What should I pack for my vaca....er...trip!

Dave Wilkinson

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Prompted by - having just read two similar threads today ( seems contagious! ) I shall attempt to overcome my natural shyness, and seek the advice of this august gathering in regard to my forthcoming two week trip to southern Turkey. It should be understood that this is a 'TRIP' - not just a common or garden holiday or vacation ( for our colonial cousins ). Without wishing to embarrass impecunious readers, I am quite used to world travel - coming from parents who made the 'Grand Tour' bi-annually!, yet I always seem at a loss to know what to take in my photographic trunk.
Available equipment includes -
- Thornton-Pickard 'Junior Reflex' c/w - Taylor Hobson 15cm f4.5 lens.
- 1/4 plate Soho Reflex c/w 6" f4.5 Ross Express (superb bokeh!)
- Adam Tropical c/w 12" Dallmeyer f4.5
Camera shake will not be a problem as my 'Zimmer' frame has been specially modified to form an impromptu tripod. Perhaps - to avoid undue strain for my man, I should just opt for one of these new-fangled miniature roll-film cameras, quite convenient - I hear, although I don't think they will catch-on!.
As I like to remain inconspicuous, gear is carried in my ex WD - WW1 khaki ruck sack, and the leather ammunition pouches at the waist are invaluable for small items, filters, Jack-knife, twist tobacco etc. etc. further suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards, David.
 
Sure like to see you carrying that ruck sack and pouches, Dave. Images of Indiana Jones armed with a vintage camera come to mind.

PS, I'll get the lens hood cash out before you leave, so my lens doesn't have to squint in the sun :p
 
"...As I like to remain inconspicuous, gear is carried in my ex WD - WW1 khaki ruck sack, and the leather ammunition pouches at the waist are invaluable for small items, filters, Jack-knife, twist tobacco etc. etc. further suggestions would be greatly appreciated."

remain inconspicuous ???
Looks like you'll dressing to go hunting.... are you a candid photographer, or landscape.. ???

Need more info... Is this "Trip" for personal satisfaction or a business trip that will afford some spare time for local photography??

I don't consider "Military garb" as remaining inconspicuous in today's world.
 
Dave, suggestion: I shot in London dressed as a homeless bum. No bag, just lenses etc. in the pockets of an old army surplus coat. Once people had figured me out.... KABLAM, I yanked out the M6 and fired a round.

Would go nicely with that Indy outfit of yours.

Further suggestions: bring a vintage tubular extinction meter and have people wonder why that guy is holding his cigar to his eye.

Have a safe trip, remember to keep the bag close when inspecting the mustard-trick stains in your jacket :eek:
 
I would certainly recommend carrying a comfortably large camera-obscura tent - to assist in any of those impromptu sketching opportunities which pop up so often on these trips.

Further, one must not forget the prismatic-compass, theodolite, tripod and measuring chain, in order to pin-point the locations of your photographs by means of triangulation from known landmarks.

In many parts of the world baggage donkeys are available for hire quite cheaply and I feel you may want to consider this option for your trip too ?

;)
 
Dear Dave,

For the journey to Constantinople, have your man pack some super-speed plates -- 5000 H&D, if possible -- as the bazaars can be quite murky. Can you run to an f/3.5 lens for the TP? I understand that these high-speed lenses are not too bad nowadays.

Cheers,

R.
 
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