Re: [Leica] Travel Photography Made Easy

["Mike Quinn" <mlquinn@san.rr.com>]

I agree that ziplock bags are great (in fact, one of the few consistently 
useful things about modern life).

A few comments...

On metal bulk film cans:
I used to do it that way. (Nice description of the "patina" they acquire
with use!). I stopped using them when I realized that water will condense on
the inside of the metal can if you open it and then store it in a cool
place.

Some of us are destined to find ever more interesting ways to ruin film. I
lost one can when I stored it in an ice chest and another when I stored it
in my refrigerator.

Now I find it curiously reassuring that each roll comes in, and ends up in,
its own sealed container...

On the KISS principle:
Sounds good! Your advise about airport security is particularly appreciated.
I know one day I'll be asked to open every canister...

I'm currently doing something similar. I've replaced the metal cans with
plastic sandwich boxes.  I put the film canisters inside a zip-lock bag and
then put each zip-lock bag inside a sandwich box. So far it's survived
several accidental baths in the ice chest.

Of course, since I leave the film in the canisters, I can't access the film
quickly or stuff 18 rolls into one container. I suppose I could restore some
of the simplicity of my old routine by transferring some film from the
canisters to a "working" zip-lock bag (or can) each morning... I'll try it.
Thanks for the tips!

>>>Mike Quinn wrote:
>>> 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.

Bob McEowen Responded:

> I carry 11 rolls of film (sans plastic cans) in one of those metal cans that
> the 100-foot rolls of bulk film come in. It's a very convenient way to handle
> film on a shoot -- no boxes or plastic cans to mess with. I've been carrying
> the same can for more than 15 years -- the cans start off shiny but take on a
> lovely patina after awhile (OK, it's grime, but I can call it patina, can't
> I?)

> The film stands upright in the can. If you like, you can put the exposed
> rolls back in upside down (spool end down) so you can tell them from
> unexposed. Personally, I find the leader hanging out is plenty of indication.
> The  can fits a Domke pocket perfectly.

> When going through airports I just take the top of the can off (and place it
> upside down on the bottom of the can so the can rests in the top) and hand
> the whole can to the security person. They give you a kind of baffled look at
> first but almost instantly realize what they're holding. It's amazingly quick
> and you don't have to reorganize your film just to pass through an airport.

> The 11 roll capacity is just right for most day's shoots -- or at least a
> half a day.

Ted Grant Added:

> 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.
>