Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Photo Forum
Photo Forum Everything on Travel Photography, from what kind of equipment to take with you to how to light a subject.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Dec 2001
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Trondheim, Norway
Posts: 62
What to look for in a 35mm slide film (for africa)?

I'll soon be off on a trans african trip and I want to use slide films throughout my trip. What should I look for in a film, (I am using an old Canon A1 so less fancy digital stuff to help me with exposure). Someone mentioned that somthing about a film's latitude.. or how sensitive it is to over/under exposure.
What about colour bias(?) ?

Please help!

thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Dec 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 521
If I had to use only one film, I'd use Fuji Velvia. This 50 ISO film is slightly biased towards the red end of the color scale, which should be perfect under African skies (and useless for portraits of Caucasians...). It is relatively slow, but I imagine light will be no problem in Africa. The reddish cast will make your pictures glow!

If you feel you need just a bit faster film, Fuji also provides the extremely sharp and contrasty 100F. Some claims this is as grainless and sharp as the Velvia 50, and more neutral. You might want to check that out yourself.

If you need still faster film, Fuji also provides "Slide Film of the Year 2001/2002", the 400F. I haven't tried it myself, but the reports says "small grains and contrasty to be such a fast film".

Then you have the 1000 and 1600 ISOs, but these are - in my opinion - so grainy they should only be used as special effects.

You might want to use an amber filter, like the 81C. This will add that gentle touch of amber to your pictures, and people tend to favour pictures with a warm color cast. After all, if you should describe Africa with one color, which one would you choose if not amber? Also, polarizers will enhance contrast, so you might want to bring one along. As you have a manual camera, it shouldn't matter if it is a circular or linear pola-filter. Be aware of some light loss when using it.

As you probably have noticed, I prefer Fuji films. Of course, other film manufacturers have good films as well. However, most - if not all - slide films have next to no exposure latitude. If this is a major issue, go for negative film, which has bucket and loads of latitude. But if you want the best results, you can't beat slide film. Use a hand held light meter if you do not know your camera's on-board light meter well enough (if I remember correctly, your A-1 has only centerweighted average metering, no spot.)

Of course, the best bet is to load up with several ISOs. But remember: Pro slide film usually needs to be developed fast, due to short storage limit.

And before heading off, you might want to try a couple of films. Maybe you find the one that suits you best.

Hope this lengthy reply is to some help.l

Best of luck on your journey.

indu
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Dec 2001
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Trondheim, Norway
Posts: 62
Thanks for the quick and indepth reply. I'll have a look at the different fuji films you mentioned.

Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Dec 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Zaandam, Holland
Posts: 119
Hi,

I've used Velvia (asa50) a couple of times in Africa. I had mij camera (Canon AE1) set on 100 asa and had the film specially developed. The Velvia is a great film for (very) bright light, like in the Sahara. But remember that inj Africa (even in the Sahara) its not always sunny and bright. On a overcast day in the more equatoriel AFrica I wouldnot recommend the Velvia because it wil ussualy produce slide that are too dark. It also doesnt work very wel for taking pictures of (dark) people. But take a picture of the redyellow citywalls of Marrakech, sandunes in ALgeria or the Atlasmountains and it looks even better then real.
__________________
Peter Kik
Zaandam, Holland
peter.kik@tip.nl
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Dec 2001
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Vigo, Spain
Posts: 69
John,

I too use exclusively Fuji in my business (except for black & white). They are great films and well proven in difficult shooting and storage conditions. However, if you're not too well versed on absolutely nailing exposure, or using older equipment like your A1 (excellent otherwise), I'd recommend not to shoot so much Velvia, and more Provia 100F.

Provia 100F has a bit more latitude (read room for error), a little less contrast and is one stop faster. Less contrast will work better on sunlit portraits and offer better skin tones. Also remember the sun also sets in Africa, and quite fast at that, so you'll find good use to the extra stop and even the 400 ISO film. Color is excellent in these films nonetheless.

Then again, I have a friend who's a top-class photographer (published in National Geographic, Geo, Time, etc.) who uses nothing but Ektachrome 100SV. And he does wonders with it!

Hope this helps,

Roberto.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:54.