Morocco trip

[jspillane]

I am going to be visiting Morocco with my wife for 11 nights in mid-March of 2017. Would greatly appreciate advice/thoughts on locations and gear from those with experience in the country...

Our exact itinerary is still being worked out, but in an effort to spend more time soaking in areas and less travelling, we're planning to see Rabat (where we arrive), Meknes, Volubilis, Fes, Chefchaouen and Talassemtane national park, and possibly Lixus (we have a particular interest in Roman ruins). After some long, hard discussions, we've concluded there is just too much to see and we would rather do a dedicated trip in the future to see Marrakech, Essouaria and the high Atlas region. Going to the Sahara via Merzouga seems temping, but we'd lose close to two full days in travel...

At any rate, as we near our departure I am starting my traditional debate over what film equipment to bring. I've boiled it down to a few choices:

1) Rolleiflex 2.8D
Advantage here is high quality, medium format negative size, and relative portability. In the end, I often feel like I can live with a single normal focal length for the bulk of my shots, although I often miss having a telephoto option.

2) Nikon F + Nikon 24mm f2.8 AI, Voigtlander 58mm 1.4, Nikon 105mm 2.5
The most flexible option as it gives me three focal lengths and an overall more compact and lighter body (although it really isn't much different in weight than the Rolleiflex). Would almost definitely take more photos over all, but obviously with the limitation of 35mm instead of 120 film.

3) Hasselblad 500c w/ WLF + 60mm & 120mm
I stray away from this - past experience has taught me that if not travelling via car, I usually only bother to carry a single hasselblad lens with me during travel (and more often than not it is the 80mm, which means I could just bring the Rolleiflex). If I was travelling for more time or had a rented car, I would probably bring a 3 lens Hasselblad kit and tripod, but this just isn't that trip.

I lean towards the Rolleiflex, but it's a hard decision. I also and debating a monopod, but I think it won't be with the additional weight and bulk (we will be hiking and carrying our belongings in single backpacks).

 

[jspillane]

Well, the decisions have been made. Final equipment will be the Rolleiflex 2.8D and my wife with an Instax Wide 300. I just feel I can't give up 120 here...

Very open to off the beaten path excursion recommendations. We're hoping to drift into the country side and non-tourist zones as frequently as possible.

 

[mooseontheloose]

I haven't been to Morocco, but it's a definite possibility for this time next year, so I'm curious as to any recommendations you receive (and/or your own after you return from you trip).

As for gear, I often worry about what to bring with me when I travel, which is usually a combination of a Nikon system (FE with 28/50/105) or TLR (Autocord) or Bronica (w/50 and 80mm lenses) and now with Mamiya 6 (with 2 lenses). That said, my last 2 trips I only brought my Nikon system for one, and my TLR for the other. It was a lot better than trying to prepare for every photographic eventuality and bringing too much gear. There will always be a few things that you miss, but I think 95% of the time, you can be happy with what you've got.

 

[Ron789]

I would agree with the choice of the Rolleiflex, the big advantage being: It does not come across as aggressive as other camera's. Keep in mind that in Morocco most people don't like being photographed. Using a "vintage" and sympathetic camera like the Rolleiflex will help.
Have a great journey! I've not been in Morocco but I've been in Tunisia and Egypt and my wife was in Morocco recently; it will be a fantastic experience!

 

[goros]

I was some years ago crossing the Atlas mountains on a bicycle. I took a Nikon F3 with three lenses, the ones I used most were the 50 and the 28, this one to include some people in the frame. Now, I will take the Hasselblad with the 80. If I had a car, then the 50 and a tripod. But that's me and for the kind of pictures I take.

 

[jspillane]

Thanks for the thoughts!

While I usually stray towards cityscapes/landscapes, I do agree that (even in the USA and Europe) a Rolleiflex can help tame anxieties in people. Really not sure why... the novelty factor I suppose, and the less aggressive waist-level viewing.
And one lens means not having to think about which lenses to carry on a given day, of course.

Does anyone happen to have thoughts on Tangiers? Our last few days are unscheduled, and we could either spend more time hiking in the Rif mountains, backtrack and spend more time in Fes, or continue north to Tangiers where we can catch a train back to Rabat. I've seen really mixed reports from people on the city (some seem to think it is the absolute armpit of the world, others say it is beautiful and interesting) and was curious to hear if anyone hear had experience...

 

[Frank53]

Rolleiflex is a great choice.
Exactly for the reason you describe.
I've been travelling quite a lot in the east with a Rolleiflex and it's the best for people and streetscenes.
Have a nice trip.
Regards,
Frank