should I still take Velvia?

[Nowhereman]

This is like asking whether you should buy a black or silver Leica-M: surely it's a matter of

taste. If you ask me, I hate the look of Velvia.

 

--Mitch/Bangkok

[stephen_schoof1]

I didn't see anyone mention Velvia 100F, which produces slightly better skin tones than the 100 or 50. I used to hate it myself, but after testing (preparing for the demise of 50) I've found it's plenty saturated in many landscape applications (soft light, vivid sunsets, etc.). It is (to me) disappointing in golden light and more muted sunsets, when the 100 and 50 are better choices. I've started using 100F for people/action, soft light, etc., and the other Velvias for 'magic hour.'

[thomas_t]

Rene,

 

If skin tone is what concerns you, I'd recommend Provia 100. It still has great colors, but the skin tones seem to be much more subtle than the velvia rendering.

 

have fun, that is a great area

[albert knapp md]

i would use velvia<div></div>

[jim_jeblee]

Hi, Off topic for the film (I use more Reala outside) But I can recommend you try a CV metal 28mm external viewfinder in your flash shoe for 28. I have one I use for my 28 Elmarit on both my M2 & M6 it's very small, rugged & works great! Good luck & have a great trip! Jim

[david j.lee]

i like velvia, but i think you are going to get some very different color rendering when

using the collapsible summicron. mine gives a "cool" cast when shooting color film. try to

get a shot of the same scene with the 50mm tri elmar and the collapsible to see the

diferences. hope you have fun!

[david j.lee]

,,,,by the way. do you carry a tripod or one of those walking poles with a tripod screw on

them ? ( just curious...!)

[brambor]

David - here in lies my other conundrum. Last trip I went alone I just could not pack a tripod. But I would like to ;-). This trip I have a 14 year old and an 8 year old with me. I think the 14 year old could pick up a lot of stuff to justify for me carrying a tripod. It's just so damn heavy with respect to backpacking stuff.

[Robin Smith]

If you like Velvia 50, there is still nothing else like it, so I would take it. While it is not realistic with skin tones - it still can look just fine and nothing gives its warmth and depth of color. I don't think that 100F is really any better for skin tones, and it does not have the same palette as the original.

 

I personally much prefer Astia 100F to Provia anyday.

 

Don't regret not taking K64. It is really nothing like Velvia 50 in its palette or saturation anyway (although it does share its high contrast).

[mattalofs]

I've never used velvia, so take my POV for what it's worth. I think provia's more natural color saturation and it's ability to handle many different lighting situations makes sense for a trip like this. Here are a few examples:<br><br><center>

<img src="http://www.1point4photography.com/images/02650006.jpg"><br>

<img src="http://www.1point4photography.com/images/02650021.jpg"><br>

<img src="http://www.1point4photography.com/images/02540004.jpg"><br>

<img src="http://www.1point4photography.com/images/02540024.jpg"><br>

provia 100F | <a href="http://www.1point4photography.com">Matt Alofs www.1pt4.com</a></center><br><br>

I don't think you are going to miss out on the velvia look, and for me at least the idea of continuity between the two trips is something of a red herring; how can a trip taken with your sons ever be the same as a trip taken by yourself? <br><br>

BTW, why the tri-elmar and the collapsible? Save the weight.

[brambor]

Matt, the tri elmar is going. The collapsible could stay home but the size and weight are not a factor at all. I thought I could utilize it for when F2 would be nice. But it might just stay home anyway. I shot 99 procent between F8 and F16 last time.

[Troll]

Isn't there a filter you can use when shooting people, but leave it off for everything else?

[EricM]

the "decrease saturation and contrast filter"? :P

[vivek iyer]

I though you switched to a phone cam, following Nels' post? :-)

[brambor]

nah. but I started blogging and started using my crappy phone to shoot pics and I actually liked some of the pics that came from the phone.

 

Allways try ti pick the right tool for the job. :-)

[35mmdelux]

Hi Rene,

 

I find velvia, provia and elite all excellent films and I do agree to a large extent that the skin tone issue is generally blown out of proportion. Consider that if it was truly a vital issue you would want to take Kodak 160NC or Fuj Reala.

 

Thus, IMO it comes down to speed.

 

Enjoy the trip. Best - Paul

[35mmdelux]

Rene,

 

For my trip to Costa Rica MonteVerde rainforest in a few months I'm taking K-14/64, Reala (family pix), Ilfo HP-5. Cameras: xPan/45mm, M6/90mm Elmarit-M, 35mm Lux Asp, Gitzo Balsam pod 2.3 lbs. Landscapes for me are worth the extra weight of the pod.

 

Best - Paul