What to look for in a 35mm slide film (for africa)?

[Photog Rob]

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.