Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
...and visit Petra for a whole day, go through Wadi Rum (six days), and Aqaba for a day. Sometime this Spring.
An opportunity to "tag along" a guided horseback tour (I won't be riding a horse) came along and I jumped on it.
I have the following dilemma: film and/or digital? Not much electricity in the desert, so film is obviously very attractive. The main constraint is how much I'm allowed to carry (15 Kg. max)
I have the following (and I'm shortening the list considerably):
- Digital: Canon 5D, Canon 50D (w/17-40L, 70-200L f/4 IS, various 50mm), Leica M8 (Leica 35mm f/2, 50mm f/2, 90mm f/2 for M mount; CV 15mm LTM, 50mm Summitar, Jupiter 8 and 3 for LTM), Lumix GF1 (14mm f/2.5, 20mm f/1.7, 14-42 kit zoom)
- Film: Leica M2 & M6, Bessa-R, Rolleiflex Automat IV, Zeiss Ikonta folder, Canon Elan II (w/battery grip), Contax RTS (w/only one 50mm 1.7 lens), Nikon FM2 (w/only one 50mm f/1.4 lens) and a Canonet QL17.
I also have a LowePro Orion backpack (see here); at the bottom I can carry a collapsible Giottos tripod.
It seems obvious to just buy lots of batteries (I already have 4) and memory cards for the Canon (either 5D or 50D). But then again, I'd like to bring one film camera, but that doesn't seem to be practical.
I hereby summon the tapping of RFF wisdom. Let the brainstorming begin...
An opportunity to "tag along" a guided horseback tour (I won't be riding a horse) came along and I jumped on it.
I have the following dilemma: film and/or digital? Not much electricity in the desert, so film is obviously very attractive. The main constraint is how much I'm allowed to carry (15 Kg. max)
I have the following (and I'm shortening the list considerably):
- Digital: Canon 5D, Canon 50D (w/17-40L, 70-200L f/4 IS, various 50mm), Leica M8 (Leica 35mm f/2, 50mm f/2, 90mm f/2 for M mount; CV 15mm LTM, 50mm Summitar, Jupiter 8 and 3 for LTM), Lumix GF1 (14mm f/2.5, 20mm f/1.7, 14-42 kit zoom)
- Film: Leica M2 & M6, Bessa-R, Rolleiflex Automat IV, Zeiss Ikonta folder, Canon Elan II (w/battery grip), Contax RTS (w/only one 50mm 1.7 lens), Nikon FM2 (w/only one 50mm f/1.4 lens) and a Canonet QL17.
I also have a LowePro Orion backpack (see here); at the bottom I can carry a collapsible Giottos tripod.
It seems obvious to just buy lots of batteries (I already have 4) and memory cards for the Canon (either 5D or 50D). But then again, I'd like to bring one film camera, but that doesn't seem to be practical.
I hereby summon the tapping of RFF wisdom. Let the brainstorming begin...
jonasv
has no mustache
Coming from someone who shoots 80% DSLR's: why take a DSLR?
Sounds like a fantastic trip, and I don't think you will be shooting much sports or macro, will you? If you don't take a Leica on this kind of trip, why have one (or three) at all?
And: leave the tripod at home. You can photograph startrails anywhere in the world.
I'd take the M8 and lenses, or a film Leica + the Lumix.
Sounds like a fantastic trip, and I don't think you will be shooting much sports or macro, will you? If you don't take a Leica on this kind of trip, why have one (or three) at all?
And: leave the tripod at home. You can photograph startrails anywhere in the world.
I'd take the M8 and lenses, or a film Leica + the Lumix.
raid
Dad Photographer
Take along excellent hiking shoes.
I suggest to bring with you a changing bag if you will use a film camera. Keep things light.
I disagree about leaving behind the tripod. A light/small tripod is needed for the dark caves in Petra.
If you spot "Salem" from the Petra Bedouins, tell him I said Hi. He may recall "the Iraqi". He is on my Avatar here.
Airport security will ask many questions at Amman Airport if you have three cameras or more. Prepare your answers.
Have a good trip.
I suggest to bring with you a changing bag if you will use a film camera. Keep things light.
I disagree about leaving behind the tripod. A light/small tripod is needed for the dark caves in Petra.
If you spot "Salem" from the Petra Bedouins, tell him I said Hi. He may recall "the Iraqi". He is on my Avatar here.
Airport security will ask many questions at Amman Airport if you have three cameras or more. Prepare your answers.
Have a good trip.
MT4
Member
Leica M2 or M6 + CV 15mm LTM + 35mm and/or 50mm. You don't really need anything ellse, imo.
kxl
Social Documentary
I'd bring one digital camera (DRF or P&S) and one film camera. I would also recommend a light tripod. No need for the DSLR.
When I was there 5 years ago, I primarily used my R-D1S and a film RF -- FL's that I used the most often were 15mm, 21mm and 35mm.
When I was there 5 years ago, I primarily used my R-D1S and a film RF -- FL's that I used the most often were 15mm, 21mm and 35mm.
oftheherd
Veteran
My only digital is a Sony 6MP P&S. I can't give advice on digital. As to your film cameras, it seems you have the greatest versatility in Leica and your large stable of lenses. I don't own Leica, so I can't tell you which one to take. I have always heard good things about the M6, but I don't know what the risk would be to it from theft or sand. I would thing one of your Leicas with maybe 4 or 5 lenses that fits what you think you will be photographing, and your way of seeing. If the Zeiss is MF, that might be good for things you expect you will want big enlargements of. I have a Contax 167mt kit and a Kiev kit, both of which have MF folders just for that.
And maybe the Canonet as a backup. It is good in low light as well.
But that's just me.
However you end up, enjoy and stay safe. I'm looking forward to photos of your trip when you return.
PS: No matter what I say, Raid probably has some of the best advice you will get on your trip, with it up to you what camera gear you bring.
And maybe the Canonet as a backup. It is good in low light as well.
But that's just me.
However you end up, enjoy and stay safe. I'm looking forward to photos of your trip when you return.
PS: No matter what I say, Raid probably has some of the best advice you will get on your trip, with it up to you what camera gear you bring.
raid
Dad Photographer
Will you be arriving by plane from Europe to Jordan?
Specifically, will you enter Israel?
Specifically, will you enter Israel?
Contarama
Well-known
Something simple, practical, and excellent that will not fail. Don't let the trip itself overwhelm you. 
hausen
Well-known
I would go as light as possible, speaking as someone who has always taken to much. Film would seem the best plan to me though, agree with Raid changing bag would be a great addition.
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
All very good valid points...and illustrates my dilemma!
I'm beginning to think that the M8 + Lumix GF1 solution is a good one, although those batteries are not cheap. A dSLR would be very convenient (specially for shots requiring a tripod), but bulky. The M8 would slow me down, which is a good thing.
Film, however, may be the best thing for those very contrasty scenes; yet, I already have a two-year backlog (and still some rolls from four years ago hanging around) due to logistical issues. This is why I'm very hesitant.
Well, I still have a few months to decide. But I also don't want to decide at "the last minute"; need to mull this over.
btw, Raid: I'll make it a point to try!
I'm beginning to think that the M8 + Lumix GF1 solution is a good one, although those batteries are not cheap. A dSLR would be very convenient (specially for shots requiring a tripod), but bulky. The M8 would slow me down, which is a good thing.
Film, however, may be the best thing for those very contrasty scenes; yet, I already have a two-year backlog (and still some rolls from four years ago hanging around) due to logistical issues. This is why I'm very hesitant.
Well, I still have a few months to decide. But I also don't want to decide at "the last minute"; need to mull this over.
btw, Raid: I'll make it a point to try!
pgk
Well-known
Its a fair few years since I visited Jordan (fabulous place) and when I did the first time I carried a Contax 645 with 35/80/210 lenses (!) which were perfectly satisfactory and covered everything I wanted. I also took a tripod which was essential to photograph Wadi Mousa at dusk (some of my favourite images). On my second trip I took a Canon 1DS with various lenses including the 70-200IS but this was if anything heavier. If going again I would not carry anything like this amount of weight.
Having looked at your (pretty extensive) equipment list, I'd suggest that a film/digital Leica set up would be most carriable - I'd go for M8 & M6 with 15/35/50/90 lenses. An alternative might be to add a Canon film camera body (cheap enough) and take a Canon based system - 5d + film body, 17~40, 50, 70-200. I'd also carry a small digital compact if at all possible.
Petra needs more than just a day, so the trick if you only have one day is to be at the gates just before they open if this is at all possible. I did this and had my breakfast overlooking the valley which was wonderful.
Having looked at your (pretty extensive) equipment list, I'd suggest that a film/digital Leica set up would be most carriable - I'd go for M8 & M6 with 15/35/50/90 lenses. An alternative might be to add a Canon film camera body (cheap enough) and take a Canon based system - 5d + film body, 17~40, 50, 70-200. I'd also carry a small digital compact if at all possible.
Petra needs more than just a day, so the trick if you only have one day is to be at the gates just before they open if this is at all possible. I did this and had my breakfast overlooking the valley which was wonderful.
Michael I.
Well-known
I think its better to maybe take one camera or none at all. this is place to remember and experience, not to hide behind a viewfinder (like I did).
kshapero
South Florida Man
Leica (film) and 2 lenses, lots of Ilford XP2 (it picks up the contrast beautifully in heavy sunlight. Keep it simple. Enjoy.
raid
Dad Photographer
The red rose colors of the Petra carvings in the mountains deserve some color images.
Security people get alarmed when seeing three or more cameras and many rolls of film. They don't seem to mind a dozen memory cards.
Try not to get your passport stamped in Israel if you will then enter Jordan. It is not well received.
Security people get alarmed when seeing three or more cameras and many rolls of film. They don't seem to mind a dozen memory cards.
Try not to get your passport stamped in Israel if you will then enter Jordan. It is not well received.
t.s.k.
Hooked on philm
This.
Many Westerners make it a practice of obtaining a clean passport before entering UAE.
It is also good form not to bring in items made in Israel as well....ie Kata Bags.
Have fun!
raid
Dad Photographer
The chism caused the Petra kingdom to collapse, as the Roman Empire conquored it.
Petra itself has a mixture of Arabic and Roman influences, as you will be able to see.
I spent two days at Petra, shortly after the first bombing of Baghdad in Desert Storm, so I was the only tourist in sight there.
Several local bedouins insisted on offering me some hot tea, as a gesture of hospitality.
A very old man told us about events from WWII. I kept on watching his cigarette ashes.
I enjoyed the "tent break" a lot.
I read about the Petra bedouins.
This tribe used to be a jewish tribe many years ago. Then, at the time of the Islamic rise, they were given the option to remain jews [and pay some sum?] or convert. They converted. This is why they are called Bedool Bedouins. The word bedool refers to switching.
I had an article on it in Shutterbug. They paid me $300 then.
This is Salem. He was my guide in Petra. I learned a lot about its history and about his tribe from him. They used to live inside the caves, but King Hussein wanted Petra to be for tourism, so he built them a small village adjacent to Petra. Donkies and horses would return to these caves since they could remember that this is where they used to stay.
Petra itself has a mixture of Arabic and Roman influences, as you will be able to see.
I spent two days at Petra, shortly after the first bombing of Baghdad in Desert Storm, so I was the only tourist in sight there.
Several local bedouins insisted on offering me some hot tea, as a gesture of hospitality.
A very old man told us about events from WWII. I kept on watching his cigarette ashes.
I enjoyed the "tent break" a lot.
I read about the Petra bedouins.
This tribe used to be a jewish tribe many years ago. Then, at the time of the Islamic rise, they were given the option to remain jews [and pay some sum?] or convert. They converted. This is why they are called Bedool Bedouins. The word bedool refers to switching.
I had an article on it in Shutterbug. They paid me $300 then.
This is Salem. He was my guide in Petra. I learned a lot about its history and about his tribe from him. They used to live inside the caves, but King Hussein wanted Petra to be for tourism, so he built them a small village adjacent to Petra. Donkies and horses would return to these caves since they could remember that this is where they used to stay.
Clint Troy
Well-known
You seem confused. And a confused mind produces atrocious photography.
Go like a pro: one M + one lens. Or go like an amateur and go with 15 Kilos of gear.
Go like a pro: one M + one lens. Or go like an amateur and go with 15 Kilos of gear.
Photo_Smith
Well-known
Yes I'd say take a film M 35mm lens and your 5D and a zoom.
Myself I'd just take a Rolleiflex....
Myself I'd just take a Rolleiflex....
segedi
RFicianado
Bruno Gracia
Well-known
I Don't understand people who has more than two cameras , even worst, more than two systems..