Camera for Africa trip

[Tim Meisburger]

I will visit my son in southern Africa next September, and am struggling to figure out what camera to take. My wife and daughter will be with me, so I am unlikely to have loads of time to set up and take shots (its not a photo trip). I was a Peace Corps volunteer there in the 80s, and shot a lot of 35mm, but I'm really not satisfied with little negatives anymore. I thought about medium format, and that is still an option, I guess, but I would love to get some of those landscapes and portraits in 4x5. I just had a conference near LA, and took a couple extra days for a trip to Joshua Tree with only my old Travelwide. I took some shots handheld and some off a tripod, and while that seems like it could work, I didn't really like being limited to a 90mm. (I have not developed the shots yet, as I will not be home till tomorrow night.)

I could just take my Ikeda Anba. Its super light, but also a bit fragile, and I like it enough that I don't want to risk it in an environment where I could get robbed easily. I'm thinking if I take something it needs to be relatively rugged and something I will not cry to much about if it gets lost. So, a rangefinder might make sense. A Wista would be rugged, and quick to deploy, and can be had for around $400 without a rangefinder. I was also thinking about a Busch Pressman, as I've seen them for less than $200. Then I could take a relatively cheap 90mm for landscapes, and a 150mm for general and portraits with the rangefinder. Well, I'm rambling. If you have any thoughts, please share them.

[MartyNL]

A TLR, with a fixed or perhaps with interchangeable lens?
Relatively compact, fairly inexpensive and less conspicuous.

[paulbarden]

I would choose one of my TLRs, not large format for travel. Or maybe the Hasselblad, if I decided I didn't want the twin lens business. My Autocord delivers exceptional results when using modern films like Ilford Delta.

[bmikiten]

It depends on your expectations for the images as well as the time factors you stated. I was stuck with this same issue recently (hiking with friends in a National Park) and ended up taking a (gasp) Hasselblad X2D with a few lenses and shot digital 100mp images. I have always shot 4x5 and 8x10 as well as some 6x17 but during out last trip, it became clear that even with my 617, people got bored waiting for me to set up and change film, etc. Medium format would have been my next option.

[Havoc]

6x9 would be my choice. If I look at my negatives then I'm more then satisfied with those. Also easier to travel with an more types of film available.

[Tim Meisburger]

Interesting. All medium format recommendations. I'll have to think about options, but I do know I will not be taking a Hasselblad! Maybe something Soviet...

[nolindan]

How about a Speed/Crown graphic. It appears to tick all your boxes.

[Tim Meisburger]

I do have a Busch Pressman C that might work, but I guess I would then need to find a small Adapt-a-Roll film holder, and could only find 4x5 holders on the bay. If I took that I could also take some sheet film and use as a view camera when time permits?

[Tim Meisburger]

Anyone have experience with the Fuji GW690? Its 6x9 and has (I think) a fixed 90mm lens. I assume that is a normal lens for 6x9? Seems like something like that would give me some good negative, and decomplicate my life.

[Jeff Keller]

At the risk of being excommunicated, take a digital camera. Low light and the chance to take pictures of animals you don't usually see would outweigh the enjoyment of large format. If you also want to shoot film, pick your favorite medium format and use it for people and landscapes.

[Tim Meisburger]

Well, I'm sure my wife will take either a digital SLR, or her old OM4, and I bought my daughter a Rollei 35, so that kind of stuff is covered. I have tons of good wildlife pics from the 80s in 35mm already, and probably don't need more! But your comment is useful, because it help me think about what I really want, and my favorite photos from back then are portraits and domestic scenes. The development of those is often lacking, due to the lower quality of local 35mm development in those days (hot weather and exhausted developer), so I would like some good negatives to print at home. So, 6x9, some Velvia 50, some black and white, some filters, sounds like it could work. No movements, but a lot easier and faster than a view camera, and much closer to how I shot 35mm.

[Neal Chaves]

Anyone have experience with the Fuji GW690? Its 6x9 and has (I think) a fixed 90mm lens. I assume that is a normal lens for 6x9? Seems like something like that would give me some good negative, and decomplicate my life.

That's an excellent choice. I have used them for years. I had the early Model IIIs and they developed cracks in the plastic bodies. I replaced them with the all metal Model IIs and have been very happy with them. Looks like the cracking problem has been solved on later IIIs but be careful.

[Greg Y]

Excellent cameras. I've used them all from the interchangeable lens models to the 6x7,6x8,6x9 both 90mm & 65. Sharp lenses and reliable cameras.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1888/43695501085_6ca24196fe_z.jpg

[MartyNL]

I have 2 Fuji GSW690iii's. Outstanding camera's and no electronics!

[cowanw]

Will you be needing a telephoto for the Ostrich shot?

[md-photo]

I worry about transporting sheet film. If at an airport someone insists on opening it up to check it, that's it for the film. For medium format a lighter camera like Plaubel Makina, Mamiya 7 or Bronica RF645 are good travel choices.

[domaz]

Also at the risk of being excommunicated I might suggest taking a small "Bridge" digital camera that has Image stabilization and the ability to zoom way in for Wildlife shots and a smaller Medium Format film camera for landscapes and other shots. If you don't care about wildlife shots a film camera is all you need.

[Nitesail]

I don’t shoot large format just for the larger negative. Regardless of the “negatives” people typically note, if you shoot large format for the experience then take that. For me it’s become a dedication to the craft, a way of life. Look at all the images that were taken back when photography was in its infancy, amazing images with very demanding conditions and equipment.

[Havoc]

Interesting. All medium format recommendations. I'll have to think about options, but I do know I will not be taking a Hasselblad! Maybe something Soviet...
If you have a reliable soviet camera that could be an option. But taking a camera, a manual, a box of tools and spare parts might be spoiling the mood from time to time.


Anyone have experience with the Fuji GW690? Its 6x9 and has (I think) a fixed 90mm lens. I assume that is a normal lens for 6x9? Seems like something like that would give me some good negative, and decomplicate my life.
Not that one, but I do have a G690BL and the negatives are great. Also a selection of focal lenghts. On the other hand, my obturation curtain for the lens change is not reliable so I would not take mine along such a trip.

Just make sure that the rest of the family let you come along the next time :)

[Kino]

Interesting. All medium format recommendations. I'll have to think about options, but I do know I will not be taking a Hasselblad! Maybe something Soviet...

If you can find a good condition, folding rangefinder Moskva 5 you could have 6x6 and 6x9 with a 105mm lens. Fairly compact, but the 6x6 mask might be inconvenient to haul around in case you wanted to change format. Shutter speeds are limited to 1/250th in the upper range, but depending on the film you will be shooting, it may not be a problem.

As suggested, I would complement it with a compact, high-res digital camera for backup.

Sometimes suspenders and a belt make sense...

[Robert Bowring]

I would take a Mamiya 6 or Mamiya 7 or maybe a Pentax 6x7. There are good lenses available for all of them and they easy to travel with.

[Drew Wiley]

If you need some telephoto reach for wildlife, a basic Pentax 6x7 SLR system is something already having high repute in Africa photography. I often travel with one of those for tripod or otherwise supported tele work, along with a Fuji 6X9 rangefinder with a 90mm lens for quicker handheld or tripod wider angle shots. Both can be had for less than the cost of a Mamiya 7, which has a far more limited selection of focal lengths than a P67, but would be a much lighter weight more compact package.

[Tim Meisburger]

That's an excellent choice. I have used them for years. I had the early Model IIIs and they developed cracks in the plastic bodies. I replaced them with the all metal Model IIs and have been very happy with them. Looks like the cracking problem has been solved on later IIIs but be careful.

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind as I shop.

[Tim Meisburger]

Excellent cameras. I've used them all from the interchangeable lens models to the 6x7,6x8,6x9 both 90mm & 65. Sharp lenses and reliable cameras.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1888/43695501085_6ca24196fe_z.jpg

Nice! I'm interested in the earlier models because its quite tempting to have a longer lens for portraits. I looked at the other formats online, and for some reason they are all much more expensive than the 6x9. I'm not really worried about the cost of film for a 6x9, as its nothing compared to the cost of the trip, so I would feel pretty comfortable shooting 6x9 images I intend to print square.

[Tim Meisburger]

Will you be needing a telephoto for the Ostrich shot?

No. I'll just chase them...

[Tim Meisburger]

I worry about transporting sheet film. If at an airport someone insists on opening it up to check it, that's it for the film. For medium format a lighter camera like Plaubel Makina, Mamiya 7 or Bronica RF645 are good travel choices.

These would be good, but I would rather have something less expensive for a trip like this.

[Tim Meisburger]

Also at the risk of being excommunicated I might suggest taking a small "Bridge" digital camera that has Image stabilization and the ability to zoom way in for Wildlife shots and a smaller Medium Format film camera for landscapes and other shots. If you don't care about wildlife shots a film camera is all you need.

Yes. I suspect my wife will take a SLR with a 200 zoom and I'll pick up a 2x teleconverter for birds and such, but don't really care that much. A lot of the fun I have is printing, so a good negative is important (I don't have a color printer, and my scanner is too old to work with my current computer!)

[Tim Meisburger]

I don’t shoot large format just for the larger negative. Regardless of the “negatives” people typically note, if you shoot large format for the experience then take that. For me it’s become a dedication to the craft, a way of life. Look at all the images that were taken back when photography was in its infancy, amazing images with very demanding conditions and equipment.

I agree. But in this case the dedication to the craft conflicts with the family agenda. If I were going alone, I would certainly only shoot 4x5.

[angusparker]

Anyone have experience with the Fuji GW690? Its 6x9 and has (I think) a fixed 90mm lens. I assume that is a normal lens for 6x9? Seems like something like that would give me some good negative, and decomplicate my life.

Can’t say good enough things about this camera, also called the Texas Leica! I have the Mark III version along with the GSW690 a wider companion fixed lens camera. The only downsides are that it is fully manual (no built in meter) so you need a separate meter, and the rangefinder patch isn’t super big or bright but it will suffice. The modern update, the Fujifilm GF670 with built in meter and improved rangefinder is a step up but even second hand its 2 or 3 times the cost of the GW690, plus I much prefer the 6x9 format over 6x7 since you have more optionality even if you burn up more film as a consequence.

[Vaughn]

...I'm thinking if I take something it needs to be relatively rugged and something I will not cry to much about if it gets lost. So, a rangefinder might make sense. A Wista would be rugged, and quick to deploy, and can be had for around $400 without a rangefinder. I was also thinking about a Busch Pressman, as I've seen them for less than $200. Then I could take a relatively cheap 90mm for landscapes, and a 150mm for general and portraits with the rangefinder. ...

The tool forms the user as much as the user forms with the tool. So it is an important choice, and much depends on the type/look of the images one would like to make. For example, movements allow for more possibilities in image management (image-creating). I am biased in this direction, so if weight, time, patience of fellow traveler(s), etc don't out weigh having camera movements, I take LF. A recent month visit to Japan w/ my two boys, I took the Rolleicord. A previous month-long camping trip in Southern Chile w/ my two boys I took the 5x7 (in 2019). Different experiences, different tools.

A possible compromise would be a light 4x5 or even smaller view camera with a couple 120 roll backs (or three...for different films and/or formats) . Perhaps a 65mm/135mm/210mm lens combo.

[domaz]

If you need some telephoto reach for wildlife, a basic Pentax 6x7 SLR system is something already having high repute in Africa photography. I often travel with one of those for tripod or otherwise supported tele work, along with a Fuji 6X9 rangefinder with a 90mm lens for quicker handheld or tripod wider angle shots. Both can be had for less than the cost of a Mamiya 7, which has a far more limited selection of focal lengths than a P67, but would be a much lighter weight more compact package.

Pulling out the Pentax 6x7 600mm on an African Safari jeep sure would be .. something.

[Tim Meisburger]

Can’t say good enough things about this camera, also called the Texas Leica! I have the Mark III version along with the GSW690 a wider companion fixed lens camera. The only downsides are that it is fully manual (no built in meter) so you need a separate meter, and the rangefinder patch isn’t super big or bright but it will suffice. The modern update, the Fujifilm GF670 with built in meter and improved rangefinder is a step up but even second hand its 2 or 3 times the cost of the GW690, plus I much prefer the 6x9 format over 6x7 since you have more optionality even if you burn up more film as a consequence.
Thanks Angus. My understanding is that the 90mm on 6x9 is the equivalent of a 35mm lens in 35mm, and I spent some time in the mid-nineties wandering around central Africa with an Olympus XA with a 35mm lens, so I'm sure it will seem familiar. Almost the same...

[6x6TLL]

Tim,

since it's not a photo safari, and you're there for other reasons, the time and opportunity for photography may be limited. I don't know what you typically like to shoot, or if you prefer color or B&W, but I would suggest that something light, easy to handle, robust, and minimal would be a good option. If you are going around with your son there will probably be ample opportunities for portraits, if you visit some of the sights you'll probably want to capture some landscapes.

I agree with you that 35mm just doesn't cut it, medium format would be a minimum, and MF isn't too far off from 4x5 in quality to be honest, but a lot easier to handle, buy, develop, with many more frames on a roll than single 4x5 sheets. Unless you are very familiar and adept with the cameras you mention, they might prove to be a bit fiddly in the field and more work than you want. Which is why MF seems like a good choice. Since the goal of your trip is to visit family, it might make more sense to consider any photo opportunities as more opportunistic events and bring gear that allows you to be quick, unobtrusive and spontaneous.

For portraiture and similar, a Rolleiflex TLR is brilliant and bulletproof, with a fantastic Schneider or Zeiss lens (75mm or 80mm typically), 6x6. No batteries needed, but you will need a meter. I have one as my minimalist travel camera, usually loaded with B&W, but I've used it for color as well. Fits into a very small bag with meter, extra film, and a few filters.

If you want something more versatile, there's the Fuji 6x7 and 6x9 rangefinders. GF670, very compact, quiet, built in meter, but needs batteries, or the GW690 which is entirely manual. Tending to go against the grain somewhat, when I'm able to bring more than my twin lens Rollei on a trip, I have a Rollei 6008 kit with multiple lenses that I manage to mash into a bag no larger than most casual DSLR shooters. A wide angle, macro and sometimes tele all fit, with an extra magazine. Have to carry the charger separately.

Since you have some time, talk with your son and plan some of the things you'd like to do, as well as what you'd like to shoot if given the opportunity, and plan accordingly.

Oh, one other thing I tend to do where possible is develop my film locally. Modern airport X-ray machines can ruin your film. Not every place will do a manual hand check for you. It is a lot easier to find places to develop 120 film than 4x5. Last trip I took I shot Portra and Provia, developed all my rolls at a local lab before getting on the plane back.

Hope this helps. Sounds like you're in for an amazing trip!

[Tim Meisburger]

Tim,

since it's not a photo safari, and you're there for other reasons, the time and opportunity for photography may be limited. I don't know what you typically like to shoot, or if you prefer color or B&W, but I would suggest that something light, easy to handle, robust, and minimal would be a good option. If you are going around with your son there will probably be ample opportunities for portraits, if you visit some of the sights you'll probably want to capture some landscapes.

I agree with you that 35mm just doesn't cut it, medium format would be a minimum, and MF isn't too far off from 4x5 in quality to be honest, but a lot easier to handle, buy, develop, with many more frames on a roll than single 4x5 sheets. Unless you are very familiar and adept with the cameras you mention, they might prove to be a bit fiddly in the field and more work than you want. Which is why MF seems like a good choice. Since the goal of your trip is to visit family, it might make more sense to consider any photo opportunities as more opportunistic events and bring gear that allows you to be quick, unobtrusive and spontaneous.

For portraiture and similar, a Rolleiflex TLR is brilliant and bulletproof, with a fantastic Schneider or Zeiss lens (75mm or 80mm typically), 6x6. No batteries needed, but you will need a meter. I have one as my minimalist travel camera, usually loaded with B&W, but I've used it for color as well. Fits into a very small bag with meter, extra film, and a few filters.

If you want something more versatile, there's the Fuji 6x7 and 6x9 rangefinders. GF670, very compact, quiet, built in meter, but needs batteries, or the GW690 which is entirely manual. Tending to go against the grain somewhat, when I'm able to bring more than my twin lens Rollei on a trip, I have a Rollei 6008 kit with multiple lenses that I manage to mash into a bag no larger than most casual DSLR shooters. A wide angle, macro and sometimes tele all fit, with an extra magazine. Have to carry the charger separately.

Since you have some time, talk with your son and plan some of the things you'd like to do, as well as what you'd like to shoot if given the opportunity, and plan accordingly.

Oh, one other thing I tend to do where possible is develop my film locally. Modern airport X-ray machines can ruin your film. Not every place will do a manual hand check for you. It is a lot easier to find places to develop 120 film than 4x5. Last trip I took I shot Portra and Provia, developed all my rolls at a local lab before getting on the plane back.

Hope this helps. Sounds like you're in for an amazing trip!

Thanks. That sounds like good advice. I do plan to take stuff so I can develop black and white, and may try to have the color developed locally or ship it home, as I too have had bad experiences travelling with exposed film. Luckily, if I do travel with MF, its a lot easier to avoid agents unspooling rolls than it is opening boxes of sheet film, which happened to me last week. Film was double bagged, so turned out okay, but I was having palpitations...

[paulbarden]

I would also consider taking my Zeiss Super Ikonta (6x9) for its larger negative. Gets even closer to 4x5 but with the ease of use that 120 roll film offers.

If developing my film as I travel isn’t an option, I’d mail it home, not carry it with me through customs.

[angusparker]

Thanks Angus. My understanding is that the 90mm on 6x9 is the equivalent of a 35mm lens in 35mm, and I spent some time in the mid-nineties wandering around central Africa with an Olympus XA with a 35mm lens, so I'm sure it will seem familiar. Almost the same...

Pretty close. The 90mm in 6x9 is more like a 40mm in 35mm, and the wider version at 65mm in 6x9 is more like a 28mm in 35mm. I think 40mm equivalents are the sweet spot for a single lens setup. “Normal” enough so distortion doesn’t set in, but slightly wide so you can take most shots. Hence, the 90mm version is my go to camera. But you can take both around with you - they are a bit chunky but not super heavy.

[Drew Wiley]

One problem with the earlier Fuji interchangeable lens RF's is that it's now difficult to find most of the lenses, and when you do, they're expensive. Furthermore, the system is quite heavy compared to their later fixed lens 6X7, 6X8, and 6X9 RF's. You might as well go with a Pentax 6X7 instead, which is more modern, and everything needed is still abundant. As per 6x6 models, it's no better than 645 if you want a rectangular image.

The rangefinder focus on the GS690ii, iii, etc series etc isn't super bright, but has been adequate for everything I've ever needed to do with it, including dim evening light. If you need to critical focus it in especially problematic light, the eyepiece magnifier for the Nikon F series will thread right in. You can get used Fuji RF's affordably enough not to have a nervous breakdown if one gets lost or stolen, and they're surprisingly durable, even in bad weather. I highly recommend them for travel. An excellent lens.

None of these are a substitute for what a view camera can do, but only do quite a bit slower, and nearly always dependent on a tripod all the time. Roll film backs do save quite a bit of bulk, weight, and loading fuss, but aren't that quick to actually shoot. And they're fussier to focus accurately than the conventional 4X5 sheet film size image, at least until you're thoroughly used to them. As far as press cameras go, even a roll film version is not going to operate as quickly or spontaneously as a dedicated MF camera. They're also going to be bulkier.

[Drew Wiley]

domaz - at least if you did pull out a P67 600mm lens, any rhino would be afraid to charge. It's as big as a cannon. My longest lens is the wonderful 300mm EDIF, and it's too much to realistically handhold either. I actually use my 8x10 tripods for it. But if you're talking about a 165 mm tele, or possibly 200mm, careful handheld shots are possible with fast film.

It all depends on one's working style. I run into quite a few pro bird and wildlife photographers here on the coast, and I can't compete with their fast DLSR zoom lens techniques. But when I do bag a wildlife shot with the 6X7, it's in a whole different league when it comes to print quality. But that's just an opportunistic option for me. Normally I shoot stationary subjects. And I always travel with a suitable tripod.

Nick Brandt did amazing black and white African wildlife photos with a P67 and just a normal focal length lens, or even a wide angle one; but that required tremendous patience to get up that close. But if it's spontaneous ethnic or street photography, the Fuji RF makes a lot more sense.

[PatrickMarq]

When I go on vacation, I always (try) take the Fujifilm GA645Zi and the GW690III with me. Both compact and the 645 is perfect for city images.

[Chauncey Walden]

On my first African trip way back when, I had 4 film cameras. Primary were 2 Nikons (never travel without a backup! and shooting frame 36 on one is always seconds before a decisive moment!) and assorted lenses. Also along was a Pentacon 6 (primarily because I was picking up a beautiful 500 f/4 in London on the way over and secondarily because I had an adapter to use it on my Nikons). Plan B was invoked when the Pentacon lost a battle with a concrete road. Finally there was a Fuji 645 with a 65. Super light, easy handling, and with 7 more shots per roll than the 6x6. I much more enjoy working with 645 than 35 in the darkroom. I have a Fuji 690 with interchangeable lenses but the camera and and its 3 lenses weighs more than a 4x5 with 3 lenses. I also have a Travelwide with the 90 and with a couple of 10 shot Kinematics and I have traveled overseas with it. At least if you take a 4x5 that requires a tripod and an extra bag with bits and pieces you will have (bored) family with you to keep eyes on everything while you are setting a shot up. I'm sure you are aware that some places in Africa have a marvelous ability to grow legs on anything. And finally, the airport x-ray machines in use these days will absolutely shred film and all it takes is one refusal to inspect overseas and you are slap out of luck. Have fun.