Super-8 in SE Asia

[CHAS]

I'll be going to SE Asia for 28 days in December and January. I'm going to bring my Sony mini-DV camera but am torn about bringing an S8 cam as well...have to shoot some Velvia, E100d as well as 200t...

Anyway, has anyone shot footage in any of these countries? Are there any members on this forum from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam or Thailand?

I'll be in Hong Kong as well, on way back, for 3 nights...

[timothyx]

Yep, I was shooting S8 for 5 weeks in Vietnam in 2005. Whatcha need to know?

[CHAS]

Yep, I was shooting S8 for 5 weeks in Vietnam in 2005. Whatcha need to know?

Any hassles?
What S8 stock(s)?
Anything posted?
What were some of your favorite locations to shoot in?
Anything you'd recommend, location or equipment-wise?

[timothyx]

Any hassles?
Not really any hassles to speak of, but I kept a low profile. I think the obvious things is to avoid lights or anything too "pro" looking and don't shoot police or government buildings. They actually are at a time where they're actually trying to build their tourism economy- so pretty friendly as long as you don't flaunt.

What S8 stock(s)?
I shot on Kodachrome. Can't get any better than that. Lots of red, especially at the temples.

Anything posted?
http://phonoscopy.com/kieu.html
you can also read my sisters blog (we traveled together) http://kimallen.blogspot.com

What were some of your favorite locations to shoot in?
Definitely the North. Amazing views in Sa Pa. Also, we liked Tam Coc, near Ninh Binh- kind of a less tourist in-land version of Ha Long Bay. Found the South pretty commercial- the war tourism there is especially weird. Oh...and go to as many markets as possible.

Anything you'd recommend, location or equipment-wise?
Hire a "honda" (small motorbike) and a driver. Just hop on and grab on the the back. It's really the best way to get around and see things. And...try and learn a little Vietnamese. Trying takes you a long way in that culture, especially with the elders.

Have fun!

[BK]

...have to shoot some Velvia, E100d as well as 200t...

Bring lots of film, you won't be able to get any if you run out except in Hong Kong.

Anyway, has anyone shot footage in any of these countries?
I'll be in Hong Kong as well, on way back, for 3 nights...

I did some shooting as a tourist in Thailand ( Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Chang) and Vietnam ( Halong Bay), no hassle at all natives very very friendly. But people do try to rip you off for products or services, better haggle.

When you are in Hong Kong give me a shout if you like, we could meet up for a drink and a dose of super 8 perhaps.

Bill

[lastcoyote]

Yeah CHAS,

count me in as well if you are meet up with Bill. We can go for a drink or something.!

Bill, I've PM u my number so u know how to contact me.

Philip

[CHAS]

Any hassles?

Thanks for all the info. I'll take a look at your blogs this weekend. What about filming people? Do you ask permission or just shoot away -- I don't mean pointing the camera right up to a person's face but just everyday, market stuff. I want to shoot around the temples as well.

I'll try to learn a bit of Vietnamese...I guess it's like France...if you at least try they appreciate it.

UPDATE -- just saw some of your film -- looks fantastic. love the time lapse. I was thinking of bringing my Minolta XL401 just for that feature alone.

[CHAS]

Hey Bill and Philip,

thanks -- we'll definitely take you up on your offers! Hong Kong looks great -- a bit intimidating but I'm looking forward to it.

First drinks are on us! Talk to you in January...

[timothyx]

Didn't seem to be a problem shooting people. No need to ask unless it's an intimate situation. At least in my opinion.

In the villages you'll find that main thing is that people are used to digital cameras and want to see your pics after you shoot them. Having my sister along really helped with this- she had a digital camera. That made everyone more camera happy all around. So bringing a small dig camera might be worth it just for that.

The Minolta rocks!