Ideas for trip to India please

As Mukul mentioned, carry a blower. The weather in Delhi might be ideal at that time for photography. Ektar 100 and PlusX is brilliant for Indian conditions.

If you want more info when you are around, feel free to call/email me. I am down South, but know a few people in Delhi. There are a few B&W shooters still around. 🙂

PS: I think Mukul is off RFF.
 
15mm

15mm

I use a 15mm and a 50, so would be safe to stick with that. Although the 15mm is slow, shooting in the north indian sun would negate that. North india is all about colour and chaos, enjoy it and soak it all up!

I've been to cairo and found it worse off than old delhi. While everyone has to be careful, dont get fussed too much about it.

All the best for your trip.

-Rgds
Chirantan
 
1. People, especially families with kids and young sikhs constantely asked us to pose with them. They were always quite disappointed when they found out my yashica doesn't have a display to preview the picture that was just taken. 🙂 So after a while we started taking that kind of pictures with our digital compact.

A friend of mine took a polaroid so they could hand out pictures to the people they posed with and they loved it.

2. I don't know much about gear and focal lengths but take a camera that you can operate very fast and make sure your camera is never too far away but I wouldn't just hang it around your neck. India is a fast moving place: "did you see those 2 cyclists carrying a 5m ladder, YEAH, did you take a picture ? .... :bang:"

3. Don't forget to take pictures. For me , India was quite overwhelming so it took me about 4 days to realise I hadn't taken any pictures of things I though were impressive. I regret I didn't take pictures of things that were not so nice but that are unfortunately also typically indian like filthy streets and poverty.

4. Driving around in taxi's busses and autoriksja's you see a lot of amazing things that you want to shoot. Most of the shots I took from within moving vehicles turned out to be worthless.

enjoy your trip
 
zdav said:
4. Driving around in taxi's busses and autoriksja's you see a lot of amazing things that you want to shoot. Most of the shots I took from within moving vehicles turned out to be worthless.
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+1!

I was there on honeymoon, so not snapping like mad, but found a 28 and 21 on the M8 useful, with a little 50 nicely useful for portraits.
 
zdav said:
4. Driving around in taxi's busses and autoriksja's you see a lot of amazing things that you want to shoot. Most of the shots I took from within moving vehicles turned out to be worthless.
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Well, not all. Those vehicles have to stop quite often. Just be ready.

Cheers
 

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@goros: point taken 🙂 that's a good shot.

Cycle riksjas are probably your best option for shooting while being on the move: no windows, many stops and good point of view thanks to the height of the seats
 
zdav said:
2. I don't know much about gear and focal lengths but take a camera that you can operate very fast and make sure your camera is never too far away but I wouldn't just hang it around your neck. India is a fast moving place: "did you see those 2 cyclists carrying a 5m ladder, YEAH, did you take a picture ? .... :bang:"

3. Don't forget to take pictures. For me , India was quite overwhelming so it took me about 4 days to realise I hadn't taken any pictures of things I though were impressive. I regret I didn't take pictures of things that were not so nice but that are unfortunately also typically indian like filthy streets and poverty.

4. Driving around in taxi's busses and autoriksja's you see a lot of amazing things that you want to shoot. Most of the shots I took from within moving vehicles turned out to be worthless.
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2. Oh yes, Something as foolproof and lightning fast as an Olympus Mju-II is a BIG asset. I used one during a riksja ride in Old Delhi, I'm still wondering why no smoke erupted from it after that trip... I had ISO200 film in it at the time so the camera took a lot of flash shots. Coupled with slightly blurry photo's due to the movement it conveys the hectic atmosphere quite well.

3. +1

4. +1
 
Now a bit more seriously.

Old Delhi is a must. From there, obviously Agra, with the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. A short trip from Agra (30 km) will take you to Fathepur Sikhri where you could visit the mosque and the old palace.

In general, Indian people are quite friendly regarding being photographed. Just respect them when thay are in an uncomfortable position.

And about gear, for me it was 24, 50 and 85, with as many bodies as you want.

Cheers
 

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I just made a longish post, and forgot to hit the post button before the back button!!!

OK - the gist is thanks for the input, most appreciated.

I had a wackythought or two - what about a Lomo for B&W (possibly too much distortion for every shot)? Or, a (gulp) digital P&S, which would answer the reaction shot need (would have to be a good one though - LX-3 or LX-5, which would mean having to sell something to raise funds).

Ektar is on order and I'm busy rolling Acros 100 and Neopan 400 just in case I take a B&W body.

More as I think of it...

I will contact naruto off the board, thanks for the offer
 
One thing i have found frustrating in India is people like to pose for you!

Generally India is great for photography the people usually are more than happy to have their photographs taken. However they do like to pose for them, or should I say over pose. This makes candids a bit more difficult.

My wife is Indian and we had a wedding ceremony in Mumbai. I explicitly told her I didnt want an indian photographer as my previous experience at an indian wedding was bright video lights, stiff postures etc.
 
I have a dilemma - my wife has bought me a LX-3 to take to India "so i don't have to lug a heavy Leica around" - what on earth do I do now?????
 
Well, I have a very short bussiness trip to New Delhi next week. A couple of days and back. Nevertheless, I'll bring my RZ67 with the 110/2,8 and, probably the 55/4,5.

Cheers
 
The Taj and such

The Taj and such

When I was last at the Taj I found security to be extreme. No bags or fanny packs of any kind, no spare batteries for digital cameras, and of course no tripods. Be prepared to travel really light there.
The note about the camera wallahs at the Taj is a good one - they are indeed helpful and fun.
There is a boatman at the river below the Taj who will ferry you across at sunset where you can get some wonderful photos.

If you would like a relaxing couple of days away from the crowds head to Orchha where some wonderful photo opportunities await. It is about 30 minutes by tuktuk from the Jhansi railway station and has nice accommodations.

My choice of lenses might not match your style but I found 21mm, 50mm, and 85mm lenses to be useful.
 
Thanks for that info - I would surely try to take a daysack. Do they limit you to one camera?

I'm up for crossing the river at sunset - we intend to do both ends of the day!

Not sure we will have the time for Orchha, but will make a note in case we get a spare afternoon.

I'm leaning towards 15, 35, 50, but I have to smuggle the Leica past my wife now that I have a digital 😱
 
India is by far one of the best locations for photography. Lucky you. North India is very different from Goa. With your itinerary I would recommend spending most time in Varanasi, less in Delhi. Stay in old town of Varanasi. It's likely to be the filthiest place you've ever been, but it's well worth it. Absolutely incredible for photos. A visit to the miniscule Government Bhang Shop is interesting if you're into intoxicating sacraments. But beware: The $0.50 'Opium Bhang Ball' really gives you bang for the buck. But at least in Varanasi it's legal.
The temple called Baba Kinaram Ashram is worth a visit. Pure Indiana Jones type stuff.

Travel rule number one for that country is to pack light and avoid stuff that needs to be charged regularly. Everything you bring will get very dusty many times over if you're not careful. I usually bring my M6 with 35 and 50mm lenses. A wide angle would be nice too, as you're likely to see some beautiful scenery and get crammed into tight places. People let you get close for photos, so don't be shy. And perhaps bring a good P&S like a Ricoh R1 or Olympus Mju for flash and snapshots.

When in India, I buy some amazing 100 ISO Kodak films called Ultima Pro. They cost like $1 and are almost as good as slide film, but I have only been able to find them in obscure places like India and Ukraine(!). Check out the camera market at Meena Bazaar behind the red mosque. I think the nearest metro station is at Chawari (spelling varies) Bazaar. Bring your own B&W, slide and hi-speed film and make sure your stock is full before you leave the big cities. The local B&W film called Nova 125 isn't too bad and very cheap, but quality stuff like Ilford is superior.

Dress conservatively, don't eat with your left hand, talk to people and stay clear of street dogs, especially at night.
Enjoy.
 
RFH - many thanks, that's reaaly interesting info. I have been in some pretty filthy places though - even slept with goats in Morocco 😉 The Ashram sounds just the sort of thing I'm looking for. I have used that Kodak Ultima too, I think I bought some in Goa years ago.

I'm seriously considering a classic/retro combo of model 1 with Summar and Summaron using Plus-X. The only other question is CV 15 or 25 as the wide? I was going to take my MP with modern Leica glass for colour, but now I have the LX-3, and my wife really doesn't want to see me with a film camera at all..........
 
Just to clear up: Baba Kinaram is in Varanasi, and the Camera Bazaar is in Delhi. And bring the 25 for crowded street snaps. You'll regret it if you only bring a digital P&S. Combine it with your RF, the 25 and the 50 if you only want to take two lenses. Just my two cents.
 
RFH said:
Just to clear up: Baba Kinaram is in Varanasi, and the Camera Bazaar is in Delhi. And bring the 25 for crowded street snaps. You'll regret it if you only bring a digital P&S. Combine it with your RF, the 25 and the 50 if you only want to take two lenses. Just my two cents.
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Thanks again - I somehow think a film Leica will manage to sneak into my bag 😉
 
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