[Leica] my first assignment

[jgovindaraj at eth.net (Jayanand Govindaraj)]

Philipe,
If it is anything like the light here, the sun can be real strong during 
the day, so a ND filter or two can be very useful. Otherwise, for 
shooting here I find BW400CN and Fuji Superia 200 (colour) to be very 
good for contrasty conditions, as is Fuji Neopan 100 Acros. Take a wide 
brimmed hat, dark glasses for the glare. Take all light coloured 
clothing, all pastel shades, cotton or preferably linen - you have no 
idea how hot dark coloured clothes feel in 100F heat. Even blue jeans 
feel opressive. Equipment and health you would know best.
Cheers
Jayanand



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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