[Leica] my first assignment

[jwlee01 at gmail.com (John Lee)]

Philippe,

Something with a lot of pockets: a photo vest.

Have a nice trip!

Cheers,
John

On 5/8/06, Philippe Orlent <philippe.orlent@pandora.be> 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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