Travelling to the U.K.

[caperunner]

Heading off to the U.K to do my O.E.
Wondering if film is readily available in London (Wimbledon Park) noting that there have been some camera shop closures recently.

Would other members take a film camera even? And here we go!
Which type? RF or SLR or both... I have several choices of either sort.
Comments appreciated.

Dave

[Deleted]

Dave:

We made our first trip to Europe and the U.K. in 2007--my first trip with a digital camera (Nikon D100) and no film. Over a three-week period we hit many of the major tourist stops in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France and the U.K. People carry film cameras were few and far between and most of those who were using film had those throw-away models. On the entire trip I think I only saw two people with 35mm SLRs. I did notice even in some of the major tourist spots the 35mm film available was very close to its expiration date, meaning it's not moving off the shelves very fast.

That's not to say there is anything wrong with shooting film, although I would take my film with me rather that buying it on location because of cost.Another thing to consider. ISO 800 and above film can be fogged by security scanners and there is a certain amount of risk even with lower ISO film if you go through enough scanners--there's at least some accumulative effect. And not only will you encounter scanners at airports but also at some of the major tourist stops. With digital you don't have that risk.

Personally either film or digital, I would take an SLR, a wide to medium zoom and a medium to long zoom. And if you can only take one lens make it a wide to medium. Especially in the tightly packed cities and old towns with narrow streets a wide angle will serve you better than a telephoto.

Some people might opt for a rangefinder camera but with my glasses I find the SLR easier to use--especially if you are shoot film and won't get to see if you framed the shot properly until the film is processed.

Wayne

[Randy]

If you visit their version of Mega-Low-Mart you may find some. ;D

[nikonbob]

As no UK members have chimed in yet, from other forums I gather that film will be more expensive to buy and develope in the UK than in North America. It is also my impression that film availability is not as great as before either, but then again the same applies here in NA. Take what ever type of camera that you feel comfortable with considering what subject matter you will photograph. An SLR/DSLR is more versatile in that regard. I hate to say it but when I travel it is with a digital now, just far less hassle at airports and than finding and carting lots of film around. The results have been no better or worse than with film though. Lastly, what the heck is doing an O.E.?

Bob

[John Parry]

Most of the larger towns have a Jessops or Wildings, and even smaller places generally have a Boots. You should be able to get pretty much any film you want, although small stores have drastically reduced their stocks. Film is not too dear, although you are better off at Asda-Walmart or Tesco for cheap and fast processing. And for B&W - can't do better than Ilford - they make it here...

Regards - John

[caperunner]

Many thanks for the responses, all helpful. So a film camera (or two) will be in the mix with digital. No doubt about the hassle free convenience of digital. In our local paper today one chap had sent in some pics of a trip from north to south of the North island by train. Said he had taken 1053 photographs.

OE = overseas experience. General term for young people here (New Zealand) heading off to work overseas. When they eventually return employers see them as top grade employees, in general. For me, a loose term to describe a long awaited tour of the 'home' country. Hope that explains it, Bob. It doesn't fit me exactly.

Now to sort out the fim camera (s)! It is hard because I have so many and they're all good!

Regards, Dave

[nikonbob]

Dave enjoy your O.E. and thanks for enlightening me.

Bob

[caperunner]

Back home now and needless to say I did enjoy my travels.
In fact I tried to find ways of staying a bit longer, with a view to living there for a year or so! I had (as is common with most down under 'colonials' ) the tyranny of exchange rates to contend with (NZD x 2.5= pound) so was really out of the question.
I ended up taking along the Canon Canonette GIII, and Konica FS-1 slr with a 135mm/2.8, 50/1.7 and a 24mm/f2.5 which seemed to fit the bill for the shots I took.

Most used was the digicam P&S Lumix TZ15 sim to TZ5 apparently. Can't argue with being able to fit 700+ snaps on one 'film'/memory card! A no brainer really, suited my woeful photog skills! Film varied in costs and availability, but generally satisfied with the prices. Needed to shop around. Boots, Jessops etc.

Debating whether to return next year. If I do I will have a reasonable quality digicam with me perhaps a DSLR. I will fit in with the other 5 million tourists then! Not many film cameras seen. Saw in Venice a Rollieflex user and that was it no other film users spotted. No doubt they were there..

It is also a long flight and very hard on the nethers. 24 hours with a 3 hour break. Coffee helped!

[nikonbob]

Good to hear you made it home safe and sound after your enjoyable trip. The exchange rate is a problem for us too as are the prices in England. Agreed too on those long distance flights but the reward is worth it. I hated the idea of giving up my film cameras for travel but came to a similar conclusion and now use a DSLR when traveling overseas. Post some photos if you can of your trip.

Bob