RE: Macro lens recommendation needed.

[Malcolm Smith]

My thanks to you all for the replies. A number of interesting points made
which I hadn't thought of (reproduction ratio being one) and I will now look
at the lenses individually, check availability, then look at my budget and
make a decision.

Malcolm


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Macro lens recommendation needed.

[Malcolm Smith]

I'd like to acquire a decent AF macro lens, but as usual, there is a limit
on funds.

The SMC F 35-80mm f4 seems to be reasonable in cost, but from reviews read
on the net, is a poor performer. The DFA 100mm f2.8 is about six times more
expensive but has very good reviews.

I'd sooner save up and get a lens I will be happy with, but are there any
alternatives that I should consider - and are there any comments about the
two lenses above?

Malcolm 


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RE: K-7 replacement?

[Malcolm Smith]

> John Francis wrote:

> Hey, this is the PDML - we were discussing a K-7 replacement before
> the first K-7 shipped to a customer, to fix the "obvious" problems
> with the camera.  Pretty much everybody agreed that there were some
> shortcomings, even if there wasn't quite as much agreement on what
> those deficiencies actually were.

I know .

If I remember correctly it goes something like this:

Discussion about why Pentax does not produce a camera fully featured to
match/better rivals.

Pentax announce said camera will be made.

Discussion about huge length of time to launch.

Pentax launch camera.

Discussion on how expensive new camera is.

Price reductions follow.

Discussion on why new camera does not have an aperture simulator and why
Pentax does not produce a fully featured camera to match/better rivals..

Malcolm 


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RE: K-7 replacement?

[Malcolm Smith]

What? A K-7 replacement being discussed already?

As someone who rarely buys camera equipment, especially DSLRs, I'd like just
a few moments to reflect in the moment of having something you can still buy
new in a shop. A rare moment indeed for me.

Meanwhile, I leave you to your thoughts of what is coming next, hopefully
not next week...

Malcolm


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RE: OT British elections

[Malcolm Smith]

> mike wilson wrote:

> One worth voting for:
> 
> http://www.madcapntom.co.uk/

One for political balance:

http://www.loonyparty.com/index.php?page=manifestoproposals-1

Malcolm


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RE: Windows, Vista, Outlook 2007 - Computer error message.

[Malcolm Smith]

> Bob W wrote:

> Type Repair into the Outlook help box and try some of their
> suggestions,
> such as the Inbox repair tool - it could be that your .pst file is in
> an
> inconsistent state for some reason.

I will ask her to have a go at that on her return.

Thanks,

Malcolm 


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RE: Windows, Vista, Outlook 2007 - Computer error message.

[Malcolm Smith]

Hi Bob,

> I've seen this from time to time but I don't remember it as a big deal.
> As
> far as I recall it happens either when Windows has been running for
> quite a
> while and is presumably not freeing up some resources that Outlook
> needs, or
> possibly when there's some sort of problem on my router, ie it can see
> the
> wifi connection but the router is screwed up for instance if someone
> has
> unplugged it or it's got it's little electronic panties in a bunch.
> Rebooting the PC and/or router has sorted it out, I think.

Tried all of that. It's actually been an issue for a while but as it is only
to access archived mail, it hasn't been a big issue - until now of course
when I need the new address of someone and I haven't written it down. It
shows the error message even if the machine has just been switched on. It is
beyond me anyway, but my wife has some computer familiarity and all the
obvious things don't work, and none of the advice on the internet/Microsoft
site is relevant to this issue.

It is like locking stuff up in a cupboard and then losing the key.

Malcolm 


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RE: OT: Windows, Vista, Outlook 2007 - Computer error message.

[Malcolm Smith]

> eckinator wrote:

> Hi Malcom
> Yes I did get your mail, I just haven't gotten around to saying yes
> yet (you'd think it would be easy). I can probably help you with your
> computer troubles - do you have MSN messenger? Failing that, we could
> still arrange a PCvisit session using offlist mail.

Great, just didn't know if mail was actually going out over the last couple
of days. I'll contact you off list.

Malcolm


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OT: Windows, Vista, Outlook 2007 - Computer error message.

[Malcolm Smith]

Any of you come across this problem before and know how to resolve it?

Remembering it is always good to back things up, I have a spare drive which
I back up photos and e-mail too and have done so for months. I now have a
problem retrieving stored e-mail. When I try to open it the following
message appears with a small red cross underneath:

The messaging interface has returned an unknown error. If the problem
persists, restart Outlook.

Restarting Outlook does not help. Google searches and looking on the
Microsoft website don't seem to come up with an answer which relates to the
problem I have. Any ideas?

Malcolm

PS - Ecke, did you receive an e-mail from me regarding books? Broadband is a
wonderful thing until you lose it due to flooding, and I'm not sure if any
of my messages recently have been sent.  


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FS: Two photography books from the 1950s.

[Malcolm Smith]

Just after the postage only for these two if anyone is interested:

Ilford Manual Of Photography: Originally published in Sept' '42, this is the
April 1954 reprint. Hardback 472 pages, cover a little scruffy as the dust
jacket long gone. Many aspects of photography covered including modern film
cameras - modern being now somewhat subjective. Some photos and illustrated
throughout.

The Photo Amateur's Pocketbook: Intermingled in this book of facts,
advertising and pictures, is an unused diary for the year - 1950. 

Both have handwritten inscriptions on an inside page and were gifts to
someone when new.

Postage in the UK goes up from the 6th, so if anyone is interested, let me
know so I can get them off at the old rates (tomorrow being the last day I
can do this).

E-mail to malcolmsmi...@btinternet.com if interested.

Malcolm 




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RE: OT: Wanted -- Snappy Retorts

[Malcolm Smith]

> > Her look changes from surprise to an equal mix of confusion and
> concern.  "Do you /really/?"

Good grief, that wasn't confusion and concern, that was fear.

Malcolm


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RE: OT Canon rules

[Malcolm Smith]

Ecke wrote:

> Did you use the infamous Speck Roberts translator?
> 
> http://www.mail-archive.com/search?q=just+call+me+speck&l=p...@pdml.net

Don't go there; this will begin a trip into the PDML 'Twilight Zone'.

Malcolm


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RE: OT Canon rules

[Malcolm Smith]

Thomas Bohn wrote:

 >In the end she concluded, that thieves should study literature.

 >http://www.kulturindustrie.com/struebelundpassig/2001_10_25.html
 >(German)

Very good! I'd like to say I read the original, but I had to put it through
a translator which gave it a more surreal slant (translator found on the
internet: therefore must be accurate and true. Or not.). 

Simply awful thing to have your home broken into Rob and I hope that those
responsible are caught, and dealt with in a manner which stops them
reoffending. 

Malcolm  



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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

Boris,

> Malcolm, I had no intention to frighten you. However let me translate
> one of the sayings I learned here: "We're not rich enough to buy cheap
> things..."

That I can't argue with.

Malcolm


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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

> Paul Sorenson wrote:

> There's a pretty good discussion of transfer (read/write) speed and
> class of SD cards here:
> 
> http://shutterbug.com/equipmentreviews/accessories/0210memory/
> 
> I don't know what the read/write/class parameters are for the K7 but
> they should be in the manual and this should help you decide what you
> need.

Interesting article, thanks.

Malcolm


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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

> naah, they start at EUR 3.99

>From my 0.99, that's a huge percentage increase! Still, I hear what you say
and it doesn't look so bad at that level.

Malcolm


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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

> Doug Franklin wrote:

> It might do to check the rest of your gear, too, though.  I just
> discovered that all my gear is compatible with 8GB SDHC cards, except
> my
> stupid card reader. :-(

I can say with some certainty that nearly everything else I own will be
hopelessly out of date. Upgrades produce the brittle cracking noise of my
flexible friends.

Malcolm


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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

Ecke wrote:

> OK in this case I will translate what I found in the meantime (the
> chips are gneeric btw as I dunno where digisol ships and at what cost)
> UT330 - they call it the "vw beetle twin turbo" - very fast incl CF
> UDMA, no known compatibility issues
> UT335 - same as UT330 but with external memory for firmware updates,
> also an additional full SD channel to support a dedicated slot for
> mini/micro SD cards
> GL826 - relatively new chip (this explains why it is in only a few
> products) with outstanding MemoryStick HG I/O, issues with 300x CF
> UDMA were resolved by a firmware update, now trouble free
> 
> The readers built with any of these are all spec'ed at either 30 or 32
> MB/s so I think the difference is to be taken with a glass of
> RiceWhine...

I can see my 99 pence budget for the last card reader won't cut it. This
will all have to be looked at in more detail with the predictable sharp
intake of breath.

Malcolm


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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

Hi Boris,

> I buy SanDisk cards, the fastest variety and from the merchant that I
> am
> sure won't try to push me a fake. Since this is rather expensive, I
> usually buy not the largest capacity card, but one or two steps lower.
> Say, approximately a year ago I bought 8 GB Ultra III card for my K-7.
> It's price at the time was about USD 75. Serves me loyally ever since.

Expensive is NOT a word I like to see in e-mails Boris, as it frightens the
life out of me. I will buy a couple a bit later and try my best not to look
at the total amount. 

Malcolm


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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

Ecke wrote:

> good. in that case, I'll go on: 3rd in the list is the GL826 -
> measurebators rate it higher for SDHC and lower for CF but digisol
> uses it in less products so there may be a reason... I played safe and
> got the UT335 which is youngest of the trio and getting rave reviews
> and forum reports all over the iNet (plus mine!)
> 
> digisol readers are so cheap despite being assembled here, I have no
> idea how they do it
> 
> http://www.digisol-
> online.com/epages/61690334.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/61690334/Categor
> ies/Products/CardReader/Multi-Cardreader

These I will have to have a good look at; my card reader was 99 pence from
Hong Kong. Not wonderful but does the job.

Malcolm


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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

Ecke wrote:

> just make sure you buy them from a reputable source rather than the
> cheapest - according to sandisk germany (i asked) approx 90% of
> sandisk cards sold on ebay germany are fakes
> good luck
> ecke 

7dayshop for this order I think. Used them before some time ago then
completely forgot about them. No quality issues (I hope!).

Malcolm


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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

Hi Paul,

> Sandisk Extreme III have proven the most reliable in my heavy use. I
> have several in 8 gig size. The only Sandisk card failure I
> experienced was due to physical damage. I've tried Transcend cards as
> well. They're top of the line card isn't as fast as the Extreme III,
> and I bought one that was dead on arrival. But I do keep a couple of
> them as well. They're usually a bit less pricey than the Sandisk cards.
> Paul

Then that's it. The consensus is the Sandisk and I will order a couple later
tonight.

Thanks for all the replies and information on this subject.

Malcolm



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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

> eckinator wrote:

> oh and there is also the UT330
> sorry about all the little bits of info

All useful, thanks again.

Malcolm


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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

> eckinator wrote:

> the SDHC standard has a ceiling of 32 or 64 GB. afaik K-7 fully
> supports SDHC
> Pentax recommends SanDisk Extreme III (it is in the manual and also on
> their web page) and my experience with SanDisk since 2003 is only
> positive so far. I buy my cards at amazon and best value per GB is
> currently at 8 GB
> htht
> ecke

Yet to see the manual. Certainly does help, many thanks. 

Malcolm


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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

> Richard D Bush wrote:
 
> I was way off on the price. I paid $39.99 per 16GB card and S/H was
> $8.32. The total price was $128.28.
> 
> I bought them from:
> 
> ord...@mydigitaldiscount.com
> 
> I'm not sure if this was the best possible price out there, but it
> seemed reasonable to me. Hope this helps.

The more options I have to consider, the better. Thanks.

Malcolm


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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

> Richard D Bush wrote:

> I just bought SDHD memory cards made by ADATA in the 16GB capacity.
> These cards are rated as being a class 10 card. So far, they seem to
> be doing a good job and they weren't too expensive. I think I paid
> slightly more than $28 per card and I bought three. There was also an
> $8 + S/H charge.
> 
> Here is a web sight for the cards:
> http://www.adata-group.com/EN/product_show.php?ProductNo=ASDH16GCL10-R

Thanks Richard.

Malcolm


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RE: SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

> Bob W wrote:

> I don't know about largest capacity at best price - I wonder if those
> are
> the best criteria for a memory card. I use Sandisk Extreme III cards,
> the
> largest available for whatever camera I'm using. The lowest prices
> appear to
> be from Amazon and 7dayshop.com, both of which supply them from
> Guernsey so
> you avoid the VAT.
> 
> I chose this particular brand/model when I bought my first dslr because
> they
> appeared to be the fastest and most robust available, and where very
> widely
> used by photojournalists. Their write speed is very noticeably faster
> than
> cheaper ones I have also tried in the past.

7day shop - yes, I'd forgotten about them, many thanks.

The question I also should have asked is has the K7 a limit to the size of
card it will support?

Malcolm


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SD memory card for K7.

[Malcolm Smith]

Any recommendations for an SD memory card for a K7, largest capacity at best
price?

Thanks,

Malcolm


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RE: PUG's up

[Malcolm Smith]

Another fantastic gallery and one that seems to improve month on month. All
excellent and a particular mention of Tour Effiel At Night by Carl Gjersem -
wonderful.

Malcolm


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OT: The ultimate photographic accessory

[Malcolm Smith]

Beats a tripod and a long lens to get close to your subject!


http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Boats-marine/Motorboats/auction-274
622678.htm

Malcolm


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RE: Photographer arrested at mall

[Malcolm Smith]

frank theriault wrote:

> One of the many things that pisses me off about this is that those
> with "real" cameras aren't what security and cops should concern
> themselves with - it's cellphone cameras that they ought to worry
> about.  They're everywhere, and I see people using them all the time
> in places where I know that I with my Pentax would be asked to put the
> camera down.

Absolutely. Anyone deciding - for whatever reason - to photograph something
without drawing attention will use a cellphone or other daily object with a
hidden camera.

Over the years, when various incidents have happened, there is often an
official request for tourists/photographers to come forward with pictures
they took at the time, that might help. If people feel that carrying a
camera to certain places is pointless, any future request will be pointless
too.

Malcolm   


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RE: OT Smoker? No Apple for you.

[Malcolm Smith]

> Mark Roberts wrote:
 
> It's definitely *possible* for electronic devices to accumulate enough
> gunk from tobacco smoke to legitimately void the warranty. I've worked
> as a tech on consumer electronics in the past and, like others, I've
> seen it.
> 
> The issue here is that one of the parties is lying: Either Apple's
> lying about how much contamination there is in the computer or the
> customer is lying about the extent of the computer's exposure to
> tobacco smoke.

It's seen amateur radio equipment look positively syrup like on the inside,
but these items were years, if not decades, old. It's what the word 'yuck'
was designed for.

But surely today where smoking is banned in most workplaces, I would have
thought that to get that or any sort of accumulation within a warranty
period is tough going. Where do you stop on warranty disclaimers - sorry,
you've been using it and therefore the warranty is void?

Malcolm 


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RE: Quick hello

[Malcolm Smith]

Hi Jostein,

Looking forward to hearing more about the trip and of course, seeing the
pictures.

Malcolm 



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RE: Pentax Kids! or November PUG is up

[Malcolm Smith]

> Scott Loveless wrote:

> November PUG is up at http://pug.komkon.org/

Usual high standard - my two favourites; Mum And Dad by Katy and First Dance
by Claire.

Malcolm


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RE: But what are you taking pictures for?

[Malcolm Smith]

> Larry Colen wrote:

> It seems as if nominal exposure is somewhere between 10-25 seconds at
> f/1.8 and ISO 400. However, I just have to bracket the hell out of
> each shot, and then pick the best when I get home.
> 
> Digital is wonderful though because I can at least get into the right
> ballpark by looking at the display. When you're bracketing 20 second
> exposures, with 20 second noise cancelling wait periods, it's very
> easy to spend half an hour just trying to nail the exposure by
> bracketing a shot.
> 
> I did figure out last night that I can save a lot of time by cranking
> the ISO up to 3200 to figure out the nominal exposure and composition,
> then crank it down  and bracket at 100-400. Beyond ISO 400 and the K20
> gets too noisy for the long exposures.
> 
> That reminds me, I did some test shots with both the K20 and the K100
> to see how the K100 did in comparison.
> 
> I have come to the realization that I want a D700 with a 35/1.4 and a
> 50/1.4 or maybe even a 50/1.2.  Maybe, by the time I can afford one,
> Pentax will have something with that level of high ISO performance.
> 
> The problem is, that for night photography, assuming the 35mm form
> factor, I'd pretty much need "full frame" in order to get in the range
> of f/1.4 with a 30ish mm on a 35mm angle of view. I don't know of any
> 20mm f/1.4 lenses. At least not affordable by mere mortals.

Thanks for this. It is one thing I really want to try my hand at. For a
variety of reasons, I've not been further than seven miles from my house in
the last two years, and there is a limit on what you can find to take
pictures of that is new. However, with some work I've had done to the house,
the view has come to me so I will experiment with some long exposure
photography - especially as I've just found my tripod again.

Malcolm  


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RE: October PUG and 2010 themes

[Malcolm Smith]

 Scott Loveless wrote:

> Sorry for the delay.  http://pug.komkon.org/

Another great gallery. My favourite equal three were Chief Captain by
Eckehard Wegner; My First Pose by David Brooks and Showing Off by Christine
Aquila.

Malcolm


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RE: But what are you taking pictures for?

[Malcolm Smith]

> Larry Colen wrote:

> We got to my camera just as the bracketed set was finishing up, and I
> put one of the shots on the display.
> 
> "Cool!"
> 
> I've narrowed the myriad of bracketed shots from that session down to
> 14, I still have some work to do:
> http://www.flickriver.com/photos/ellarsee/sets/72157622649186149/
> 
> Unfortunately, there seems to be a bit of dust on the sensor, which
> I've cropped out in a couple of them:
> 
> http://www.flickriver.com/photos/ellarsee/sets/72157622649186149/

As good a reason as they come for picking up a camera, these are fantastic.

Malcolm 


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RE: PESO - Mohan

[Malcolm Smith]

Marnie wrote:

> It's a nice street  portrait. I like.
> 
> Marnie aka Doe  :-)

So do I. You've come up with some real photographic beauties recently Frank.
I'm also glad to hear I'm not the only one who still likes using film.

Malcolm 


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RE: GESO - Mini London PDML

[Malcolm Smith]

> Chris Mitchell wrote:

> http://www.mitch.myzen.co.uk/MiniPDMLNov09/

Lovely set of photographs, really not sure which I like the best.

Malcolm


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RE: PESO - Open Door Policy

[Malcolm Smith]

> frank theriault wrote:

> I love my "new" neighbourhood (I've been here since April).  Lots of
> down-and-out types (I live two blocks from Toronto's largest
> psychiatric facility), lots of new "loft" condos and yuppies, and lots
> of art galleries.  Walking down the street always brings interesting
> things to see:
> 
> http://knarfinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/10/open-door-policy.html

Wow! Really bizarre, great capture. You certainly find them Frank.

Malcolm


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RE: PESO - Great Grandpa's Store

[Malcolm Smith]

Marnie wrote:

> http://www.mapphotography.com/PAWS/pages/store.htm
> 
> Tell  me if you agree.
> 
> (I've thought about taking the foliage out from under  the tree, but
> think
> that might not be an improvement. I've also thought about  adding
> vignetting, ditto, might not improve it.)

I'd really leave it just as it is.

I've seen a number of photographs over the last week, which have been
tweaked/cropped/additions put in (such as family members who couldn't have
been there). I wonder in 20 years time how many will look back at family
photos and see something that never actually existed at the time. I know you
aren't suggesting doing anything like that, but I would leave it as is. And
it is great as it is too.

Malcolm  


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RE: PESO - All Day Breakfast

[Malcolm Smith]

> frank theriault wrote:


> http://knarfinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/10/all-day-breakfast.html 

I love the shadows cast across the pavement.

Malcolm


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RE: The BS of Digital Photography

[Malcolm Smith]

> Tom C wrote:

> Certainly!  Whenever I attempt to venture back to film, I can't seem
> to seriously do it (regardless of how much I enjoy the smell of a
> freshly open film canster).

How interesting. I don't feel anywhere near as confident with a digital
camera as I do with film and I suspect in part this is why it remains in the
camera bag; a film camera or digital camera is as much a choice as a lens.

> Cost of film and developing seem like an afterthought almost, because
> it didn't really bother me then (I also think what is my own time
> worth?)

True and of course in this age of what can be done to a digital image, as
much time is often taken here as in development.

> I'm not suggesting I would return to film... extremely hard to do...

Can't comment as I never left!

> I'm just wondering because it seems I do a lot more work with digital.
>  Maybe in the same vein as computers. Back when we didn't have PC's (I
> had Atari's and Commodore's and before/during that worked in the
> mainframe world), a Technical Services department would solve all the
> stupid issues and I would only worry about my own application
> programs.  Now I must be tech services, data base admin, etc., +
> photographer... blah, blah, blah... :-)

I appreciate that and it is something I find particularly difficult as I
have no real interest in computers anymore, and yet, if I am to embrace the
digital age, I'm pretty much forced to go into an area which gives me no
joy. The one thing I still particularly like about E6 is that it forces you
to consider the photo and then wait for the results. You nailed it or you
didn't. I pretty much dread the day when I can't have film as an option.

Malcolm 


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RE: The BS of Digital Photography

[Malcolm Smith]

Two quick points:

Cost. Pure and simple the cost of film purchase and development makes
digital capture right for 90%+ of my photography.

E6 - I've always seen this as a different animal. Whilst it is available, it
is an 'as well as'.

I've always had issues with film or digital for certain uses and this is my
simple way of resolving it.

Malcolm


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RE: DPR review of K-7

[Malcolm Smith]

Steve Desjardins wrote:

> I have an *istD sitting right behind me in my office at work.  It's the
> official dept. camera.  We will continue to use it until it breaks.  We
> just don't' need more MP or AF speed.  Eventually, I think that more
> cameras will be like that.  $2000 or less, 32 MP, acceptable AF speed.
> Shoot RAW, let the PC do the processing.  You could have a camera like
> that for 10 years before upgrading, maybe longer, just like a film
> camera.

Mine is destined for the car.

> How long do you think the new Leica M9 will be in service before in
> ends up in Technotrash?

A-ha! Trick question. How many do you think will ever leave the display
cabinet/vault?

Malcolm


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RE: DPR review of K-7

[Malcolm Smith]

> Bob Sullivan wrote:

> You held out a long time and will be blown away by the K-7.
> Anti-shake, more pixels, better rendering,,,you're gonna love it!
> Some adjustment of your photo processing software & hardware may be
> necessary.
> I still have my original *ist DS.
> It has been superceded by better offerings from Pentax,
> but it is still perfectly servicable for most picture taking
> opportunities.

My intention as I said before was to buy every other one that came out; had
it not been the morning I came down and found my dishwasher had packed up a
couple of months ago, I would now own a K20D. Nothing I've read would have
made me unhappy with the purchase.

Of course now the K-7 comments have led me to buying it, and with all you
say, and the jump from the *ist D, it will feel a very big leap forward.

I was amazed at some of the YouTube footage of K-7 previews. Soon enough Bob
I will see for myself!

Malcolm




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RE: DPR review of K-7

[Malcolm Smith]

> Tom C wrote:

> Not being argumentative, just thinking out loud and thinking that
> because of the short life cycle of digital products, maybe our
> parameters for measuring them should also be changing.

Before the introduction of the *ist D, this was discussed at length and from
memory, most of the things that were written then have come to pass. 

At the time, the biggest issues I had about digital SLRs, were the cost,
durability and how quickly it would become obsolete and worthless. I've been
pretty much found wrong on all of these points, although the most difficult
thing (that I still struggle with at times) is the mindset of film v digital
cameras. When you have had a camera 20+ years and the only thing you use is
film, it is hard to see the camera itself as a consumable, and I agree with
your comment above.

Anyway, the cost issue, is pretty much the same investment as a film camera,
with the same pros and cons on choice. Durability has been a great surprise,
and the original *ist D still goes strong and the only times it has played
up a little has been when on low battery power. And although some years back
we discussed the fact that these cameras would quickly date and be replaced
- which has happened - they are certainly worth something some years on, and
not the dispose of nil value I had imagined. Once you throw the reduction of
film costs and processing in, mine paid for itself years ago.

I always intended to get the 'next but one' replacement - what turned out to
be the K20D, but events always stopped that from happening and so a K-7 is
on order. From my position as a current *ist D owner, that represents a
great leap forward, and I now have the confidence that it will last me until
the 'next but one' replacement for this, whatever that may be.

Malcolm 
 


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RE: PESO - A Taste Of Summer.

[Malcolm Smith]

> frank theriault wrote:

> You did well to make that harsh light very nice looking.  Scrumptious
> looking apple!
> 
> Nicely done.

Thanks Frank.
 
Malcolm


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RE: PESO - A Taste Of Summer.

[Malcolm Smith]

> Jack Davis wrote:

> I get it, but those things don't ripen around here 'til fall. Have
> already started enjoying this season's production.
> Nice scene.

A bumper harvest this year, taken on a warm day with not a cloud in the sky.

Malcolm




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RE: PESO - A Taste Of Summer.

[Malcolm Smith]

> Luka Knezevic-Strika wrote:

> the vertical branch is distracting, the focus a little off, or too
> shallow, and the white balance simce not entirely correct (it's too
> warm i think) the light is well, a bit boring - sun only and all that,
> and the subject is also kind of uninteresting. so, your enjoyment
> wasn't mine this time :) hope the apple tasted well! :)

LOL! Just as well I had a good time then. The apple incidentally, is a
cooker and would have tasted foul, so very much in keeping with the photo
:-)

Malcolm

PS -The test was for a problem with sending. Nothing was showing up and Doug
suggested it wasn't being sent in plain text. Despite it showing it was,
once reapplied, all was well. 


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PESO - A Taste Of Summer.

[Malcolm Smith]

Well, the test got through so here is a picture I took last Sunday. This is
the first time I've taken a picture for the enjoyment of just being out with
a camera for some considerable time and I had great fun.

The discussion on the K-7 has been fascinating.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/42970...@n02/3958400307/

Malcolm


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Test

[Malcolm Smith]

Is this getting through?

Malcolm


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RE: S2...

[Malcolm Smith]

> Bob W wrote:

> I played with an S2 and an M9 and now I have to win the lottery, or
> start
> mugging rich old ladies.

I've always fancied owning a Leica and I had to look up how much they were
being launched at, having read your posting.

Gasp! Lottery win territory.

Malcolm


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RE: Anti Photo Laser

[Malcolm Smith]

Steve Desjardins wrote:

> They have stuff like this in Texas.  It's call a "rifle".  ;-)

Another use for film then. No CCD issue there.

Malcolm




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RE: You may want to check Pentax news Thursday (no, no FF, no 645)

[Malcolm Smith]

> Bob W wrote:

> Have you seen my buttocks?

I can't believe you've lost them!

Malcolm


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RE: How to lose a sale

[Malcolm Smith]

> Scott Loveless wrote:


> I've been cranky lately.

Keep up the good work!

Malcolm


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RE: How to lose a sale

[Malcolm Smith]

Bob W wrote:

> I don't think he knew what a Leica was. Anyway, whaddya mean 'more
> expensive
> footwear'? What makes you think I was looking at the cheap stuff?

Salesman thinks.he can't even afford a digital camera, I'm not going to
sell expensive shoes to this guy

Malcolm


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RE: How to lose a sale

[Malcolm Smith]

> Brendan MacRae wrote:

> Unbelieveable. What does it matter what a camera looks like? I like the
> "manual film" quote...It's not too often you hear stories of
> people talking down Leicas. What a maroon.
> 
> It's funny, but I get the same looks and type of questions about the 67
> every once in a while. It's interesting how incredulous some are that
> people still shoot film.

It is. I gave up trying to explain why I was using an LX and normally say I
can't afford digital; it saves a lot of hassle explaining.

I'm most surprised the shop assistant didn't note Bob's camera and guide him
towards more expensive footwear!

Malcolm

 


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RE: Published ;-)

[Malcolm Smith]

Fantastic; Seeing Eye's first management trainee?

Malcolm


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RE: I love my pusher

[Malcolm Smith]

> William Robb wrote:

> Yes.

A very expensive three letter reply. This puts the camera in a short list of
one.

Malcolm




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RE: I love my pusher

[Malcolm Smith]

> Doug Brewer wrote:

> But whatever, I guess everyone was waiting for the real photographers to
> get one so they could ask questions about it. I suppose at some point
> I'll get the current firmware.

I don't fall into that bracket, I'm just someone who sees the camera as a
fun hobby item, who on the rare occasion, takes something worth keeping. 

I came an hour close to ordering a new K20D recently; had I not found the
dishwasher had broken down that morning beyond economical repair, I would
now be the owner of one. So, with funds increasing towards a purchase once
more, the K-7 comes into sight.

I ran a roll of film through my LX last week. This is a camera which makes
me smile every time I've used it from the day I bought it. The *ist D is a
great camera and I've handled the K10D, but neither are in the LX league.

What I really want to know Doug, is if this new camera is really the nearest
to the thing I want; a digital LX? Any Pentax DSLR I buy will be a step up
from my camera, but does it have that extra something else, that you know
when you have it, but can't find the words easily for it.

Malcolm  


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RE: The day the air stood still

[Malcolm Smith]

> mike wilson wrote:

> _Still_ not finished?  Are you quarrying the slate?

Ten weeks work, about six in and should be fully watertight and tiled
completely by next weekend. Conversion of chalet bungalow to house - and
then putting a loft conversion over the top. Horrendous to live through (but
delighted with builders and progress) as in a normal loft conversion, it's
about four weeks until they break through from above into the house to put
the stairs in. In our case, in the first week we lost the entire roof and
ceilings etc above two rooms and the staircase on one side of the house, to
enable them to be built into full height rooms and extend the staircase up
another floor over the existing. The large loft room dormer frame is now up
and fitting out begins next week as well.

Malcolm 


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RE: The day the air stood still

[Malcolm Smith]

> Bob W wrote:

> Hmm. As I write we're in the middle of a torrential downpour and noisy
> electrical storm. It's been hot and muggy all day. While I was walking
> home
> the thunderclaps were coming about 1 second after the lightning bolt,
> so the
> storm was more or less overhead, but there were few raindrops. As I
> closed
> the front door the deluge began and right now it is distinctly
> Noachian.

If you want any of it, I've still got about six buckets full, spread over
several floors. So much for replacing the roof in June. It's like camping
out and enjoying the starry nights, but without all the inconvenient hassle
of leaving your front door.

Malcolm


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RE: OT - Time for some new pants I reckon

[Malcolm Smith]

> David Savage wrote:

> 

Congratulations Dave. Is this also your PUG entry for July, as in 'flying by
the seat of...'?

Malcolm




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RE: OT: help identifying this car

[Malcolm Smith]

> William Robb wrote:

> Ford Prefect from the late 40s, early 50s.
> John Francis gets the canoe on this one.

Ah! The only one I've seen has been highly modified by a different
generation (V8 & Jaguar auto box). So that's what they really look like.

Malcolm 


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RE: OT: help identifying this car

[Malcolm Smith]

Sorry Bill,

No idea what it is - have I missed the identifying post?

On another OT car subject, does anyone know of a website or publication
which lists cars (new and old) by dimension? I really want to find a list of
cars no wider than 66 inches - a Google search proved fruitless.

Malcolm


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RE: Logo 3 was OT New logo, try #2

[Malcolm Smith]

Anthony Farr wrote:
 
> everyone with both a camera and a cat eventually puts a cat-picture on the
web.

I think Cesar may reach a different conclusion, especially if the camera in
question is an LX.

Malcolm


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RE: Probably the best K-7 review yet.

[Malcolm Smith]

> William Robb wrote:

> This is absolutely classic. A must read.
> 
> http://www.picstips.com/pentax/pentax-k-7-hands-on-preview.html

Must normally write the instructions for the assembly of flat packed
furniture.

Malcolm


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RE: So much for bonobos

[Malcolm Smith]

> Bob W wrote:

> http://brickfieldterrace.wordpress.com/

Long overdue. Excellent.

Malcolm


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RE: Commuting

[Malcolm Smith]

Hi Bob,

> But having said that I will give some thought to a small but high-
> quality
> camera that I can leave in my bag with my other day-to-day crap. Any
> ideas?

I wanted a digital camera I could leave in the car and forget. I was
recommended the Technika SH340T 3.1MP, takes an SD card (up to 2GB). I got
it from Tesco for under £20. It takes most acceptable pictures, which I know
from seeing the results my wife has taken with it, and the fact I'll never
get the camera back!

Malcolm


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RE: New K20D? was: When was the *ist D released in the UK?

[Malcolm Smith]

Hi John,

> I'd like to increase my lens collection. I think that's fair enough
> after a break of 5 years from buying!
> 
> I agree, the first thing I went looking for was something for the wide
> end, I can thoroghly recommend the DA 16-45/4 very good lens and not
> too expensive. Most of my kit is legacy FA primes from my film days, so
> covering the wide end below 24mm seemed like the best place to start.

Prime lens I'm fine for. I still have a nice collection which see
(admittedly rare) service with my LX. I really ought to use them more on the
digital camera. I would like two new lenses; one to cover the wider end and
one decent longer lens - up to the 300mm mark.

I'm hoping a new camera will kick start a return to recreational
photography, rather than the boring but useful pictures I've only taken in
recent times.

Malcolm 


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RE: When was the *ist D released in the UK?

[Malcolm Smith]

> frank theriault wrote: 

> > Who Brings the Cheese on April 3rd?
> > It's the Cheese Weasel!
> > He's not a silly bunny or a reindeer or a bird
> > He's the Cheese Weasel!
> > He's got a funny little tail and funny buck teeth
> > and he doesn't bring fish and he doesn't bring beef
> > so you'd better be good if you want to get some cheese
> > from the Cheese Weasel!
> 
> We don't have Cheese Weasels here in Canada (that I know of).
> 
> Thanks for this.

I got a cheese slice, Frank. I think I got a visit from the Processed Cheese
Weasel.

Malcolm


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RE: New K20D? was: When was the *ist D released in the UK?

[Malcolm Smith]

Hi John,

> Park Cameras always seem a little pricey to me, I've had very good
> service from SRS and cheaper prices for genuine UK products. As an
> examle:
> 
> DA 15mm f/4 ED AL
> 
> Park Cameras £569.99
> SRS Microsystems £479.00
> 
> Might be worth a look, I generally just go for the body only option
> when buying the camera.

I'll give them a look, thanks. I always bought body only with film cameras,
but I'd like to increase my lens collection. I think that's fair enough
after a break of 5 years from buying!

Malcolm


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New K20D? was: When was the *ist D released in the UK?

[Malcolm Smith]

> John Whittingham wrote:

> The K20D is very nice, and the prices have come down quite a bit, but I
> still enjoy using the *istD.

I've just spent an enjoyable few minutes browsing the Park Cameras website.
If only I could decide on the lens package...

Malcolm


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RE: When was the *ist D released in the UK?

[Malcolm Smith]

Thanks John,

> Late 2003 IIRC

I think I'm overdue some enablement then.

Malcolm


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When was the *ist D released in the UK?

[Malcolm Smith]

Does anyone remember when this was first available to buy, rather than all
the hype that seemed forever to lead up to it?

Thanks,

Malcolm

PS - As it's April 3rd, better finish on a song:

Who Brings the Cheese on April 3rd?
It's the Cheese Weasel!
He's not a silly bunny or a reindeer or a bird
He's the Cheese Weasel!
He's got a funny little tail and funny buck teeth
and he doesn't bring fish and he doesn't bring beef
so you'd better be good if you want to get some cheese
from the Cheese Weasel!


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RE: Peso: Warning - cat photo

[Malcolm Smith]

Bob W wrote:

> > You know, my husband & I have never camped together & we've
> > been together
> > for almost 18 years.  I think we are going to come as the comedy
> > entertainment.  We priced tents & sleeping bags the other
> > day--happy to see
> > we can get a small Coleman cheap--that should do, shouldn't
> > it?  Sleeping
> > bags were reasonable as well.  Any recommendations?  What
> > about cooking?
> > Should we get one of those little stove thingies?
> >
> 
> One of the things I learned when I first went camping and had to cook
> for
> myself and others is this: you have to turn the bacon over.

LOL! The first year I went camping, I learnt that it isn't a repeatable
experience in the UK in a tent. Of course, such things are organised during
public holidays, which by definition means the weather will be foul. At the
end of that weekend, we all looked like we'd spent a weekend in the
trenches. 

The second year, I turned up in a Land-Rover and camped in that. The weather
was again foul and yet for me, a dry, warm and enjoyable weekend and no need
to carry loads of stuff.

The third and subsequent years would easily have been mistaken for four
wheel drive meetings.

Malcolm 


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RE: PDML annual contributors - please read.

[Malcolm Smith]

Hi Mike,

> This is just a thought to try to bump up the proceeds for the charity.
> 
> If we send a copy around all contributors to sign, we could then ebay
> (or otherwise) it.  Each contributor pays (or other wise arranges) to
> move the book on to the next signee.

What if each contributor sent a signed photo to sell alongside a book? Gets
around the logistical issue of sending one book everywhere and getting lost
or delayed in the post.

Malcolm 


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RE: Britain outlaws the photographing of police in action

[Malcolm Smith]

> Frank Theriault wrote:

> This kind of shit has to be stopped dead in its tracks.

It's really more of a diarrhoea; this sort of thing has been trickling
through the system for years.

Malcolm


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RE: Blatant rip-off

[Malcolm Smith]

> Bob W wrote:

> http://www.web-options.com/idlc.jpg

Up to your usual excellent standard. Very nice.

Malcolm


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RE: Peso Ice and Chain

[Malcolm Smith]

> David J Brooks wrote:

> http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8514555
> 
> There were two chains hanging down from the entrance and this one
> caught my eye.
> 
> Not sure if i like my conversion, or the colour better.

Caught my eye too Dave, I really like this.

Malcolm


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RE: Crazy runners

[Malcolm Smith]

> Mark Roberts wrote:

> http://www.robertstech.com/temp/runners.jpg

Mad. Utterly mad. Yet they are great pictures and you all look as if you've
had a great time.

Malcolm




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RE: Pipe dream

[Malcolm Smith]

> Bob W wrote:

> http://www.foto8.com/home/content/view/760/136/

A magnificent set of pictures, the use of light and the focus of a
particular scene is just superb. We've always had pictures on our walls at
home; nothing special, just local artists work of local scenes in
watercolours or oil, and I often look at particular photos and think whether
it would pass the 'hanging on the wall' test. There are a number of photos
there I would love to see hanging on the wall in my house. 

Malcolm 




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RE: OT: I am not a number, I am a free man!

[Malcolm Smith]

> Peter Alling wrote:

> The Prisoner escaped, well sort of...

Ah!

Malcolm


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RE: PESO - Golden Eagle

[Malcolm Smith]

Jostein wrote:

http://alunfoto.blogspot.com/2009/01/eagles-day-2.html

Spectacular photography.

Malcolm


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RE: OT: I am not a number, I am a free man!

[Malcolm Smith]

> Bob W wrote:

> I used to watch it on a Friday evening when we lived in Gibraltar. My
> older
> sibs were away at school, my parents went out for the evening and left
> me to
> babysit my younger brother, so I must have been 10 and it must have
> been
> 1967-8, and I was an avid fan of The Prisoner. I didn't have a clue
> what was
> going on, but I loved the surrealism and weirdness and imagination of
> it
> all. It was many, many years before I met anyone else who'd even heard
> of
> it, let alone seen it.

I must have seen it on its second or third repeat. This has been a very
annoying series to see; I'm sure there are many episodes I've seen many
times and some I've never seen. I think that with the DVD set (I once almost
bought but was out of stock) that there is an episode that didn't get
transmitted? I never saw the very last one and have no idea how it
concluded, if it actually did!

Malcolm 


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RE: Nikon Coolscan question.

[Malcolm Smith]

> Derby Chang wrote:

> I'm using that very scanner with Vista 32-bit right now. There is a
> Vista driver.
> 
> http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-
> bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=14463
> 
> No 64-bit version, though. The Coolscan was the only reason I chose to
> stay 32-bit for now (says something about how much I like the scanner).

Thanks Derby, I remember why this scanner stuck in my mind. I'll get one as
soon as one comes up within my budget.

Malcolm




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RE: Cotty's birthday

[Malcolm Smith]

My goodness! Is it that time of year already, or is Cotty getting more than
one a year?

Anyway, Happy Birthday!

Malcolm


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RE: PESO - Takin' It to the Streets

[Malcolm Smith]

> frank theriault wrote:

> http://knarfinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/01/takin-it-to-streets.html

I love this, so much going on.

Malcolm


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RE: Geso Red barn redone and extra's

[Malcolm Smith]

> David J Brooks wrote:

> http://photo.net/photodb/presentation?presentation_id=434798

Post and Shadow is particularly nice.

Malcolm


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RE: A Foggy E'en in Olde London Towne

[Malcolm Smith]

> they have much better things to do than bother me. They're too busy
> apprehending the real terror suspects:
> http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article2094122.ece

That seems fair comment to me Bob, these people are frightening and a clear
terror problem.

Malcolm


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RE: Nikon Coolscan question.

[Malcolm Smith]

> John Sessoms wrote:

> The Coolscan IV ED works fine with Windoze XP.
> 
> I use the software that came in the box. It also works as a TWAIN
> source
> for PhotoShop CS & CS2 running on Windoze XP, so you can scan directly
> from Photoshop.
> 
> I haven't tried mine with Vista 'cause it's working fine connected to
> the Windoze XP box.
> 
> Connects using USB.

Thanks John.

Now I passed up on a Coolscan for just over £200, because I thought Vista
wouldn't support it, everyone that is coming up is going for over £300! I
hope this isn't going to turn out like my Manfrotto tripod hunt - that took
32 eBay auctions before I won one within budget!

Malcolm 


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RE: A Foggy E'en in Olde London Towne

[Malcolm Smith]

> Bob W wrote:

> I laugh in the face of Peelers!
> 
> People don't usually bother me. A couple of years ago I took some snaps
> in
> Canary Wharf of the thuggish bouncers on the door of Lehman Brothers,
> and
> they got a bit stroppy with me, but I put a curse on their bank, and
> look
> what happened.

I do often wonder what people stop photographers for; I would have thought
that anyone wanting to take pictures without being obvious, would have used
a 'phone camera or something equally invisible.

What the heck did Woolworths do to you then Bob?

Malcolm


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RE: A Foggy E'en in Olde London Towne

[Malcolm Smith]

> Bob W wrote:

> http://www.web-options.com/Top12/content/L1030189_large.html

Fantastic. Are you concerned by the unwelcome reaction to photography, that
seems - if to be believed by BBC1 London Local News - the increasing
likelihood of getting asked what you're up to by the boys in blue?

Malcolm 


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RE: Magazine Cover

[Malcolm Smith]

> Paul Stenquist wrote:

> http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8482863

Great shot Paul - as a car magazine customer this cover really stands out,
this issue will fly off the shelves.

Malcolm


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RE: Nikon Coolscan question.

[Malcolm Smith]

> David J Brooks wrote:

> I have my old Dos 6.22 disk's if you need them.:-)

Until a few months ago, I had Windows V.1 to Windows 98 on floppy or 3.5"
disc! 

I had a complete go through the house of everything I hadn't used in 6
months, have made a lot of space and missed nothing.

It's all too easy to become a collector of stuff by accident and then end up
never using the equipment - as clearly proved by Godfrey in the 'Wow'
postings. I never want to have to go through this again.

Once I've stopped using slide film and I've processed the slides I have, the
Coolscan (I've yet to get!) will be up for sale. I expect my slide
projectors etc will go the same way at the same time.

Malcolm


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RE: Nikon Coolscan question.

[Malcolm Smith]

> John Celio wrote:

> I have a Nikon Super Coolscan 8000 (the big daddy).  Nikon has Vista
> drivers for that scanner, so it's likely they'd have them for your
> scanner too.  I just checked the Nikon website and it says they do have
> Vista drivers for your scanner.  All their drivers and scanning
> software
> are free, thankfully, unlike VueScan.

Thanks, this gets better and better; a scanner I can afford to get, plus
free software.

Malcolm


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RE: Nikon Coolscan question.

[Malcolm Smith]

> Ken Waller wrote:

> I've hard this scanner for several years and it continues to perfom
> extremely well IMHO. With a large number of slides to scan you might
> want to
> look for the bulk loader that was available for it. Also if you don't
> need
> the absolute highest resolution, you can greatly speed up the scan
> time.

Thanks. That's good news too. I didn't know a bulk loader was made for it
either. It would certain speed things up, but I suspect finding them all,
will be as big a task as scanning them, as I've put them in drawers and
boxes all over the house over the years. At least after scanning them, they
will also be in one place.

Malcolm




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RE: Nikon Coolscan question.

[Malcolm Smith]

Thanks Godfrey,

> The Nikon Coolscan IV ED... I found one used about two years ago for
> around $235 and have been using it since. Excellent scanner. It
> connects to your system with a USB 2.0 interface.
> 
> I don't use Nikon's provided software. I use Ed Hamrick's VueScan to
> drive it, and I know VueScan is available in a Vista compatible
> version:
>http://www.hamrick.com/
> 
> Ed rates the Coolscan IV very highly. It's probably as good as you can
> get without buying the Super Coolscan IV or V models.

The next local one that comes up at a good price, I'll buy.

Malcolm


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RE: Nikon Coolscan question.

[Malcolm Smith]

Thanks Adam,

> If the Nikon software is not compatible with Vista you can replace it
> with VueScan which will support the Coolscan IV under Vista.

The Coolscan IV does as much as I need at a far lesser price, and that would
be ideal.

Malcolm


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