[Leica] Photography in the Vatican

[CAMRALUGGR@aol.com]

Although several of us have commented on this, there are a couple of 
considerations which weren't previously mentioned.  In the Sistine Chapel, 
the restoration has been financed in large part by a Japanese television 
network which negotiated "exclusive" filming rights--the source of the 
controversy which is raging about can you/can't you photograph in there.  My 
own experience is that the guards selectively enforce the "No Photos" rule, 
but are more likely to become rigorous about it if lots of flashes are going 
off.  A fast 35mm or 50mm lens with 800 speed print film can be discretely 
used to good effect, especially if you get away from the mobs and find a 
quiet corrner to shoot from.  Besides not drawing attention to yourself, you 
will not be contributing to the eventual degradation of the paint due to 
repeated exposure to electronic flash bursts.  And, given the sanctity of the 
Chapel, flash photography denigrates the overall experience for those who 
came to visit for reasons other than to record their memories on film.

Throughout the rest of the Vatican there very few restrictions on 
photography, and the corridors which lead to and from the Chapel are 
wonderfully ornate and well lit with window light.  However, if you have a 
tripod, don't even THINK about setting it up inside. One hapless member of a 
tour group who started to use his tripod was tounge-lashed by a guard to the 
point that the rest of us cringed in embarrassment for the guy!  Few Marine 
drill sargents ever gave a boot-camp recruit such a berating!

Mike