dannirr Posted February 22, 2007 Share #1 Posted February 22, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hey all, I'm going to subject my M8's to a pretty tough test in 2 weeks - I'm going to take them as my only cameras into the Namib Desert for some pretty intense shooting. Having photographed that incredible place for almost 30 years now, this will be the first time with a rangefinder - it has always been large format, med format or SLR. It gets very windy, and the sand permiates everything, and I mean everything. I will likely limit myself to the TriElmar on one body, and the Wide angle Tri Elmar on the other - thta way no lens changing. It is impossible to keep sand out. Stay tuned.... Danni Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 22, 2007 Posted February 22, 2007 Hi dannirr, Take a look here M8 pretty harsh test. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted February 23, 2007 Share #2 Posted February 23, 2007 Don't forget to take your Rocket Blower... I generally clean my digital camera's in a shower stall (without the shower running )in those conditions, that being the most dust-free place around. Have a great trip (I'm sure you will) and I'm looking forward to your doubtless stunning posts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannirr Posted February 23, 2007 Author Share #3 Posted February 23, 2007 There is nowhere, and I realy mean that, where you are safe from the sand. I have, in the past, used a changing bag within a large garbage bag to change lenses, film holders etc. This time, I am not changing lenses! Danni Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted February 23, 2007 Share #4 Posted February 23, 2007 Dan get some 4gb cards so the battery and card can be changed at the same time Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
herbkell Posted February 23, 2007 Share #5 Posted February 23, 2007 The Namib and particularly Soussousvlei is one of my very favorite places in the world to take photographs +I am going back again this year and can hardly wait Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted February 23, 2007 Share #6 Posted February 23, 2007 I took this shot (Click Below) with the M8 the first day I took it out for a try. Santa Ana winds can get pretty nasty here in Southern California, and they were blowing full force. It was hard to even try and stand still for the shot, sand was everywhere. Have a great trip and please post some pictures on your return. Benitez-Rivera Photography :: Places Once Caught in Time - Lugares Una Vez Atrapadas por el Tiempo (Color Photography) :: Sand_Storm_Resize Cheers, Wilfredo+ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannirr Posted February 23, 2007 Author Share #7 Posted February 23, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Yes - 4GB cards - a good idea - I will order today - thanks. Danni Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted February 23, 2007 Share #8 Posted February 23, 2007 Looking forward to hearing how the M8 - and the lenses - shape up on a demanding field test like this. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andit Posted February 23, 2007 Share #9 Posted February 23, 2007 Hi Dan, Being a Namibian, I can only wish you a fantastic stay in our wonderful country. Just remember to bring plenty of sunblock. We have had very, very little rain here since January, and temperatures are hovering in the +35 C range. Not uncommon for temps as high as 48 C in the desert. It's a wise idea to try and limit your changing lenses. One other tip, keep your lens cap on at all times when you're not taking photo's, and keep your camera's in a linen bag. Last time I was down there, I ended up sandblasting an 28mm lens (thankfully a cheap Canon one), eventhough I kept everything shut as much as possible. Mind you, took the paint right off the Land Rover. Windscreen and headlights also had to be replaced. Main reason I suggest keeping your camera's in a linen bag is so that you don't accidently sandblast the view/rangefinder windows. Anyway, have a fantastic time in our wonderful country - it is one of the most spectacular places on earth, both in terms of the scenery and the wonderful people. Andreas Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannirr Posted February 23, 2007 Author Share #10 Posted February 23, 2007 Andreas, Thank you. I have been to Namibia many, many times - I am sure it is one of my most favourite places on Earth. I also have a long family history there (I am a South African - living in the US for 18 years thus far) - my grandfather made diamond raiding trips to the Skeleton Coast in the late 1920's. For the first time, I am taking my kids with me (ages 10 and 14) - and they too are bringing their photo gear. My wife is also along this time - so we are foregoing the camping I usually do in favour of a little more facilities! I think it is difficult for some to understand the sand situation there, without having experienced it themselves. It is a very fine sand particle. It cannot be kept out. I shot Large Format there a few years ago - the film holders that I loaded before going into the desert still came back with sand inside the holder. For those reading this, but never having been there - make it a must sometime in your lifetime. There is really nohing like it. And, if this tempts you - unlimited lobster at a small price freshly caught in the magtnificent town of Luderitz. Namibia is my spiritual home. Danni PS. I will have to spend around 4 hours in Windhoek airport - if you want to play around with the M8 (I seem to remember you are waiting for one? Perhaps I am wrong), feel free to meet us there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andit Posted February 23, 2007 Share #11 Posted February 23, 2007 Hi Dan, Well, I suppose that I should actually say "Welcome Home" to you. I've posted two pictures of one of the most incredible places on earth, Lüdertiz. Like you say the lobster here is out of this world. For people reading this thread, Lüderitz is an old German Colonial town, that was established for one reason only - Diamonds. This town is in the middle of the Namib Desert. There is nothing around for hundreds of miles, except sand that is. On the first picture one can see the Felzkirche (legend has it that my great, great grandfather was the first to get married in this church), and on the second image is one looking over the town. Note the Land Rover in the first image that was later sandblasted. While it looks like the images are soft in terms of focus, it is caused by flying sand particles during a raging sandstorm - it must have been blowing about 100kmh that day with temperatures well above 35 C. For anyone reading this thread, here is a little tip, should you ever need to go into regions with sandstorms (that is if you are using your own vehicle). Clean, wash and polish the car indoors. Then get a couple of rolls of DC Fix clear adhesive. Stick this over all the exposed paint areas of your car. It might look strange, but when you get back from your trip, simply pull off the DC Fix and presto, your paint is as good as new. This also works great in the bush to prevent branches scratching the paint. If you think this sounds strange, the guys in the diamond mines rubberize their vehicles on the outside right up to the mirrors. That is the same kind of process that they use to protect the load boxes of pick-ups. This is the only way of stopping the Namib Sand from destroying everything in its path. Worst case, it strips off every bit of paint - it looks like you're driving a chrome vehicle...lol. Hope this has not bored you guys totally. Andreas 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/16981-m8-pretty-harsh-test/?do=findComment&comment=180503'>More sharing options...
darkness30 Posted February 23, 2007 Share #12 Posted February 23, 2007 Dan good luck with M8, i am sure its not going to fail you. Dan i am interested with your SLR experience if you have used Leica R8 or R9 under those conditions pls. Thanks Mehmet Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannirr Posted February 23, 2007 Author Share #13 Posted February 23, 2007 No - I have never used Leica SLR's (only Nikon and Alpa). I did once go into the Namib with the guy who was the Swiss Consul General to Namibia and he used Leica SLR's - I don't know which model, but that was probaly 12 years ago. Danni Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted February 23, 2007 Share #14 Posted February 23, 2007 I would also bring some large gallon size Zip Lock bags to throw gear in when not in use. Sounds like a nice trip Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted February 23, 2007 Share #15 Posted February 23, 2007 There is always beer to save the photographer available (gallon-size as well) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted February 23, 2007 Share #16 Posted February 23, 2007 So, Danni, what kind of sunglasses do you wear to protect the more important imaging devices you will have with you? Sounds like a blast (sorry, couldn't resist). I certainly hope to see this one day. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyp Posted February 23, 2007 Share #17 Posted February 23, 2007 Mehmet Check out 'Deserts of the Earth' and 'Deserts of Africa' by Michael Martin [German photographer] He traveled for 5 years around the world shooting deserts. He used Leica R cams [including R8] and R lenses. Some great stuff; you may have to go Amazon.com to find'em. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlesphoto99 Posted February 23, 2007 Share #18 Posted February 23, 2007 Sounds like a great trip. One thing that hasn't been mentioned here is that supposedly it's good practice to switch off the camera before changing lenses as this powers down the sensor and attracts less dust. Can anyone confirm this? Of course, sand is a whole 'nother thing. Good combo of having the two tri-elmars, but I would imagine there's times you may want an f2 or 1.4 lens (evenings, mornings, interiors)? If you have I would bring so as to not limit myself. Also as I recall the original tri-elmar doesn't focus as closely as the other primes. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuny Posted February 23, 2007 Share #19 Posted February 23, 2007 Our next large trip will be to Namibia and Botswana during the northern hemisphere's fall. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyp Posted February 23, 2007 Share #20 Posted February 23, 2007 http://www.michael-martin.de/michael_martin/index check out "portfolio" and "info" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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