Ecuador's mainland: safety, travel, etc.

[pete_caluori]

Greetings,

I've checked the archives and found some good info, but I'd like to

get more current info, like wihin the past year. I'll be traveling

through the mainland (not Galapagos) and have some concerns about

bringing my Hassy. If I use it in public places, am I going to

attract too much attention and get ripped off? What about using a

tripod? Is film available in country, or do I have to bring

everything, what about processing? Should I just consider using a

35mm instead? Any recent info you can provide would be greatly

appreciated. Thanks!

 

Regards, Pete

[ulrik_neupert]

I went to Ecuador 3 years ago with my Hasselblad gear. I would not expect to find film or processing facilities there. Bring with you everything you need. I would not worry too much about safety. Just be careful with pickpockets in big cities (I watched one in a tram in Quito). There are places in Guajakil where you should not go, with or without Hasselblad. In my experience you will not attract too much attention. Of course children will be very curious. What I did is the following: Let children look through the waist level finder and point the camera at their friends. Release the camera here and then to get some great pictures. This works fine with the 80 mm lens. In general the waist level finder is very helpful with people photography. Take your Hasselblad with you wherever you go!!!

 

Ulrik