Visiting Oz and Bali - help?

[flip]

I'll be going soon - for 3 weeks from late Feb. I'm assuming that I can rely on strong light most of the time. I'm also working on the assumption that a kit with a wide focus is better. (Sydney, Melbourne, Lombok, Bali, FWIW) Thoughts?

In terms of what to bring, my current thinking:

21-35 Hex + 50/2 Hex for day and cv 35/1.2 for night.

I continue to ponder 21/35 + 60/1.2 but suspect night shooting could be constrained by the 60 FL. Also, I don't have a polarizer that fits either of them (unlike the 50/2).

Sure to bring a few rolls of Fuji 1600, and a bunch of Kodak 400UC & 100UC and Acros 100.

I'm hoping Skymark doesn't fry the film and will allow hand check. I got burned last time I went to the States. Film was all striped. :-{ I've put it in a see-through bag and plan to bring it carry-on, indicating it is high-speed film.

Wonder if it's worthwhile to get the color dev'd in Oz before returning. Any good stores for this?

Cheers,
Phil

 

[gs-ninja]

no problems in Bali

no problems in Bali

Hi flip,
have been to Bali several times, rff and dslr, no problems with film either - I think you make a good decision with wide lenses! But dont develope the films in Bali, especially if you have a good place at home. I did it at home in Vienna/Austria. In Bali they are not sooo up to date!
Have a nice time, Bali is great!
Günter

 

[j_newy]

Hi phil!

Not to sure on where to buy film (sorry i picked up some from a grocery store dirt cheap, however thats not always an option). I know of a decent shop in Sydney, called Foto Riesel, (they have a website offering a wide range of film and they are very helpful in person) but in terms of gear to bring I might be able to offer some advice?

As an aussie I occasionally head into the bigger cities like sydney, and I would definitely recommend a wide lens, we have some very nice harbours which you'll want to cram as much into frame as possible! I recently had a 28-80mm on one of my slr's and I was wishing it was just a bit wider haha! Also there are some pretty unique people hanging around places so if you're into street photography then the 50/1.2 would be my pick...

As for night shots, go with what you like really 🙂 by the sounds of those lenses you have far fancier gear than me so I might have to let someone else offer better/more-precise advice haha!

one bit of advice (a little off topic) is watch the weather. We have had floods and all sorts lately, end of feb may be hot or it could be miserable. Sorry....

 

[lynnb]

In Sydney Foto Riesel is a good camera store. I've bought gear there but not processing. They are one of the few shops that keeps film stock refrigerated. For processing I use C41 Digital c41digital.com.au who do a good job with fresh chemicals. They are in the suburbs (Brookvale) on Sydney's northern beaches though.

It can get very warm to hot and sticky-humid in Sydney in February. Be prepared to buy a hat and sunscreen. Public transport is pretty good, if slow. It's an outdoor beach and water focused city so there's lots of people and opportunities for street shooting if that's your thing.

 

[peterm1]

In Bali be prepared for some strong light. I have been there several times and in general the strong sun and dark shadows can create contrasty situations. I like to take some longer lenses as well as wide. There are lots of characteristic faces and opportunities for portraits. There are some really interesting cultural experiences. Try to experience a "Ketchak" dance. (look it up on Google). You will need some faster film as its performed at night. You may also want to experience a Barong and Kris dance. A longer lens may help here too as there is a lot going on. Grab a car and driver / guide (available on the beach very cheaply and most of them are pretty good) and go up-country to hills villages. The photography there is great when away from the tourist traps. In general Bali is still a kind of paradise. But get out of the Kuta / Legian / Sanur etc areas for really interesting sites. Include a few temples and if you are lucky some religious festivals where you will get many great shots. The people are amazing. Friendly and attractive. Makes for good photography.

 

[flip]

In Bali be prepared for some strong light. I have been there several times and in general the strong sun and dark shadows can create contrasty situations. I like to take some longer lenses as well as wide. There are lots of characteristic faces and opportunities for portraits. There are some really interesting cultural experiences. Try to experience a "Ketchak" dance. (look it up on Google). You will need some faster film as its performed at night. You may also want to experience a Barong and Kris dance. A longer lens may help here too as there is a lot going on. Grab a car and driver / guide (available on the beach very cheaply and most of them are pretty good) and go up-country to hills villages. The photography there is great when away from the tourist traps. In general Bali is still a kind of paradise. But get out of the Kuta / Legian / Sanur etc areas for really interesting sites. Include a few temples and if you are lucky some religious festivals where you will get many great shots. The people are amazing. Friendly and attractive. Makes for good photography.

you're making the argument that the evil voice in my head makes....
bring both 1.2's and the dual and be saaaaafe. I don't expect a 90 is in the plan as I use it infrequently here in Japan and don't expect a dramatic style conversion during the trip. Besides, the 60 weighs the same.

 

[ruby.monkey]

If anyone offers to sell you drugs in Bali, just say no. He's probably a copper.

Then again, we *do* like prison photos...

 

[flip]

If anyone offers to sell you drugs in Bali, just say no. He's probably a copper.

Then again, we *do* like prison photos...

haha. I gather that in indonesia, they are keen on freeing that prison space the easy way.

 

[gs-ninja]

bali

bali

hi flip.
me again; if you need a english speeking, just send me an email. I have been with me for 3 weeks, and already knows some very interesting "non-touristic" places. - I took 3000 picts in 3 weeks!
... so he knows the places, we like to see.

have a nice time

 

[flip]

hi flip.
me again; if you need a english speeking, just send me an email. I have been with me for 3 weeks, and already knows some very interesting "non-touristic" places. - I took 3000 picts in 3 weeks!
... so he knows the places, we like to see.

have a nice time

Appreciated!

3000 😱 Doubt I'll rack up that many on a film camera trip.