Edited by Rachel Duncan 4th Edition ISBN 0-907649-91-2 London ...

92 RGS-IBG Polar Expeditions Manual
Thoroughly understanding your equipment and knowing that you can rely on it
allows you to concentrate on lighting, composition, and other photographic aspects.
Each type of camera has its drawbacks, and no one type seems to be superior. You
should select a camera that is compact, lightweight, easy to use, dependable, and adaptable
to various needs. A manual camera with a built-in meter will not be susceptible to
electronic failure like an automatic camera. If you use an automatic camera, make sure it
allows you to manually override automatic exposure and automatic focus systems.
10.2.1 35mm cameras
Most 35mm single-lens-reflex (SLR) cameras fill the basic requirements for polar
photography and offer the advantages of interchangeable lenses and a wide choice of film
types. The 36-exposure rolls minimise roll changes under adverse conditions.
A good selection of equipment for your expedition might be two identical 35mm
camera bodies with interchangeable 28mm, 55mm, and 135mm lenses. Take along an
ample supply of black-and-white and colour film in 36-exposure rolls. The Nikon FM2 is
probably the best fully manual camera on the market and available second hand. Try and
talk to others who have been in similar conditions to those you expect to encounter.
10.2.2 Compact cameras
You may consider an all-weather, point-and-shoot camera as a spare. Although these
compact, lightweight autofocus cameras are tightly sealed for protection from water and
snow, they are designed for everyday snapshooting. Thus they tend to feature autoexposure,
auto-film advance and rewind, built-in flash, and easy-to-use controls. Snowfilled
scenes will cause an auto-only camera to underexpose the film, a situation which
may be very difficult to overcome because most of these cameras lack exposure override
controls.
To minimise exposure problems, use a negative film and move in close to your
subject. Camera power demands combined with cold temperatures will drain battery
power, so carry extra batteries. Keep your camera warm under your parka to preserve
battery power and to avoid film breakage and static discharge from the camera’s autoadvance
and rewind.
10.2.3 Roll-film reflex cameras
Some single- and twin-lens-reflex cameras that use 120- or 220-size roll film have many of
the conveniences of 35mm cameras, plus advantages of a larger film format. Some of the
considerations that apply to 35mm cameras also apply to the larger film format cameras.
Many of the SLR models suitable for polar photography will accept a fairly broad
range of accessory lenses. Most of these lenses have automatic diaphragms.
The more versatile SLR cameras have interchangeable magazine backs that hold
12- and 24-exposure rolls. With only one camera and a few extra backs, you can readily
switch from one film type to another. Since the backs are small and lightweight, you can
easily carry them inside your parka, where the film will be warm and ready to use.