View Full Version : Going to Mexico.. What to take?
ibcrewin
03-12-2007, 06:41
I am going to Mexico next week and I wanted to know what film would you suggest.
I am definitely taking a few rolls of e100 vs since I bought a whole mess of it. It's expired, but I've tested a couple of rolls and am pretty happy with it.
My wife bought me some bw400cn for my b-day. But I'm thinking I should get some traditional B/w so I can make some prints on my own. I like FP4 and HP5+. The only reason I am hesitant is that I am thinking of using some XP2 so I can get it developed at a lab down in MEX.
What say you?
tedwhite
03-12-2007, 06:50
What to take?
1. Lots of black and white film, some fast, some slow.
2. Some color film. It's a colorful country.
3. Lomotil.
You haven't mentioned plenty of $$$ to line the pockets of any police officer you run into. And they are sure to find you.
Mexico recently installed another new president, which they do every six years. I've heard it said that every one of them leaves office a multi-millionaire. (That's probably why they only allow them one term!!) And every president promises to clean the place up and get it moving. Then six years later another one does the same thing. And for a while they thought Vicente Fox was a nice guy. He even could speak English.
To me, Mexico is a fifth rate outfit that needs to clean up its own act before it bitches about how the U. S. treats it. I can think of other places more worthy of tourist attention.
ibcrewin
03-12-2007, 07:42
You haven't mentioned plenty of $$$ to line the pockets of any police officer you run into. And they are sure to find you.
Mexico recently installed another new president, which they do every six years. I've heard it said that every one of them leaves office a multi-millionaire. (That's probably why they only allow them one term!!) And every president promises to clean the place up and get it moving. Then six years later another one does the same thing. And for a while they thought Vicente Fox was a nice guy. He even could speak English.
To me, Mexico is a fifth rate outfit that needs to clean up its own act before it bitches about how the U. S. treats it. I can think of other places more worthy of tourist attention.
Wow, that sounds pretty bad. It sounds like something really bad happend to you. Can you share? What part of Mexico were you in?
charjohncarter
03-12-2007, 07:48
tedwhite is right. It is very colorful, I went again this year for the mteenth time, and it was just as much fun as ever. I used Tri-X and some of the images were really different because everybody shoots digital color there. I shot plenty of color but the mix was nice. Here are some of my images from this year. Also, I used a small Konica C-35 which let me have a B&W camera with me at all times.
http://www.photo.net/photodb/presentation.tcl?presentation_id=339277
ibcrewin
03-12-2007, 07:53
You have some great shots there. It looks like the Color film will come in handy more so than the B/W.
Ted's got it right. It is the land of sol y sombre--great for black and white and at the same time it is a riot of colors. It is a great country and it would probably be better to remember the old saying about people who live in glass houses before passing harsh judgment on it.
I couldn't disagree with dll927 more. While the national government may struggle with perennial corruption, the people are wonderful. I've been several times doing educational and documentary work and have never had a problem. Sure, payola expedites certain situations like group visa applications, but I've run into plenty of police officers and have never been extorted in any way - not to mention the way that dll927 indicates is normal. We even took some snaps of local police hamming it up with kids – no payment required or requested. Knowing a little Spanish helps – having a Mexican friend with you who can explain historical/cultural observations helps even more…
I recommend color film unless you are really dedicated to the B&W look. As others indicated a lot of the architecture uses bold colors. I shot a mixed bag of CN400 and Fuji Superia 400 last time I was there – wish I would have taken a more saturated film like Kodak 400UC or 400VC. C41 processing is available in most moderately sized towns if you want to process the negs and get prints quickly. Scan-to-CD services were only available in the larger shopping centers and supermarkets. If you are doing digital post-processing you can always convert to B&W if the subject fits.
Here are some of my gallery shots from the last visit (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=6415&ppuser=6210).
charjohncarter
03-12-2007, 08:05
Have fun in Mexico, it is hard not to. Streamer is correct, they have something there that is just special.
ibcrewin
03-12-2007, 08:13
Awesome.. Thanks a lot guys! Your pictures are inspiring and I can't wait to share with you what I got when I get back! In the mean while, I've got some votes for 400VC/UC and some Tri-x.
I think I might have a roll of Sensia. Might have to dig that out.
nightfly
03-12-2007, 08:33
Mexico is a wonderful country with great people. I've traveled there many times including a 5 week surf trip by car down the baja peninsula and then a car ferry over to Mazatlan and then down to Acapulco and many other trips. I just got back from Tulum a few weeks ago in fact.
On the driving trip, we were stopped and harassed a few times and had to pay some bribes but nothing too extreme. This was probably 10 years ago and we were very obvious targets with a big van with a row boat strapped to the roof. I've also been robbed while camping in northern baja. However neither of these experiences would keep from going back. In fact it's one of my favorite countries to visit in the world.
I would agree with the suggestion to bring some slow color film, preferably slide as it seems to capture colors more vividly and some Tri-X or similar. Have a look a Bresson's book on Mexico for inspiration.
Slower color films tend to produce more vivid colors than faster ones and there is plenty of sunshine there so take advantage of it.
I've shot Sensia there and it worked well. If you want print film Reala is always a good bet. The super saturated Fuji Velvia films tend to screw up skin colors so beware if you are mixing landscape and people shots on those.
My last trip I just brought my Ricoh GR-D and it did a nice job on color as well although I'm usually partial to film.
You might also try shooting some slide film and having it crossed processed to C-41. It produces wild colors and extreme contrast that is sometimes really fun but hit and miss. I find Kodak Elite Chrome cross processes better than Fuji which tends to accentuate the green cast common to cross processing.
Mexico is an astouding country, rich in traditions and culture. You'll have a great time. I'd suggest one b&w film and one color film, and two cameras. Standardizing on one ISO will let you concentrate on what you're doing, but that's just my approach.
On a side note, while RFF has members all around the globe, including many wonderful foks in the USA, it's sad to note that the few parrochial, intolerant posts on RFF, such as the one above, always seem to originate in North America; somewhere between Mexico and Canada.
Amen, Pablito. I lived in Mexico for 4 years, drove a nice car, lived in a nice neighborhood, worked with both the rich and the poorest of poor, traveled all over the country and passed back and forth across the border countless times. I was never harassed any more than on Main Street, USA, I never paid a single "bribe" nor was I asked to. I have many, many friends there and am highly offended at any one referring to them as "fifth rate" ... certainly a shameful attitude.
ibcrewin ~ While living there, I shot the same film I used in the States. There are professional photogs there who use and process all types of film. Depending on the size of the cities you visit, though you may have to ask around and hunt a little, you'll likely find a good photo shop/lab. Take what you like to shoot and have fun.
Steve Bellayr
03-12-2007, 09:24
I've been to Mexico. ASA 100 is sufficient-very sunny and colorful. I've even shot with it under water. I've mentioned several times that xray machines in airports have not damaged any film that I traveled with, either exposed or not.
CorreCaminos
03-12-2007, 09:28
Mexico is an outstanding country for photography. If you've never been before you'll be overwhelmed by the photo opportunities just about everywhere you go.
I'd bring mostly color film as color is so much a part of Mexican life. Make sure to visit a local market and walk through the grocery section; it's a visual feast. Sit at the zocalo (main town plaza) for an hour or two and have your camera ready and plenty of film. Walk around and see the sights.
I've been visiting Mexico since 2004 and have had nothing but incredible experiences every time. The first time I traveled by bus from Austin, Tx and the other two times I rode a motorcycle throughout northern and central Mexico for several weeks. I stopped and asked police officers for directions frequently and NEVER had a problem. I was always treated more courteously than I would have been in the US.
As it's always the case be aware of your surroundings and keep your camera with you. As with the US, larger cities have crime problems but the smaller towns are very safe.
When you hear comments like the one described above, always ask if that's based on actual facts or hearsay; I bet it'll be the latter.
Here are some pictures from the last two trips:
http://www.ridetexas.com/mfa/mexico/
ibcrewin
03-12-2007, 09:37
When you hear comments like the one described above, always ask if that's based on actual facts or hearsay; I bet it'll be the latter.
http://www.ridetexas.com/mfa/mexico/2006
I totally agree.. I knew a guy who hated Mexico, the Mexican police and the Mexican Government. Turns out he was a repo man and the boat his client need repo'ed was in MEX. It all became very clear why he didn't like them.
Morca007
03-13-2007, 21:38
If you're going to be in any cities, the street-life is amazing! Make sure to just wander around street-shooting a little bit.
I don't think I'd carry a Billingham bag.... or anything else that even looks expensive there. Reportedly, the crime is worse than LA, NY, and Detroit combined. Maybe even carry a disposible camera instead of your nice stuff.
tedwhite
03-14-2007, 07:46
Wonderful towns/cities to walk around in that are colorful and have great architecture:
Guanajuato, Tasco, Cuernavaca, San Cristobal de las Casas, Alamos, Vera Cruz. Personally, I would stay the hell away from Mexico City, especially with a red-dot Leica and a fancy camera bag.
When I wander around I don't carry the expensive stuff. Rather, two beat-up black and brassy Pentax Spotmatics with a 28/3.5 on one and a 135/2.5 on the other. I know, they're not RF cameras, but they have some attractive attributes: They are CLA'd, work perfectly, the lenses are superb, and they have no resale value, thus unattractive to thieves.
Having said that, I wandered around Naco, Arizpe and Cananea recently with my Bessa R and a Gordy strap. The Bessa is light, small, unobtrusive, and fits into a jacket pocket so it's out of sight except when you're using it.
Ted
charjohncarter
03-14-2007, 07:47
Bill58, I would like to see some statistics on those crime figures. I'll tell you one thing I'd go to Mexico before I'd go to New Orleans.
nightfly
03-14-2007, 08:10
I wouldn't carry a Billingham anywhere personally since they sorta scream "expensive stuff in here" but if you're not going to take your "good" camera with you traveling, what's the point of having it?
Mexico City is supposed to somewhat dangerous (kidnapping etc.) but outside of there the smaller towns should be fine. Probably a little knowledge and walking like you know what you're doing is better protection than anything else.
The one time I've gotten robbed in a foreign country, I had just gotten off a bus in Peru and had a 7 and a half foot surfboard bag over my shoulder and was staring at a map and generally looking clueless. Some guy ran by and swiped my watch right off my wrist before I knew what happened. Not a big deal but made me a little more cautious and self aware.
I would think that almost anywhere you go there will be someone with a giant DSLR hanging off a fat strap with NIKON or CANON embossed in huge letters who will make a better target than you will with a discrete rangefinder in hand.
But if fear is going to get in the way of your enjoyment for whatever reason, leave your camera at home.
Maybe I owe a reply about what I said before.
My only extensive trip in Mexico was to Mazatlan for a few days -- in 1961. So I cannot claim to have a lot of personal experience. When I lived in L.A., I used to journey down to TJ once in a while, but that's not necessarily a typical city.
I fully agree that the people are not necessarily the government, and it's the latter that I was referring to before. And yes, I realize that it's a rather poor country. But is it OUR responsibility to serve as their pressure release?
To turn the tables a bit, I feel that one of the worst aspects of U.S. foreign policy is this persistent attitude that we will get along only so long as everybody else allows the U. S. to tell them how to run their show. It's no wonder that so many other countries resent the way we treat them. Nobody appointed the U. S. to be the watchdog of the rest of the world. But on the other hand, nobody said we have to shoulder their bills, either.
I taught for 32 years at a jr. high in East L.A - which is pretty much the Latino part of town. I often had people ask me how I survived - as if it meant nothing but crime and trouble. BS!! It may not be the 'silk stocking' part of L.A., but it's not all that bad, either. Now, if somebody (not necessarily the current mayor!!) could straighten out that loveable (?) school district, they should be considered a candidate for some kind of Nobel Prize.
Like any country, Mexico has its attractions, and I'm not diminishing them.
bob cole
03-14-2007, 08:37
I, too, have lived a long time in Mexico [the capital] and never, ever had any difficulty or trouble with anyone seeking a bribe...Film is easy to find and I'm sure it's easier to get processed nowadays...
As others have said, many Mexicans are poor and you must use every precaution to protect your belongings, even in a decent hotel...
My luggage was opened with a screwdriver in a downtown Mexico City hotel == no longer there -- and management showed no interest in helping me... So don't lock your luggage [in the hotel] if you don't want it damaged and don't leave valuables there when you're out...
As for what to take, I'd suggest, in addition to your camera stuff, a little Kaopectate for diarrhea that tourists get, regardless of how careful they are.
Don't take any guns; the cops look for them if you drive across the border
If this is your first trip, remember -- always -- to agree on a price before taking a taxi...Silver dealers [except in some stores] always ask much more than they expect to get, so bargain...they expect it...Exchange your dollars at a bank rather than with a money changer. Don't eat coconut on the street; sellers keep it wet with unfiltered water...
Be sure to visit the Monte de Piedad [the Government pawn shop]. You may find a Leica or other great camera, but they know what they have...
plummerl
03-14-2007, 11:42
I have a friend, also traveling to Mexico, who said to me that he found out he could only take a single camera. I found this hard to believe, but in looking at various sources, found that it is stated as such:
Tourists are allowed to bring in personal effects duty-free. According to Mexican customs regulations, in addition to clothing, personal effects may include one camera, one video cassette player, one personal computer, one CD player, 5 DVDs, 20 music CDs or audio cassettes, 12 rolls of unused film, and one mobile phone.
This was cut from the US gov. site: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1174.html, but I also found the same listings in Mexican government sites. I still find this hard to believe. Has anyone stumbled on this before or encountered it? I have not been there before, but I would be hard pressed to meet those requirements!
ibcrewin
03-14-2007, 12:05
I have a friend, also traveling to Mexico, who said to me that he found out he could only take a single camera. I found this hard to believe, but in looking at various sources, found that it is stated as such:
Tourists are allowed to bring in personal effects duty-free. According to Mexican customs regulations, in addition to clothing, personal effects may include one camera, one video cassette player, one personal computer, one CD player, 5 DVDs, 20 music CDs or audio cassettes, 12 rolls of unused film, and one mobile phone.
This was cut from the US gov. site: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1174.html, but I also found the same listings in Mexican government sites. I still find this hard to believe. Has anyone stumbled on this before or encountered it? I have not been there before, but I would be hard pressed to meet those requirements!
Whoaa,, get outta town! Hopefully, it's per person. This way I can get away with 3.
"... a single camera." I had read that before as well, though I personally have never had any trouble crossing the border with more than one + lenses + film. (I wasn't aware of it at the time I lived there. duh.) Nor have I heard of anyone else having that trouble. But, if that's law (and it probably is) THAT'S WHAT IT SAYS and they could enforce at anytime they wish.
Many laws of this sort are in place to *regulate* what is brought across the border for resale in Mexico. This is just a guess, but it's likely that a couple of cameras + lenses in a small camera bag with film and other gear would probably go unnoticed. OTOH, 12 digicams in their original boxes would raise some flags. I would advise, take no chances... abide by the law (and buy another camera when you get there ;) ) And yeah, ask beforehand. I'm sure "1 per person" is the intent.
If you want some shots of everyday life, another great photo-op is the weekly "farmer's market" held in numerous neighborhoods of every city, town, village... different neighborhoods on different days. Can't remember how to spell it - sorry - but it's called something like "tienges" ... maybe someone will correct me. Anyway, they're held in the mornings in a park or they block off a steet for several blocks, and there are lots and lots of all kinds of people. Ask a waitress or hotel clerk and you'll probably find one within walking distance of where you're staying. You might also ask if there are any local parades scheduled while you're there. They're very colorful with some great costumes and decoration.
Wish I were going along. Have fun!
tedwhite
03-14-2007, 12:32
That's probably the case if you are flying in. Driving in, as I do, seems quite different. When they ask - if they even ask - what's in the bag? I say cameras, I'm a photographer. They say, have a nice trip.
Ted
Ronald M
03-14-2007, 16:53
Out of major tourist areas the place is full of thieves of one sort or another.
When fellow employees went on company business, highway signs were posted falsely directing you off the highway to the "airport" When you got to a less populated area, you were stopped and robbed.
Be very careful, don`t drive and don`t brush your teeth with the water.
Keep in mind Mexico is third world outside major population centers and tourist areas like Accopulco.
'
CorreCaminos
03-14-2007, 21:02
Out of major tourist areas the place is full of thieves of one sort or another.
When fellow employees went on company business, highway signs were posted falsely directing you off the highway to the "airport" When you got to a less populated area, you were stopped and robbed.
Be very careful, don`t drive and don`t brush your teeth with the water.
Keep in mind Mexico is third world outside major population centers and tourist areas like Accopulco.
'
This is how these "stories" begin ... second or third hand accounts of things that might or might not have happened. How did your coworkers know about the signs? How did they know the signs were incorrect? Were they themselves robbed?
I've done all those things: I have ridden motorcycles (with US plates and other things that identified us as tourists like large amounts of luggage, auxiliary gas tanks, etc.), I've used the water to brush my teeth, I've eaten food from street vendors, I've been to some pretty remote areas, and a lot of other things. Yet, I've never had a problem nor have many other people I know, personally and through forums like this.
It's really a shame that these rumors persist as I'm sure they keep a lot of people from experiencing everything that Mexico has to offer (and it has a lot to offer).
Quoting Bob Cole: "As for what to take, I'd suggest, in addition to your camera stuff, a little Kaopectate for diarrhea that tourists get, regardless of how careful they are."
I think Lamotal (sp?) is the modern drug of choice for "Montezuma's revenge" nowadays. It tastes good-- like bananas!
It's really a shame that these rumors persist as I'm sure they keep a lot of people from experiencing everything that Mexico has to offer (and it has a lot to offer).How true. I couldn't even get my own family to cross the border to visit me while living there because of all the "I heard..." horror stories their neighbors would tell them. ( hmmm -- but then, even as I write this my sister is laying on a beach at the tip of Baja. :rolleyes: whassup wit tat?)
I just remembered, I did have a bicycle stolen while living there. Then last summer I had TWO stolen out of my garage here. So be veeeery careful when you travel to Northern Illinois! ;)
tedwhite
03-15-2007, 07:43
It's "Lomotil" and I mentioned it in a previous post.
Like Miguel from Austin, I, too, have ridden a motorcycle over large parts of Mexico and was always treated very well. Three incidents:
1. I parked my Suzuki in front of an old hotel in San Blas, Nayarit and checked into the hotel. The manager asked if that was my motorcycle parked at the curb and I said yes. Well, he said, you can't leave it out there. Bring it in here and park it in the lobby. So I did.
2. I stopped for gas in Arizpe, Sonora, and lifted the nozzle off the gas pump. Two employees ran out and said, No, no, you don't want to put that crap in a good motorcycle like this. We've got better stuff in the back.
3. I was contemplating trying to cross the Rio Sonora, but it was obviously too deep (it had been raining). A flat bed truck came up, full of farm workers. They got off and all lifted the motorcycle onto the flat bed. We crossed. They unloaded the bike and refused to take any money. They obviously had a lot of fun doing what they did.
Ted
charjohncarter
03-15-2007, 08:03
Maybe, I've been more fortunate in Mexico and definitely less fortunate in Europe, but my life in Mexico is more like tedwhite's. Oaxaca: when my wife and I asked a guy where the central market was he said, 'jump in the back of my pickup with my family, we are going there.' We did, thanked him.
sevres_babylone
03-15-2007, 08:37
I have travelled to Mexico 14 or 15 times, and each time photography was a primary reason for my trip. Except for the first time, when I was clueless about Mexico, I have always taken 2 cameras. Combinations have included a couple of OM bodies, OM body and XA, Mamiya 7 and Stylus Epic, Mamiya 7 and T2. On my last trip I went digital and took my R-D1 (I had my XA as backup, my Stylus Epic having been stolen...in Canada, not in Mexico).
I have a couple of galleries of my Mexican photographs on pbase.
http://www.pbase.com/zuiko40/mexico
http://www.pbase.com/zuiko40/5_days_in_mexico_city
I am a domke addict, and have used one bag or another -- generally the smaller ones or satchels (except when I took the Mamiya).
If you have specific questions, feel free to PM or e-mail me, as I love travelling to Mexico, and probably won't get back there for a while, so I could use the vicarious thrill.
CorreCaminos
03-15-2007, 08:58
Like Miguel from Austin, I, too, have ridden a motorcycle over large parts of Mexico and was always treated very well.
Ted
It sounds like we might even have the same bike. Here's mine
I've been to Mexico 4 times in the last 6 years, and although I can't generalize, I REALLY like the Jalisco/Nayarit area. Family members have a time-share situation in Puerto Vallarta, and, although there's LOTS of building going on, a few minutes in a car or bus will get you out into the traditional Mexico.
People are friendly, and in my experience, NOT pushy. They understand that the turistas bring lots of money, and are accordingly eager to please.
Have Fun!
Don
tedwhite
03-15-2007, 13:01
Miguel:
Those look like DR650's. No, mine was a 1991 VX800. They only brought them in for a few years, so now it's sort of a collectible. Wish I still had it.
Many friends have the DR bikes and I get to ride one now and then.
Current bike is the Kawasaki W65.
Ted
CorreCaminos
03-15-2007, 21:37
Miguel:
Those look like DR650's. No, mine was a 1991 VX800. They only brought them in for a few years, so now it's sort of a collectible. Wish I still had it.
Many friends have the DR bikes and I get to ride one now and then.
Current bike is the Kawasaki W65.
Ted
It was a long shot. I remember the VX800. My bike is the DR650 (blue on the left) and the other is my wife's Yamaha XT225. Good bikes, although not the most comfortable for long-distance touring.
ibcrewin
03-26-2007, 08:24
Well I am back.. Just quickly checking in..
Mexico was great! Spent most of if pool/beach side with drink in hand but really thought it was awesome. The people are so nice there, I am really looking forward to going back some day sooner than later.
I'll post pics later this week. Still unpacking and I am at work now.. :(
vBulletin® v3.6.8, Copyright ©2000-2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.