[Leica] How to take gear long-haul

[Adam Bridge]

Hi LUGers,

Next summer I’m following a college group on a service trip to Tanzania. Mostly I’ll be documenting their work in several orphanages associated with Benedictine monasteries in the south-west part of the country. We’ll also be doing a bit of sight-seeing in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and finishing up with a week up near Kilimanjaro. It’s a month-long trip.

I’m honored to be the tag-along photographer!

I’m also intimidated about how to take a substantial amount of gear along with me on the long flights. Fortunately I’m able to fly business class (Delta/KLM) but I still am limited by carry-on.

I know there are folks who do this sort of traveling on an almost regular basis. I’d really like to hear your advice on how to pack, what to take, and what to take it IN.

My focus will be on the students, their interactions with their African hosts, life at the monasteries. I have a reasonable selection of moderate to fast primes. For the safari part I’m thinking of taking a “super-zoom” small camera that can shoot up to 1200mm (a Canon or Panasonic perhaps).

I’d gratefully value the communities’ help. Maybe there’ll be something on the ‘Claus list!

Thank you!

Adam “that’s a long time to hang in the air” Bridge