RE: History
Presumably, wise-acres are where smart-asses graze... Aric (who's been accused of being both, at times...) -Original Message- From: frank theriault [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2004 2:16 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: History I'm surprised, Peter. You're not usually a wise-acre. vbg I wonder where that saying comes from? I can see wise ass (which Peter is one of, BTW), but wise-acre? As opposed to those stupid acres? Well, really, who cares? -frank
RE: Ssssssh, It's beeerrry quiet around here...
From: Tanya Mayer Photography [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ... Are you all out hunting WABBITS?!?! yeah. where is frank, anyway?
RE: PAW: More Cows
-Original Message- From: Mark Roberts [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ... Christian Skofteland wrote: So, Frank, what would Oppenheimer say about the cows? Or better yet, what would Schroedinger say about cows? I'm going to need a bigger box?
RE: Cyclists only.
Very cool. Some of the designs are quite impressive. I ride an underseat steering recumbent myself. Kind of like a lawn chair on wheels.
RE: Bulk Film Loader Ques
I bulk load. It's very easy. The most tedious part is trimming the leader after the film is loaded. I tried using a roll without trimming, and the camera I used (a Contax ST) did not want to accept it. Trimming is no bid deal, though. One potential hazard with bulk loading is failure to attach the film to the spool securely. If advancing the film causes it to break loose from the canister, you better have a changing bag or darkroom handy. :/ I use bits of black masking tape. I use a piece long enough to wrap around the spool, and leave about a 3/4 unaffixed tab of tape on each side of the spool, making an elongated C-shape around the spool. I then position the film (trimmed square) into the space between the tape tabs, and pinch the tape onto the film. If you intend to process the film yourself, and use spool tanks, resist the temptation to load more than 36 exposures. The film might be too long to load onto the spool. I like the older Bakelite loaders, but the injection molded thermoplastic ones probably work just as well. IIRC, my Bakelite loader is a Watson brand, made by Burke and James (presumably the same BJ that made the view camera). Aric -Original Message- From: Shel Belinkoff [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2004 11:06 AM To: PDML Subject: Bulk Film Loader Ques Been thinking about getting a bulk film loader. Is anyone still using these things. Which brands are considered better? I'd want a very good quality loader and don't mind paying a little extra for it.
RE: Rock 'n' Roll with Rodinal
I process all my BW. (APX 100, HP5+, Tri-X, Pan-F) Sometimes I use Portra 400 BW (lovely film), and I get that processed at the lab. Aric -Original Message- From: Shel Belinkoff [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2004 1:49 PM To: PDML Subject: Rock 'n' Roll with Rodinal Just to add a little diversity to the threads here: Last night I processed a few rolls of APX 100 in Rodinal while watching the Roy Orbison BW Night DVD. What a pleasant experience ;-)) Who still processes their own BW negs? shel
RE: 645/67/etc slide/film scanners
I have considered one of these, but at it's maximum medium format resolution, it would produce only a 8.3 MP file for a 6x7 original, which is about two megapixels less than it can do with 35mm. Is there a noticeable difference between medium format and 35mm scans with this unit? I realize there are other issues besides pixel count. Aric -Original Message- From: Mark Roberts [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, February 09, 2004 8:55 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: 645/67/etc slide/film scanners ... FYI a place called Publishing Perfection (www.pubperfect.com) has refurbished units of the Minolta Dimage Scan Multi, with 3 month warranties, for $299. I ordered one and am very pleased. They also have the Scan Multi II (ie Scan Multi with ROC and GEM software) for $399. $299 for this scanner is an absolute steal. Worth it even if you only scan 35mm! -- Mark Roberts
RE: 6 x 7 Questions
Midwest Camera Exchange in Columbus, OH. www.mpex.com They have more stuff than they list on their site. They will haggle, I expect especially on the 67, which seem to multiply in the showcase. Aside from eBay and KEH - any recommendations on where to buy a setup? ... Mark Cassino Photography Kalamazoo, MI
RE: OT: North Americans
A few years ago, to abundant alumni objection, by wife's alma mater, Miami University (in Ohio), changed their team name from Redskins to something else...something so forgettable, I've forgotten it ! ;) The University had leave from the leadership of the Miami Indian tribe to use the name. In fact, the tribe was pleased to be associated with such a fine institution. And set this sentiment to paper, in letters to the University. However, student activists, probably prodded by more than a few malcontent professors, stirred things up enough that the name was ultimately changed. One friend quipped they changed the name to the Miami Thinskins. A similar thing happened at my school. Wright State University used to have a diminutive Viking as a mascot (think Grimli from LOTR, but comic) Aforementioned malcontents thought this mascot was too masculine. Now WSU is called the (in mocking tone) Wolfpack, complete with gender- neutral wolf mascot. sigh The Indians themselves (at least the ones where I live) call themselves Indians. Here are a few local organizations: FSIN: Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations SIFC: SASKATCHEWAN INDIAN FEDERATED COLLEGE These are both Indian owned and operated. Started by Indians, and run by Indians. Since the Indians are comfortable enough with the term to use it in the names of both their political organizations and their universities, just what is your problem, Lasse? William Robb
RE: *istD current best price $1349 US?
-Original Message- From: Kostas Kavoussanakis [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, February 06, 2004 10:38 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: *istD current best price $1349 US? ... Why did this rub you the wrong way round? People were mostly complaining about retailers (potentially) pocketing the rebate. Or so I thought. That's what I think is happening. Adorama keeps bouncing the price between $1225 and $1359 (or thereabouts), and periodically citing a $100 Pentax rebate of which I was unaware. BH's response has been to simply unhide their selling price, but didn't budge it. Reputable low-price camera dealers in the US seem to be a microcosm, and with such limited competition (not counting the Cambridge's, CCI's, and other bottom-feeders) competitive forces are slow to come into play. I guess the *ist D is selling well enough Adorama and BH are going to enjoy a fatter margin for another week to two. Doesn't always happen that way though. Very soon (a day or so) after Rollei annouced a dramatic price drop on the AFM35 PS, BH dropped their price proportionally. Adorama followed suite within a day. Both sold out very quickly. The AFM35, exclusive of the post-price drop feeding frenzy, was probably a slow seller, however. Aric
RE: *ist D pricing
The price at Adorama is now $1229! Good 'ole capitalism. Your move, BH! Aric Len Paris did write... Oh my gosh! Do you mean that dealers might not be passing the savings on to their customers? Heaven forbid! That would be a first! ;-) Len * She drove me to drink. That's the one thing I'm indebted to her for. W.C. Fields Well, Adorama now lists a $100 manufacturer rebate on the ist D (something I was unaware Pentax was offering), and BH no longer requires web patrons to put the ist D in their cart to see the real price, but their price for it has not changed. I thought the Pentax annoucement would herald a price drop proportional to the MSRP drop. Hmm. Aric
RE: *ist D pricing
There is no indication they are out of stock. They still don't have the 16-45, though. Aric -Original Message- From: Juey Chong Ong [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 9:48 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: *ist D pricing On Wednesday, Feb 4, 2004, at 08:54 America/New_York, Rothman, Aric wrote: The price at Adorama is now $1229! Good 'ole capitalism. Do they have it in stock? --jc
Regarding recent critique request, and scanning questions
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to my request for critiques. Usually, when I ask friends for comment on my work, they tend to not be very critical. I will try some of the suggested image manipulation and report on the results. Here's another, fresh off the scanner... http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2085362size=lg ...which leads to my next question. I have a great deal of difficulty with lack of sharpness and grain, especially when scanning BW, which is my preferred medium. Oddly, the grain seems to have a less objectionable appearance (at least to me) with high speed emulsion/developer combos... (Old Tri-X @ 1600 ASA in Diafine) http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=316146 http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=317510size=lg than with my typical low speed choice (APX 100 in Rodinal). In an effort to reduce grain, I developed a batch of APX 100 rolls in HC110B, hoping the faster development would lessen the grain, but I still get an unpleasant mottled grain look, as in the rainbow image (I used Neat Image to clean up the mottled look, but it is still evident). I thought my scanner might be to blame. Admittedly a cheapo (Scanwit 2720S), I scanned some negatives with the local camera shops Nikon scanner and got similar results. I am using Vuescan. What combinations of film/developer/scanner settings are yielding go BW results for folks here? Aric
RE: Regarding recent critique request, and scanning questions
It's a rainbow. When I told my wife I had a rainbow image in BW, she derisively laughed, and said it would just be gas! After she saw it, she asked for a print to give to a friend as a gift! Aric -Original Message- From: Boris Liberman [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 12:07 PM To: Rothman, Aric Subject: Re: Regarding recent critique request, and scanning questions Hi! Fascinating. To me it looks like a forcefield of some sort. A little patch of bright in the middle part of the land completes this. I hope I am at least half-reasonably clear. Boris
RE: Regarding recent critique request, and scanning questions
The Scanwit is a 35mm film scanner. http://www.photoscientia.co.uk/Review.htm I did not operate the Nikon scanner. The fellow who performed the scan for me is a seasoned BW photographer, processor, and wet printer. Aric -Original Message- From: Shel Belinkoff [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 11:55 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Regarding recent critique request, and scanning questions Is that Scanwit a flatbed scanner? Did you scan the negs on the Nikon scanner, or did someone do it for you? Rothman, Aric wrote: I thought my scanner might be to blame. Admittedly a cheapo (Scanwit 2720S), I scanned some negatives with the local camera shops Nikon scanner and got similar results.
Critique request
Being new again to Pentax after a 10 year hiatus, I don't have many images on the web made with Pentax gear, but I would very much like comment on some images I have posted recently. Unlike several other forums I have being member of, this one seems filled with folks willing to voice there opinion of others' work ;) http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2067654 http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2067634 http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2075325 TIA, Aric
RE: Me and Bobby McGee
Yow! Is it too late to revoke my critique request? :) -Original Message- From: Christian [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, January 26, 2004 2:51 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Me and Bobby McGee I can read the description fine (I'm running 1600x1200 on a 19 tube). The picture gave me a headache and made me nauseas. I have since closed the web browser and visited the restroom. I feel better now ;-) Christian
Tokina 28-70 f/2.6-2.8 Pro II
Anyone use this lens? If so, comments on, or links to web images made with this lens would be much appreciated. In particular, anyone use it with the *ist D? Aric -Original Message- From: Fred [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2004 1:31 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Q: SMC-A 50mm f:2.8 Macro It's a good lens that might go for $150 if you were patient. A 50mm Macro means you will get quite close to your subjects. You can use it as a walking-around-lens, but you will notice the slower f2.8. Ditto, dito, and ditto. It has the reputation of being an excellent macro lens. Seems like the 50mm macro is a sharp little beast! It is a very nice 50mm macro lens. It is just a tad less sharp than the F/FA 50/2.8 Macro lens design, but it's s-o-o-o much nicer to use (focus feel, etc.). I use an A 100/2.8 Macro lens for most of my macro shooting, but I still keep an A 50/2.8 Macro lens around for occasional use (especially for traveling light) - it's just too nice a little lens to let go of... Fred
FA J and DA lenses on an MZ-S
Is it possible to use above Pentax lenses, which are bereft of aperture ring, in aperture priority mode on the MZ-S? If so, how? I assume the lenses are hardwired to appear as being set to 'A,' which, if I understand the MZ-S's mode selection system, would only allow program and shutter priority modes to be available. Aric
RE: KEH does it again
All the KEH bargains I've purchased have been bargains indeed, with one exception. I sent back a 35mm Summicron because it had chewed up screw heads (had to look at it under a stereo microscope to see the damage; a Leica microscope, strangely enough), which I thought did not bode well for any future CLAs. Back on topic, though... The SMC-F 35-70 I purchased for my wife for use on her ZX-7 has a few barrel blemishes, but is optically and mechanically top notch. It replaces a Tamron paperweight I am embarrased to have purchased with the camera as a birthday gift to her. (Not saying all Tamrons are bad, mind you, but this one much have an element made of molded hot glue!) Never had a problem with KEH. Aric -Original Message- From: Mr. William M Kane [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 3:15 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: KEH does it again Finally, my first Auto Focus lens. I went cheap, and was looking for something under $50, just to test out the AF on my *ist D (my other lenses and cameras are manual only). Recieved the FA 35-70/3.5-4.5 in supposed BGN condition. As far as I can tell this means that it comes without caps. Zoom, aperture look great, AF works fine, and the glass looks like it's never been touched. Another satisfied customer! IL Bill
RE: A bizarre ebay experience.
If you get no satisfaction, would you share the eBay ID of the seller? It's good to know from who to say away. There is a serious flaw in the feedback system at eBay. Unscrupulous sellers can hold you as a feedback hostage. That is to say, they will not supply feedback to a completed transaction until you do. That way, they can retaliate with negative feedback if they swindle you and you leave negative feedback for them. One eBay seller (and sizeable brick and mortar dealer) is Zeff Photo. Last time I checked, they have 100% positive feedback. They shouldn't. I purchased a Bronica EC with lens from them, and paid immediately using a method they would accept. That should equate to immediate positive feedback for me. I held up my end of the transaction. The camera and lens has several immediately obvious defects not disclosed, and it locked up after a few shutter triggers. I obtained return authorization and had it shipped back via FedEx. I was contacted a few days later and was informed the damage was due to RETURN trip to Zeff, and I would have to make a claim. Since I am not aware of any temporal anomalies in the vicinity which would cause damage manifest a few days earlier to have a cause several days later, I was skeptical, to say the least. Long story short, I got a refund, but not for the significant shipping charges accumulated during the whole ordeal. Their eBay guy told me I was lucky and he was doing me a favor. Some favor, to the tune of $45 lost to unnecessary shipping expense Zeff Photo has a good reputation, but the guy who managed the eBay department did not give me a square deal, and he engages in this feedback withholding strategy I describe. I am in feedback limbo with them. Aric -Original Message- From: Paul Stenquist [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 3:45 PM To: pentax discuss Subject: OT: A bizarre ebay experience. I'm very POed at ebay. Among other items, I listed a Spotmatic Motor Drive camera and 50mm lens on ebay the other night. I set a first bid of $375 and did not specifiy a buy it now price or a reserve. Last night I received a notice that the camera had been purchased on a buy it now bid by someone in Japan. I have tried replying to the ebay message to indicate that there is some kind of mistake. I've filed a report with their mediation service, and I've written the purported buyer. All to no avail. I've heard from no one, and my auction has been down for almost 20 hours. What's more, a list member had hoped to purchase the camera and had planned to bid on the last day. I don't know how to resolve this.
RE: KEH does it again
Some products (like Armor All and DEET) are or contain chemicals
that will cause polycarbonate (the plastic usually used for photo gear)
to crack. They are called stress cracking agents. Sometimes the effects
are slight and take a long time to manifest, as with Armor All, or fast
and dramatic, as with DEET (bug repellant).
I don't know what's in Goo Gone.
Aric
-Original Message-
From: Collin Brendemuehl [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 3:56 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: KEH does it again
Bill,
Instead of using alcohol to clean off the glue residue, try Goo Gone.
And, like ArmorAll, it leaves the plastic looking very nice.
Comes in liquid (in hardware stores) and gell (in automotive shops),
both in convenient bottles.
--
--
Collin Brendemuehl
void C( JobAvailability )
char JobAvailability[30];
{
C( program run );
C( shop stop C );;
C( programmer doing Notes/Domino. );
}
--
RE: A bizarre ebay experience.
OOPS! Sorry, didn't read your posting very well the first time! YOU were the seller...well, it still felt good to vent about Zeff. Guess it's good to remember that sellers can also make good faith mistakes. Aric -Original Message- From: Paul Stenquist [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 3:45 PM To: pentax discuss Subject: OT: A bizarre ebay experience. I'm very POed at ebay. Among other items, I listed a Spotmatic Motor Drive camera and 50mm lens on ebay the other night. I set a first bid of $375 and did not specifiy a buy it now price or a reserve. Last night I received a notice that the camera had been purchased on a buy it now bid by someone in Japan. I have tried replying to the ebay message to indicate that there is some kind of mistake. I've filed a report with their mediation service, and I've written the purported buyer. All to no avail. I've heard from no one, and my auction has been down for almost 20 hours. What's more, a list member had hoped to purchase the camera and had planned to bid on the last day. I don't know how to resolve this.
RE: FS Friday: 50mm f/1.4
-Original Message- From: Mark Roberts [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ... Got an M series 50/1.4 that I'd like to sell. It's in EX+ condition. Veeery nice ;) includes rear cap but not front. $50.00 plus shipping. Works on the *ist-D now ;-) Mark, What modification had to be made to make the M series lens work on the ist-D? I tried to use the very same lens on an ist-D at the local shoppe, but could only use it at full aperture. Aric
RE: FS Friday: 50mm f/1.4
William, Thanks for the info. I wended my way back through recent messages and found the details. The ist-D keeps looking better and better. I really enjoyed working with it at the store. The problem is, Pentax lenses seem hard to come by, at least here in the US. Does Pentax have a greater presence elsewhere? I am planning a trip to Europe this year, and would love to go on a Pentax glass shopping spree. Local camera store/shows don't often have Pentax-made lenses, just the third party stuff. Aric -Original Message- From: William Robb [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 10:45 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: FS Friday: 50mm f/1.4 - Original Message - From: Rothman, Aric Subject: RE: FS Friday: 50mm f/1.4 Mark, What modification had to be made to make the M series lens work on the ist-D? I tried to use the very same lens on an ist-D at the local shoppe, but could only use it at full aperture. Camera software update. It was released yesterday. William Robb
RE: pentax-discuss-d Digest V04 #73
Cotty wrote: I quite like: a bokeh of photographers. that's good but a lot of people wouldn't know the pronunciation. How does a lens of photographers sound? Well, it *sounds* OK, but somebody will want to spell it lense. With all the talk of drinks, how about... A Philter of Photographers? nah...someone will want to spell it philtre, too :) Aric
RE: Always at the ready - OT
Usually I take a Hexar RF with either a 28mm or 50mm lens, depending on my mood. Sometime I tote my entire Leica M-mount kit. Lately, it's been a Contax SLR w/50mm f1.4 Planar. Aric -Original Message- From: Francis Alviar [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2002 11:24 AM To: Pentax Discuss List Subject: Always at the ready - OT Hello to all, How many of you guys bring your camera equipment to work if you have a primary means of employment and photography is your hobby? And also how much gear do you carry? I've been carrying a small camera bag to work with an extra lens on almost a daily basis just in case the photo opportunity show up. Ever since I took hold of my MX with the three lenses I've substituted bringing that to work instead. It's quite a big bag. I'm just wondering if it's overkill or what. Never hurts to be prepared for anything. Thanks. Francis Sign up for SBC Yahoo! Dial - First Month Free http://sbc.yahoo.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
RE: Hello everyone!
Paul Franklin Stregevsky wrote Among manual focus telezooms, you could choose from several brands that offered serious amateur models in the f/3.5 to f/4 class. In autofocus, as you've discovered, it's a different story. You must choose between built-to-cost 70-200s with a highly variable maximum aperture or pro gear. I assume your wife must have autofocus, yes? - Yes. My wife is not confident with manual focus, yet. It's essential that the new lens be AF. A lens with a variable aperture is OK, as long as the long maximum aperture isn't minute (less than f/5.6 say). I want the lens to have good optical qualities. BOA pans the SMC FA 70-200. Aric - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
