What to take to India

[Deliberate1]

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Insurance for such an expensive camera is a good idea pretty much anywhere: having said that I was never robbed in over two years in India. In my experience the country is quite safe- most scams are small scale. Again having said that- I did meet an American who had a Leica m7 stolen at the Kumbh Mehla festival- by a large group of Sadhus (Indian holy men)- they simply surrounded him and took everything he had- there was nothing he could do- they were armed with tridents and swords... he just handed it all over . The Maha Kumbh Mehla in 2001 attracted up to 60 million people - making it the largest (known) gathering in human history... and in the middle of that crowd- anything can happen... even so- wouldn't you want a leica at such an unparalleled spectacle?

 

Jacques, that is a story for the grandchildren.

David

[jaques]

Jacques, that is a story for the grandchildren.

David

 

The 'victim' still had an M2 (his back up) and about 100 rolls of film from the Mehla... he was happy and quite Zen about the experience. I never got to see the images- I can only imagine how interesting they would be... Actually his (m2) was the first Leica I had ever held and where I trace my fetishistic addition to. It was the feeling of solidity that did it... same feeling must have overcome those Sadhus... causing them to temporarily forget the renunciation of Worldy goods and material illusion (Maya)... A Leica M will do that- wicked objects- associated with acquisitive lust... . Another more complimentary interpretation was that the Sadhus were teaching him a valuable lesson concerning the impermanent nature of all things: one day everyone has to give it all up- even their beloved Leica's

 

Such a lesson would teach us to use the cameras whilst we still can... A good lesson indeed.

[swamiji]

There is a good chance that the camera and all, went in to a sacrificial fire.

[Deliberate1]

There is a good chance that the camera and all, went in to a sacrificial fire.

....or Ebay.

[Deliberate1]

The 'victim' still had an M2 (his back up) and about 100 rolls of film from the Mehla... he was happy and quite Zen about the experience. I never got to see the images- I can only imagine how interesting they would be... Actually his (m2) was the first Leica I had ever held and where I trace my fetishistic addition to. It was the feeling of solidity that did it... same feeling must have overcome those Sadhus... causing them to temporarily forget the renunciation of Worldy goods and material illusion (Maya)... A Leica M will do that- wicked objects- associated with acquisitive lust... . Another more complimentary interpretation was that the Sadhus were teaching him a valuable lesson concerning the impermanent nature of all things: one day everyone has to give it all up- even their beloved Leica's

 

Such a lesson would teach us to use the cameras whilst we still can... A good lesson indeed.

 

Jacques, I believe I would have to set out on 20 year journey of enlightenment, spiritual recalibration and self-induced poverty to be purged of the Western notion that they were all just a bunch of muggers who may have talked the talk but did not walk the walk.

David

[leica dream]

David, you will not regret your travel. I went for 3 weeks last October/November and I found the sheer experience very profound. I would not have missed it as part of my LIFE EXPERIENCE.

Nobody has questioned how you will be travelling. Ours was an organised tour (see 404 of India) an American company where we were thoroughly organised and protected throughout, and taken to see anything which mattered. If you are travelling under your own arrangements take care. Driving is a nightmare in the cities. If you are on a formal tour, I would not bother with a tripod because you do not have much time to set up. One person had one in our Group but used it only when we were on a boat in the Ganges at Varanasi. My shots are fine hand-held because the boats are stable even though they don't look it.

I took just my V-LUX1 and some 4GB cards. The V-LUX1 has a superb 35-420mm fixed lens so I had no problems there. Shooting RAW, the V-LUX1 records a JPEG in addition to RAW, so each shot took about 22mb, allowing about 190 shots per 4GB card. I changed cards at key stages, and took no hard disk nor computer. The system worked very well. The only difficulty was the constant mist/smog which clouded many images, but careful adjustment in PS/CS5 has minimised that. Even so, it is what was actually there so I should not be too upset at it being recorded so accurately. I took a circular polariser but did not think to use it. I found that light levels were generally quite low, so to get decent shots I found need to increase the ISO most of the time.

By the way, on the medical front, Our Guide told us at the outset that if we got sick (and many did) we were to tell him immediately. I did and a doctor was there in 30 minutes with specific medication. Don't be fooled, Western medicens are not effective on the Eastern bugs. We took all the recomended potions, but to no avail. With water ALWAYS INSIST on bottles with UNBROKEN seals. As a previous person has mentioned, you cannot be certain it is fresh otherwise. Depending on where you intend travelling, you need malaria pills too.

It is a great place and you will really enjoy. Take care......and take lots of pictures. I took almost 500 in 3 weeks.

 

Richard

[Deliberate1]

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David, you will not regret your travel. I went for 3 weeks last October/November and I found the sheer experience very profound. I would not have missed it as part of my LIFE EXPERIENCE.

Richard

 

Richard, thanks for your contribution. I hope to have the same kind of experience that you did. We will be travelng with a small tour. If I had the luxury of several weeks there I might do it on my own. But as it is our first time to India, we will let someone shlepp us around this time. I will look forward to your images if you care to post.

David

[swamiji]

....or Ebay.

 

Not likely, sadhu's don't tend to have pockets, and have no way to carry. It was probably some sadhus who was annoyed at the disruption of their practice. Wanting to simply remove the annoyance. I can imagine a Naked Sadhu with a M7 around his neck...NOT. M9 maybe, but not a M7.

[jaques]

Swami- you are being quite generous to those Sadhu's. I don't think he 'annoyed their practice'- and even if he did- they should have had the spiritual will-power to look past such an insubstantial worldy distraction. It is more likely they were little more than a gang of thieves... As you probably know Sadhu's come from all walks of life- a retired banker- an ex police chief- you just never know. But I have heard that criminals on the run also become Sadhu's and simply disappear into that great mass of orange robed dread-locked holy men. I have heard that there were up to 4 million Sadhu's at that Mehla- and even in Jesus' hand chosen group of 13 disciples there were a couple of bad eggs... (unless you agree with the theological proposition that Judas was actualy JC's greatest disciple- and acted under JC's wishes- against his own desire- in order that the prophecy may be fulfilled...).

[swamiji]

Swami- you are being quite generous to those Sadhu's. I don't think he 'annoyed their practice'- and even if he did- they should have had the spiritual will-power to look past such an insubstantial worldy distraction. It is more likely they were little more than a gang of thieves... As you probably know Sadhu's come from all walks of life- a retired banker- an ex police chief- you just never know. But I have heard that criminals on the run also become Sadhu's and simply disappear into that great mass of orange robed dread-locked holy men. I have heard that there were up to 4 million Sadhu's at that Mehla- and even in Jesus' hand chosen group of 13 disciples there were a couple of bad eggs... (unless you agree with the theological proposition that Judas was actualy JC's greatest disciple- and acted under JC's wishes- against his own desire- in order that the prophecy may be fulfilled...).

 

Actually, I have no doubt that they were not Sadhus at all, but thieves dressed as Sadhus, using the crowd as cover. One things you have not thought of that I alluded to in my last post, was the M7 vs the M9. It is common knowledge in the Sadhu community that film contains Meat, particularly BEEF, and the covering on the M7 is leather. A Sadhu, would loose all there earned merits, just by associating with it. But to steal it... However a Sadhu would have no issue with a non-believer indulging in the film photographic arts, especially if the Sadhu gained benefits.

 

On your last point, does it matter how prophecy is fulfilled? Willingly or unwillingly, it's all a matter of the ego. The only way to say for sure is to look in Judas heart.

[dhsimmonds]

I came back from a highly successful trip to India very recently. We visited the usual tourist spots in Rajastan, Old Delhi is a must, as is Jaipur, Agra of course and Odapur. However for me the country areas and smaller towns between Delhi and Mumbai are the best for people photography. The buildings, palaces and splendid colours are a photographer's delight!

 

The reason is that they are not so used to seeing tourists, so don't have their hands out for tips before they let you photograph them. In fact it can sometimes be an embarrassment as the young men ask you to take their photograph after carefully grooming themselves for your camera! A quick look at themselves in the LCD is sufficient, they neither ask or expect to get prints! I was told that this is a new craze since the success of Bollywood!

 

On personal matters, we dosed ourselves up with high strength probiotics for 10 days before the trip and during the duration of the trip and for 10 days after we returned and neither of us had any stomach disorders at all. We ate local food, sometimes in dubious locations, never took ice and only bottled drinks such as Pepsi or Coke which we don't usually drink! The local Kingfisher beer is also remarkably good and the available wine from Goa is also quite good. The food is delicious, but remember the cow is sacred so steaks are often Water Buffalo and delicious, it is often referred to as "Buff"! The fish is great especially nearer to Mumbai. The lamb is usually goat, but still very good indeed.

 

The Indian people are wonderful, English is the national language, but local dialects abound and some prefer not to speak English but can understand it. The Rupee currency is closed, so officially not available outside of India, but it can usually be bought in advance but just not worth the risk in my view as the exchange rate will be much better at the airport, (try the Thomas Cook kiosk's).

 

I took a Sony A77, 16-50 F2.8, 70-300 F3.5 lenses and Fuji X100 to keep the load light!

 

Most of all, just enjoy India!

[robert blu]

I do not own an m9 (yet) and I'm not planning to go to India but I find this thread very interesting because of the various point of view about gear, people, logistic and cultural aspect. Therefore I desire to thank all the friends who are contributing here. Grazie.

robert

[Deliberate1]

I came back from a highly successful trip to India very recently.

Most of all, just enjoy India!

 

David, much obliged for your contribution. Out itinerray takes us to Dehli, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Geejgarh Village, Agra, Khajuraho and Varanasi. A bit of a whirlwind, I know. But it will give us a taste of this wonderous place and ideas for our next excursion. As my intrepid, 87 year old uncle said about India - You will go back three times, or never set foot in the place again. He has been many times.

Glad to hear no "Dehli Belly" for you.

I have just ordered a Zeiss 35mm Biogon f2 from a shop in Gloucestershire, as there is none available in the States. That and the Summicron 50mm will accompany me. How much did you use your long zoom? I have a 90mm Elmarit and am wondering if it is worth taking. I am not so concerned about the weight. On my last trips to the Middle East, I took a full Rollei 6008i medium format kit (25lbs+). Shlepped that around the Egyptian desert in June heat. The entire M9 kit weighs less than my Rollei film bag.

 

Your Yankee counterpart, David H. Simonds (Please confirm you middle name is not Howard)

[StephenPatterson]

David, I think the Zeiss 35/2 Biogon is an excellent choice, and one which I have owned before. I really think you should consider something wider however, like a 21, 24 or perhaps 28. I have not been to India, but in China there are many times when I need to go wide, as compared to needing to grab my 90 Elmarit M. In crowded streets, or when trying to frame a temple or sweeping vista, there is nothing better than having a wide angle option, especially with the M9. For me the full frame sensor matched with a wide or ultra wide angle lens is a very unique combination. I also love that with wide angle lenses I can set zone focus or hyper focal distance and use my M9 like a point and shoot for street photography or other fact action scenes. This ability makes the M9 with wide angle lens an extremely versatile reportage camera.

 

If you find that you do not like the wide focal length then it is easily sold after your journey, and if you don't recover 100% of your purchase price I feel confident you will come very close. My 3 lens kit for such trips is 21-35-50. If space and weight permit I bring along the 90.

 

Stephen

[Deliberate1]

David, I think the Zeiss 35/2 Biogon is an excellent choice, and one which I have owned before. I really think you should consider something wider however, like a 21, 24 or perhaps 28.

Stephen

 

Stephen, appreciate your suggestions. I thought long and hard about the 28mm vs 35mm. I actually have a full Contax G2 kit with the Zeiss 28mm, and I just never warmed up to the perspective. I did due dilligence on Pixel Peepers which has hundreds of images with many different lenses, and the 28mm still did not move me. I guess I prefer a more "intimate" length, and the 35mm permits that. I did look at the Zeiss 25mm which is supposed to be splendid, but I do not want the hassle of an external view finder.

I also want to avoid changing lenses as much as possible so as to avoid dust infiltration, and I see the 35mm as my "walk-around."

Hyperfocal technique is an excellent suggestion and I will be practicing that when the Zeiss arrives.

And as for buying the lens and selling it after, that has never worked for me. I develop these irrational attachments to my gear, which I have to get over. Just the idea of parting with my Rollei kit, which the M9 (and Toyo 4x5) has effectively replaced, is distressing.

David

[StephenPatterson]

David, I absolutely agree that you need to use focal lengths that support your style of shooting, and I also agree that the 35mm focal length is very well suited for most circumstances. If I look at my images from 2011 a majority of them were shot with a 35 Summicron, followed closely by my 50 Summilux. IMHO the 28 is too close to the 35, so when I want to go wide I now use the new Leica 21/3.4 Super Elmar M. While not as great in number some of my favorite images from last year were captured with my faithful Zeiss 21/2.8 Biogon. The 21mm focal length can just give such dramatic results.

 

I agree dust can be a problem, but the majority of it is easily removed with a rocket blower in the hotel room, and Lightroom can easily correct any spots that remain, so I would not hesitate to change lenses to get a desired shot, unless a sandstorm or typhoon was blowing.

 

Also I understand what you mean about developing attachments to lenses. I have never sold a Leica lens, and only sold my Zeiss lenses because they were not being used and needed to find a good home.

 

Stephen

 

Here's an example of a shot taken with the 21SEM. Yes, I could have taken a nice shot with a 35, but it would have left out so much...

 

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[dhsimmonds]

David, much obliged for your contribution. Out itinerray takes us to Dehli, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Geejgarh Village, Agra, Khajuraho and Varanasi. A bit of a whirlwind, I know. But it will give us a taste of this wonderous place and ideas for our next excursion. As my intrepid, 87 year old uncle said about India - You will go back three times, or never set foot in the place again. He has been many times.

Glad to hear no "Dehli Belly" for you.

I have just ordered a Zeiss 35mm Biogon f2 from a shop in Gloucestershire, as there is none available in the States. That and the Summicron 50mm will accompany me. How much did you use your long zoom? I have a 90mm Elmarit and am wondering if it is worth taking. I am not so concerned about the weight. On my last trips to the Middle East, I took a full Rollei 6008i medium format kit (25lbs+). Shlepped that around the Egyptian desert in June heat. The entire M9 kit weighs less than my Rollei film bag.

 

Your Yankee counterpart, David H. Simonds (Please confirm you middle name is not Howard)

 

 

David, good to meet you on the web! I am helping some Australian distant relatives on the origins of our surname at the moment! No my middle name follows my own family tradition of being the first name of my father..it is definitely not Howard!

 

In my view you will need manly wide lenses and perhaps 70mm FL for people shots...or get really close and personal! The ONLY time that I needed the long end of the 70-300 was at Rathambore National Park for the wildlife. I hope that you manage to find a tiger...some of our group did but all I managed was a male tiger footprint in the sand! However there are many different types of deer, antelope, wild boar, monkeys,marsh crocs and very colourful birds. There are 40 plus tigers in the Rathambore NP apparently.

 

Not a patch on Botswana, but still very enjoyable. I also tend to agree with your Uncle as there is something about India that is totally absorbing. I shall return one day! Where else in the world do so many different religions practice their faith alongside each other in such apparent complete harmony? Where else can one see elephants on one side of the road, camels on the other, cows walking freely in front and snake charmers on most street corners? You see this everywhere around Jaipur.

 

The noise is incredible, roads are positively dangerous, seemingly total chaos every where but everything works and works amazingly well. As one Hindu advised me, "you British introduced red tape to India, but we have perfected it!" Wonderful people and I never felt threatened at any time even though I do like to wander off the beaten track on my own when visiting new countries.The people are generally helpful and welcoming but you will be hussled by vendors in the popular tourist areas. One adopts the non-seeing eyes at times! Enjoy!

[Deliberate1]

Here's an example of a shot taken with the 21SEM. Yes, I could have taken a nice shot with a 35, but it would have left out so much...

 

[ATTACH]294020[/ATTACH]

 

Stephen. gorgeous image - and no distortion for a 21mm lens. Did you use and external finder or wing it?

David

[StephenPatterson]

Stephen. gorgeous image - and no distortion for a 21mm lens. Did you use and external finder or wing it?

David

 

I use the Leica 21mm external VF, but there are less expensive alternatives. I've used the Zeiss and CV external viewfinders, and both are very acceptable. Many threads on the merits, advantages, and disadvantages of every conceivable external viewfinder. For me I don't mind using one.

 

Stephen

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[NdV]

Rather not; let nature take its course. But do pack some ORS, Oral Rehydration Salts, and use in accordance with the insert. Plus: never drink water that did not come from a closed bottle.

 

agree, my advise: wherever you go,have local yoghurt (or a lassi) - this will adjust your body to the local bacteria in a mild way decreasing the chances of getting problems

 

having said that, i'm neither a doctor nor a biologist and therefore that could be totally wrong and doesnt help at all, but its the way i did it and i never had a problem throughout india...