved in the poll, the Canon SS A1 is interchangeable with an underwater/waterproof digital p&s camera model.

 

[rover]

Well, 40 lbs isn't enough to stow away a beautiful women, so there goes my first choice.

Wow, film can be heavy, DSLRs (well not necessarily) are expensive, I like the no battery idea, but you will have power since you are taking your laptop.

Right now I my gut is saying a good prosumer digital with very good rechargeable batteries and a light tripod.

 

[Socke]

The XPan with it's three lenses should be fine. I don't know the underwater camera. As far as I know it is something like a fun camera for the beach and some snorkeling, i.e. some 5 feet depth.

I'd get any old SLR with a usable 28-200 Zoom. They are not breathtaking but you can get pretty good 5x7 prints from the Tamrons, Tokinas and Sigmas in this range and you have something nearly wide enough for wildlife.
And even a soft slide from a cheap superzoom is better than no shot at all!

 

[Parkes Owen]

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

perfect solution, digi p&s for everyday stuff, xpan + velvia for the real stuff.
If it`s a once in a lifetime experience, archiving slide film may be safer than jpegs on cheap cd`s, and it sure as hell looks better!

 

[Socke]

Ah! We got two off these

 

[Jabash]

FWIW, for the batteries, you could use rechargeable batteries and a solar powered recharger