[Leica] Trip to Scandinavia

[Bill Erfurth <m6rf@yahoo.com>]

Hi Andrew,

You are going to have a great time.

Let me answer you questions one at a time in the body
of your post.

From: "Andrew S Jordan" 

On my way to my nephew's wedding in Budapest, I'll
spend
the time between
August 17 and 27 in Bergen(to see the fjords), Oslo,
and
Stockholm. 

Good choice of cities. The only down side is that you
will mostly hit rain or over cast skies in Bergen but
be sure to go there...it is worth the trip.


I have
decided to take the M6 with lenses between 21 and 90mm
in
focal lengths.

Don't load yourself down with equipment.  The narrow
streets of European cities make wider lenses useful. 
The 90mm in my opinion is always useful.




Some questions to Scandinavian LUGgers or people
familiar
with the area:

    * Would  I find the 135mm f4 useful in
boat-to-coast
photography of the
fjords?
    
That is a personal call.


* The lowest ASA rating I would need for slide film.
While the travel
photos in the various guides show beautiful sunshine,
       I am afraid fog and rain may be always present
in
the area.

The slowest you want to take is ASA 100.  You may want
to get some FUJI MS100/1000 (you can shoot it anywhere
between 100 and 1000 ASA.  I have even seen some done
at 1600)
    



* Fjords to see(without a rent-a-car) on day trips
from
Bergen(I have
three full days).

This is going to depend on the weather.  There are
boat trips available.

The fish market in Bergen is outstanding.

When you walk along the buildings on Bryggen (North
side of the harbor) watch for small passage ways that
will take you to a whole other section behind these
buildings.  Most tourist miss this.


* Historical and artistic sites in Oslo(2 days) and
Stockholm(3 days) no
to be missed and/or photogenic.

Call the Scandinavian tourist office in New York City
and have them send you tons of information on all
three cities.  Don't forget to ask for maps.


    * Weather conditions in the area- that is should I
be
prepared for
chilly days and soaking rain?

Bergen gets a lot of rain because of the "up-slope"
conditions that exist in that area.  Take an umbrella
and a flash.  Rain doesn't stop things in Norway...it
just cuts down on the available light.

You will find internet cafes in most European cities. 
Why not stop and let us know how you are doing.

You will most likely want to take 5 to 10 rolls of
film for each day you are on the ground in Europe.  Be
sure to take a SANFORD permanent marker so you can
mark the rolls of film you "push"

Booze is quite expensive in Norway...$6.00 for a beer.
Most people brink their beverages with them.

Have a great time.

Bill




Please respond via the LUG or by private e-mail.

Thank you, Andrew Jordan, Short Hills, NJ


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