[Leica] my first assignment

[philippe.orlent at pandora.be (Philippe Orlent)]

Yeeha!

A bit to my surprise, today I've been asked to do a reportage/ 
documentary in Senegal at the end of may. I'll be there for 5 days.
Except for all my expenses, I'll be doing this for free. So no  
commission: it's a unique opportunity for me, it's for a non-profit  
organisation that's starting up a project, and I don't really need  
the money that much, thanks to my professional life in advertising.  
Afterwards, there will be an auction of a selection of my work to  
fund the project. The reproduction rights will stay with me.

I plan to take 3 of my cameras: a Sony DSC-R1 with 2 Gb of CF, a  
Ricoh GR D with 21mm attachment, external VF and 1 Gb of SD, and a  
Leica M4-2 with CV 35/2.5 Color Skopar, 50/2 Summicron and a 90/4  
Rokkor.
On the M4-2, I'll shoot only in B&W. Light measurement with the VC II  
Lightmeter, and a Sekonic Dualmaster L-558.
I also prepare to take a 40 gig image tank, my 17" PowerBook, a small  
reflection screen and spare battery sets. Lots of the latter. And  
ofcourse all the necessary cords, cardreaders etc.
Some material to dedust cameras and lenses, too.

Now, since this is my first assignment, and the first trip into  
Central West Africa (I've ony been in South-Africa untill now), I  
want to prepare as good as I can. A few questions arise:
1) For the B&W, should I stick to 100 ASA (I use Fuji Neopan 100  
Acros and from time to time TMax 100), or go lower? Which  
automatically brings me into Foma films or equivalent.
2) For the digital (esp. the Sony), should I take an ND filter with  
me (the Sony's lowest ISO is 160)?

Any very important things that I forget here?
Useful tips and tricks? (I'll take a good hat, multi pocket trousers,  
good walking shoes, black or white (long sleeved) T-shirts, and maybe  
knee pads with me)
And also the things I usually take with me when I travel abroad (a  
scarf, a pocket knife, 6 ft. of cord, a candle, waxed matches,  
aspirin, a tiny survival blanket, a compass and a steady watch)
Vaccinations etc. are been taking care of.

All of this will fit in a smallish LowePro kind of backpack that will  
never leave my side.
I speak French and English, so I do not suspect that will pose any  
problems.
It is not an expedition, so a real survival kit won't be necessary.

Counting on the vast knowledge residing on this forum now, f.i. (and  
amongst others) from Ted, Tina and Daniel,
and really looking forward to your do's and don'ts.

Thanks already,
Philippe