South America Backpacking Trip- FILM CONCERNS

[hhayden]

Hi all,
My girlfriend and I are about to head out on a two month+ tour of South America. We are headed from Peru into Boliva, down and across to Chile, then down Argentina and eventually finding ourselves in Patagonia before flying out.
I will be carrying my trusty Mamiya 7 and as much film as I can reasonably carry.
My concerns are...
1. Film being exposed to fluctuating temperatures as we move from different climates (especially in the desert).
2. Having enough film. I've been told film is exceptionally expensive in SA (is this true? here I can get my Ektar 100 for around $6.00 a roll) and therefore would like to bring as much of my own as I can. Also when backpackign haveing the lightest load possible is quite important, so I would like to send my exposed film back home if I can. Is it reasonable to ship some film ahead of me/ship some exposed film home? I know some of you must have had experiences with this sort of thing. How did it go?
3. Theft. I am somewhat concerned about the possibility of having my equipment snatched up. Does any one have any advice, other than making the camera look as inexpensive as possible, to avoiding this? I sort of wish it would be as easy as explaining that the camera is film and not digital.
Anyhow, those are the big ones, and I imagine that some of you on this forum would have had some experience dealing with at least one of these issues in the past.
Any and all advice, pertaining to the proposed concerns or any other advice for the trip in general, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your responses!

 

[filmfan]

I can recommend keeping your film away from your camera gear (separated out of your camera bag) in case the camera is stolen. Then, you will still at least have your precious film.
The Mamiya 7, although apparently an amazing camera, is large and may stick out more than a small 35mm (preferably black) rangefinder-- combine this with tape, and it will look worthless in comparison to the Mamiya 7. Also, 35mm film is smaller, you get more photos per roll, and come in waterproof plastic canisters. You could then carry fewer rolls and still get the same amount of photos.
That being said, you can only go once and the Mamiya is a fine camera.

 

[sevres_babylone]

Ten years ago I took my Mamiya 7, along with 80mm, 43mm and 150mm lenses on a four week trip through Bolivia. I brought my film with me. I didn't search high and wide for MF film, but I wouldn't count on being able to buy it, when you most need it.

Safety. I would pay attention to the general safety postings on sites like Lonely Planet's Thorntree. I generally had my camera with me at all time, but would make judgment calls on whether to leave it with the hotel desk when I went out at night. I may have occasionally left it hidden in my pack. I also had a 35mm compact with me (Contax T3), and the Mamiya panoramic adapter. I did have to buy 35mm on the trip.

I haven't bought MF film in a while, as I don't use my Mamiya enough, and have a supply of film in my freezer. However, if there is an emulsion you like that comes in 220, that would make your film more compact for carrying. I do recommend the panoramic adapter, awkward as it can be, because if worse comes to worse, you could switch to 35mm.

 

[N.delaRua]

I've been ti Gautemala twice on major trips with film. I honestly would not stress about theft on a backpacking trip. You will be in the country side and will be meeting humble people. The vast majority of people you will meet will not know what a Maymia 7 is and will most likely be slightly nervous of you sticking a big camera in their face. I ve carried Nikon and Leicas, and no one even asked what the cameras were.

I wouldn't stress about the film temperature fluctuations especially color negative film. Its usually store at RT anyway. I always shoot E-6 in Guate; it was always refrigerated but was in the heat for about two weeks. Everything looked fine.

No question about it, buy your film in the States. There is not another market in the world with more competition for products like the USA. You won't find cheaper prices or the selection of say something like BH in Bolivia. Just have them hand search your film in the airport.

The only time I would be slightly nervous about your camera is if you are in a major city like the Capitol. Just wear a strap and make sure that the camera is always secured so that the only way your camera will get stolen is if you are held up.

I say never worry about getting your equipment stolen and just focus on having a great trip while enjoying yourself through your photography.

NIck

 

[Austerby]

I travelled around Ecuador, Peru, Boliviar, Brazil and Argentina in 2003 with my Nikon F80. I didn't have a problem with the fluctuating temperatures affecting exposed film, but was careful to keep the film dry and deep within my rucksack.

I did not try buying film locally or sending it home, but I'd suggest only contemplate this in Chile or Argentina or Brazil.

Theft will be your major issue - thieves won't care about the type of camera, they'll just take your bag and everything you have. Bolivia and Peru will be particularly risky. Always use hotel safes to store valuables and be very careful about personal safety. I was travelling in an overland truck so had somewhere secure to store items but I heard lots of tales of theft from independent travellers. If you are travelling independently then stick to daytimes and busy routes and main hotels for safety.

It's not sufficiently dangerous or risky to avoid going, or to avoid taking your nice camera, but please be vigilant and careful.

 

[JayGannon]

I was travelling in an overland truck so had somewhere secure to store items but I heard lots of tales of theft from independent travellers. If you are travelling independently then stick to daytimes and busy routes and main hotels for safety.

It's not sufficiently dangerous or risky to avoid going, or to avoid taking your nice camera, but please be vigilant and careful.

In my (not inconsiderable) experience of travelling in various countries otside of the 'modern/1st world' the tales are just that, tales. As long as your not stupid with the way you act and what gear you carry you'll be fine. I'd recommend a battered 35mm for walking about instead of the Mamiya to be honest but if you feel its totally a requirement, make it look cheap, carry it as if its cheap and if anything does happen remember that it is cheaper than your life. If your one of the very unfortunate to get robbed, hand everyhting over and walk away. Don't be brave.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Nick, Austerby and Jay put it like it is. Film is not nytroglycerin, and it does withstand temperature changes without a hitch. I traveled from the US (winter) to Puerto Rico (need I say?) with film and I had NO problems due to the temperature change.

Now, with regards to film, if you're using a Mamiya RF and run out... you may be out of luck. With the possible exceptions of the capital cities, 120 or 220 film is virtually unavailable elsewhere. Stock up and consider taking a 35mm backup.

As for safety, just don't vandalize your Mamiya and cover it up. Like Nick said, people in Spanish America don't know and don't care about camera brands. And thieves will steal whatever is not being watched or bolted to the ground. Just make sure to have your gear with you at all times, if you stay at a hotel request that you can leave it in a secure area (in case you're not feeling too confortable at the hotel), and do not leave your bag unattended. Theft is big, but then they'll steal anything, not just cameras.

Take care and enjoy! Landscapes and people shots in those areas are bound to be good! 🙂

 

[ErnestoJL]

I know the benefits of large negs over small negs, but just for the sake of comfort, I would carry a couple of small 35 RFs, preferably black, and if your trip brings you to places where batteries are luxury items, better if the cameras are not battery dependant. If you don´t need to use a tele or WA lens, it is just the "normal", almost any 35 RF will do.
120 film is available normally in my country, but not 220 (it´s nonexistent) and mainly in big cities but not sure that all dealers carry it usually.
Here in BA you can get it at many dealers. If you need, I´ll give you the addresses to make contact with them.
But, IMHO, any 35 RF is the best choice, preferably with a 1.8 or bigger aperture lens.
If I can be of further help, just mail me.
Cheers
Ernesto

 

[israel_alanis]

Hey Hhayden, About temperature you will not have any problem with your film, but talking about buy film out there could be expensive, here in Mexico an Ektar 100 is expensive than United States, I think could be same in southamerica. I recommend you buy in your place a moderate number of films to carry on, and buy some in southamerica.
I recommend you too keep always a bag in your back with cards, passport, money and your beautiful camera and films.

Southamerica has many risky places but is a low possibilities to has a bad moment, if you go in groups or tourist places you will have not problems.

Peru, Chile and Argentina are a good places. Do not worry and have a great vacations.

Regards.

 

[sevres_babylone]

As large as the Mamiya 7 may be compared to 35mm rangefinders, it doesn't look appreciably larger than pro Canon or Nikon 35mm or DSLR bodies, particularly as their users often have a zoom of some sort attached. I wouldn't let its size discourage you from taking it.

 

[mervynyan]

I backpacked South Asian for 3 months last summer, with MP and 4 lenses, about 150 rolls of assorted films, b&w, e-6, color, expired, etc. It was amazing trip, I finished about almost all of them.

Concerning the usage, if you switch to reliable 35mm format, you can bring more films and at least easier to find in the cities, but planning for average 2-3 rolls a day (about 36-50 exposures) would be more than enough with film.

Also, my experience has been that I was taking less shots on films once I am acquainted with the environment, such as roadside stops, kids, etc. For daily documentary stuff, you should bring a digital pocket camera with storage drive. While I carried film camera, I don't waste films for no particular subjects neither. There are famous places you know you want to make good photos of.

 

[israel_alanis]

I backpacked South Asian for 3 months last summer, with MP and 4 lenses, about 150 rolls of assorted films, b&w, e-6, color, expired, etc. It was amazing trip, I finished about almost all of them.

Concerning the usage, if you switch to reliable 35mm format, you can bring more films and at least easier to find in the cities, but planning for average 2-3 rolls a day (about 36-50 exposures) would be more than enough with film.

Also, my experience has been that I was taking less shots on films once I am acquainted with the environment, such as roadside stops, kids, etc. For daily documentary stuff, you should bring a digital pocket camera with storage drive. While I carried film camera, I don't waste films for no particular subjects neither. There are famous places you know you want to make good photos of.

First at all you carried a lot of film, you are my master lol 🙂
About a digital you are right.
Regards.

 

[atlcruiser]

I lived and worked in South/Central america quite a while...... Most all of the above is accurate but dont worry so much about getting film. Of course it is there; you just gotta find it 🙂 I would pre-plan in each country via the internet where photo stores are located and even go so far as to e mail them to see what they have in stock and what they carry. Most of Colombia will be no real issue, Ecuador, plan on Quito or Guayquil, Peru should be easier with no issues at all in Lima, Bolvia might have some issues on 120/220, Chile or Argentina should be no problem.

I would bring a lot with me but not worry about sending it home. I just developed some rolls from 1992 in Ecuador !

The south american explorers club in Quito and Lima can point you in the right direction as well.

Have fun, try not be too much of an obvious tourist 🙂

 

[ebesiroglu]

Hey Ernesto,
I'm heading to Buenos Aires next week and was hoping to get advice on where great camera shops are selling both 35mm film and cameras?
Thanks,
Eren

 

[charjohncarter]

If you are going to jungle (humid areas) maybe take some of those desiccation bags. I lived in Panama' and had more than one camera ruined by mold from dampness. So, at night put the camera in a plastic bag with the desiccation material: rice also works.

I never had any trouble with temperature changes in South or Central America.

 

[Rangefinder 35]

About 2 years ago I spent 3 weeks backpacking in southern Chile and Argentina. I carried Zeiss Ikon and Leica M4 with me as well as 40 rolls of film ( Velvia 50, Provia 100). As you can imagine the weight of the film was a considerable part of total weight of my backpack which weighed around 30 pounds. At times I kept half of my film in the hostel where I spent few nights. The 40 rolls turned out to be more than enough for 3 weeks of shooting, even though now I wish I had shot more...

 

[Wouter2]

Don´t underestimate personal safety as Bolivia, Peru and Brazil have become more dangerous and violent in recent years. In Brazil 35mm film nowadays is hard to buy, let alone 120. If you like medium format, why not take along a good but small digital and, let´s say, a rolleiflex?

 

[fotomeow]

All good suggestions, and I understand why you want to takethe Mamiya 7:
To capture the gorgeous freakin’ landscapes, among other subjects, but particularly Patagonia.

But If you are definitely going to use film, and you are, don’t let anyone talk
you into taking a 35mm camera instead of the 7,cuz they obviously don’t know how good the Mamiya 6/7 line is. (I had the MAmiya 6).

Last, of course the Mamiya 7 can shoot 35mm film (may need adaptor) in a pinch.

Last last, take a digital camera for simple backup and video. Train your girlfiend/boyfriend, or whatever to take some digital pics while you pull out the big film rig. So if something happens to the film .... but really ,I think there is too much anxiety over this stuff.
How many decades did photographers travel and shoot film before us?

 

[Ko.Fe.]

This Mamaya 7 went where seven years ago....