Hi there!

I am currently on a semi-RTW journey on my R 100 GS PD.
Because we will be doimg an article for a japanese BMW-magazine, they gave me twenty rolls of Fuji Provia 100 Professional. Normally I use Sensia.
My next destinations will be Mongolia and central Asia in summer where it could get quite hot. Has anybody made good/ bad experiences with these filmtypes under prolonged exposure to warm climates?

Thanks for your answers, Patrick.

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Patrick, I use Provia every day in the most diverse conditions and find it excellent. I've used it in the tropics in heat exceeding 40º celsius for more than a month and it never showed any adverse effects. Just try to keep it as fresh as you can (be serious about that) and make sure the expiration date is more than a year away, and you'll be as well off as you can be with ANY film.

Having said that, I hope you take more than those 20 rolls, which seem to be quite scarce for the kind of trip. I would probably use twice as much, but then I'm a pro photographer. Try to get some Velvia and some 400 ASA if you can (the latter can be pushed to 800 nicely), you'll benefit from having the choice.

If you use sharp glass, you'll probably see more contrast and richer blacks in the Provia than in your usual Sensia. Just make sure developing is carried out by a top-notch lab, since these films are extremely sensitive to poor development. Haven't been to Mongolia (yet), but somehow I feel it would be best not to process anything there.

Final word of advice: DO NOT SKIMP ON PROCESSING. You only get one chance at getting it right or ruined, and the price difference is never worth it.

Just let us know if you need anything else!

Roberto.

Dear Rob,

Thanks for your quick reply, I feel quite confident now about my films. I do have lots more film with me, but only Sensia 100 & 400, my budget didn't allow buying Provia or Velvia from the beginning.
I do have one more question: Have you ever made any bad experiences mailing your exposed films (priority of course, don't want to have them lost!). Because I like to work with my lab in Austria, I have sent some rolls from Japan, not having to carry them along all the time.
By the way, if you want to know excactly what I (we) are doing, you can check out our homepage at www.transasia.at .
Thanks, hope to hear from you.
Patrick

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Ah, a quick visit to your site made things much clearer! 230 rolls is more my thing, plus a sensible kit to boot! I was thinking somehow you were far less serious about your photography, hence I suggested -ahem- maybe 40 rolls instead of 20 for your Mongolia leg? forget that-things are clear now.

However, if you still can, by all means try to include some Velvia, even if you have to trade some Sensia 100 or Provia 100 for it. It's worth it, and it's like candy inside that Horizon panoramic!

I have no bad experiences mailing film, probably because I've never done it! lately the chances of film being fogged by security x-ray machines is increasing due to stricter terrorist controls at airports, so I try to carry it with me, show up early and request hand inspections. Yes, I know you're riding and not flying, but your film will fly repeatedly. I suggest you talk to a major courier company (UPS or DHL) and let them advise you. Make sure you get to speak to some knowledgeable person and not a brainless operator.

Roberto

[This message has been edited by Photog Rob (edited 30 May 2001).]