RE: [Leica] Travel Photography Made Easy

["Tim Atherton" <timphoto@nt.sympatico.ca>]

ATM's work great until they don't!!

In Nicaragua, I found that for three weeks they were upgrading the country's
whole ATM system while I was there! That was helpful.

In Honduras, I could get cash out about one day in 4, because Tegucigalpa's
power supply was being cut off daily and messing up all the computers.

In Guatemala I had no problem...

So don't always depend on it.

Tim A

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Ted Grant
> Sent: October 6, 1999 8:39 AM
> To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> Subject: Re: [Leica] Travel Photography Made Easy
>
>
> >Mike Quinn wrote:
> >
> >> I often can't see the sides of the film canisters when I pick one.
> >> Isn't it hard to see your colored paper?
> >> Instead, I usually mark an "X" (for "Exposed") on the top of
> any canisters
> >> with exposed film.   It helps to transfer all exposed rolls to a
> >>separate container each evening.>>
>
> DONAL PHILBY REPLIED:
> >Way too much work.  Just get some Ziplocks, get the film out of
> the canisters
> >and there you go.  Double bag 'em if you are paranoid.  Much smaller,
> >safe, easy to get through the security and I can carry 120 rolls
> on top of
> >gear in the
> >camera bag.  Sometimes I put the ziplocks inside a zippered screen bag I
> >got at a camping supply house for a little additional protection.
>
> This film carrying thing is in the same category as taking pictures: KISS!
> "Keep it simple stupid!"  Like Donal, I use zip lock freezer
> bags, all film
> comes out of cannisters and into bags, same film in one bag others in
> another.
>
> In the camera bag outside end pouches I place one "rubbermaid" clear
> plastic one sandwich container, Each holds 18 rolls comfortably, not in
> cannisters! Have these in hand before you get to the conveyor belt. Put
> them aside for a hand inspection, the inspectors can then see it's film.
> The dumb ones still take the lid off and feel each roll!
>
> If you are carrying one or two hundred rolls on board put them in separate
> ziplock bags in a carry on hand bag. I use an old beat up black KODAK hand
> bag like a gym bag,..film only, Period.
>
> Set your camera bag on the conveyor belt (don't worry about your gear and
> don't be fiddling with the bag just throw it on the belt and pull the film
> bags out and place them on the side for hand inspection, then throw the
> empty hand bag on the conveyor to go through.  Be efficient at this, be
> early at the departure gate!!!  Use come sense, look efficient and
> organized. (you've done this a million times without looking "cocky about
> it!!")
>
> If you are a photographer who feel you must use the cannisters,
> still empty
> to freezer bags, put empty cannisters in your checked baggage, where upon
> arrival at destination re-load the film back into cannisters.
> While you are
> resting from the flight.
>
> As you expose film, the exposed rolls go back into the freezer bags, or if
> you feel you must re-use cannisters, REMEMBR!!! before your
> departure empty
> all exposed and non exposed film back into the ziplocks for the reverse
> procedure going home or onto the next location.
>
> It has worked for me for more flights than I remember. But even with all
> this film carrying preparation, there are countries where clear and simple
> see through backs don't matter a whit........."Sorry mate, it goes through
> the carry on scanner!"  And no amount of whining, begging, grovelling will
> make one iota of a difference.
>
> Put the film on the belt with a "Hail Mary, Allah or whomever"
> blessing and
> keep you fingers crossed.
>
> ted
>
> Ted Grant
> This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler.
> http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant
>
>