Hong Kong was very much in the news throughout the summer of 1997, and we thought Stereo World readers would like to see some examples of how one stereographer (in late 1993) documented this amazing place using a synchronized pair of Minolta AF-Z self-winding, auto-focus cameras.
Mounted in a white pine frame, the rig was nicknamed the "Stereo Spice Rack" and is described in the article "Shooting Iceland's Surprises With A Stereo Spice Rack" in SW Vol. 20 No. 1. More technical details on the rig appear in Vol. 20 No. 5, page 26. As with most rigs of this type, the wide (6.5 inch) lens separation provides very dramatic stereo for street scenes and cityscapes - an effect that seemed appropriate for the widely anticipated and analyzed political drama which occurred Hong Kong that year. - Ed.
The first things I noticed about Hong Kong were the mountains. From the time the Boeing 767 made its approach from the north and swooped down between the hills and skyscrapers until another Boeing aircraft carried us on the rest of our journey, I was conscious of the mountains. Whether one travels southeast on Hong Kong Island to Stanley Market or takes a bus tour north from Kowloon to the New Territories, the mountainous terrain punctuated with numerous 30+ story buildings, provides a backdrop unmatched almost anywhere for photographic opportunities.
When the weather is clear, Victoria Peak, at 1,308 feet (402 meters) dominates the view from across the harbor to the south from Kowloon. Every visitor to Hong Kong must venture up Victoria Peak via the Peak Tram, a two-car funicular railway that whisks nearly 100 passengers at a time up and down the steep slope.
Image 1 shows the tram as it approaches the Peak Station. From the Peak Tram station, a well maintained, paved walking path circles completely around the peak and offers some of the most breathtaking views that one is liable to find in the Hong Kong area.
Image 2 is a view of the trail near the beginning of the walk.
Image 3 is a look over the edge of the walk and shows part of downtown Hong Kong. As one walks along this trail, the noise of the city is a constant, low-level rumble in the background that is occasionally punctuated by sirens, car horns or pneumatic drills; it reminds one that the city is there and alive.
Of course, no trip to Hong Kong would be complete without a ride on the Star Ferry. Several of these green and white, double-decker ships ply the waters between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon on a frequent, regular basis.
Image 4 was taken during a crossing and shows a sister ferry as the two passed in the channel.
Various sightseeing tours are available in Hong Kong and one of the best is called "The Land Between." This tour
explores the area between Kowloon and the Chinese mainland and includes the area known as the New Territories. One is afforded the opportunity to experience some of the culture of the area.
Image 5 is a view from within a peaceful Buddhist Monastery, the first stop of the tour.
Image 6 is a view of shoppers in a typical local market.
A visit to a restaurant with a beautiful outdoor patio (Image 7) completed the tour.
