To shoot cuba; Nikon or Leica?

[Markok765]

Hey all,

I'm heading to cuba, for the first time in my life.
I'll be bringing an olympus stylus epic. [p&s, 35mm f2.8 AF]

Debating between a leica III and a nikon N90s. got a 50 on the leica, 28 on the nikon.

I don't really use 50 that much, more of a pj style shooter.. but i do like the small size and quietness of the leica, and i guess the olympus can be used when i need a wide? i do like the foolproofness of the nikon though..

decisions decisions. ideas?

 

[Eric Rose]

I have been to Cuba many times. In the beginning we didn't have AF and I used mainly a Nikkormat and F2. Since AF came out I have used both N90s and F5. The N90s is perfect for Cuba. Just make sure you take enough batteries with you as finding them there can be a chore and very expensive.

 

[Markok765]

Thanks for the battery tip Eric, wouldn't have thought of that. Think I'll be carrying it without the v-grip, no need?

 

[MartinCrabtree]

I'm jealous. I want to go to Cuba. But my government holds a grudge forever.

 

[Markok765]

I'm jealous. I want to go to Cuba. But my government holds a grudge forever.

You could fly up to Canada, then to cuba.. the Cuban Govt doesn't stamp your passport for that reason.

 

[David Henderson]

"the Cuban Govt doesn't stamp your passport for that reason"

The Cuban government don't stamp your passport because they don't have any stamps!

Having been a few times and having data on lens usage for my trip last year, I'd definitely want a lens longer than 28mm. In fact I'd want a lens longer than 50mm as well. No chance of persuading you that a wide-mid telephoto zoom is the best tool for Cuba?

 

[Markok765]

"the Cuban Govt doesn't stamp your passport for that reason"

The Cuban government don't stamp your passport because they don't have any stamps!

Having been a few times and having data on lens usage for my trip last year, I'd definitely want a lens longer than 28mm. In fact I'd want a lens longer than 50mm as well. No chance of persuading you that a wide-mid telephoto zoom is the best tool for Cuba?

hmm, really? What did you use a tele for? Tele personally isn't my style, though I would bring one to try it out if I owned one!

 

[clayne]

You have to ask? You're going to Cuba. Leica with a wide angle (35mm max).

 

[Markok765]

You have to ask? You're going to Cuba. Leica with a wide angle (35mm max).

Wish I had a wide angle..

 

[removed account4]

have fun marko

doesn't matter the camera, have fun ...
and enjoy the food !

john

 

[Eric Rose]

You could fly up to Canada, then to cuba.. the Cuban Govt doesn't stamp your passport for that reason.

This is what a lot of my American clients use to do but now with the "war on terror" as an excuse to invade everyone's privacy they regularly check the manifests for flights from Canada to Cuba looking for US citizens to harass.

Once they get home they get harassed by their government. Which is what they should expect considering it's illegal for American's to go to Cuba without special permits.

 

[patrickjames]

I believe it is illegal for US citizens to spend money in Cuba. I haven't looked into it in quite a while though. I knew some people that went down to Mexico in order to go to Cuba.

It is funny, but the only border in the world I have ever been hassled crossing is my own country, many more times than once. So much for freedom.

 

[Markok765]

Hmm, the political situation is interesting; studied it in international business.

Anyhow, the proposed kit, so far.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

Yes at this time the trip isn't worth the consequences. Sad. Enjoy yourself and post some photos when you return.

 

[jackbaty]

Off-topic really, but what's the nifty looking device to the left of the N90? It's got knobs and stuff on it!

 

[clayne]

Off-topic really, but what's the nifty looking device to the left of the N90? It's got knobs and stuff on it!

Looks like a mixer.

 

[2F/2F]

Don't worry about the camera. Go and have a good time, take pictures with what ya brung, and watch out for the fuzz. Make sure photography adds to your good time, and does not take away from it. You shouldn't have to ask this question at this point. You have used both cameras, no? So then, you know the answer better than do we.

Oh, yeah. As John sez, enjoy the food. Make sure you try some pork.

 

[Markok765]

Looks like a mixer.

Yep, DJ mixer. And why watch out for the police? anymore general background info I should know regarding cuba?

 

[2F/2F]

...but the short answer: Leica M2/90mm lens.

(pix by Alberto Korda)

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I feel the same

I'm jealous. I want to go to Cuba. But my government holds a grudge forever.

Yeah I feel the same. I hope they repeal Helms/Burton law. It's a beautiful country with beautiful people. An American can travel there via Mexico or Canada. But don't get your passport stamped in Cuba or else the us government will levy a big fine. Can't we just all get along?

 

[Colin Corneau]

Don't make your decision about the camera...it's about the lens. Specifically the focal length -- which one is right for YOU and how YOU shoot.

No one can tell if it's a Leica or a Nikon, when they see your images. And a 50 is quite different than a 28!

Decide on the glass, not the body.

Congrats on the trip, it's an interesting place and the people are amazing.

 

[clayne]

Yep, DJ mixer. And why watch out for the police? anymore general background info I should know regarding cuba?

As a former/hiatus house music dj this was an easy spot for me - not to mention the a&h stickers.

 

[2F/2F]

I'm jealous. I want to go to Cuba. But my government holds a grudge forever.

Que linda me la traiga Cuba
La Reina del Mar Caribe
Cielo Sol, no tiene sangre alli
Y que triste que no puedo vaya

 

[Steve Smith]

I'm jealous. I want to go to Cuba. But my government holds a grudge forever.

So are Americans not allowed to go to Cuba?


Steve.

 

[david James lee]

enjoy the cigars and the shows and the music.