Rally Newbie

mehaffydr · May 15, 2006

I am entered in the CAL 24 (first rally). I was wondering how many pictures I might need. I am going to get the polaroid 600 and just not sure and dont want to be short on film but it is also kind of bulky so I dont want to get to much.

Thanks

SkooterG · May 15, 2006

This is always a tough one. Generally, rallymasters have you bring more than you need, but then, better to have too much than too little.

In my experience, two packs of film is enough, but then you never know. Did Tom give any recommendations in his rally pack? I currently have three rally packs and can't keep them straight.

And I have had problems with these polaroid cameras before where they shit out 3 photos for every click of the button. Had to make an un-scheduled stop at a Wallyworld in Cedar City, UT, during last year's Twist-N-Shout rally cause of that. Talk about infuriating. Only thing I can figure, is make sure you pack the polaroid camera where it has some shock absorption protection.

Edit: I just read the Cal24 rally pack and there are no recommendations for how much film. I would say two packs would be fine, three extremely safe.

Warchild · May 15, 2006

SkooterG said:
Edit: I just read the Cal24 rally pack and there are no recommendations for how much film. I would say two packs would be fine, three extremely safe.

Concur... I would carry 3, personally.

Load a fresh film-pack in the camera prior to departure, and carry 2 spares.

mehaffydr · May 15, 2006

I will be sure to have three paks

Thanks

chickey191 · May 15, 2006

whatever the rally bastard says - plus at least one package. go to costco and buy the bulk pack.

I would load the camera - and fire off a shot as you are leaving for the rally or the day before. JUST TO CHECK. Also check the "fresh by" date. Poloroid film contains the batteries for the flash. It is always a good idea to check the camera PRIOR to departure.

Added camera tip-

1. Always check to see if your picture came out with whatever it was that you were supposed to get.

2. double check that your rally flag is in picture if needed (sometimes the wind will blow your flag and your number wont be visible)

3. if it is cold - you should stick the picture in your electric vest or if no vest - inside your jacket. The additional warmth will speed up the development time. Actually it wont speed it up, but the cold will SLOW IT DOWN. You don't want to wait that long for development

4. Write down mileage and bonus number and whatever else the RBastard wants or write them down on your rally pack to be put on later. I always write the bonus number on the picture - helps me later when my brain has fried.

5. Take two pictures if you want a souvenir - (bring twice as much film)

6. sometimes you can point your headlights at the subject to help illuminate on dark night (if your bike doesn't need to be identifiable in picture - but even if it does - often times your flash will light up the bike sufficiently, but not the sign or rock or whatever it is. Sometimes a fellow rider will show up and you can line several bikes up for additional lighting.

SEE YOU AT THE START AND SOMEWHERE DOWN THE ROAD. I'll once again be working the CAL 24 (I just love the t-shirts).