I bought a new Canon with a nice lens to take good pictures In Egypt, but I don't know a lot about it. Since I can't use a flash in tombs and such, I will need really fast film, such as 1200? Will I have to have a tripod or will hand held work? Is there any lighting inside these places where there's no flash? If I'm not a pro, can I take usable pictures with a decent lens and fast film?
Taking ppictures in tombs
Re: Taking ppictures in tombs
Shareen
I used a Canon 35 mm camera (hand held) in some of the tombs without a flash, with fast film, and my pics turned out quite well. I used 1600 speed film and 800 speed film. The shots with the 800 film did NOT turn out very well, but the 1600 shots were great. Just to be sure, I would recommend that you not use film slower than 1600. Also, 1600 speed film is hard to find in Egypt; I suggest that you take a few roles with you from home. Hope you have a wonderful trip.
Re: Taking ppictures in tombs
Hi Shareen,
For taking photos inside the Egyptian tombs you will need at the very least a 400 a.s.a. film. Also you will have to keep the camera very steady while you shoot(A tripod would be great.).
It is very important that you make sure your camera doesn't automatically flash whilst you are in the tombs. Accident or not the guards will take your camera and rip the film out. The reason you are not allowed to use a flash in the tombs is due to the fact that it is believed constant use of flash units will gradually fade anything with colour. If you imagine the number of visitors all wanting to take photos, you can see their point.
It is a good idea to become very familiar with your camera before you leave, you may even want to bring the manual with you. There's nothing worse than missing out on a spontaneous photo opportunity because you're still trying to work out the mysteries of your camera.
Once you do find a film you like bring plenty of it. You could buy more film locally but you can't be sure of the quality and you might not get your favourite brand. Just imagine that perfect shot you took that will sum up your entire journey turning out to be a big blurry mess. Not good.
Lastly, check to see if your travel insurance will cover the cost of your camera, if it's a posh one then you might not be covered and remember to take your camera bag, dust and sand will play havoc if you let it.
[b][email]chris@imtrav.co.uk[/email][/b]
Re: Taking ppictures in tombs
I saw flashes go off a few times in various places in Egypt - whether accidentally or not.
At none of these times did any of the guards actually rip the film out of anybodone's camera, although they always did come over to give the guilty party a stern warning.
Some even demanded baksheesh - to let you use the flash some more. Please politely refuse them when this happens as it shouldn't be encouraged - we want these treasures/artifacts to last.
I found a 400 speed film sufficient for most places. Didn't work so well for distance shots in the deepest tombs in The Valley of the Kings - but all other places were ok.
Re: Taking ppictures in tombs
Someone here did loose there camera... most of the time... the guards... want money tho...
I had alot of problems with my tripod... they tended to think you were professional... and wanted alot of money to use them.... altho... I did use it a bit... in alot of the free camera sites... (luxor & the pyrimards)
Have yet to develop any of my film (still in cairo)...
took mostly 800 speed... and used my video camera alot for still's...
Chris