film choice for high altitudes

[fursan]

First, I would like to thank all you folks for getting me to select the right film for a
wedding in manchester, england. I used mostly portra 400 vc and xp2 super.

Now, I need your expertise for a trip my wife and I are taking coming november to Nepal.
Maximum altitude this trip shall be apprx 4000 mts. weather is expected to be fairly sunny
and pleasant ( hopefully!! )

Are there any special pointers you could give me for shooting there? camera kit
of an M8 + M7 with a 21/4.5, 28/2, 50/1.4, 90/2.8 shall be carried and shared between
myself and my wife. I am falling in love with film, and she with the M8.

Any other help will be appreciated.

Best regards.

p.s unfortunately I am unable to post any wedding pics as the family is very conservative
and would not approve.

[fursan]

Anyone?...Please!!

any recommendations for c41 processors in Nepal?

Thank you.

[andym911]

fursan

i ws there in 2005 with an M6 and a 35&90 lens.It was fine for my needs, we went a bit higher than you are intending to about 5500m.
I took mostly Kodak Portra 160 and 400 as well as some Kodachrome 64.

It was very bright and used an ND filter a lot during daytime...no need for polarizer!

Both the k64 and the Portra came out well....

I did get some of the portra processed in a small shop in Katmandu but it was poorly done, perhaps there are others that are ok but personally I would bring it back home and use your regular lab.

whatever you take make sure that you get some early morning shots...the light will seduce you


Namaste , Andy

[fursan]

Andy, thanks a lot. this is what i was thinking to pack ( - kodachrome 64 ). I would
expect the processing would have improved by now!...no?

Salams to you too my friend.

Originally Posted by andym911

fursan

i ws there in 2005 with an M6 and a 35&90 lens.It was fine for my needs, we went a bit higher than you are intending to about 5500m.
I took mostly Kodak Portra 160 and 400 as well as some Kodachrome 64.
....snip..................
whatever you take make sure that you get some early morning shots...the light will seduce you


Namaste , Andy

[kenneth]

I always used Agfa CT18 in the Alps. I found it suited altitude situations better than my regular film which at that time was Kodachrome 25ASA. The late Galen Rowell rated Fuji Velvia 50ASA highly and his pictures were hard to fault- Hope this is of some help

[andym911]

here a couple that I could find quickly for your reference....k64 and Portra

regards
andy

[andym911]

one more

[andym911]

and finally the Tengboche Monastry

[fursan]

Hi Kenneth,

So nice of you to stop by and respond. My limited knowledge of the place leads me
to believe that e46 processing is inadvisable ( or non-existant ) there.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by kenneth

I always used Agfa CT18 in the Alps. I found it suited altitude situations better than my regular film which at that time was Kodachrome 25ASA. The late Galen Rowell rated Fuji Velvia 50ASA highly and his pictures were hard to fault- Hope this is of some help

[fursan]

Andy, those are excellent, especially mt. everest!

Best.

Originally Posted by andym911

one more

[kenneth]

Andy I second the comment great shots. I particularly liked the shot of Tengboche Monastery. As a practicing Tibetan Buddhist for many years it is always good to see auspicious sites. A friend if mine was there in the late 70's with an Olympus OM2n and if I remember rightly Kodachome, I think 25ASA but it might have been 64ASA

[andym911]

Kenneth and Fursan thanks for your comments.

Nepal still holds something mystical..I hope to get back one day soon.

andy

[NZDavid]

Nice pics Andy!

My experience has been that a UV or Skylight filter helps. It's very blue up there.

I have used Agfa RSX50 (nice and neutral), also Fuji Astia 100F (ditto) and Kodak E100G and GX which are more saturated.

[andym911]

David

you are right regarding the filter, thanks also for your kind feedback.

Fursan, one thing I can recommend while you are there.Buy some of the local woven Blankets made from Yak's wool.They are very low cost and are simply the warmest blankets you may find.
My wife and daughter love them still today in our cold winters here.

This charming lady was weaving them and I am happy to have taken her photo.(K64 with an old, old 90 Elmar, if I am not mistaken)

Regards

Andy

[fursan]

I am really grateful to all you folks for your patience,advice and pictures.
You are a swell bunch of people.

Regards.

[ijporter]

B+W recommend a KR 6 filter for use above 2500 metres. However this is most likely based on a Kodak emulsion. If you intend to use a 'warm' film (such as Fuji or one of the 'warmer' Ektachromes), a KR 3 or even a KR 1.5 would probably be fine.

Happy trekking!

Ian

[nobbylon]

fursan,
i was there last Oct, Nov and for film used reala 100 and Sensia with my m6 and an asph sum 35 and a 15 heliar. Like Andy, I went to 5550mtrs, Kala Patar opposite Everest. I did use a polarizer for some of my shots but mainly nothing. I got all mine processed when I got back. A truly magical place, have a great trip. You can view my efforts with Leica here,
Himalaya Leica - a set on Flickr

[fursan]

Ian, appreciate your input.

Best.

Originally Posted by ijporter

B+W recommend a KR 6 filter for use above 2500 metres. However this is most likely based on a Kodak emulsion. If you intend to use a 'warm' film (such as Fuji or one of the 'warmer' Ektachromes), a KR 3 or even a KR 1.5 would probably be fine.

Happy trekking!

Ian

[fursan]

Lovely, lovely catures. makes me want to go now! yes siree..that's the place..kala patar.

regards.

Originally Posted by nobbylon

fursan,
i was there last Oct, Nov and for film used reala 100 and Sensia with my m6 and an asph sum 35 and a 15 heliar. Like Andy, I went to 5550mtrs, Kala Patar opposite Everest. I did use a polarizer for some of my shots but mainly nothing. I got all mine processed when I got back. A truly magical place, have a great trip. You can view my efforts with Leica here,
Himalaya Leica - a set on Flickr