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Hi there everyone, I'm a little new to this game so bare with me. I've just got my self an slr, some lenses and the bug for photography.
I'm off to Thailand soon and just wanted to know what people would advise to take in regards film (35mm). I've been told 100 iso for most things and something fast for occasions where low level lighting is prevalent. But which? Any other advice?
Also would it be better to buy the film before leaving or while I'm over there?
I love using slide film for travel photography, but if you are new to this then you are probably best using negative film - ie that which produces prints when it is processed - purely because it is more tolerant of exposure errors etc. and generally easier to use.
If you want a good all-round film I would go for something with a higher speed such as 400ASA, even though many of your shots will probably be in bright daylight - you could always use a neutral density filter to reduce the film speed.
As a suggestion I think that the Fuji NPH400 is a lovely all round film, even though it is described as 'portrait' film. You can buy this in places like Jessops, although it is a professional film so some of the smaller shops may not carry it as a stock item. I am sure that 7dayshop sell it too.
Alternatively check out some of the film emulsions available from Kodak www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/features/featuresIndex.jhtml
i agree with matt, however another more budget film for the newer user is the jessops CS100, you can get it at jessops for 6.00 process paid. ive used some sensia which produces nicer colours but is more expensive with no processing. so you can go crazy with your camera without blowing the budget.
A MUST HAVE IS A POLARISER!!!!! i was in sri lanka and it didn't come off once it is a must.
I have just returned from India after spending several weeks there. I used Fuji Sensia 200 with a couple of 400 (seeing as it is monsoon season) The best thing i took though was my canon 50mm f1.4 lens. Would not have been able to take half the shots i did (unless i used a tripod) without this lens. A definate consideration for travelling.
I have always bought my film prior to travelling. You NEVER know what the film is going to be like in Asia. A lot of the small street sellers sell out of date film or film that may have been re wound so it will double expose.
PS I agree with Matt also. Stick to Negative if you are new to the game. I also tend to take 24 exp so they can be used/ changed quicker for different light.
I've recently returned from a 12 month round the world trip and for all countries close o the equator i.e Thailand you will be able to use finer grain/slow film. I would agree that a PL will help, especially if shooting during the hottest parts of the day. Try and shoot between 3 hours after sunrise and 3 hours before sunset. A UV filter would be a good idea to protect your lense when travelling and for the other obvious reason!
To answer your question, Velvia is a fantsatic slide film for landscapes, Provia is another cracker for general photography, but the NPC and NPH are good neg films too. DO NOT assume that you will be able to get this film in Thailand. It is cheaper but as a general rule, the films won't have been kept in fridges and looked after very well.
On the Reala box it states 'protect from Heat and X-Ray' - it may not need to be refrigerated but if it is not (especially in Thailand) then you can forget about having clean colours at the printing stage. I've used Reala on many occasions. A good choice for starting out - good idea satellite.
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