Singapore-Bangkok-Hong Kong

[Karl K]

I'll be traveling for 10 days in mid-September. Any ideas on do's and don't's would be appreciated. I plan to shoot with two cameras, a Contax G1 with the 28mm, 40mm, and 90mm for color, plus a Leica/Minolta CLE with a 15mm Heliar for B+W. I am a bit concerned about the hot, humid and rainy weather that I'm sure to encounter. Zip-Lok bags are great, but will they offer enough protection? Also, what about the street shooting protocol? I've heard about the lack of freedom in Singapore; will that constrict my style? I tend to shoot very close to my subjects. I've had no trouble street shooting in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and recently in Turkey. Will it be the same in Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok? What about walking down the back alleys with a couple of cameras around your neck?

 

[livemoa]

Karl, Hong Kong is very safe for street shooting, as is Singapore. I have never had any problems in Bangkok either. You are unlikely to get hassled by officials but some people may not like being photographed, as is the case everywhere.

I take people around Hong Kong (where I live) on phototours and have never had any problems. The only restrictions are usually cultural/religious such as in ancestor halls.

I work on the principal that it is easier to ask forgiveness than permission.

As to safety, both Hong Kong and Singapore are very safe, as long as you are not downright stupid. I often wander down back alleys at night. With cameras. People are more likely to stop you to talk about your camera than steal it.

As to humidity, 10 days is a short time, but ziplocks with desiccant gell would no doubt ease your fears. Anyway, by September it will be cooling down and the humidity should be fine.

Let me know if you want any other info.

 

[johnnywalker]

Before going from the hot and humid outdoors to the cool air-conditioned interior, use the zip-loc bags to keep the condensation from forming on your cameras and lenses. You can remove them after they reach room temperature.