Bring film or buy it in Europe?

[chelsealynn]

I was just wondering if I should pack film with me or just buy it in Europe as I go along? also what film speed should I use?

Thanks

[Eagle]

chelsealynn, when I used to travel with Film, I always packed along a sufficient quantity for each trip. IMO it's not a good idea to buy Film in Europe, as it can be quite expensive. If you decide to take Film along, one very important point -- make sure that all Film is packed in your carry-on luggage and not in your checked luggage, as powerful baggage X-Ray scanners might "fog" this! It's a good idea to put the film in a clear Zip-Lok bag (if using 35mm Film, take each roll out of the cardboard box and just put the plastic canister in the clear bag). Ask to have this inspected separately, if the security screeners will accomodate this.

With regard to which film speed to use, that will depend to some extent on what type of photography you'll be using it for. If you plan on taking mostly outdoor pictures in bright lighting, then ASA 200 should provide good clear results. If you plan on taking a lot of indoor photos in dimly lit conditions, then ASA 400 or 800 would be better. I've found ASA 400 to be a good "all around" range, although not perfect for all conditions. One caveat to note -- the higher speed films (>800) are more susceptible to "fogging", should the airport screeners put this through the "carry-on" X-Ray machine. In the "old days" when I used Film, I had good results using Kodak MAX, but I've also used Fuji in the past (Kodak seems to "lean towards" the warmer colours such as reds and yellows, while Fuji tends to lean towards the cooler colours such as green & blue).

One final point to mention is that you'll have to decide whether you prefer having your photos developed in Europe, or wait until you get home. In the past I always brought my undeveloped film home, as I prefer to deal with one processing Lab (in my case, London Drugs). I don't know of any film processors in Europe as I haven't used any.

I'm assuming from your question that you haven't made the "plunge" to digital photography yet? I've found digital easier to travel with, but it comes with it's own "quirks", especially for travel. You might read through some of the other Posts in this section, as there's a lot of good information here from various members.

Hope this answers your question.

[pointofnoreturn]

Consider buying a digital camera? You could delete crappy pictures to save money and just buy memory cards rather than film. It could be quite efficient!

P.S. Don't develop film in Europe or even buy film. They always screw them up from my experience and I lost a lot of great pictures I'll never get back again

[chelsealynn]

I do have a digital camera I just don't have that big of a memory card for it and they are so expensive to buy. I love taking pcitures. Photography is something I really enjoy. I think thats what I'm most excited for in Europe is all the beautiful scenery that is perfect for taking pictures. I know I am going to take SOOooo many pictures, I'm picture happy lol. I take pictures of everything and anything haha. I'm sure I would need like 5 memory cards and then I would be scared that I'd lose them because they are so small! But a digital camera would definately be easier to bring. I've noticed that in a few hostels that I have researched they allow you to burn your pictures onto a disk for free. So that would be awesome.

Thanks for the info!!!

[pointofnoreturn]

chelsealynn said:

I do have a digital camera I just don't have that big of a memory card for it and they are so expensive to buy. I love taking pcitures. Photography is something I really enjoy. I think thats what I'm most excited for in Europe is all the beautiful scenery that is perfect for taking pictures. I know I am going to take SOOooo many pictures, I'm picture happy lol. I take pictures of everything and anything haha. I'm sure I would need like 5 memory cards and then I would be scared that I'd lose them because they are so small! But a digital camera would definately be easier to bring. I've noticed that in a few hostels that I have researched they allow you to burn your pictures onto a disk for free. So that would be awesome.

Thanks for the info!!!

But you can download pictures to maybe like 2 CDs (includ. backups) at the hostels or any other internet cafe and mail one copy home and keep one on you during your trip. That way you can save some memory.

I think 2-3 1 GB cards will be enough for your trip although I forget how long you're travelling for. But you can always download the pictures to a computer and save them to CD's if you bring the USB cord with you. Trust me, it's worth it. Much better than actual film.