Travel with Large format in Scotland

I used to think that the Scots 'midges' were bad when I was an agricultural 'student' stooking sheaves of oats and/or barley a few swaths behind the binder.

A few years later.. as a technician at a University in Ontario, part of my responsibilities was to assist the graduate students' with field work in both the Bruce Penisula and in Northern Ontario.

The 'damage' to on'e flesh from the black fly 'bite' far outranks that of either the midge... or the mosquito, when working out in 'The Bush". The curse of the black fly bite is that you don't 'feel it' as it happens. You don't realize (until somewhat too late), that investing in a few bottles of insect repellent might have made the 10 hour work-day somewhat more comfortable with less 'chunks' of flesh lost to the insatiable black flies... and the blood-loss after the mozzies have had their fill.

There are numerous Canadian 'folk-song' recordings of the Back Fly song on YouTube.

" "

Ken

norm123 said:

Hi
Next summer, me, my wife and my son plan to go to Scotland. I want to bring an LF kit, Sinar F1, 4 lenses and everything I need, tripod, holder.... We figure to rent a car for some days. I'm not sure about the use of a tripod in some public places. What are your experiences? Can I bring a backpack carry-on luggage? I think it's a bit too big. What's about X-Ray if I put all films in the suitcase?

It's a family trip. My wife know me very well and she knows my interest in photography. I don't know about LF.Maybe I won't.

What are your experiences?

Regards

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I was told to leave when trying to photograph Loch Ness from a hotel parking lot but did it anyway. You may be considered to be a pro and then, they was to cash in. I would leave the gear at home and enjoy the family trip.

I took a Rollei, tramped all around Scotland, met many, many wonderfui people, had great food everywhere,
shot 2 rolls/day, all on tripod. Loved every minute of it. Enjoy your time!

Sue and I normally go to Scotland for a couple of weeks each year. I found that a field camera set up with lens and sitting on the back seat of the car was very fast to set up (and, with a quick release plate) fast to pack up as well. This year although I took medium format as well, the large format camera was used and the medium format ones weren't. That's more down to me preferring large negatives though. I've had a few chats with passers by (including other large format users) over the years.

Depending on when you go, be prepared for extremes of weather. Three of four years ago (beginning of June) when we reached Aviemore the first person we saw was on skis. The skiing on Cairngorm was fully operational. Before that, in really hot weather in the same location, someone at our campsite said that they'd just be caught in a white out.

The great thing about modern technology is that you can use Google street view to see what the scenery is like on different routes.

Just take the Fuji 690 (and maybe a pocket digi for family shots) and enjoy yourself. I'd forget the tripod, too, as it will end up just being a nuisance.

Well, I live in the Northwest Highlands and can vouch for the friendliness of the people in the area.....you will often be asked in for a cuppa or a dram.....depending on the weather.

Midgies can be kept at bay by the use of a concoction called "Smidge".....it's a cream that you cover your exposed parts with and does a very good job of keeping the buggers away.

Unfortunately, wind (to keep the beanies gone) and large format do not go together well. If the wind is too high, then i'll take out the Texas Leica's.

The light at this time of year is amazing, but fleeting.....so be prepared for four seasons in one day.