Ecar Posted January 7, 2012 Share #101 Â Posted January 7, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Just got back from Tamil Nadu. Nothing to add to what has been written above - all good and sensible advice. Key point is to be relaxed but firm, while using common sense (e.g., in food, drinking, interactions with people, the inevitable hassles, etc.). After a few days, you will adapt to the environment and everything will become a second nature. I usually compare a trip to India to being immersed in a movie: just watch life and situations unfold before your eyes. From a photographer's perspective, the opportunities are endless - at the beginning, you may get frustrated by the fact that you missed THE shot. Don't. The reality is that (a) it doesn't matter, because there will be many others of and ( you'll miss a lot more anyway... A final thought: despite the beauty of "the colors of India", people, buildings, landscapes are often very graphic. When you get back home, I suggest you try some BW conversions: you may be surprised at how well they work. Some examples (mostly Rajasthan and Delhi) here Ecar | India. Have a wonderful trip! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 7, 2012 Posted January 7, 2012 Hi Ecar, Take a look here What to take to India. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Deliberate1 Posted January 8, 2012 Author Share #102 Â Posted January 8, 2012 Just got back from Tamil Nadu. Nothing to add to what has been written above - all good and sensible advice. Key point is to be relaxed but firm, while using common sense (e.g., in food, drinking, interactions with people, the inevitable hassles, etc.). After a few days, you will adapt to the environment and everything will become a second nature.I usually compare a trip to India to being immersed in a movie: just watch life and situations unfold before your eyes. From a photographer's perspective, the opportunities are endless - at the beginning, you may get frustrated by the fact that you missed THE shot. Don't. The reality is that (a) it doesn't matter, because there will be many others of and ( you'll miss a lot more anyway... A final thought: despite the beauty of "the colors of India", people, buildings, landscapes are often very graphic. When you get back home, I suggest you try some BW conversions: you may be surprised at how well they work. Some examples (mostly Rajasthan and Delhi) here Ecar | India. Have a wonderful trip! Â Thanks for the excellent advice and splendid images. To get that degree of contrast, are you using a high key filter? David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted January 8, 2012 Share #103 Â Posted January 8, 2012 Thanks for the excellent advice and splendid images. To get that degree of contrast, are you using a high key filter?David David This is achieved by converting the original pictures to BW through any processing software and/or plug-in, and tweaking as needed. I often use Nik SilverEfex or AlienSkin Exposure, but very similar results can be achieved in LR, PS, Aperture or C1. High-contrast BW makes for stronger images IMHO (at the expense of tonal gradations), although I appreciate this is not to everyone's taste. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Negative Posted January 8, 2012 Share #104 Â Posted January 8, 2012 Your travel kit should be whatever makes you comfortable... Shoot how and what you like. You might strongly consider a wide angle for those crowd/street shots, to get that "middle of the action" feel. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deliberate1 Posted January 8, 2012 Author Share #105  Posted January 8, 2012 Your travel kit should be whatever makes you comfortable... Shoot how and what you like. You might strongly consider a wide angle for those crowd/street shots, to get that "middle of the action" feel.  DN, just got my Zeiss 35mm Biogin ZM. It has just the field of view I am looking for. This, plus the 50mm Summilux asph (just found a new one in GB) and the 90mm Elmarit M will be accompanying me. This all weighs a fraction of what I usually take on tour- ie: my Rollei MF anchor. David  And thanks for that link. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stanjan0 Posted January 14, 2012 Share #106 Â Posted January 14, 2012 Don't forget to bring anti diarrhea medication you'll probably need it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Negative Posted January 14, 2012 Share #107  Posted January 14, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) DN, just got my Zeiss 35mm Biogin ZM. It has just the field of view I am looking for. This, plus the 50mm Summilux asph (just found a new one in GB) and the 90mm Elmarit M will be accompanying me. This all weighs a fraction of what I usually take on tour- ie: my Rollei MF anchor.David  And thanks for that link.  Nice, David! Congrats.  35/50/90 is a nice spread for just about anything. I plan to use my Biogon 35 with the Summilux 50 ASPH and Elmarit 90 also. Though I did just pick up a Summicron 28 ASPH so the Biogon might get displaced.  You're welcome! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenPatterson Posted January 21, 2012 Share #108  Posted January 21, 2012 David, I think you are receiving some really excellent advice in preparation for your India adventure. These past two weeks I've been in the Yucatan peninsula and just wanted to pass along that I've enjoyed having my 35, 50 & 90mm lenses with me, but I'm especially glad I brought some ultra wides.  At the moment I own both the 18 and 21 Super Elmar lenses, and while I have used both they are probably too close together and I will only keep one. However, I would really have missed out without having at least one ultra wide angle lens on this trip.  These past few days I've been at Chichen Itza viewing the Mayan ruins. While the tourists have been point and shooting I've been very happy with my Leica ultra wide glass. It's nice because nobody else can get "up close", so the penguins stay out of my shots.  Good luck, Stephen  Below photo M9 + 18/3.8 Super Elmar-M ASPH Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/168928-what-to-take-to-india/?do=findComment&comment=1904025'>More sharing options...
algrove Posted January 21, 2012 Share #109  Posted January 21, 2012 Stephen  That is nice. Congrats. Do I assume you use the 18 without filtration? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenPatterson Posted January 21, 2012 Share #110 Â Posted January 21, 2012 I don't use a filter with the 18, just a bit of processing in Silver Efex Pro 2. I bought the 18 while I was waiting for the 21, and while I would be happy with either one I will probably keep the 21 as the size is a bit smaller. Of course I've never sold a Leica lens yet so why start now... Â Just don't tell my wife Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulev Posted January 21, 2012 Share #111 Â Posted January 21, 2012 As mentioned before, a backup camera is to be considered ! An M8 that you can resale afterwards ? Fuji X100 ? Â Indian people for sure LOVE to have their picture taken and not so much to ask for money in return as in a lot of African countries. Â Enjoy ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
billib Posted January 21, 2012 Share #112 Â Posted January 21, 2012 These past few days I've been at Chichen Itza viewing the Mayan ruins. Stephen Stephen, thats a great shot of a Mayan pyramid! I was curious when your book would be available? Would you let us know? Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Negative Posted January 21, 2012 Share #113 Â Posted January 21, 2012 Sweet shot, Stephen! Â I spent a while down in Belize at Cahal Pech and over in Guatemala at Tik'al. Really something else, ain't it? I almost made it to Chichen Itza but it would've been a rushed affair anyway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deliberate1 Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share #114  Posted January 21, 2012 David, I think you are receiving some really excellent advice in preparation for your India adventure.  Good luck, Stephen  Below photo M9 + 18/3.8 Super Elmar-M ASPH  Stephen, congratulations on your successful trip. That is a splendid image - and perfect, delicate post-processing. To my eye, that is the kind of circumstance that "legitimizes" having one (or two!) ultra-wides. I was in Egypt three years ago shooting the pyramids in Giza and elsewhere. I had my Rollei 6008i rig, but the widest lens was a 50mm, which is a 35mm equivalent. I had to get way back to capture the entire mass, but it does not give the kind of presence of your lens. Wondering how close you were to the leading edge of the pyramid. Also agree on the quality of advice and observations in this thread. It speaks, I believe, to the unique nature of people on this site. There is literally a world of experience here, and a gracious willingness to share it. You included. Be well, David PS: What 's this about a "book"? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
algrove Posted January 21, 2012 Share #115  Posted January 21, 2012 I don't use a filter with the 18, just a bit of processing in Silver Efex Pro 2. I bought the 18 while I was waiting for the 21, and while I would be happy with either one I will probably keep the 21 as the size is a bit smaller. Of course I've never sold a Leica lens yet so why start now... Just don't tell my wife  Hey, one round black leather case looks like the next. I keep my round black leather cases in a cabinet with wooden doors so she can't easily see in to count. Trouble is pretty soon I might have to ask for more shelf space. But, then questions will arise so I am thinking of a Pelican case to put somewhere and cram that with Leica gear. In this way the shelf looks the same. Problem is every time I get another shipment she asks "What was the box?' And how many times can you say "Oh, just another filter". Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deliberate1 Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share #116 Â Posted January 21, 2012 Problem is every time I get another shipment she asks "What was the box?' And how many times can you say "Oh, just another filter". Â I buy my wife jewelry. I buy myself Leica gear. I tell her that is my bling. And I have it shipped to my office - because I am a man.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaques Posted January 24, 2012 Share #117 Â Posted January 24, 2012 just to chime on on the wide angle lenses... I agree- a very wide lens will be great in India. Cities like Varanasi are very crowded with tight streets- and plenty of content to fill a wide lens. Have you considered a CV 15mm lens? Don't be put off by the red edge issue (black and white? Cornerfix?)- it is a great lens in my opinion and I think will be worth having for certain situations. Â I think you will be very happy with the Biogon 35- that is an excellent lens. I am guessing it will be your prime for the trip. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenPatterson Posted January 24, 2012 Share #118 Â Posted January 24, 2012 just to chime on on the wide angle lenses... I agree- a very wide lens will be great in India. Cities like Varanasi are very crowded with tight streets- and plenty of content to fill a wide lens. Have you considered a CV 15mm lens? Don't be put off by the red edge issue (black and white? Cornerfix?)- it is a great lens in my opinion and I think will be worth having for certain situations. Â I also own the CV15, although I don't seem to use it since getting my Leica ultra wides. This has more to do with my being lazy and not wanting to use Cornerfix than anything else. In actuality Cornerfix is not difficult to use, and the results when applied to images from the CV15 on the M9 can be quite spectacular, but it's another step that is not required with the Leica 18SEM and 21SEM lenses. Â One additional item I would strongly recommend is a good hat. Here in Mexico I've been wearing a Dorfman Pacific, which has been fantastic to keep my noggin out of the heat and occasional rain storm. This particular model is crushable, and water repellant thanks to the waxed canvas construction. Also I like that it has a chin strap, so that I can push it quickly off my head when it interferes with the camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
roboflick Posted January 24, 2012 Share #119  Posted January 24, 2012 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...  I'm a doctor and Indian. And this is the best advice I've seen. Fill your gut with local beneficial flora and the pathogens won't gain a foothold. And don't put down your camera or leave it unattended for an instant. Or it will be stolen.  Enjoy your trip. I can't wait to go back to India with a camera. It's been years, my last visit I was a poor resident and had no camera with me, going back with an m9 would be a dream. I would also take my gsw690 iii for some large ilfochromes  Nik Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaques Posted January 24, 2012 Share #120 Â Posted January 24, 2012 Maybe that's why I never got ill much- I loved the lassi's in India- and always ate the local street food. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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