Italy.... film or digital?

[Linford]

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We have made plans for a trip to Italy this fall preceded by a few days in Paris to meet with friends. I have been to both France and Italy on various occasion. This time I am tempted to do something different--capture it all on film. The idea of traveling without batteries and adapters or even a laptop is very tempting and a definite first. Over the years I have gone nearly no where without my M10-D across my chest. Before that it was the M10, SL, M240, M246 and M9M--always a camera with me. At home and around town I love shooting my Leica MP (film), and the various film cameras I own. However, I haven't used them exclusively on a trip for many years. I am concerned about the logistics of navigating multiple international airports with film. Should I be nervous about that? Of course, there is the confidence and security that comes with the digital advantage. I would hate to come home and be massively disappointed. So, I guess I am a little insecure too. Though the logistics are my greater concern. Paris, Venice, Florence and Rome on film could be an awesome experience. If I dare...... Any thoughts? Cheers--lt

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Edited June 27, 2022 by Linford

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[ktmrider2]

My last 30 day motorcycle tour was film only-black M4 with 35/90 combo.  My next trip to Nova Scotia and New England will be the same combo.  Take the film out of the box and put in a clear plastic bag which can be handed to TSA agents or their equivalent and simply ask for a hand inspection.  The question is can you wait until you get the results back from processing or do you need to see your results immediately?

I am old enough I remember when film was the only option.  I love the digital technology but shot for over 30 years using film.  Hard to teach an old dog new tricks (and I just prefer film).  You will have a phone for digital and sharing your photos on the internet.

[Mr.Prime]

For my holiday travel I will be using film. My back up is my iphone which I need with me anyway and it’ll do a creditable job of capturing sharable images. As each family member also have phones the collective ensures that all key family events have some reliable record. The challenge for me is which film cameras and lenses to bring but that’s a nice problem to have.
 

As for film, I think you’ve received all the advice needed already. In my case I may order in advance on-line some additional rolls of film to be delivered to where I’ll be staying. Plus I maybe in one place long enough to get some exposed colour film processed before returning home. For B&W I’ll be bringing it all back.

 

Paradoxically, I sometimes feel more secure with a film camera, much less to go wrong and no ‘battery anxiety’, hence very reliable.

Edited June 28, 2022 by Mr.Prime

[oldwino]

Last big trip for us was pre-Covid, to Barcelona and southern France. 
Took my barnack III, a 35 and 50mm lens, and a bunch of color film. No issues, and it was great to travel so light. One lens on the camera, the other in my pocket. 
I also took my X2 in case I wanted some low-light or casual nighttime shots. Used it for maybe 30 exposures.

I sent the films out for development and scanning, and decided to have 4x6 prints made too, like in the good old days. Was quite a fun experience to thumb through those.  

[Mr.Prime]

That’s a great set up.

Out of curiosity which focal length did you find the more useful ?

 

 

[Linford]

I was planning on taking my 2.8/28mm Elmarit (daytime), 0.95/50mm Noctilux (night) and 3.4/135 Telyt just in case. Well stocked on Portra 800.

 

[Linford]

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55 minutes ago, ktmrider2 said:

My last 30 day motorcycle tour was film only-black M4 with 35/90 combo.  My next trip to Nova Scotia and New England will be the same combo.  Take the film out of the box and put in a clear plastic bag which can be handed to TSA agents or their equivalent and simply ask for a hand inspection.  The question is can you wait until you get the results back from processing or do you need to see your results immediately?

I am old enough I remember when film was the only option.  I love the digital technology but shot for over 30 years using film.  Hard to teach an old dog new tricks (and I just prefer film).  You will have a phone for digital and sharing your photos on the internet.

 

45 minutes ago, oldwino said:

Last big trip for us was pre-Covid, to Barcelona and southern France. 
Took my barnack III, a 35 and 50mm lens, and a bunch of color film. No issues, and it was great to travel so light. One lens on the camera, the other in my pocket. 
I also took my X2 in case I wanted some low-light or casual nighttime shots. Used it for maybe 30 exposures.

I sent the films out for development and scanning, and decided to have 4x6 prints made too, like in the good old days. Was quite a fun experience to thumb through those.  

 

45 minutes ago, oldwino said:

Last big trip for us was pre-Covid, to Barcelona and southern France. 
Took my barnack III, a 35 and 50mm lens, and a bunch of color film. No issues, and it was great to travel so light. One lens on the camera, the other in my pocket. 
I also took my X2 in case I wanted some low-light or casual nighttime shots. Used it for maybe 30 exposures.

I sent the films out for development and scanning, and decided to have 4x6 prints made too, like in the good old days. Was quite a fun experience to thumb through those.  

Made a driving trip through the West last summer and enjoyed the heck out of shooting the MP and the Hasselblad 500. I'm just a little jumpy about the International airports I guess. 

[105012]

There is a wonderful feeling with just a film camera, a freedom from judging one’s own results constantly, being more in the moment, the anticipation of what might be there and the re-living of it all when eventually one sees the results, long after the moment. It all feels less hurried, more real. There is not the urge to picture everything, only the moments with feeling. At least, this is my experience of many trips with only an M3 as my ‘real’ camera.

My kit has varied, but simpler is better. Sometimes I have only taken one M3 body and one 50mm Summicron for it. Bliss! Other times I’ve sneaked in a 90 or 135, a second body, but it does add up…

[Dr Cron]

Unfortunately new airport CT scanners may cause serious trouble now.  I've heard of these e.g. at Heathrow, and hand inspections are, it seems, not frequently granted (perhaps).  Not sure about Eurostar from UK.  Cf. https://www.ilfordphoto.com/faqs

This leads me to my question, which is: is there a list of reputable camera shops in major European tourist cities that still sell film?  Easier for B&W I suppose, esp. if you pack some ingredients and a dev tank and can do some developing while you are there.  

I think I have Paris, but no clue on Italy (Venice, Florence, for instance); nor Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, for instance.

[ianman]

20 hours ago, Linford said:

I am concerned about the logistics of navigating multiple international airports with film. Should I be nervous about that?

No. Just don’t do it. Meaning don’t navigate multiple international airports with film.
 

Believe it or not but there are plenty of places in France and Europe where you can buy film. Once exposed send it off to a developing service, there are plenty of those here too and either get the negs sent back to your home or hotel/friends if you have time.

[kivis]

19 hours ago, Mr.Prime said:

That’s a great set up.

Out of curiosity which focal length did you find the more useful ?

 

 

21/3.5-35/2-50/1.4-90/2.8

[Mr.Prime]

you took an army!

Edited June 28, 2022 by Mr.Prime

[28framelines]

On 6/27/2022 at 3:27 PM, Linford said:

We have made plans for a trip to Italy this fall preceded by a few days in Paris to meet with friends. I have been to both France and Italy on various occasion. This time I am tempted to do something different--capture it all on film. The idea of traveling without batteries and adapters or even a laptop is very tempting and a definite first. Over the years I have gone nearly no where without my M10-D across my chest. Before that it was the M10, SL, M240, M246 and M9M--always a camera with me. At home and around town I love shooting my Leica MP (film), and the various film cameras I own. However, I haven't used them exclusively on a trip for many years. I am concerned about the logistics of navigating multiple international airports with film. Should I be nervous about that? Of course, there is the confidence and security that comes with the digital advantage. I would hate to come home and be massively disappointed. So, I guess I am a little insecure too. Though the logistics are my greater concern. Paris, Venice, Florence and Rome on film could be an awesome experience. If I dare...... Any thoughts? Cheers--lt

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!

I literally just did this in March: Flew from Vancouver to Paris, then took the train to Florence, train to Venice, then flew from Venice back to Paris and home to Vancouver. I had two zip lock bags, one labeled “unexposed” the other “exposed”. All the security agents handled it with ease. Like others mentioned, take everything out of the packages so it’s easier for them to test, and always say “please” and “thank you”. It’s more trouble for them if they piss off someone being reasonable; if you give them no reason to not have empathy for you, you’ll be fine.

[otto.f]

On 6/28/2022 at 12:27 AM, Linford said:

am concerned about the logistics of navigating multiple international airports with film. Should I be nervous about that?

Thus far, I was always allowed on European and Italian airports to bypass the X-ray scanner for just my films if I asked friendly and showed my films clearly. You can also use the Domke film guard bag in your hand luggage

Edited June 29, 2022 by otto.f

[Linford]

1 hour ago, 28framelines said:

I literally just did this in March: Flew from Vancouver to Paris, then took the train to Florence, train to Venice, then flew from Venice back to Paris and home to Vancouver. I had two zip lock bags, one labeled “unexposed” the other “exposed”. All the security agents handled it with ease. Like others mentioned, take everything out of the packages so it’s easier for them to test, and always say “please” and “thank you”. It’s more trouble for them if they piss off someone being reasonable; if you give them no reason to not have empathy for you, you’ll be fine.

That has always been my experience in the states. Of course, I would always be respectful, courteous and kind. I understand it is an inconvenience. Your experience is comforting. I have read that some busy European airports, are not so accommodating. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Edited June 29, 2022 by Linford

[28framelines]

9 hours ago, Linford said:

That has always been my experience in the states. Of course, I would always be respectful, courteous and kind. I understand it is an inconvenience. Your experience is comforting. I have read that some busy European airports, are not so accommodating. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Yep, I was worried about them not being so accommodating because of how busy they were, but nope, all 3 of Vancouver, Paris and Venice airports were so super accommodating. OH! I will say though, I’m Venice airport, they forced my friend to put her disposable camera through the X-Ray because she couldn’t open the camera up. Long story short, finish your rolls before putting your cameras through. 

[Linford]

15 hours ago, 28framelines said:

Yep, I was worried about them not being so accommodating because of how busy they were, but nope, all 3 of Vancouver, Paris and Venice airports were so super accommodating. OH! I will say though, I’m Venice airport, they forced my friend to put her disposable camera through the X-Ray because she couldn’t open the camera up. Long story short, finish your rolls before putting your cameras through. 

Thank you! Very helpful. Cheers—lt

 

[Huss]

On 6/27/2022 at 5:47 PM, Linford said:

 Well stocked on Portra 800.

 

You may not want to travel w/800 or faster films.  Those are the ones most susceptible to x-ray damage.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Dr Cron]

On 6/28/2022 at 6:52 PM, Dr Cron said:

Unfortunately new airport CT scanners may cause serious trouble now.  I've heard of these e.g. at Heathrow, and hand inspections are, it seems, not frequently granted (perhaps).  Not sure about Eurostar from UK.  Cf. https://www.ilfordphoto.com/faqs

This leads me to my question, which is: is there a list of reputable camera shops in major European tourist cities that still sell film?  Easier for B&W I suppose, esp. if you pack some ingredients and a dev tank and can do some developing while you are there.  

I think I have Paris, but no clue on Italy (Venice, Florence, for instance); nor Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, for instance.

Anyway, answering my own question, the stockists list on Ilford's website is a good resource for checking out places that might stock film.

[Capuccino-Muffin]

On 6/29/2022 at 4:07 PM, 28framelines said:

Yep, I was worried about them not being so accommodating because of how busy they were, but nope, all 3 of Vancouver, Paris and Venice airports were so super accommodating. OH! I will say though, I’m Venice airport, they forced my friend to put her disposable camera through the X-Ray because she couldn’t open the camera up. Long story short, finish your rolls before putting your cameras through. 

The real question is, did her film get radiation, how does it stand versus the hand-checked film?

That would be the ultimate test.