Istanbul - which system?

[nksyoon]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to be visiting Istanbul for 8 days over Christmas-New Year and need feedback: which camera system do I bring?

I've convinced myself not to bring the DSLR but still have to choose between

• 35mm RF: M6, R2 + 21/4, 35/2, 50/2, 90/2.8
• 35mm pano: Xpan + 45, 90 and Nikkor 28PC
• 6x6 RF: Mamiya 6 + 50, 75, 150

At the moment my thinking is to use the Mamiya 6 loaded with NPH400 as my main camera, with the M6 and R2 for lowlight and backup. However, this weighs more than what I'd want to carry all day.

Another option might be Xpan with M6 and R2 for lowlight and backup. This won't weigh less than the Mamiya option.

Third option is to go with the M6 and R2 only, one with ISO100 film and the other with ISO800 or 1600 film for interiors.

Of course I could go with option one and leave the Mamiya in the hotel safe if it's too heavy for a full day of walking.

Subjects: people in the street, markets, bazaars, architectural details, found still lifes, cityscapes.


Thanks in advance,
Nick

 

[bmattock]

R2 and a 50mm. I always bring too much stuff!!!

 

[sooner]

Nick,

I passed through Istanbul for a couple of days last year, and you will love it. Problem is the streets and markets will be narrow, but the palace and museum interiors require super wide shots at low light. My advice is to leave the Mamiya at home, but only because of size/weight and not to look like a tourist, as much. Also, don't criticize Ataturk--not only is it against the law, but people seem genuinely to revere the man's legacy. --John

 

[dreilly]

Istanbul is one of those places that makes you feel like a better photographer...it's really stunning in my opinion.

Tough choices. When you've travelled before, do you usually carry a ton of camera stuff?

The XPAN could be really interesting there, I can imagine lots of places where that format would really be nice. The 6x6 too, I carried a TLR there and it was wonderful.

I always go for simplicity--and I like limitations to push me. Anyway, enjoy Istanbul, it's really an incredible place.

 

[wlewisiii]

I almost agree with Bill - R2, 21 & 50 lenses. You'll probably want wider than 35 indoors and 50 remains the best all around lens when your on walkabout outdoors. Use the extra space and wieght for more fim rather than more camera gear.

William

 

[raid]

Travel as light as you can. I suggest to take only one "real" camera and a back-up point-and-shoot camera that is feather-light. If you plan to take many photos, stick with 35mm; else take your wonderful 6x6 equipment with you.

 

[Nick R.]

Raid, didn't you go through a similar which-gear-to-lug-around process recently on a trip to Japan? I know you were considering two MF systems and a 35mm. What worked and what didn't, if I may ask?

 

[raid]

Raid, didn't you go through a similar which-gear-to-lug-around process recently on a trip to Japan? I know you were considering two MF systems and a 35mm. What worked and what didn't, if I may ask?

Nick: yes, you are right about it. I took along a Canon P with LTM lenses plus a Rolleiflex TLR plus my wife took along an Olympus Stylus Zoom. I used the TLR only for 4 rolls of 120 since it is too bulky in crowded areas as a second camera when you already have a 35mm system with you. The P&S came in very handy for quick photos when you have no room or time for other cameras.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

M6 and 35mm lens.

 

[sockeyed]

Istanbul is a wonderful city and you should have a terrific time. I would think that wides are pretty much a must there given the tight scale of the streets and the architecture.

I just had great success shooting in Colombo, Sri Lanka - a city with a similar feel - with my R3A and 25mm. I would have loved to have used that combo in Istanbul. Your 21mm and 35mm would be great there.

Happy travels!

 

[ruben]

I have been 8 days at Istambul a year ago. The basic situation you'll be in, is one of those in which there is too plenty to take pics about.
My set-up then was 2 Kiev RFs and all their lenses + Horizon panoramic + digital light meter + my wyfe. The Kievs were a disaster in terms of slow speed of camera manipulation, and led me to 3 consecutive days of crisis with my wife.
The panoramic was a very very smart decision as there are a lot of scenics there.
If back at Istambul, I would take the Horizon again + two or three auto-exposure Olympus OM SLR bodies + 2 zooms + mirror 500. And a good flash for the customary belly dancing.
You need several bodies for different film speeds, as lighting situations will vary from low light interiors (bazaar, mosques, lively streets by night = neopan 1600) to bright sunny outdoors (fujicolor 100/200). In the middle there are lots of interesting street situations half sun lighted, half shadowed for which I'll need Tri-x.
And lots of film.
Cheers,
Ruben

 

[bmattock]

M6 and 35mm lens.

I would agree, but I thought the Voigtlander only to prevent theft. Leicas are an attractive target. And I prefer the 50 over the 35, but to each their own, eh?

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[ray_g]

Of the equipment you listed, I would take the M6 and R2a. Makes sense to have one for backup and to have two bodies, one with slow and one with fast film. Lenses: 21, 35 (or 50) and throw in the 90. If you miss the really long shots, so what? Have some fun.

I'd bring a small table top tripod, and if you use it, a small flash.

Any more than this, and it would make sense to just bring the DSLR.

 

[vincentbenoit]

Hey Nick,
I'd have a hard time myself choosing between these three systems, so I won't even attempt to make a suggestion. Well, I know I'd be tempted to favour the short focal lengths... As for film, I'd definitely take a few rolls of Tri-X.
Whatever gear you end up taking along, make sure you enjoy the trip!
Cheers
Vincent

 

[Nick R.]

I should mention that along with everything else I'd bring a Hexar AF if you could get one. That would take care of having a P&S and a 35mm lens. You can also change film mid-roll. That and another body with a 21/4 and a 90 in the pocket should just about do it.
Myself, I find it hard to mix 35mm film shooting with MF at the same time, so I wouldn't take the Mamiya.

 

[peter_n]

I love that city! Take the 35mm RF kit with that great range from 21 to 90 and you can carry all that stuff all day no problem. 🙂

Even more important enjoy yourself! Not difficult in a stunning city populated by wonderful and friendly people.

 

[ray_g]

And just a little tip: in the small plaza in between the Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, keep an eye out for these guys that walk around with large stainless steel jugs on their backs, selling "cherry juice." Don't bother buying the stuff (it's probably just colored sugar water; it sure did not taste like cherry), but they make a great photo op when they bend over to pour the stuff into a glass from a spout running over the shoulder.

 

[dreilly]

My Istanbul tip would be: get out of the historical core of the city.

If you head up the neighborhoods along the Golden Horn (Fener being one of my favorites) you find residential and local business districts that are almost entirely untouristed. You can even get there by the local small ferries that ply the horn.

Whereas around the Hagia Sophia you're fish food for touts, in Fener we were treated like welcome and honored guests. Even the local alderman came to talk to us (well, it turned out we were sitting in his party's tea house/headquarters.) Anyway, that's my tip. No huge sights to see there, but lots of ops for street photography and very, very nice people. I can't say enough good things about the Turkish people (except those few agressive touts aforementioned).

And go to a barbershop for a haircut, of if your'e brave, a shave. You won't forget it!

 

[ray_g]

Or if you're really brave, a Turkish bath. With only your M6 as a "fig leaf." That should give new meaning to "shooting from the hip." 😉

 

[nksyoon]

Thanks for all the tips! I haven't made my final decision yet, but willl probably concentrate on the M6 and R2.

I still feel like bringing the Mamiya 6 though, maybe I'll designate 2 days as 6x6 days.

Regarding areas in Istanbul, I've also read that the area around the Fatih mosque is good for people photography and less touristy.

Does anyone know of any good film labs if I want to get film developed there? I believe there's an area near the ferry terminal which is full of photo stores.