[Leica] Just back from Cuba

[coupdefoudrellc at gmail.com (Wilbur Norman)]

Gracias Jim ?  a very informative post!

I have always been fortunate in not having "pasty white skin"! 


Wilbur in New Mexico


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On Dec 20, 2014, at 9:02 AM, Jim Laurel wrote:

> I just flew in from Havana. Here?s the scoop from the airport on the way 
> home...
> 
> First of all, people from all over the world have been visiting Cuba for 
> some time now. European chains are building high end resorts along the 
> coast. We visited under the ?People to people cultural exchange? Treasury 
> exception, but many Americans choose to visit illegally.
> 
> The Cuban people have suffered under both the embargo and the regime. Many 
> people expressed elation on Wednesday after the big announcement, as if 
> diplomatic relations and trade with the USA and more tourists would 
> actually help their plight. Well, it?s a start. Maybe it will lead to 
> internal change, but who knows. The Cubans are taking a wait and see 
> attitude. They are smart enough to know that the President?s power is 
> limited and only Congress can act to end the embargo altogether. The 
> Cubans are a warm, beautiful and welcoming people. By and large, they love 
> Americans and get visibly excited when you tell them you?re from the USA. 
> Many reacted as if we were old friends coming home again. And, that?s 
> pretty much the case. For the Americans among you, there is absolutely no 
> reason to fear for your security in Cuba.
> 
> Cuba must proceed slowly because they simply aren?t ready for the crush of 
> visitors that would come if the travel restrictions were dropped 
> altogether. The infrastructure is barely adequate as it is in the main 
> cities, let alone the smaller towns. There is construction all over 
> Havana. Many streets are torn up as they install better sewage, water and 
> electrical systems. Many of the old neighborhoods are being gentrified. At 
> times, you think you?re somewhere in Spain or Italy. It will take time.
> 
> I must disagree with Duane, who said that there isn?t much between Havana 
> and Santiago. In fact, most of my favorite places in Cuba are Camaguey, 
> Remedios, Holguin, Baracoa, and around Guantanamo province.
> 
> The time to visit Cuba is NOW. This thaw between the US and Cuba will 
> result in huge changes for Cuba. The time capsule has been cracked for 
> some time and now it?s set to break wide open. It won?t be long before the 
> iconic Chevys, Plymouths, Fords, Ladas and DeSotos that are so visually 
> synonymous with Cuba are replaced with Chinese Geelys and Cherrys.
> 
> I had to laugh when I read the Cuba thread with all the talk about how to 
> remain unobtrusive, carrying Feds and old Leicas. You?ve got to remember 
> that you?re dealing with an urbane and sophisticated people here. The 
> general level of education is very high. Don?t be surprised to learn that 
> your waiter has an advanced degree. The truth is that, just by walking 
> down the street in your latest adventure travel wear, with your pasty 
> white skin and your half-forgotten high school Spanish, you?re going to 
> stand out like a sore thumb. Throw in a Domke vest and Black Rapid dual 
> harness and the picture is complete.
> 
> Everybody seems to carry a canvas satchel of some kind, so a simple Domke 
> satchel would be good. I used a ThinkTalk Retrospective 7, which was just 
> the perfect size for walking around all day. I carried my M240 with one 
> lens (usually the 35mm Summilux), and my E-M1 with Oly 12-40 f/2.8, Pana 
> 35-100 f/2.8 and PanaLeica 25 f/1.4. To be honest, I would have saved a 
> lot of trouble if I had just gone with my pair of EM-1s, which would have 
> saved me a lot of lens changing. Just walking around with no bag and the 
> M240 with a single lens was very nice too. You are limited to 2 camera 
> bodies and a total of 10 accessories (the 2 bodies count as part of your 
> allowance of 10, along with tripods, lenses, strobes, etc.)
> 
> We spent long days walking many of the smaller towns. Light weight is key. 
> The weight of the M240 compared to my old M6s is significant. I found that 
> I mostly used my E-M1, which proved to be a wonderful companion. Light 
> weight, rugged, extremely fast in operation, with the fastest autofocus of 
> any camera I?ve used, it is probably my favorite camera ever. When I was 
> able to nail it with the Leica, the results were gorgeous, but nailing it 
> with consistency was the problem. The E-M1, by contrast was always 
> reliable. Pin sharp details and perfect exposure in almost every 
> condition. Toward the end, I started getting lazy and began using face 
> detection set to focus on the closest eye. Amazing.
> 
> Here?s the bottom line for photographing in Cuba.
> - You?re going to be walking ALOT, so keep it light
> - The edge light is beautiful, don?t forget at least one fast prime in 
> 35mm or 50mm
> - Carry a small satchel
> - Gather and hoard your small coins. You always need them.
> - Wear regular clothes, not adventure wear
> - Get a tan
> - Learn some Spanish and use it
> - Be open and don?t be afraid to talk to people. Doors will open for you.
> - Bring your smart phone to show people pictures of your family.
> - Don?t be obsessed with maximizing your photo taking time. Relax and sit 
> with people, talk to them. Prioritize human contact over photography.
> - Be generous. It?s appreciated and needed.
> 
> One more thing. People are freezing cold during winter. Gather up your old 
> jackets and long sleeve shirts and take them with you. Especially fleece 
> jackets. People need them as it can get pretty cold.
> 
> I?ll post some images when I get home.
> 
> Merry Christmas to all of you!
> 
> ?Jim Laurel
> 
> 
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