longterm journey: latinamerica - equipment?

[jmago]

I've been reading through this forum for quite some time and always found excellent information and discussions. I know there are several 'equipment-threads' but I thought I'd give it a try too, since I am not a very experienced 'analog-photographer'.

here is the thing. next year, march 2009, I'll start a long journey through middle-south america (mexico to argentina) for about nine months. mostly backpacking, lots of hiking, lots of different weather-situations. I surely want to shoot some landscapes, but mostly street and people, more documentarystyle. when photographing, I mostly used a digital rebel which wasn't mine. what I own is a nikon digital p&s and a konica hexar af.

I thought of what I was gonna take with me for that journey for quite some time. it's a tough decision because photography is gonna be an important part on my trip. I think there are some important aspects to reconsider. I've never traveled for such a long periond of time, but I think the material has to be reliable, light, small and discreet. initially, I thought of a small, digital slr with one or two primes. the data storage would be much easier than with film rolls, and most probably less expensive in the long term. on the other hand, the feeling using an analog is much more tempting and always made me think twice before shooting.

well, should I give it a try with the hexar af and a small, digital p&s or rather a digital slr and a p&s? if I have to, I definitely would spend some money for new equipment because I don't want to be standing there and regret my choices. but does it make any sense to buy a new camera? does it make sense to photograph analog on such a trip even though I only have very little experience with it? what are your thoughts & experiences?

I hope this is the right place to post, otherwise I'm sorry.

best wishes,
chris

[Wouter]

Chris, I have been living in Brazil for 15 years now and have travelled a lot on this continent. Your equipment has to be low profile and high quality. Forget about the dslr because of the weight of the package and the attention it will draw towards you - it will inhibit spontaneous photography in poverty environments for sure. The hexar is excellent - superb lens and retro looks. But it's hard to find good quality labs here.
Complement it with a sigma dp1 or ricoh gx200 with 135 extension lens. Must have raw capability.
Wouter

[oftheherd]

Not something I have ever done. It sounds like you are going on a trip where you will be on your own most of the time, in strange surroundings. It sounds like you may be traveling in places off the beaten track as well as normal tourist settings.

I think your first consideration is as mentioned by Wouter; a low profile. You don't want to become a target for thugs. Your equipment shouldn't look expensive nor desireable to thieves. I would prefer film for such a trip myself, but I might opt for a small P&S as long as I could figure out a way to keep my images.

Of course, film or digital, that is something you are going to have to work out. Do you plan to send negatives or SD cards back to your home? Negatives would probably be easier in your circumstances, if you can find a place to get them developed properly.

Given the equipment I currently have, I would probably have my Kiev CLA'd and take two or three lenses; 35mm, 50mm, and either the 85mm or 135mm. It wouldn't be my preferred gear, but it wouldn't be my preferred type of trip either. You might want to consider a FED that has been CLA'd, with the same lenses. Good for good photos, lighter than an SLR, and easy to send negatives back.

Hopefully others can give you advice from experience. It sounds like a fun trip that I might have enjoyed 45 years ago.

[jmago]

Complement it with a sigma dp1 or ricoh gx200 with 135 extension lens. Must have raw capability.

wouter, thanks alot for your little insight. that's what I thought too. I know some people who have traveled that part of the world and they all said to pay attention. you mentioned a dp1 or gx200. I don't know these cameras, I will have to check them out. as you mentioned, quality is an important point as well. what do you think about the d-lux 4/panasonic dmc-lx3?

Given the equipment I currently have, I would probably have my Kiev CLA'd and take two or three lenses; 35mm, 50mm, and either the 85mm or 135mm. It wouldn't be my preferred gear, but it wouldn't be my preferred type of trip either. You might want to consider a FED that has been CLA'd, with the same lenses. Good for good photos, lighter than an SLR, and easy to send negatives back.

oftheherd, thanks for your comment. I will definitely be in some strange places from time to time. I really want to travel and get in touch with the locals. film would be my prefered choice but as mentioned, I only have little experience with it. the low profile thing seems obvious, I really have to find a good combination. if I might ask, what's FED & CLA supposed to mean?

[Austerby]

Your equipment has to be low profile and high quality

Exactly. I've travelled like this in S America and in some places you will become a target if you carry a camera but everywhere you go you will have the most wonderful photo opportunities.

A quality pocket camera is your best bet - I think the idea of an old russian camera (FED is the make) is a good one as it won't matter if it does get lost or stolen. The CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) is to reduce the chances of it going wrong whilst you're away. I'd also consider something like an Olympus Trip or XA as a cheap film camera that will produce memorable results.

The most convenient option will be a digital P&S with memory cards. At the least you can download your photos on the road, or keep full cards separate from the camera to minimise the impact of any loss.

If you had more personal security options, such as travelling with friends or on an organised trip then a dSLR or more sophisticated equipment would be possible, but solo overland travelling in S America is not as safe for a loaded tourist as other parts of the world, but the rewards are just as high for making the effort - it's a truly wonderful place. Be especially careful in Lima!

[Wouter]

I haven't tried out the new panasonic-leica yet but first reports are very positive. High iso performance seems to be better than with the gx100-200. Best image quality gives however the sigma dp1 (28 f4) and sigma dp2 (40 f2.8 if I recall well) because of the far larger sensor. This one will enable you to not use flash in any condition, and seems to have great latitude - a worthwhile feature because of the extreme light conditions in many parts of south america.

Another tip: I do not recommend hiking or biking. Take the bus with the local people, far more interesting and maybe more secure.
cheers

[alan davus]

Having travelled extensively in the third world including South America (albeit in the '70's) the one piece of equipment I would strongly recommend is a money belt. Photographically speaking, small, light and inconspicious.

[elshaneo]

I would agree with everybody's comments about keeping a low profile. If I was in your place, I would bring the new Canon G10 or Panasonic LX3 as digital cameras. As for film cameras, I would bring a "worn out beaten" Leica M2 + the small Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 lens + Small lightmeter like the Sekonic L208. Both film and digital would be great together.

[jmago]

thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts. I'm aware that south america may not be the most secure place to travel, but that's ok. I think one just has to travel consciously, be aware of the risks, listen to people and be kind. after all, I'm not going unprepared. respect is a high priority to me..

As for film cameras, I would bring a "worn out beaten" Leica M2 + the small Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 lens + Small lightmeter like the Sekonic L208. Both film and digital would be great together.

I really love the idea of traveling with a manual RF, but does it make sens to spend about 1000$ for a camera if I already have the hexar af (not comparable I know..but still) than rather spend the money for a quality p&s such as the gx200 or grd2?

[sojournerphoto]

I spent 7 months in southern and eastern africa in 1995. i carried my Ae1 a few primes (28, 50 85 and a 200 that fell apart) and 30 rolls of kodachrome. I also bought a couple of rolls of E6. Now I choose from a panasonic G1 or olympus equivalent and a ricoh GX200 and the pana LX3. If I wanted to shoot some film I'd take my Zi and 28, 35 and 50.

Mike

[elshaneo]

Oh ok, in that case, your Hexar AF is good enough, just invest the money in the Panasonic LX3 which is a very high quality digital camera, and it should cost around 700 AUD, i.e: 500 USD

And today I went to the various camera shops, the price difference between the Leica D-Lux 4 and the Panasonic LX3 was around 550 AUD, i.e: 390 USD. That's a big price difference between two cameras that are practical the same...

[dirojas]

I have travelled in Perú, Argentina and Brazil, and I am from Chile. You´ll find wonderful pictures in this part if the world. I would like to do myself one time the trip you are planning. I think the most useful tip I can give you is learn a little spanish (you have time to start.. ) and keep a low profile. If you are able to speak the language it is easier to "get into" the countries... this will improve the pictures you take more than any equipment, IMHO.

In general safety is ok, but depends a lot on the specific places. Do hiking if you have a regular hiking route or other hikings to go with. Be careful if you use a bike on public roads, as soon as you arrive you will find out how traffic is over here.

[Pablito]

I have traveled throughout Latin America on assignment (not backpacking). Forget about Soviet cameras, they are notoriously unreliable. I just acquired the Panasonic LX3 - seems to me you should give this camera a very good look, maybe even take two of them. one for backup, and that's it. SD cards are sooooo cheap now, and tiny. I have used the Hexar cameras and I would not trust their reliability on a trip like this. I have taken Leica, but one Leica weighs more than two Panasonic LX-3's I suspect. Another option would be to take something like a Nikon D60 with the standard kit lens. This is quite light (also lighter than a Leica, I think) and as for being conspicuous, well, I have always found that attitude determines how conspicuous you are a lot more than what kind of camera you happen to be using. The most important thing, much more important than your choice of camera, is that you take something with which you are experienced, something you know like the palm of your hand. Both the panasonic Lx-3 and the Nikon D60 / D40 are relatively simple cameras, with some practice you could leave the instruction book at home. For me personally film would not work on a trip like this because I go through sometimes 15 rolls a day. Which is fine if you have a hotel where you can stash everything and use it as a homebase. But it sounds like you want to be a lot more mobile, like you want to be able to carry everything on your back.

[FifthLeaf]

You should go with whatever gear you're most comfortable with; but the smaller and less conspicuous, the better.

I' m more of an analog guy, so I would take film. Film SLRs are rangefinders are usually smaller than their digital counterparts, they look less expensive, and you'll pay more attention to your surroundings by not checking your histogram. As you reach major cities, you can mail your film back home. Unless it's cost prohibitive, numbering your rolls of film and sending the odds and evens in separate shipments will provide a little bit of insurance in case the boat sinks, etc.

Also make sure your favorite film stocks are available in the countries you plan to buy film in. Kodak recently pulled its professional products out of Brazil, leaving Tri-X and E100 shooters with HP5 and Astia.

Those who go on long trips shooting digital, how do you manage the large volume of files? External hard drives? Lots of memory cards? Uploading to a server back home?

[jmago]

I think the most useful tip I can give you is learn a little spanish (you have time to start.. ) and keep a low profile. If you are able to speak the language it is easier to "get into" the countries... this will improve the pictures you take more than any equipment, IMHO.

true. I don't speak any spanish yet, but I want to learn it! if necessary I will visit a school. by the time I enter south america I will definitely be able to speak some words.

I was in the shop and checked out the lx3, the gx200 and the grd2. very nice compacts. feeling-wise the ricohs fit better for me. they seem like pretty nice, reliable cameras. the grd2 is very tempting.

I already have an external harddrive. I thought of burning some dvds along the way and send them back home. same for films.

[Windscale]

I can't offer you any advice on the digital side. But as far as the film side is concerned, any good rangefinder which does not rely on batteries will be your best bet. Best also use something without bellows (unless you are quite sure the the bellows will last out your trip!). Japanese examples would be Canon QL17 or 19, Minolta 7S or 7SII or Konica S2. Many German ones from Voigtlander, Agfa or Zeiss will also do. Should also consider something small in terms of MF, such as a good TLR or folder (but again make sure the bellows are OK) as there may be hugh enlargements you want to do after your return. But most important of all, whatever gear you are going to take with you, have them all CLAed abd test before setting off. You must do all you can to minimize the risk of gear failure.

[CameraQuest]

A friend of mine was traveling in Argentina by bus. His camera gear (Nikon D200 and lenses) was at his feet as he slept on the bus, with the bag straps wrapped around his legs. He awoke to find the straps cut, his camera bag gone.

Stephen

[climbing_vine]

A blanket statement that Russian cameras are "notoriously" unreliable is absurd; the FED-2 has never given me a single spot of trouble (and these have not been lovingly CLAd, either). Can't say the same for any "good" Japanese or German camera I've had no matter how expensive (or not).

That said, like others have mentioned, unless you're going to have a homebase or are willing to spend a ton of money on shipping films back I would go digital with a film complement. Any place that you'll manage to be able to buy film, you'll be able to charge or buy batteries (probably more--- there are a lot more electrical outlets then Kodak racks in the world). So ignore the "no battery" silliness unless you like working like that (I do, a lot of the time, but on a once in a lifetime trip I wouldn't risk it).

Good luck with the Ricoh... I wouldn't mind having one of those on trips like this myself!

[photogdave]

I have traveled through South America quite a bit. Years ago with film SLRs and recently with film RFs. My most recent trip was to Ecuador and Peru and I wrote a report on my equipment choices:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66111
Maybe this will be helpful.

[Al Kaplan]

If you decide to travel around a bit, exploring more than your original itinerary, remember that in Brasil the language is Portuguese, not Spanish.

[mich8261]

jmago,

I suggest you read photogdave's Galapagos and Inca Trail trip report (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66111&highlight=galapagos). He had a lot of gear, but it should give you a good idea of what worked for him.

Cheers,

PS: I have a Bernese Mountain Dog :)
PPS: Just saw Photogdave's post above!!!

[Ruvy]

I have traveled through South America quite a bit. Years ago with film SLRs and recently with film RFs. My most recent trip was to Ecuador and Peru and I wrote a report on my equipment choices:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66111
Maybe this will be helpful.

Interesting review. I admire the power, and dedication that comes through your report. Tempting as it may be, I can't imagine doing same - perhaps its because I always travel with wife or friend and lots of gear means a lot of time alone.

[CK Dexter Haven]

I have traveled and photographed in Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil and Argentina over the past ten years, with a LOT of time in Brazil.

The first question i would ask concerns film versus digital. What do you hope to accomplish in this journey? If you merely need to compile a record of your travels, for personal use, or maybe to self-publish a blurb book or somesuch, i guess the film/digital debate is moot. Take whichever you think will most reliably deliver the results you need. But, factor in the need to carry lots of film and then to protect it during any air travel. With that, you'll need to be able to effectively communicate to security agents that you don't want your film X-rayed, and that is becoming increasingly more difficult. During my last trips, in August and November, agents kept repeating that "it's okay if your film is rated under ISO 1600." In Spanish or Portuguese, of course. But, i've never trusted that line, and my paranoia includes concern about the cumulative effects of x-rays. Almost no flights from the US are non-stop these days, so figuring two flights down and two back, and then maybe not using some of the film and taking those rolls again the next trip.... Whatever. I have always been successful with getting hand-inspection, but it is a pain in the ass.

But, i prefer film. The aesthetics of it, and also because i have a prejudice against digital images for the type of photography i most 'respect.' Essentially, i wouldn't want to buy a 'fine art' print that was shot on a digital camera, and so i don't want to create a fine art print shot on one. That's my bias. But, i still shoot digital. Just about to get a 5DII and i recently took an LX3 to Brazil. But, i use those cameras for specific purposes.

The Hexar AF is a very nice camera. I had one for a little while. But, i wouldn't want it to be my ONLY or primary camera. The lens is great, but it is an AF camera where you cannot verify that the AF is accurate because you don't see the focus in the lens. As well, the fast shutter speed is VERY limited for the environment in which you'll be traveling. If you don't mind having to stop down a lot in daylight, i guess it's fine. But, as you said you'll be shooting people, maybe you'll want to isolate the subject from background a little bit, and a 35mm lens at f11 because you're shooting in Brazil on the beach is not going to get you there. If you do decide on the Hexar AF, i'd also take a small, simple SLR, just in case.

The LX3 is a nice camera, but it has a lot of 'features.' If you're going to get one, get it early and get used to it. I got mine in early November, and i still don't know what's going on with it. I mean, i can use it, but i'm not really intimately familiar with it. In any case, i use it for casual things, and i would not want to use it as a primary camera.

Get some Pimsleur language CDs and learn Spanish first, and then some Portuguese. Almost no one you will encounter on a practical basis will speak English. I'm talking about cab drivers, waiters, clerks/cashiers, bus drivers, etc. Carrying a phrase book is going to be both cumbersome and annoying for locals. And, it marks you as a target very easily. Don't be THAT guy.

Brazil is dangerous. But, if you are a conscientious traveler, you shouldn't have any trouble. Know where you can go and where you can't, and what you can show and what you can't. Do NOT carry around any kind of bag that looks like a camera bag. Don't wear your camera on a strap around your neck or shoulder. If you do keep a strap on a camera for whatever purpose, consider wrapping some ratty duct tape around the ends, and/or putting a piece on your camera to make it look like a thrift store special (if your personal appearance doesn't make you physically 'imposing'). That doesn't mean you can't take a camera. Whenever i travel, i take 6 or more cameras, including Hasselblad, Leica, Canon, etc. But, i carry only one at a time, in the same type of bag i carry my beach towel in - not a camera bag. I pull it out to use it, and put it back, in a padded camera insert. On the occasion that i'm carrying a camera around and just walking around looking for a shot, i carry a small SLR or rangefinder (or Contax T3, Leica CM, or the LX3) in my hand, with strap wrapped around my wrist, and whenever i see 'street kids' aimlessly walking around, i shield it, and make eye contact to show that i know that they're there and also to show that i'm not intimidated by them. Maybe the last bit is silly or the wrong approach, but after 25 visits, and 2 months per year for ten years, you learn how YOU can best deal with people and situations. But, i'm 6'3", black, and probably look athletic, so any thieves might assume that i could chase them down. And, possibly (probably) being black gives a thief the impression that i wouldn't have anything of value anyway....

Back to film / digital.... Whichever you decide, decide now. If you choose something you're not familiar with, get it now and work with it until you leave in March, so you can get to grips with it and feel confident and comfortable. And/or so that you can change your mind, sell the item(s) and fall back to plan B. A lot will depend on how much you can pack and carry. You seem to be more interested in a more 'reportage' way of seeing the world, so i don't recommend a big zoom lens. As you suggested, a prime or two and a small body are a great way of working. Considering where i've been, i'd suggest a 24 or 28mm + 50mm, or a 35 and maybe a small 85? A Contax Aria would be a great choice, if you go with film. If you choose a dSLR, the equivalent focal lengths. Did you say you're taking a laptop? Get a small card reader to plug in for quicker dumps, and burn DVDs. Review images on the laptop every night to make sure you're getting the results you want. Shoot RAW and have enough memory cards to deal with your shooting volume along with the dump/backup schedule you can practically maintain.

For such a long trip, i would suggest you choose one primary camera, and have a backup that uses the same lenses/technology, and THEN a supplementary camera like an LX3 or Hexar AF. Take ziplock bags to keep your stuff dry.

Regarding destinations: Brazil is amazing. Rio, in particular, but you're lucky if you can also travel to other cities. Buzios is supposed to be fantastic, for example. But, don't overestimate Buenos Aires. It's a 'nice city,' for certain. But, it's often referred to as the "Paris of South America." It's not. It's like Montreal is the Paris of North America. Just a silly cliche. Buenos Aires is not an exceptionally photogenic city. In fact, when i was there, i looked for postcards to send to family back home. Couldn't find a single postcard with an interesting image on it. There just isn't that much that is very interesting to shoot/look at there. My humble/limited opinion, of course. I'm not suggesting you avoid it. Just that you don't overcommit too much time to it.

If i can answer any specific questions, don't hesitate to send me an email.

[spysmart]

I had a co-worker who planned a round the world trip, then bought the ideal kit ( rucksack,clothes, camera etc.) but lost it all in his first week in Brazil. Try to look worldly and well travelled.
If you are backpacking, using hostels etc. , it's likely you will rarely ever have true security over your possessions, so the ability to carry the items of supreme value with you, even when you go for a shower, should be considered. I take a small canoe style dry bag that can hold every thing of value ( I even swam up a river in Kakadoo NT OZ with my Hasselblad in it ).

Next year I'm off cycling/backpacking this time around NZ ( admittedly a very safe country ) and have gone through the digital/film debate. I plan to either take a Olympus E420 with 11-22mm and 25f/2.8 or a M6 with 28 and 50mm lenses.

I'm leaning towards the M6 and mix of Ektar 100 and Fuji NPH/Pro400.
With digital I tend to machine gun photograph things, burning up many GB of flash, but the film camera leads me to a calmer more considered style.
With digital, on a longer trip, I would be worried about loosing the charger and would also want some form of independent backup - say a Ricoh GR1.

If I had to buy new kit for a risky trip, it would be a mechanical s/h M4-P or M6 (or new Bessa R4M RF) with VC 25mm and 50mm lenses.

[urban_alchemist]

Quick question:

Do you consider an MP or an XPan to be a 'conspicous' camera?

I ask because I'm heading off to Argentina to the glaciers of Patagonia, the rainforrests and Jesuit missions of Misiones and the Andean Villages of Jujuy... Planning to take those cameras... alot less dangerous than a dSLR, no?

[jarski]

for main camera, Canon G10, iPod connector and 120G iPod for storage.
second, for occasional film shots, Barnack Leica II and either 35 or 50 collapsible lens (and good practice before, not during the trip :) ).
that would be my setup, both are pocketable, and together go into small low profile bag. as others already suggested, basics least from Spanish, but also Portugese, or a travel companion who masters these. otherwise trip wont offer nearly as much as what could be out there + daily matters such as shopping and asking directions becomes harder.

edit: forgot to mention, some black tape to disguise any new electronic gizmos from greedy low income customs officers, as well as from thugs is probably worth of consideration.

[takeda72]

Quick question:

Do you consider an MP or an XPan to be a 'conspicous' camera?

I ask because I'm heading off to Argentina to the glaciers of Patagonia, the rainforrests and Jesuit missions of Misiones and the Andean Villages of Jujuy... Planning to take those cameras... alot less dangerous than a dSLR, no?

I live in Argentina (but actually I am from Brasil).

I dont think it's dangerous to bring your MP. Buenos Aires is not a dangerous city if you know where to go. Boca and some streets in downtown are not places that I would go with my Leica on my neck, but I guess that I have my camera with me almost 5 days per week. And I never had a problem. Just don't show off, try to not walk alone at night on empty streets and you will be fine.

And Patagonia is even safer. There are a lot of tourists down there, but the cities are safe.

For all you guys that are coming to Argentina: when you are here, shoot me an e-mail if you want to drink a coffee or some "mate". :)

All the best.

[yanidel]

For all you guys that are coming to Argentina: when you are here, shoot me an e-mail if you want to drink a coffee or some "mate". :)

All the best.
Actually, I am headed to Argentina tonight for a month ... going to my girlfriend's family to eat many asados;) than we will tour the country South. She is from Rosario so we probably won't go to Buenos Aires as I already visited. Can't wait to be in the sun, winter is just too long here !
I am taking my M8 and 3 lenses and have blacked out the M8 and leica signs. I have lived in Latin America so I know the basics of conduct ... as you said, a little common sense and there is no reason for things to turn sour !
Un saludo, que se va el avion en 4 horas y no me quiero perder el asado de Navidad !

[jarski]

miss those parilla's of Buenos Aires so much ! as well as churrascaria's from Sao Paulo ! :(

[ryan26]

I've traveled extensively (East Africa, North America, Europe, Asia) and have done about every combo... In East Africa I shot film, with Canon SLRs and big zoom lenses (16-35 and 70-200). In Nepal and then Southeast Asia, I carried two Canon digital SLRs, with those same large lenses, and a laptop. On my last trip across China, Tibet and India, I went small and carried an Xpan and a Nikon FM3A, with two small lenses each, covering me from 20mm to 90mm. Plus 100 rolls of black and white film.

This was by far the best way to go for me, as weight is crucial when carrying everything in a backpack, and traveling for a month or two or three at a time. It's a toss up whether you want to deal with the headache of X-Ray's, or digital memory, and to me, they are equivalent headaches. More so, it comes down to the aesthetic choice of film vs. digital image.

Mind you, I had to handle 14 X-Ray stations on my last trip, as they are everywhere in China, but my film didn't go through a single one. Be polite... even in Zurich and London where they are less than reasonable on such things. The one thing that I am starting to think about is that younger security guards might be less knowledgeable and obliging when it comes to old technology - and this is a real fear when you're carrying 20+ rolls of 3200 ISO film. But I'm going to keep working on my travel kit 'til it's perfect - by the next trip I should be down to an xpan w/ 45mm and 90mm, an M6 with a 28mm, and some sort of backup... m4-p, or the old fm3a w/35mm. If I were doing more stock/travel stuff, I'd go back to the Canon's though.


I'd totally use the Hexar if I were you... good camera, good size.


Best of luck