A few questions - gear to take for christmas with my Fiance's family?

[vimwiz]

I am new to photography but was wondering which gear to take for christmas with my Fiance's family, as Im shooting my Fiance's family + dogs over christmas.

I will be using a Canon EOS 300 (Rebel 2000) and T-70. This will be indoor and outdoor, fairly close using the integrated flash on the former, and *maybe* a speedlite on the latter.

Anyway, i was planning on taking the 35-80 lens for the EOS and then one of the following for the T-70: - A 50mm, a 70-150mm (overkill?), or a 35-70. I want to avoid using the flash, if that matters.

Also, should I use higher speed (ISO) film if its darker or the dogs run about? - I like the sharpness of the Kodak Ultra 400, but use some cheapo Agfa Vista+ 200 sometimes as the colours are nice.

Also, What about trying black and white? - Ilford HP5 or XP2 Super, or Kodak BW400 ? - Which one is easier to get processed in town?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[robbins.photo]

Top of my list? Stun gun.

Could just be me though.. lol

 

[vimwiz]

Top of my list? Stun gun.
Could just be me though.. lol

Yeah, hopefully wont be needed (this time) . Im just wanting to make a good job of it, and not lug a load of kit I dont need on a 8 hour train ride across the UK.

 

[robbins.photo]

Top of my list? Stun gun.
Could just be me though.. lol

Yeah, hopefully wont be needed (this time) . Im just wanting to make a good job of it, and not lug a load of kit I dont need on a 8 hour train ride across the UK.

Well not really qualified to give advice on the film portion of your question, but there are quite a few people here who do shoot film and I'm certain someone far more qualified will weigh in on that at some point. As to the lenses, I probably wouldn't worry about the telephoto unless you are planning on taking pictures outside at some point. Of course in my experience the minute I leave a lens at home I wind up regretting it at some point.. lol - so if you have the space I'd probably just take them all, I'd rather pack a couple of extra pounds of gear I don't need than wind up getting there and discovering that I did need it after all.

 

[vimwiz]

Yeah, if I just take the EF 35-80mm and the FD 50mm that makes things much simpler (I was thinking about taking both, as the EOS takes annoying batteries that would be sods law to run out on christmas day, while the T takes AAs). Thansk for your help, just the choice of film I need to suss out then.

 

[dxqcanada]

Ilford XP2 or Kodak CN400 uses C-41 processing like your standard colour negative film ... so I would say those two would be easier for you to get processed.

If you don't want to use flash, you will have to use 400 ISO for indoor shots (and with the 50mm).

You should take both cameras ... one loaded with colour and the other with B&W.

 

[cgw119 144]

I am new to photography but was wondering which gear to take for christmas with my Fiance's family, as Im shooting my Fiance's family + dogs over christmas.

I will be using a Canon EOS 300 (Rebel 2000) and T-70. This will be indoor and outdoor, fairly close using the integrated flash on the former, and *maybe* a speedlite on the latter.

Anyway, i was planning on taking the 35-80 lens for the EOS and then one of the following for the T-70: - A 50mm, a 70-150mm (overkill?), or a 35-70. I want to avoid using the flash, if that matters.

Also, should I use higher speed (ISO) film if its darker or the dogs run about? - I like the sharpness of the Kodak Ultra 400, but use some cheapo Agfa Vista+ 200 sometimes as the colours are nice.

Also, What about trying black and white? - Ilford HP5 or XP2 Super, or Kodak BW400 ? - Which one is easier to get processed in town?

Thanks so much!!!

I'd put the 35-80 on the Rebel with the speedlight for a no fuss p&s outfit and use the T70 with the 50 for available light. Leave the rest at home.

Get some Portra 400--huge latitude, fine grain, great color. For slower color, plain Fuji Superia 200 is hard to beat. Try some XP2 for b&w. All are C-41 process.

Don't let gear+photography get between you and the fiance, her family, the livestock and everyone's enjoyment of Christmas.

 

[minicoop1985]

I was gonna say, you might want some film. That would probably help.

If you want a grainy look, Kodak ProFoto XL is pretty good for that. Otherwise, yeah, Superia is pretty awesome, in my experience. I haven't tried Portra yet, but I'm guessing there's a good reason so many of the film folks here recommend it.

 

[Mike_E]

I'd just take the T with the 50mm and the mid zoom and be done with it -spending too much time with a camera and not interacting with the prospectives is definitely the wrong foot if you get the drift.

C-41 B&W is good and scans well from what I've heard or just get it printed.. Superia 800 can be shot at 1200 pretty easily for low light, the 400 can be shot at 800 and the Fuji is good for tungsten or daylight and anything in between.

Good luck, Merry Christmas and a long and happy life to you!

 

[limr32 1]

Another vote for the Portra 400. I adore the Portra colors - they are just yummy! And yes - awesome latitude. But of course it's also a bit pricier than the Ultra Max. I still like it, though. The colors are more muted than Portra's, but I personally prefer the way they render a bit more than the Fuji, which tends to go a bit cooler for my tastes. But I would still recommend Fuji Superia - it's a great film, just less to my personal taste.

 

[trythis]

I say go for the EOS if you are bringing just one camera, unless you wont let them use the camera. Handing a camera that shoots film to someone for a group shot you are in and then having to explain focusing usually goes badly for me. The film part is cute, explaining focus screens lines, etc... quite boring to non photogeeks.

...You will be in some of the photos, right?

 

[vimwiz]

Ok, then ill definately take the Kodak 400 and the Ilford XP2 (The C-41 process) film.

I think I will take both cameras still (B&W in the T70, Colour in the EOS), as the EOS has the benefit of being auto-focus (less faffing about, and easier for someone 3rd party to take a shot with, as @trythis suggests),

Thanks for all your best wishes, and helping me Keep It Simple. And yes, I intend to be in some of the photos - Want it to be memorable, our wedding is finally this august.

 

[gsgary]

I don't shoot much colour film but i was given some Superia 200 and thought it was very nice

2 shots of same dog 1 superia 200 and other XP2, not keen on XP2 but it was free i usually shoot HP5, APX100, Orwo UN54

I cannot help with flash i never use it with film

And one of my dog shot on HP5 and stand developed in the fridge