rgeorge911 Posted February 22, 2007 Share #1 Posted February 22, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi everyone, This is my first post. I use a lot of different equipment, including a DSLR, but my Leicas (M4-2, M4-P, IIIF) are my favorites. I just booked a trip to Japan for vacation, the first week of April (Tokyo, Izu, Hakone). Can't wait to get there! These days, when I travel, I usually take the DSLR to "make sure I got it" and not worry about X-rays and film. However, this time, I really want to travel light, and take a non-equipment-intensive approach. I'm planning to take my two Ms, a VC21/f4, Summitar 50/f2, and elmarit 90/f4. I also have a VC50/1.5 and Summarit50/1.4, but will probably leave them at home. Any comments on my lens selection for the trip? Anyone have suggestions for handling the film aspects? I'm debating about carrying it and asking for hand-check versus buying it in Tokyo when I arrive. I'd prefer to carry, but it's a disturbance in the already challenging check-in process. I could also ship myself a package to my relative's house in Tokyo. Anyone done that successfully? Also, I guess I should have it developed in Japan too, correct? Thanks for any input. I know I'll enjoy shooting my Leicas there; guess I'm just a little apprehensive about a film-only approach to such a great photo opportunity trip. Regards, Reed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 22, 2007 Posted February 22, 2007 Hi rgeorge911, Take a look here Going to Japan - film only. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
nyrich Posted February 22, 2007 Share #2 Posted February 22, 2007 Reed, I would also pack my 35mm Summicron, but that's my choice, not yours. It really depends on what you're comfortable with. As for film, I'd suggest buying it in Tokyo. The selection will be as good as anywhere in the world even if the prices aren't. Having it processed in Japan is also a smart idea as you then eliminate any x-ray issues. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBerens Posted February 22, 2007 Share #3 Posted February 22, 2007 Exactly what I was going to say - maybe take a couple rolls for in-transit photography, and buy the rest there. You shouldn't have a problem finding a great selection of film. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgeorge911 Posted February 22, 2007 Author Share #4 Posted February 22, 2007 Rich, Yeah, actually, I have a CV 35/f2.5 that should definitely go along. I may even drop the 90 for this trip, but feel like a may want a little more length in some cases. And thanks for the film advice (both of you). Reed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejd Posted February 22, 2007 Share #5 Posted February 22, 2007 Reed, there's no need to take film to Japan (except to cover immediate needs when you arrive). The selection of films in any of the large Tokyo camera shops -- Yodobashi, Bic Camera, etc -- will put to shame anything you have seen anywhere else, and the prices are good. Japan is a photographic Mecca. And I don't think you need worry about bringing exposed film back with you. At Narita Airport in January this year I noticed that the bagage scanners at the airport bore signs saying they were safe for films up to and including iso 1600. I would not have any worries about reyling on film for such a trip. Regards, John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
droim Posted February 23, 2007 Share #6 Posted February 23, 2007 I'm not sure where you are travelling from. If you are travelling in or from the US I have had no problem with handchecking film. TSA staff seem happy to do it if you ask them. Then you can develop in Japan. If prices are good there though, there would be no reason to not buy it there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted February 23, 2007 Share #7 Posted February 23, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I still dont know of hundred, two hundred iso films that are any sort of problem in xray machines. Anyone? I guess in some countries, if someone deliberately wanted to cook your films if you were known to have been photographing sensitive spots. Four hundred is probably fine too. I think the topic is probably more sensitive than the film. Take plenty and buy more there. When I get queezy about the possibility of losing exposed undeveloped film in out of the way places I usually put it in the post. Postal services tracking numbers seem pretty good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dspeltz Posted February 23, 2007 Share #8 Posted February 23, 2007 I carry film in and out of Tokyo no problem. Hand check is not a problem although I use lead bags. Lead is heavy so shipping or buying there is a really good idea. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Haigh Posted February 24, 2007 Share #9 Posted February 24, 2007 Hi George, If it helps at all I have been to Kyoto twice and used Tri X in my M4 and 35 f/2 and no problems with X rays. I processed all at home. I put all my film in a clear container or plastic bag and that particularly applies to whatever is in the camera body in case the X ray machine cranks up automatically for the solid metal body. The bag passes through the scanner on its own.I remove the little cartons around the film so that security can see the plastic cassettes the film comes in. Say hi to Japan for me. I'm nuts about the place. Best wishes, Gary Haigh, Australia Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksparrow Posted February 24, 2007 Share #10 Posted February 24, 2007 quite a bit off topic, but... Japan is sooooo unbelievable cool! I'm going there this summer for the second time, and can't wait to get there. You said you were going to Hakone, it is a beautiful place, make sure you get to the top of the mountain, it is really worth it, and if you like trekking or have time to walk arround, then even better, hopefully you will have good weather to take the unavoidable Mt. Fuji shot (we where stuck in 5 days of continuous rain). have fun in japan. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zorki6 Posted February 25, 2007 Share #11 Posted February 25, 2007 I remember reading something about developing and printing sizes being different in Japan, and having film printed being really expensive. You might want to bring your exposed rolls back home. I didn't have any problems with my film going through x ray machines, but I had nothing over 800 iso. Flying to Japan is just like any other flight, nothing particularly cumbersome about it - except the length of the flight! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlesphoto99 Posted February 28, 2007 Share #12 Posted February 28, 2007 Was there in September. Buy film there - fairly inexpensive and everything available (x10!). I have never had any problems with xray machines even with ISO3200 (Heathrow doesn't give you a choice). That said, if I'm not in a hurry, or it's not a total hassle, I have x-ray attendants handcheck film any chance I can except US where it's just become too much of a pain. Many countries x-ray you as you're entering and they are always good about handchecking as that's not what they're looking for. So minimize, but no need to get hung up about it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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