What to take to India

[swamiji]

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Ah, film. Last time, as I was flying out from Delhi, I did not keep track of my film, and one of the guards confiscated it. It cost me $40 to get it back.

 

Just remember the less you take, the less you have to keep track of, the less chance of losing your photos. As an additional precaution, I suggest you use the drive as a backup only. Copy the photos on the drive, but do not delete them, take enough cards to cover your entire trip. Store the Drive in different luggage than your cards. Hand carry the drive through security.

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[Deliberate1]

Ah, film. Last time, as I was flying out from Delhi, I did not keep track of my film, and one of the guards confiscated it. It cost me $40 to get it back..

 

Traveling with film is just a pain. I am so happy to be rid of it. On my last trip to the Middle East, I had a plastic bag with about 100 rolls of 6x6 film. Each roll had to come out of the box for inspection. At least they did not require me to take them out of the sealed foil wrappers.

 

Agree with your logistics.

David

[swamiji]

Traveling with film is just a pain. I am so happy to be rid of it. On my last trip to the Middle East, I had a plastic bag with about 100 rolls of 6x6 film. Each roll had to come out of the box for inspection. At least they did not require me to take them out of the sealed foil wrappers.

 

Agree with your logistics.

David

 

I took a M7 as a back up camera... while I had it, I might as well use it....

[Deliberate1]

I took a M7 as a back up camera... while I had it, I might as well use it....

 

SInce you have obviously spent time in India, can you shed some light on the cultural sensitivities of taking images of people with/without express permission. I am sure that I will see fellow humans in predicaments that are both tragic and fascinating. I would not want to inadvertently add to anyone's misery or disgrace.

David

[michali]

A very interesting and timely thread, I'm on my way to India just after New Year for a month.

 

Other than Imodium and charcoal tablets (they saved me the last time I visited India), I'm planning to take M9, WATE, MATE, 50mm Summilux and 90mm Elmarit and also my Rolleiflex 3.5F 6X6.

Reading this thread I'm now having second thoughts about film.

 

Having said this, I travelled to Argentina earlier this year and had no hassles with film and security......

[Deliberate1]

A very interesting and timely thread, I'm on my way to India just after New Year for a month.

 

Other than Imodium and charcoal tablets (they saved me the last time I visited India), I'm planning to take M9, WATE, MATE, 50mm Summilux and 90mm Elmarit and also my Rolleiflex 3.5F 6X6.

Reading this thread I'm now having second thoughts about film.

 

Having said this, I travelled to Argentina earlier this year and had no hassles with film and security......

 

Damn. That is a lot of gear. Is that Rollei a twin lens reflex? Mine, the 6008i, is an SLR and is big. And with the lovely 90mm Schneider and 45 degree finder, it looks like a bazooka when you raise it to your eye. At least that is what an Israeli soldier told me as he passed. It certainly atrracted attention, and scared the crap out of people as I brought it up to "shoot." On my next trip, I switched out the 45 finder for a waist finder. Much less of an issue.

I must say that I just drooled over the chromes that came back from those trips. And part of me is ready to load the Rollei gear up for India. But, as in childbirth, you would not do it a second time if you truly remembered what it was like the first. At least that is what I have been told.

Have a wonderful trip. Perhaps we might compare images.

David

[michali]

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Damn. That is a lot of gear. Is that Rollei a twin lens reflex? Mine, the 6008i, is an SLR and is big. And with the lovely 90mm Schneider and 45 degree finder, it looks like a bazooka when you raise it to your eye. At least that is what an Israeli soldier told me as he passed. It certainly atrracted attention, and scared the crap out of people as I brought it up to "shoot." On my next trip, I switched out the 45 finder for a waist finder. Much less of an issue.

I must say that I just drooled over the chromes that came back from those trips. And part of me is ready to load the Rollei gear up for India. But, as in childbirth, you would not do it a second time if you truly remembered what it was like the first. At least that is what I have been told.

Have a wonderful trip. Perhaps we might compare images.

David

 

Thank you David! Yes the Rollei is a 1960/61 twin lens reflex model. The taking lens is a 75mm f3.5 Carl Zeiss Planar lens. When all the planets line up and when I nail the exposure, the 6X6 Fuji Velvia 50 images still make me drool. In these instances the M9 is probably the only other camera I've owned that comes close to delivering the image quality of the medium format Rolleiflex.

[Deliberate1]

...the 6X6 Fuji Velvia 50 images still make me drool. In these instances the M9 is probably the only other camera I've owned that comes close to delivering the image quality of the medium format Rolleiflex.

 

I second that. I have a Scitex Pro II scanner that is very nearly as good as it gets for a pro flatbed scanner. I use that to scan the 6x6 chromes from the Rollei. And I print up to 24" wide on an Epson 7800. While I am new to the M9, I have shot more than a few images with it (and the Summicron 50mm) that rivel or equal the Rollei/Scitex process. Amazing. It is the only reason I would consider leaving the Rollei home. Warm regards,

David

 

In case you are interested in the beauty of the Schneider 90mm...the "square" ones. Click on the banner to access.

Sea Salt Photography

[Frank Black]

I have been a lot of times in India, From North to South,

 

lot of the advice here is good but i will add my two cents

 

Do not take to much medics-Fairly easy to find everything there, i would just advice to inform on Dengue and Malaria, and even if it is easy to find creams (odomo, if not mistaken) take a few deet sprays or lotion...travel light

 

Last time i was in India i just took carry on luggage, if i need pants, t shirts whatever easy good and cheap in India

 

The same goes for imodium, aspirin,band aid...

 

My point is do not take to much...

 

All mentioned above is easy to find,consider taking probiotic pills, it will help to maintain your flora...do not underestimate India in that matter,be carefull with sodas and ice in hotels, even fancy ones...

Take some liquid soap, or buy there, the anti bacterial,

 

Memory cards, laptops,hard disks are available in most cities...

 

If you go south in April (Kerala, Tamil) i would consider a small bag of anti humidity stuff, i do not know the correct word for it...its pretty humid there...

 

In my experience India is a very safe country,people are wonderfull but sometimes you have to be tough, not arrogant, but tough,othewise your energy will go away very fast...

 

About optics, my last trip i took a 50 mm and a 35..i like to be close to people and subjects....

if i had to choose one it would be a 50 mm

 

if 2 then maybe the 90mm

 

For taking photos of people it depends where you are

 

My experience is that Delhi is sometimes hard, Mumbai easy,in Kerala sometimes people will ask for you to take their photo and in Tamil they are not very into it...Ladak amazing, Goa no problem

 

I dont know...everytime i asked they would stand proud in any place i was and would agree....depends on the area....

 

I would say just feel and try, sometimes asking sometimes snaping...its a delight for the eyes and camera

 

Im just dreaming here, not sure if its any help

 

I have spent months in India and i Love the country and the people and i learned my ways there, all this traveling in local buses and trains and on a Royal Enfield

 

If i can be of any assistance just pm me....

[swamiji]

SInce you have obviously spent time in India, can you shed some light on the cultural sensitivities of taking images of people with/without express permission. I am sure that I will see fellow humans in predicaments that are both tragic and fascinating. I would not want to inadvertently add to anyone's misery or disgrace.

David

 

Since you have spent time in the middle east, there is little to add. Of India's major religions only greed will cause you any real problems. Only Islam has any injunctions against showing images depicting people, but they have made allowances for the Press, and tourists, when in their best interest. Do show sensitivity when taking pictures of women, especially. Pretty much, nobody pays attention to foreigners taking photos, maybe a smile or two.

 

There are places where cameras are not allowed, No photos in temples, mosques, etc. Usually it is posted, sometimes with armed guards. If somebody ever offers to hold your camera before going in to a temple, don't. Not even the police. Figure if it's out of your hand, it's gone.

[Deliberate1]

I have been a lot of times in India, From North to South,

 

 

If i can be of any assistance just pm me....

 

Frank, thank you for the splendid advice and offer.

David

[jaques]

I lived in India for a few years at different times and can second a lot of what Frank said.

 

(love those Enfield's Frank- took one from Deli to Rishikesh- man what a crazy ride- 8 hours up the Trunk Road- insane traffic- amazed we ever got their alive- seriously- but just possibly safer than those buses... I remember one particularly mad driver new Manali- even the locals were terrified- a passenger asked if he could perhaps slow down just a little on the blind mountain corners: he turned around grinning with a crazed expression and said (in English) "We are all in the hands of God!". After that everyone made peace with their God and prepared to either die- or get there- one only needed to look down into the valleys at the smashed ruined buses littering the landscape to know it was no joke. We got there.).

 

 

Travel light- what you don't have you can get there if you need it. As Frank said be firm- not rude- beware the carpet seller offering tea... On the streets if people come up and start asking you questions about where you are from- and making guesses- don't look them in the eyes- just walk on. Once you have eye contact: you are trapped! And trust me: they will try and sell you a rug at some point- by all means: if you want a rug: get eye contact going- but make no promises- ever. And if you are buying a rug: buy a comb. Comb the rug and burn the fibers you get: cotton burns with white smoke- silk burns like human hair and synthetics bubble and melt.. You would be amazed how much a cotton rug can look like a silk one that should cost 10 times more...

 

Not sure about what lenses to bring- but most definitely something W I D E. there is a lot to see everywhere. Indians don't seem overly bothered about people taking pictures too much in most palces- of course being polite is always a good idea- indeed you often get asked to take pictures....

 

But one thing I totally recommend for all travelers (and not just to India): is buy an Indian Lunghi. This is basically a large piece of thin cotton fabric than men wear and costs a few dollars at most. It is the ideal all around travel implement- if you are a fan of the Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy you will know a towel is indispensable for travel- well a Lunghi is a towel and more. It makes a (quick drying) towel, a sun shade, a shirt, skirt- or pants- a dirty clothes bag, something to put on filthy seats and benches and about a million other uses: If you are hot- wet it and warp it around your neck- on a train tie your luggage to your leg with it- and have a nap- on a bus- tie you head to the seat with it- and have a nap. If monkeys attack roll it up and whip them good ;-)

 

India is wonderful- though for some it can come as quite a shock. The key is to maintain your composure even when things seem a bit overwhelming. If you start to look flustered- or to actually freak out- things get worse as more people come to see what the foreigner is up to... Despite some of the difficulties it is totally worth it and I cannot wait to get back there as soon as I can.

[vanhulsenbeek]

SInce you have obviously spent time in India, can you shed some light on the cultural sensitivities of taking images of people with/without express permission. I am sure that I will see fellow humans in predicaments that are both tragic and fascinating. I would not want to inadvertently add to anyone's misery or disgrace.

David

 

India is so culturally diverse that it is very difficult to give one advice. So here are a couple:

 

1 Make your choice between 'involved' or 'secret' people pictures. I like the first best.

2 Smile, smile, smile!

3 Learn the few words "May I take a picture" in Hindi or Urdu (Take a Lonely Planet language guide)

4 Be patient!

5 Why take pictures of people backs?

6 Leave the impression that you enjoy yourself and are interested.

7 Show what you have done, and smile smile smile!

8 Realize that the dire poverty you see is shocking for you, but for the people you see it is their daily life; not to disparage, but see things in perspective.

 

Have fun!

[MarkP]

I agree with using the Hyperdrive Coloursafe UDMA.

Crap screen but excellent device with very fast transfer rates.

I had a high quality 500GB hard drive fitted to the device by my computer maintenance company.

 

You obviously know what lens focal lengths suit your style, but if you are taking the 50 and 90 perhaps a 28 would broaden your options. If you went wider you would need an external VF which you may not want to use.

[gabriel]

Always keep on you small change.In India this useful to tip when taking photographs.

In India when something is prohibited there is nearly somebody close at hand that wiull faciitate matters for a small tip, that is part of the culture.

[Deliberate1]

I lived in India for a few years at different times and can second a lot of what Frank said.

 

... Despite some of the difficulties it is totally worth it and I cannot wait to get back there as soon as I can.

 

Jacques, I do not know what you do for a living. If it is not as an adventure writer....reconsider.

David

[swamiji]

Yes, I second the idea of the Lunghi/Dhoti and a kurta. It's comfortable in the heat, and people will relax around you a little more.

 

One other piece of advice, about manners. Take and Give with your RIGHT hand, never with your left. It is an insult to use your Left hand for much of anything... like eating.

[sanyasi]

I used an iPad each night. Transferred photos to the iPad and then deleted the obvious non-keepers. I did not erase cards, so the iPad was a way to protect stuff that I knew I wanted for sure and view what I was getting. When I got home, I unloaded all the cards and reviewed everything.

 

I expected a lot more requests for money from subjects, but only paid once (and that was when I was asked after the fact).

 

As for medical stuff, we spent three weeks and didn't get sick (which amazed me given what I had heard). We did not eat street food and pretty much ate at the hotel or well recommended restaurants--we did not stay at high end places with one exception. My wife has a good theory about that. Stay at guest houses and small bed and breakfasts for local flavor and contact, but build a nice hotel into the middle of the trip for a break and a good shower. We did take along one of these infra red or whatever water filtration kits. It was small and it did the job. We also traveled with a standard antibiotic just in case.

 

I think I shoved a small tripod in the suitcase, but I don't recall really using it. Travel light is the best advice. If you need something, you can buy it.

 

As for itinerary, I highly recommend Varanasi, Amritsar, and Jodhpur, as well as Agra. I feel no guilt in saying that you can skip Udaipur and Jaipur. Both were a waste of time. We really liked the trip to Ranakpur and the Jain temple there, although it isn't all that easily accessible.

 

As should be apparent, we limited ourselves to Rajasthan. I think a big mistake in India is trying to see everything if you only have a few weeks. You are better off going back to another region.

 

Have fun.

 

Jack Siegel

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[Deliberate1]

Yes, I second the idea of the Lunghi/Dhoti and a kurta. It's comfortable in the heat, and people will relax around you a little more.

 

One other piece of advice, about manners. Take and Give with your RIGHT hand, never with your left. It is an insult to use your Left hand for much of anything... like eating.

 

Not being familiar with the indiginous dress, I went to Wikipedia for a quick explanation. While I am all for "immersing" in the local culture, do Western travelers, particularly of the male persuasion, actually make the transformation from blues jeans to the Lunghi/kurta? It does look comfortable as hell.

[mikeyt]

i used go to India 3 or 4 times a year for work and normally managed to escape the office for a weekend or longer and absolutely love the place. It's completely overwhelming, the sights, smells, sounds, amazing people... Some of my workmates hated going, the huge and obvious difference in wealth between the rich and poor can be tough to take but for me it's absolutely magical from the moment the plane door opens and you can smell India!!

 

Stuff I always take:

- immodium. I got sick even when I was in India for just 24 hours and didnt eat or drink ANYTHING.

- small denomination notes for tips (5/10/20Rs)

- a hat

- a scruffy camera bag. Dont make it look like you're carrying thousands of pounds of kit. Not becuase you'll get mugged, but you'll get a lot more attention from beggars who are a pain

- a sense of humour. Stuff can take ages, the delays can be infuriating. Just go with it and enjoy the moment.

- plugin mosquito killers for your hotel room.

 

camera wise, I get a lot less attention with the M9 than I did with a canon 1D, M9 + 35 and 90 would be my perfect 2-lens kit, with something wider for streets/markets/temples.

 

Sometimes I give a small tip for someone to take their photo, some people just want a smile and a chat.

 

You'll love it!