R4 To Mexico

[Joachim123]

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In December I will be going to Mexico for the first time in years. I contemplated whether to take my M9 or my R4. After much thought I have decided to take the R4 here are the reasons why:

 

1. Ability to use Fuji Velia 50 the M9's lowest ISO is 160 considering the harsh lighting this film will be excellent. Also will use up the remaining Kodak 100VS left then thats it for Kodak. Fuji from now on.

 

2. No need to rely on batteries. Yes the motor winder has batteries but I will put in a fresh set and should have no problems from there on in. The M9 needs to be charged and electricty in Mexico is sporatic and unreliable.

 

3. With the reflex system I dont have to worry about buring a hole in the shutter. Mexico's extreme harsh lighting can contribute to shutter burn if you are not careful.

 

4. Able to use the longer lenses. With the M9 the longest lens I have is the 90mm.

 

 

This is not to say that the M9 is not an excellent camera it is; and usually it is my main travel camera, however, after careful thought the R4 seems to be the better alternative.

 

 

The only drawback with the R system is that I cannot upload the photos to the computer right away to show friends.

 

 

Any comments or suggestions or tips from those who have been to Mexico would be appreciated.

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[garysamson]

I have to ask what the final use of the resulting photographs will be? Are you intending to scan the transparencies to make prints, upload them to a website, project the originals for family and friends?

[earleygallery]

The choice is of camera, and in this case medium is really too personal to ask others for an opinion IMHO.

 

But I must correct a couple of points. Does not the R4 also rely on batteries for it's electronic shutter (apart from one speed and , and it's metering?

 

You won't burn a hole in the M9 shutter as it's metal like the R4. It's the cloth shutters in the film M's that can be affected, although with a little care not to leave the lens uncapped and pointing at the sun for a prolonged period, it shouldn't be an issue.

 

Enjoy your trip.

[Joachim123]

Thanks I did not know that the M9 uses a metal shutter. I thought it was cloth like the M4 or M6Yes the R4 uses batteries but two small ones available pretty much anywhere. With the M9 you have to charge one larger battery and Mexican power is not consistent. Thanks for the advice.

[spydrxx]

Unless you're going to remote areas, electricity generally is fairly reliable throughout Mexico, at least in my trips in the last 10 years. I think it is really more a matter of what lenses you want to use and whether you prefer a RF to a SLR. Each, of course, has its advantages, just as the digital vs film issue. I too am trying to use up the freezer full of film, especially since my heirs have said they have no interest in film or film cameras. Still, I'm using my digital gear about 60% of the time because of the convenience factor.