[Leica] my first assignment

[walt at waltjohnson.com (Walt Johnson)]

Philippe:

You are certainly talented enough to do a fine job on this assignment. 
Sounds as if you have it well planned as far as accessories go but  I'd 
rethink the camera/film situation.. If you're going to be doing 
reportage you might want to travel light.  couple of M bodies, 
21,35,50,90  and a spare body just in case. Film wise, 400 iso color neg 
is versatile enough for any requirements. Quality on these current  C-41 
films is fantastic and will allow you to decide on color/b&w in more 
favorable environment.(home with a/c, Photoshop and a beer)

After reading your post I felt you might be getting yourself bogged down 
with too much equipment. Also, with such a variety of cameras can you 
really react to situations intuitively? For me, everything has to be the 
same except for the focal length. A wide angle around the neck, a 50 or 
90 on the right shoulder and a small bag on the left. It might sound a 
bit too regimented but will serve well in fast moving situations.(that 
doesn't mean fast as in quick on your feet but fast as in thinking)

In any case, I'm anxious to see the results. Ever since you posted 
those  images of your children it was obvious to me  you're a "realist" 
at heart. :-)

Walt


Philippe Orlent wrote:

> 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
>
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