k_mcfadzean

After doing some research and price shopping, I have just ordered a gitzo mk 2

sport for my 'blad. It seemed to have the best compromise between weight, cost,

and max load for my needs. I only use up to a 150mm lens for daytime landscape

shots while hiking. The set up was $219 for the legs, brand new. Does any one

have any experience with this tripod?

 

 

P.S. I can still cancel my order.

I always use an xray bag rated 40xpf good enough even for checked luggage. Although I always bring it on as carry on. Never had a problem in various countries and brought the same film through different xray machines multiple times on different flights. Do expect them on occasion (50%) to go ahead and hand inspect your film. Never had any fogging issues or major airport hassles using a lead bag. You can find them at B&H.

I do it on every trip/walkabout along with a contax g rangefinder. I end up using the range finder more, but when the situation arises, I am always happy I have the blad along. I usually carry different lenses for the different systems to cover the gamut. 28 and 45 for 35mm, and 60 150 for the 6x6. Get a good bag, good shoes, and camera insurance if you decide to leave one system behind at you hotel, etc. But I must disclaim I have been called crazy more than once!

Are you traveling alone? If not say one camera is your companion, etc. I traveled to los cabos with 2 cameras and a lot of film 6 mo's ago and they never questioned me and I had zero problems. I have read to bring reciepts or insurance certificates to verify you didnt buy it in mexico and need to pay sales tax. Great people, very friendly, and great place for photos. As a matter of fact a I was driving the wrong way on a one way road (by accident) and the policia let me slide with out a ticket(try that in other countries). Be humble, friendly and practice your spanish, a little will go a long way. Looking foward to traveling there again.

This past weekend, Friedlander had a spread in the new york times magazine for fashion week. You can see it on the nytimes.com. Not his best work but worth a look.

I would look into hiring a reputable guide that speaks the language and knows the culture to escort you around. I ve read on photojournalists sites this is very popular method to stay "healthy" even the best photojournalists do this. Question is where to find one. I dont remember the name of the site, but they trade tips on everything from airport screeners to flack jackets. Being in unfamiliar territory one wrong turn and........ I would also consider dressing down considerably, like take some of the shabbiest clothes and shoes you have. Best of luck and enjoy the experience.

I always use a lead film bag (film shield xpf 20) avialable from B&H or other suppliers. Put my film through the scanner and then if they have a problem then they hand inspect. Its funny sometimes they check it other times they dont and it goes right through. The lead bag is rated even for luggage scanners, but I always bring it along with my camera equipment as carry on. I have not done this in england, but I have used this method in france, mexico, carribean and althoughout the US with no problems.

could some one please recommend the lightest tripod setup for landscapes? I

will be doing some extensive hiking and prefer the lightest set up possible. I

like the gitzos, but I am also interested in cheaper alternatives (if any). I

currently shoot with a hasselblad w/ 60, 80, 150, a rangefinder and a mono pod.

I doubt I will do many exposures over a few seconds.

Thanks for any input.

Also look into nippon photo clinic in nyc have had very good experience with a lens cleaning and other repairs. They are the only authorized repair shop in the tristate area. David odess is also frequently mentioned on this forum always with great admiration.

you should be able to buy an inexpensive converter/transformer to bridge the different electrical systems, but I dont know where you can purchase it from.

Harry is dead on. licensed electrician

I have benn using a lead bag "film shield xpf 20" in carribean, mexico, france, etc. Most times it goes right through the carry on xray inspection without a hitch. If they think it looks suspicious, then they hand inspect after the xray. The bag is rated for even checked luggage. Never had any problems with any film being damaged.

If you are interested in a possible trade I have a mint hasselblad set up 60mm & 150mm lens both cfi, 503 cx, and 2 backs.

Have always had good experience with B&H, adorama although I have never purchased any bad equipment from them, they do not seem quite as profesional or helpful(in person at least) as B&H. I have also have found great purchases on ebay for half of the price for used equipment at B&H and being of great quality. I only deal with ebayer's with good feedback and return policies.With that being said my only 2 blad lenses that are 60mm and 150mm. Both bay 60. The first being a slight wide and the second a slight telephoto. For me that works as being a portable and light combo (relatively)that covers most situations. Personally any zeiss lens will be a good choice. Best of luck.