My Flickr portfolio
I have been a member of Flickr for a while but only recently was motivated to put up a portfolio there. Advisory: I do a lot of nudes. Don't look if you'll be offended. http://www.flickr.com/photos/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/?saved=1 Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: My Flickr portfolio
On Aug 17, 2007, at 4:31 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I joined and had a look. Nice work. I like the young woman in the woods very much. Also the first shot with the patterned lower body. Thanks! Glad you liked them. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: My Flickr portfolio
On Aug 17, 2007, at 3:09 PM, P. J. Alling wrote: It seems that they want me to sign in to look at your portfolio. Since I have no real interest in joining Flicker, I guess I'll always be in the dark. It's free to join, only takes a few minutes, and there are lots of great portfolios there. Joining doesn't obligate you to anything. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Recommendations for digital grey card
On Aug 10, 2007, at 10:58 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've used white mat board as well, although only when shooting cars or something else that has to be color accurate. I generally just adjust color temperature to my personal preference. Accuracy is for the unimaginative:-)). I use these: http://warmcards.com/ I keep a set in my camera bag for still photography, and in my video camera bag for video use. They let you tune color balance pretty much any way you want so you don't have to fool with it after the fact. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Digital projectors
OK, folks I am about to assist a friend in making the leap to a digital projector for powerpoint business presentations. I have no doubt I can figure out how to hook one up and make it work using the IB. But he also needs advice on what to buy, and I don't have a clue. He doesn't have a lot of money, so we're talking below $ 1,000 in price, way below if possible. A friend recommended the Epson 76C, and it looks like those can be had for just under $ 600. How many here own such projectors? Are there specific pitfalls to look for in picking one over another? Brands to avoid? Thanks Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: A flag question for Canadians
On Aug 8, 2007, at 6:17 AM, Chris Stoddart wrote: Except IMHO between the British and the French. Like an old married couple, a millenium of warfare between us has earned us the right to insult each other as we like. Remember they call us Brits Les Rosbifs; I actually don't find that even slightly insulting. No more so than you ex-colonials calling us limeys, anyway. I have French friends who call themselves froggies when they call me, and some German friends who laughingly call themselves krauts. I think it's OK when they do it, and when it's done with a smile. I don't use those appellations when talking to them, though. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: A flag question for Canadians
On Aug 8, 2007, at 7:15 AM, David J Brooks wrote: They have language cops that go a round and fine stores that do not abid by this. What a silly waste of money. Imagine if we had cops who would go around Miami and fine everyone with a sign in Spanish. So long as your customers can read your sign, who cares what language it's in? Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
YAOTVQ (Yet Another Off Topic Volvo Question)
I hope no one minds me asking this here, but I got more help here last time than on the car lists. Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon, 1991 model. Right now we're having a spell of really HOT weather. When the car sits all day in the sun it won't start. I've narrowed the problem down to the fuel pump. When really hot you turn the ignition key to the accessory position and the pump doesn't start. Wait until the evening when it's a bit cooler and the pump runs and the car starts just fine. Pump is getting electricity, so doesn't seem to be a problem of it not getting power. From what I see on line, it looks like this car suffers the dual pump affliction, one in the tank and one up top outside the tank. I haven't dropped the tank yet. Any ideas why such a weather related problem? Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: A flag question for Canadians
On Aug 8, 2007, at 2:38 PM, Kenneth Waller wrote: The N-word recently got buried in Detroit by the NAACP. Wonder why it took so long to do this ? Someone needs to tell the local black teens. I went to the bank yesterday and a bunch of them were hangin on the sidewalk. Seemed like every other word was the N-word. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
On Aug 6, 2007, at 9:20 PM, Steve Sharpe wrote: I have a friend who owns another store that is virtually all film cameras (Classic Camera in Biddeford Maine). His sales are steady as well, though he makes most of his money repairing film cameras. He has as much repair business as he can handle. People want to hang onto their film cameras. I didn't say it in my original post, but my friend's shop also offers camera repair and does quite a bit of it. The Camera Fix group on Yahoo stays busy, and posts about repairing digital cameras are rare. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: A flag question for Canadians
On Aug 7, 2007, at 7:47 AM, David J Brooks wrote: I always said, the referendum is done wrong. The rest of Canada should vote whether they stay or not. Yeah, but how do you jack up and move a whole province? And where would you put it? Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
On Aug 7, 2007, at 8:45 AM, Steve Desjardins wrote: OK, just how hard is it to produce BW film? I know to produce as much as Kodak or Fuji used to involves enormous QC issues. I can make beer in my kitchen whereas Budweiser needs fancy techniques to make 12% of the beer on the planet. So how hard would it be for a small company to put a BW emulsion on a polymer base? Not a lot of fancy chemicals involved, although there would be some EPA issues. I can't say for sure, but I bet a small specialty company could make film for a higher cost. With a global market available, it should still be a going concern.This is the point below: just a specialty market, not mainstream photography. That's exactly what Maco is doing. They've built a new mini-factory to produce film and photo paper in realistic quantities for today's market. Ilford have done pretty much the same by downsizing their factory at Mobberly and reducing staff to reasonable levels. Sure, it's a small market, but with the big boys gone there is a nice pie to be cut up among two or three competitors. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
On Aug 7, 2007, at 3:45 PM, Norm Baugher wrote: You are completely wrong about one thing Bubweiser is NOT beer... I was so bored last weekend that I watched a bad movie on the SciFi channel. There was a scene in this movie in a redneck bar and I noticed that they had changed all the Budweiser advertising to Pudweiser and this Pud's for you. Appropriate. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
On Aug 5, 2007, at 10:37 PM, Sandy Harris wrote: There have been reports that Zenit is working on a DSLR with a 4/3 sensor that will take LTM (Leica thread mount 39mm) kenses. Not sure about exposure, but obviously manual focus. Reports from whom? Where? I personally know one of the engineers at that factory and he has steadfastly denied that they have any aspirations of making digital cameras. In fact, camera production was completely shut down more than a year ago and they're just making lenses and other optics these days. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
On Aug 6, 2007, at 9:44 AM, Toralf Lund wrote: Actually, I've heard (or read) people claim that the Rollei film is being manufactured today - by some company that bought the entire production line from AgfaPhoto. I'm sure you find some details on the web if you care to search for it, which I don't. That's Maco. While all remaining Agfa black and white was bought by Rollei to sell under their own name, not all Rollei branded film is Agfa. Some of the films are made by Maco. Maco still makes a number of black and white films of their own formulation. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
On Aug 6, 2007, at 12:56 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am taking a Landscape Photography from a young guy, about 24-26, who is shooting with a Hasselblad (pretty sure that is it). He sells his work through galleries and says there are about 10 photographers in the Bay Area making serious money doing it that way (he's very, very good). The fact he shoots with film gives his pictures cachet and that makes them even more sellable. Yes, it definitely is an art field now. I have a friend who is a top wedding photographer in the NYC area. He shoots most weddings on digital but offers film as a more expensive option. When someone books a film wedding he shoots with the same Hasselblad gear he's used for many years. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: PESO - Lighthouse
I understand gulls work for peanuts. Bob On Aug 6, 2007, at 4:40 PM, P. J. Alling wrote: I like it, especially the placement of the Gull, how much did you have to pay him? [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The sky in this lightens up every time I look at it in a browser, while in Elements 5 I got it just about right. So I am giving up on that. Anyway, this is the lighthouse on Half Moon Bay. Nothing fantastic, it was a foggy day and we weren't there at sunset, but I think it's pleasant. http://members.aol.com/eactivist/PAWS/pages/lighthouse.htm Comments welcome. Marnie aka Doe -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
I see your FID and raise you a FAD (Film Ain't Dead). On Aug 6, 2007, at 8:22 PM, William Robb wrote: The industry as a whole is showing declines in sales of sensitized products (film) of some 20% per year, Fuji is (apparently) no longer making BW film or film cameras, Agfa is no longer making film, Kodak is no longer making BW paper and has offshored their film manufacture to China. Nikon is making the F6 film camera and is rebadging a Cosina as the FM10, and has no intention of making another film camera, Canon is recycling their cameras without improvement, Pentax is no longer showing 35mm SLR cameras ar all. Konica is gone from the film market entirely. Infotrends is indicating that by the end of the decade, 90% of professional pictures will be taken with digital cameras, and less than 40% of professional photographers will still use film cameras. Fuji has the strongest commitment to film of any of these companies. They are spending big dollars advertising film in the pro photography magazines. In black and white they still show Neopan 100 Acros, Neopan 400, and Neopan 1600 on their website. I don't know where or how often they make them. I agree that pro photographers have gone to digital. I know a few exceptions who do things not readily done in digital like single-shot panoramics or who make really BIG prints who still use film, and a few who tried digital and didn't like it and went back to film. But the pro marketplace, by and large, demands digital. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
Interesting thread. By coincidence I was visiting an old friend last week who runs one of the country's few camera shops that still sells film cameras almost exclusively. (John's Camera in Blacksburg, VA) John has about a hundred film cameras in stock ranging from 35mm up to large format (he has a gorgeous baby Linhof outfit for sale!). He's well stocked with film and darkroom supplies. He's just bought another minilab processor and is installing it now. He's seen an upswing in film camera sales in the last year. I sell regularly on eBay, and I've noticed a dramatic upswing in prices for some types of film cameras. I sold a bunch of Hasselblad equipment several months ago and got much more for it than I ever expected. Prices for Rollei TLRs have jumped considerably as well. I'm wishing now that I had held on to some of my personal gear longer. I'm committed to digital for my commercial work, but I see many signs that film is not dead and perhaps will see a renaissance in the next few years. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
On Aug 5, 2007, at 11:27 AM, William Robb wrote: OTOH, we needed some MP3s for our slide presentations, and I had to ask the pretty girl at the coffee place next door to us where was a good place to download classical music from, as I had no idea. She sent me to a website that was heavily into 60s and 70s rock and roll. LOL! When I work with a model in my studio I always ask if she likes music while she poses. Most do. I ask what kind of music they like and most say anything but country music, and other say got any country music? But often they say they're into the classics. And by that they mean Beatles, Stones, Steppenwulf, and so on. I've only had one in years who actually said she wanted classical, and clarified that she really meant baroque. So Vivaldi and Bach made for a fine photo shoot! Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
On Aug 5, 2007, at 11:38 AM, Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote: The continuing question is will there be enough profitability to keep the film manufacturing plants running, for what variety of films, at what quality and price point. BW film manufacturing is relatively inexpensive to manufacture compared to color emulsions but the profitability/quality/price equation will rule in all cases. Same goes for the production and marketing of chemistry supplies. Sure, there are plenty of niche markets. Are the aesthetic joys of film going to stand up against a price of $5 per exposure? the lack of high-silver-content paper? Just pondering, really. I like film, I use digital mostly but still have plenty of film equipment and negatives around. I don't shoot much of it any more because the processing tasks are all slow and tedious, and editability is more limited. I think black and white film will be with us for quite a while. I don't give color film legs. I wouldn't put money on photo paper, but Maaco has just built a new factory to manufacture the old Agfa papers, so I could be wrong. Most photographers I know who shoot film are scanning their negatives and making digital prints. While film camera prices are climbing, darkroom equipment equipment prices are still declining. Virginia Tech closed down their film darkroom recently and auctioned off all the equipment. Omega 4 X 5 enlargers went for ten or fifteen dollars each. Sad My friend didn't buy any because he has no storage space for big stuff like that. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
On Aug 5, 2007, at 12:35 PM, Mark Roberts wrote: Right on, brother! One of the people I tutor in photography would certainly benefit from this, and I expect this isn't an isolated case. If some manufacturer made a DSLR that a real digital equivalent of the K1000 (manual focus, manual exposure), I expect they'd be able to sell them to lots of colleges and other places that teach photography courses. I don't expect it to happen, because I don't think this market alone would be big enough to support the product. And I can't envision any other buyers for it because most of the manualness would have to be implemented through software (in order to avoid designing an entirely new camera from scratch), so it wouldn't cost significantly less than an equivalent camera with many more bells and whistles. Nice idea, but I don't see it happening... :( I suggested some time ago that a custom function be added to some DSLR cameras that would turn off all of the auto exposure modes leaving you with a manual camera. Instructors could enable this function on all student cameras and leave it turned on until the course was over. EXIF data would reveal any cheaters. None of the camera companies I talked to said it would be difficult to do, but were doubtful of enough demand to justify offering this feature. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
On Aug 5, 2007, at 1:01 PM, Bob W wrote: So Vivaldi and Bach made for a fine photo shoot! I wonder how many people who like Bach also like Vivaldi? They seem so different. Not that I'm much of a muso, but my late neighbour, John Beckett, adored Bach and was utterly contemptuous of Vivaldi (as indeed he was of most things! He once described the Millennium Dome to me as 'an upturned f-cking wok'). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_S._Beckett I agree that they are very different, but I like both of them very much. I once shared an apartment with a man who thought Bach was music, anything else was not, and had hundreds of albums of Bach (this was in the 60s) lining shelves in the apartment. I listened to a lot of Bach in that year and gained a real appreciation for him. Vivaldi was a later discovery. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
On Aug 5, 2007, at 4:44 PM, William Robb wrote: Agfa is still on life support, and is only making about a half dozen films Agfa is gone. The machinery has been sold and moved. Just some empty old buildings on the Bayer Works campus remain. The formulae for film and paper have been sold to Maco, who are making paper in test batches right now. They say that they will relaunch some of the films once they get the paper production nailed down. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
On Aug 5, 2007, at 5:18 PM, William Robb wrote: I thought they were done as well, but they are still showing product on their website. Ain't refrigerated warehouses grand!! They did one last production of several films before they shut down and those are projected to last from two to five years. Rollei bought the entire last production of black and white to sell under their own name. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: FID (Film is Dead)
On Aug 5, 2007, at 7:25 PM, John Sessoms wrote: FWIW, I think U2 and Van Morrison both have done cover versions of his music. Roger McGuinn has a nice version of I Dream of Jeannie With The Light Brown Hair on one of his albums, too. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: GESO - A few shots from Allegan
Thanks, Mark, On Jul 29, 2007, at 10:16 PM, Mark Cassino wrote: Well, equipment helps - a 200mm macro, with the crop factor of the K10D or *ist-D, lets you shoot from 2.5 to 3 feet away - that's a huge help vs a 100 mm macro which, of course, would require you to get twice as close. Aha! My macro is a 100 mm, so I have to get too close, or crop the final photo too much. Obviously, I need a longer lens. That said, I always get low on the subject and crawl up to it from a low position - hard on the knees, but less likely to spook the subject. Not an option for me, I'm afraid. Broken back and sciatica. If I get down on my knees I might just stay there! In addition, perching dragonflies - the pennants, meadowhawks, skimmers, - will usually return to the same perch. So when they fly off just when you get them in focus, just sit still and wait for them to return. That does not work with darners, clubtails, and other non-perching dragonflies. Move when they move. If the dragonfly is perched on a stalk of grass, and is bouncing around in the wind, it will have a hard time distinguishing you from the background - unless you are wearing plaid or some bright color. Lastly - patience. That Halloween pennant that Bill and I shot just could not sit still for a long time. Suddenly it decided that it was at the best perch, and just stopped. He kept returning to the same place time and time again. I had followed him for some time before that, so he obviously just reached the conclusion that we were harmless, and just started to ignore us. But - shooting bugs is basically a form of hunting, and patience is a part of that. HTH - Good tips. I'll try to put them into practice the next time I'm near a good dragonfly habitat. BTW, if you don't already have your insect shots with a good agency you should look into it. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: GESO - A few shots from Allegan
On Jul 29, 2007, at 2:55 PM, Mark Cassino wrote: A few bug shots - mostly dragonflies - from the day are here: http://www.markcassino.com/galleries/stream/stream08.htm The last shot is a found composition from the Valley of Shot Up Appliances... Do you have any special secret for getting so close to dragonflies? The ones around here are so skittish that I am never able to get really close to them. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: PESO - The Shopgirl - The Crop
On Jul 27, 2007, at 6:12 PM, Jack Davis wrote: Cropped too far right. Weight of the solid dark right side possibly prohibits an acceptable crop in any reasonable aspect ratio. Baloney! The third crop works perfectly. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Purple Joy
On Jul 28, 2007, at 11:56 AM, Roman wrote: http://roman.blakout.net/? year=2007s=0category=macroblog=20070728184703 ^^^ Some people call this fox's tail. Do you know other name of this plant? I've heard it called bottle brush. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: PESO - The Shopgirl - The Crop
Agreed. The third crop is perfect! Bob On Jul 27, 2007, at 3:42 PM, Fernando wrote: This third crop is the one that I like the most, followed by the original photo, didn't care that much for the tight crop, it's a nice portrait but I like the context that the mannequins provide. On 7/26/07, frank theriault [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 7/26/07, P. J. Alling [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: All the like does for me is take me to a Gmail log in page. Talk about a come down... Okay, try this: http://tinyurl.com/24kltq http://bp3.blogger.com/_EaTEtfR4WJw/RqjsEbMItZI/AdI/PW1T- ydJf7o/s1600-h/shopgirl_3.jpg cheers, frank -- Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. -Henri Cartier-Bresson -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/ferand/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: PESO - The Shopgirl - The Crop
On Jul 27, 2007, at 5:08 PM, frank theriault wrote: I need an editor... I'm available, and work cheap. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: PESO - The Shopgirl - The Crop
I'd crop somewhere in between, just enough to get rid of that ugly orange chair on the left, but not as much as you did. Except for that chair, I like the original better. Bob On Jul 26, 2007, at 8:50 AM, frank theriault wrote: Here's the new crop: http://tinyurl.com/yt9kwv http://bp0.blogger.com/_EaTEtfR4WJw/RqiW6rMItXI/Ac4/ hP2mdJw3Xpc/s1600-h/july_24+003.jpg Here's the original (which most people thought I should crop, but perhaps not so severely): http://tinyurl.com/38vj7m http://bp1.blogger.com/_EaTEtfR4WJw/RqXsJrMItTI/AcY/ EySEY9vVjbo/s1600-h/july_24+001.jpg What I like about the crop: Her shoes with the rolled up ball of socks inside are more prominent - somehow that makes it seem a bit more whimsical. Hmmm... I think I'll go outside, take of my shoes and read a book on this sunny day... Comments welcome! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Zeiss lenses now in K mount
Carl Zeiss SLR Lenses Now Available for K Bayonet Good news for 35 mm SLR (Single Lens Reflex) enthusiasts. The successful SLR line of lenses is continuing to grow. Different camera mounts are making the prized optics attractive for an increasing number of SLR photographers. These premium lenses with manual focusing are now also available for the K bayonet. They are sold under the name of ZK Until now, Carl Zeiss SLR lenses were already available for the F bayonet (ZF) and the M42 screw threads (ZS). SLR lenses from Carl Zeiss are known for their outstanding image quality and precise, long-lasting mechanical parts. This has been enabled by the growing known-how and the latest technology: for the design of its SLR lenses, Carl Zeiss draws on more than 100 years of experience in camera optics. The ZEISS SLR lenses with the ZK bayonet contain transmission elements based on the KA standard and thus permit the utilization of shutter priority, aperture priority and programmed auto exposure on all camera models with these features. Initially, the Distagon T* 2.8/25 and 2/35, Planar T* 1.4/50 and 1.4/85 as well as Makro-Planar T* 2/50 and 2/100 will be offered for the K bayonet. In the future, further additions to the line of SLR lenses will provide demanding photographers with an even larger selection of manually focusable fixed focal lengths for their work. Prices for these premium optics range from 500 to 1350 Euro (excl. VAT). The first lenses will be available in August. Precise focusing is the decisive factor for optimum results in practically all areas of photography. SLR lenses from Carl Zeiss offer considerable advantages over lenses with autofocus, particularly for landscape, macro, portrait, night and architectural images. For practical use, the large rotary angle and the absolute freedom from play of the focus ring simplify exact focusing on the details important to the image, which also makes the performance of the lens visible in the resulting picture. This allows photographers to better implement their creative ideas and better accentuate details in the image as the main subject can be clearly emphasized against its surroundings. For nighttime exposures with strong light sources in the image, in particular, the advanced stray light suppression of Carl Zeiss lenses practically prevents ghost images and the contrast in the picture is outstanding. The quality of a lens can be noticed very quickly, particularly in challenging lighting situations. The range of use of this line of lenses can also be expanded by attaching a corresponding adapter to the digital and analog camera housings of other manufacturers. Novoflex, for example, offers high-quality adapters. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Don't shoot the messenger ;-)
On Jun 1, 2007, at 11:41 AM, Wilko Bulte wrote: Well.. they don't have to. Hasselblad and Sinar etc will happily sell you a 39MP back for 30k$ or somesuch.. The photo press got this release yesterday: Mamiya Introduces the First 22 Megapixel Digital Camera System for Under $10,000 Elmsford NY, June 1, 2007 - Mamiya Digital announced an exciting new product - the Mamiya ZD 645AFD II Digital System. The System consists of the Mamiya 645AFD II Medium Format Camera with 80mm f/2.8 AF lens and the newly- introduced Mamiya ZD 22 Megapixel Digital Back. At a retail price of $9,999, the digital system marks a new era in the high-end digital market. Mamiya has always been a manufacturer of high quality, professional products at reasonable prices, states Jeff Karp, Mamiya Product Marketing Manager, By offering this incredible system for under $10,000, we expect to see a broad range of photographers who have been waiting for the right combination of quality and price, to finally step into the medium format digital world. The platform for the system is the highly acclaimed Mamiya 645AFD II autofocus medium format camera with 80mm f/2.8 AF lens. With an excellent range of high quality lenses, precise auto-focusing and fast handling, the 645AFD II has become the choice of professional photographers. The Mamiya ZD Digital Back offers all the features serious photographers demand. Mamiya's communication protocol MSCE (Mamiya Serial Communication for External) has optimized two-way communication between the 645AFD II and the ZD Digital Back, says Karp, producing an operating experience identical to using a one- piece digital camera. To further enhance the results of the ZD Digital Back, Mamiya is including Adobe(r) LightroomTM software with all ZD Backs. Mamiya is the first camera manufacturer to include Lightroom software with every Mamiya ZD Digital Back sold. Lightroom is an all-new digital imaging solution for serious and professional photographers. Its ease of operation and ability to read Mamiya RAW digital files makes it the perfect choice for photographers looking for a modular, task- based and streamlined program that delivers a complete photographic workflow solution. Also introduced were two new digital lenses - the Mamiya Sekor AF 75-150mm f/4.5 D and a full-frame 28mm f/4.5 D Aspherical - that are designed to work on the 645AFD II with both film and digital backs. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Help! Need Myths
On May 28, 2007, at 1:40 AM, graywolf wrote: That was not a joke, it was, except for the 102 houses, exaggeration pretty much what I was once told by a lady friend. I did find her house, but only because I had insisted upon her giving me the street address. However, I will admit that men can give strange directions too. Once when I was looking for a place on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, I found myself completely lost and maps useless. I saw this very old and wise looking Rasta man leaning against a fence post by the road. I stopped and got out and he greeted me with a broad smile. I asked if he knew the way to the place I was trying to find. He gave me detailed directions which began... Mon, you go down de road an you make a lef turn where de old mango tree usta be, den you go 'bout a mile and you make a right turn at John Smif's house He went on for some time with these directions, while I nodded and pretended to understand. I thanked him and was going to go back to the car, when he pulled out a gigantic cigar from his pocket and asked me if I wanted to toke on some ganja. I politely declined and continued down the road, ultimately coming to a store where I got directions I could understand. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Editorial: Pentax missed the boat?
On May 27, 2007, at 8:34 PM, Digital Image Studio wrote: SLR pioneer missed jump to digital By REIJI YOSHIDA Staff writer http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20070526a2.html The writer is completely confused about instant return mirror and SLR viewing. I guess the USA is not the only country with incredibly low standards for reporters. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Getty claiming copyright on National Archives images
On May 23, 2007, at 4:54 AM, mike wilson wrote: Getty is paying someone to trawl through the archive, compile a series of pictures, produce and distribute a book, all on the speculation that it might make a profit. On top of which, these images will be much more likely to see daylight than before. Apart from the dubious claim to copyright (which, as Stan says, may be for the representation rather than the actual images) I'm all for it. Save your ire for the ninnys that are running your National Archive. They should be producing the publication. What publication? Nobody said anything about Getty producing a book. They have added the images to their archives, and they offer to license the images to their customers. They are probably completely within the law to do that. But they are claiming copyright to images that are in the public domain, and that's what I have a problem with. Their web site certainly gives the impression that they own the images, and they do not. If they did produce a book, they could legally copyright the book as a compilation. You couldn't exactly duplicate the book without violating copyright, but you could reproduce individual images. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Getty claiming copyright on National Archives images
This came up on another list and I thought people here would like to know about this major scam. It seems that Getty Images learned a few years ago that they could buy 4 X 5 negatives of images from the US National Archives for $ 5 each. They bought thousands. Now they are selling these same images through their stock agency and claiming copyright on them. The vast majority of the images in the National Archives were taken by government employees and are public domain. Here's just one example for anyone skeptical. Getty image: 3090980 On the getty website it says, American Pilots November 1943: American pilots leaning against the tail of a F6F Hellcat on board the USS Lexington after a raid on the Marshall Islands. (Photo by MPI/ Getty Images) http://preview.tinyurl.com/2825kt Now the same image from the US National Archives. To locate the same image, it is a bit more complicated. First go to the NARA ARC search engine: http://arcweb.archives.gov/arc/basic_search.jsp click the large yellow oval that says, SEARCH and you will see a search page. In the blank box at the top enter the ARC number 520896 (just enter the numbers only) and click on the GO button to the right. National Archives ARC: 520896 It also says Local Identifier: 80- G-470985 (this is the National Archives number for that image. The 80- G says WWII and US Navy PHOTOGRPHER, other photographs are NOT in this category, only ones shot by US Navy personal. The top page says Digital copy available, that line is a link, click it. The next page has a thumbnail and the text block starts with, Pilots leaning across F6F on board the USS Lexington (CV-16) after shooting down 17 out of 20 Japanese planes heading for Tarawa. THIS block of text is a link to the next page so Click that link.. This page is where the truth lies. At the bottom it lists Steichen, Edward, Photographer If you do not know, Edward Steichen was a Commander in the US Navy and headed the Navy's photographic team. He was a US Government employee and as such ALL of his images (during his service) are in the Public Domain. This is noted earlier on this page by saying, Access Restrictions: Unrestricted Use Restrictions: Unrestricted As public domain images, these images belong to US, the public. Getty, or anyone else, has absolutely no right to claim copyright to these images and sell them. We need to spread the word on this, and any of Getty's customers who have paid to license such images should demand an immediate and full refund. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Getty claiming copyright on National Archives images
On May 22, 2007, at 9:16 AM, mike wilson wrote: Not to defend the money grubbers but if it says Access Restrictions: Unrestricted Use Restrictions: Unrestricted what precisely are they doing wrong? They are claiming copyright. They didn't create the work and don't own it, so they have no right to copyright it or sell it. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Getty claiming copyright on National Archives images
On May 22, 2007, at 1:00 PM, William Robb wrote: John is a Canadian. Our humour is subtle. Yeah, it's like frozen food. You have to thaw it out first. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Getty claiming copyright on National Archives images
On May 22, 2007, at 4:18 PM, mike wilson wrote: As it specifically says that there are no restrictions on use, I think Getty has every right to do anything it wants with the ones it bought. I also think that a bunch of charlatans are running the company. They can use the images in just about any way they like. But they cannot copyright something they did not create and don't own. I have no beef with them putting the photos in their library or licensing them to clients, but I have a very serious problem with them claiming copyright on the images. Sine the images are unrestricted, that means I could license one use from Getty and then use the image in a bunch of different ways and distribute it freely to others for their use and Getty couldn't do a thing. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Copyright Violators and FlickR...
On May 20, 2007, at 5:11 AM, Cotty wrote: Interesting one http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6665723.stm -- Cheers, Cotty Check out her photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebba/ She's one damned fine photographer! Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Help! Need Myths
On May 20, 2007, at 10:45 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Men don't need to ask for directions. Of course they need to, but they just don't. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Way, Way OT: Help! Need Myths
On May 20, 2007, at 11:38 AM, Bob W wrote: The USAF killed him because he was about to reveal the secrets of Nazca, the Bermuda Triangle and Roswell, thus exposing the Illuminati. The magic bullet was a classified++ miniature fighter jet flown by a nano-scale pilot developed under the Accelerated Human Evolution Program which the USAF had initiated after finding the instructions hidden in a Nazi horde of scientific information cached away in a crystal pyramid on Atlantis and awaiting the Second Coming, on a timescale dictated by the direct descendants of Christ. Wow, at last a theory that makes sense. Bob We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress. -- Will Rogers -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Amazon buys dpreview.com
On May 14, 2007, at 7:13 PM, Tom C wrote: I find dpreview less biased than this mailing list. I find almost anything less biased than this list Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Amazon buys dpreview.com
Yep, they bought it from Phil today. Now where will we go for our misinformation? Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Amazon buys dpreview.com
On May 14, 2007, at 6:51 PM, Bruce Dayton wrote: Ken Rockwell is still for sale grin For what, $ 2.98? Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: car mystery, Volvo
On May 11, 2007, at 6:52 PM, Cotty wrote: Hold on - do you live anywhere near Area 51? No. And when I plan to go anywhere near there I always drive a rental car, just in case. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: car mystery, Volvo
On May 11, 2007, at 6:50 PM, Tom C wrote: In this world so full of quantum uncertainies, I'd like to know how we're sure there's oil in it to begin with. :-) Maybe, it only looks low when he checks it. No, I add quantum stabilizer at every oil change. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: car mystery, Volvo
On May 11, 2007, at 6:04 PM, Mat Maessen wrote: 1. There is no PCV valve on that engine. H. Well I have an invoice for replacing it. Are you suggesting that a mechanic might lie about something?? Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: car mystery, Volvo
On May 11, 2007, at 6:13 PM, Doug Franklin wrote: Does your radiator coolant look like it has oil in it? No, one of the first things I checked. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: car mystery, Volvo
On May 11, 2007, at 6:04 PM, Mat Maessen wrote: But there is an oil trap, and a plastic Y fitting that can get gummed up with oil crud. The plastic fitting is easy to clean out and cheap to replace. The oil trap is a bit more difficult. When mine was doing the same thing, I dumped a can's worth of carb cleaner through the oil trap, and immediately changed the oil afterwards. In general, if the flame trap is clogged, you'll be getting oil seeping from the cam and front seals on the engine (take off the timing belt cover and check for this). Oil trap/flame trap. Same thing? Two different things? Where located? Anyone know of an online page with exploded drawings or other info on this engine? I used to do all of my own work on my cars when I was younger and more spry. So I know my way around an engine if I have some sort of diagram to show me where things are. 2. How many miles are on the turbocharger? The turbo oil seals do start to leak after a while, and this'll burn in the exhaust, usually without you seeing anything. This is not a cheap repair, but if you plan to hold onto the car longer, it may be worth getting the turbo rebuilt. Turbo has same mileage as rest of car, 125,000 miles. I had planned to keep the car for a few more years because I like it so much and new Volvos are just too expensive for me. If you're not running synthetic oil in the car, you should be. That'll help prolong the life of your turbocharger, and minimize the crudding-up that clogs the crankcase ventilation system. If you're putting a thousand miles a month of driving on the car, the oil usage is in the normal range for a fairly high-mileage engine. But if you're doing less than that, start looking for the cause. About 800 miles a month, average. I have never used synthetic oil in a car. Maybe time to learn something new. When I had old Citroens I used to put Slik 50 into them and it seemed to keep them going forever. Other than the Lucas oil stabilizer I've never put any additives into the Volvo. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: car mystery, Volvo
On May 12, 2007, at 8:59 AM, Digital Image Studio wrote: On 12/05/07, P. J. Alling [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ya' think? Maybe, however: http://www.swedishpartswholesale.com/VO_PCV~Oil~Trap_list.html Hmmm, guess that could be what he replaced. Cost was about $ 100 including labor. The invoice just says PCV valve. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: car mystery, Volvo
On May 12, 2007, at 1:26 PM, Mark Roberts wrote: Bob Shell wrote: On May 11, 2007, at 6:50 PM, Tom C wrote: In this world so full of quantum uncertainies, I'd like to know how we're sure there's oil in it to begin with. :-) Maybe, it only looks low when he checks it. No, I add quantum stabilizer at every oil change. Do you own a cat? Does anyone own a cat? Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax - Selling HQ and Apparently Drops 645D
On May 10, 2007, at 9:27 PM, Mark Roberts wrote: Precisely. One of the major purposes of the Canon 1Ds-II isn't just to sell , well, the Canon 1Ds-II, it's to sell boatloads of Rebels. A high-end camera goves you the street cred to move your low end cameras. You got that right. That's why Sony has been making a big deal of their forthcoming pro model, traipsing all around the world with their portable pyramid showroom. It's not just street cred in places like the USA, it's **prestige** in their home market. It's hard for an outsider to understand just how important this is in Japan. Pentax has really been hurt by the lack of a serious pro camera in recent years. They probably should have gone ahead and produced the full frame digital in spite of the problems with the Philips chip. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax - Selling HQ and Apparently Drops 645D
On May 11, 2007, at 7:26 AM, Sylwester Pietrzyk wrote: They probably should have gone ahead and produced the full frame digital in spite of the problems with the Philips chip. Contax did it... and they went out of business two years ago. Yes, but for totally different reasons. Contax was just a pimple on Kyocera's ass, and killing it was no big deal to their corporate profit picture. It was a very questionable business decision, since they had produced the finest medium format camera system and some innovative point and shoot digital cameras, but killing Contax and Yashica had little impact on Kyocera's bottom line. Contax never lacked for prestige. Pentax is in a totally different position, since they are not just a tiny division of a corporate giant. For them, shutting down would be the end. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: A Complete Turnaround for Me
On May 11, 2007, at 7:40 AM, Mark Roberts wrote: Thanks. It's funny that both you and Jack Davis should mention cropping/cloning the stop sign out. I *love* the stop sign in the photo! I don't. It's an annoying distraction. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
OT: car mystery, Volvo
We seem to have some people here who are pretty well informed about cars. Let me describe the mystery I am trying to solve. I have a 1991 Volvo 940 Turbo wagon that I really love. Has always been a very comfortable and civilized ride. Oil is disappearing from the crankcase at the rate of about a quart a month. It isn't leaking out anywhere since there is no oil on the carport where I park it. It doesn't smoke or smell of burning oil from the exhaust pipe when running, and it runs great. I thought maybe it was time for a ring job, but I had my mechanic run a compression check and it's just fine. He suggested maybe the PCV valve was faulty, so I had him replace that, but it made no difference. I'm just completely stumped on where this oil is going, and so are both of the mechanics who do work for me. One suggested putting in some Lucas oil stabilizer in place of a quart of oil, and I tried that but it made no difference. It's a nuisance to have to put in a quart of oil a month. Any suggestions? Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: car mystery, Volvo
On May 11, 2007, at 4:50 PM, Mark Roberts wrote: Did they try using an exhaust gas (emissions tester) analyzer? A quart per month is not going to show up visibly or by smell so they need to find out *exactly* what's coming out of the tailpipe. I don't think these guys would know what an emissions tester is. Since state inspections here don't require emission tests, I think those gadgets are pretty rare. I'll ask around next week and see if anyone has one. Next, see if you can find someone to do a leakdown test: Much more revealing than a compression test. Never heard of a leakdown test. I'll see if they know about that, too. Of course, a quart a month could be a leak and you'd probably never notice it, especially if it only happens when the engine's warmed up. Eliminate the possibility of burning with an exhaust gas test and then start looking for leaks. Get it good and hot and then park over some clean newspapers, let it run for a bit more, shut it down for the night and then examine the papers in the morning. I'll try that. Call 1-888-car-talk and ask for advice :) I listen to those guys on the radio. I guess I ought to try calling them once. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax Unveils New Business Plan
On May 11, 2007, at 4:57 PM, John Forbes wrote: As an accountant, I can't help wondering whether there hasn't been a little bit of creativity with the figures going on here. Sparxx think that cameras are bad and endoscopes good. So, Pentax produce a set of figures that show that cameras are good and endoscopes bad. Where does that leave Sparxx? Looking silly, and, we hope, looking for an exit. In my mind anyone who thinks endoscopes look good is already pretty silly! Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: car mystery, Volvo
On May 11, 2007, at 5:04 PM, P. J. Alling wrote: A quart a month isn't that much depending on the mileage you put on a vehicle. There a number of places it could be coming out slowly enough that you'd not easily detect it. It's driven about 200 miles a week. It's got about 125,000 miles on it. Volvo fans tell me it's hardly broken in yet! Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: car mystery, Volvo
On May 11, 2007, at 5:12 PM, Cotty wrote: That should read: Same vehicle also pumped out engine OIL through the rear main bearing seal into the bellhousing. It emptied slowly but surely through the bellhousing drain hole, but only usually on heavy breaking on a run. Only spits and spots on the drive. The engine needed much more oil than seemed to be pouring out of it. Where it's parked is clean. Really clean. Nary a drop of oil to be found. It's light colored concrete, so oil would show up easily. No oil on underside of car either. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: car mystery, Volvo
On May 11, 2007, at 4:58 PM, Walter Hamler wrote: How many miles on the engine? I would strongly suspect leakage past the valve guides, where it gets burned. Have someone check the exhaust as you crank it up after sitting overnight. If you get a puff of blue smole it's a good indicator of bad valve guide seals and/or worn valve guides. Nope, no smoke. Not after sitting overnight, not if it sits for several days. Car has about 125,000 miles on it. First owner really was a lady school teacher who only drove it to and from school!! Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: rootbeer?
On May 9, 2007, at 6:00 PM, P. J. Alling wrote: The conspiracy theory is that the DEA would traffic in drugs. That's something that would be impossible, this country can't keep secrets that are necessary to national security. How the hell could anyone think the DEA would be able to keep drug running a secret They haven't. It's well known in certain circles. One of my best friends in college went on to a career in black ops for the govt. He spent many years in Central and South America brokering arms and drugs. This is hardly news. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax - Selling HQ and Apparently Drops 645D
On May 9, 2007, at 6:41 PM, Digital Image Studio wrote: No one here or on any other photo forum has ever been able to provide proof that Tokina is a part of Hoya group and neither company appears in each others public finical statements. The group name is THK. Tokina-Hoya-Kenko. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: rootbeer?
On May 8, 2007, at 6:07 PM, P. J. Alling wrote: Utah at least banned Marijuana because the Mormon Church took a dim view of it's use by Mormons... When I was in college I dated a Mormon girl for a while. She would not drink coffee or smoke tobacco because they are strictly forbidden in the Book of Mormon. She smoked pot like a chimney because it was not mentioned in the Book, and therefore was not forbidden. The Mormon Church must have changed its opinion since then (1965). Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: rootbeer?
On May 8, 2007, at 9:26 PM, Feroze wrote: I think it was a guy called Harry Anslinger, the Commissioner of the US Federal Bureau of Narcotics in the 1930's. He did it to increase funding for his newly formed FBN. Apprently he also worked with the cotton industry to get hemp banned because its cheaper than cotton and lasts longer, and with the drug industry to marijuana banned as its way cheaper than pain killers and safer for people suffer from cancer and AIDS He is at least responsible for making Reefer Madness and the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act Yeah. I'm not sure if it was him or some later idiot who got the USA to ban diacetyl morphine, a most effective pain reliever. Of course we call it heroin in the USA, and it's illegal everywhere, but as I understand it is available by prescription in the UK and other civilized countries. If someone is dying and in great pain, who gives a rat's ass if what you give them might be addictive? Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: rootbeer?
On May 8, 2007, at 9:56 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Egad. Sounds like his name should go down in infamy. It has. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: rootbeer?
On May 9, 2007, at 10:27 AM, P. J. Alling wrote: Interesting, but I wouldn't believe a word that comes out of Caracas, any more than I'd believe a word published in Pravda, (obviously the Russians didn't since with the end of the Soviet Union it too disappeared). PRAVDA is alive and well: http://english.pravda.ru/ The DEA is many things, some very bad in my opinion, but drug traffickers? That simply strains credibility past the limit. Not at all. In fact it makes damned good sense. Who would be in a better position? And the money is just too tempting and corrupting. Personally, I'd be surprised if the DEA wasn't active in drug trafficking. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pentax - Selling HQ and Apparently Drops 645D
Tom C wrote: On top of this, Pentax will continue to overhaul less profitable businesses. It will abandon the development of medium-format single-lens reflex cameras designed for professional photographers and specialize in digital SLR offerings for new and intermediate users. That may just be a badly worded way of saying that they're officially abandoning the medium-format FILM cameras. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: rootbeer?
On May 8, 2007, at 9:45 AM, graywolf wrote: Everything not prohibited is mandatory! The only reason drugs were made illegal in the US is because good old J Edgar Hoover blackmailed them into making them illegal so he would not have to disband the FBI when prohibition was ended. Orwell had no imagination. They should have listened to Abe Lincoln: Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. ...for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded -- Abraham Lincoln -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Need 1GB Microdrive
For an ongoing project I need one of those 1GB IBM Microdrives that were common about four years ago. Anybody got one they're willing to part with cheaply? As with most of my projects, this one has a shoestring budget. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: rootbeer?
On May 6, 2007, at 7:44 PM, P. J. Alling wrote: Natural root beer is banned by the FDA. It's primary flavoring is Sassafras, (containing safrole),which is a carcinogen. I've made if using the original root but you can't buy it you'll have to collect yourself Are you sure about that? I thought the part of the plant claimed to be carcinogenic was filé, the dried powdered leaves used in Cajun cookery. I also heard not too long ago that this had been shown not to be carcinogenic after all. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Peso Squatter's Rights
On May 6, 2007, at 9:02 PM, Rick Womer wrote: Bob, This is probably a really nice photo, but I can only see 1/4 of it on my monitor at a time--and it's not worth copying it to Photoshop and reducing its size. How about keeping things to 600 pixels or less vertically, please? Don't know what browser you're using, but you can set Firefox to automatically resize vertically to fit your monitor. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: rootbeer?
On May 7, 2007, at 8:14 AM, P. J. Alling wrote: It's highest concentration is supposed to be in the root bark. But apparently it's worse than I thought it's used in making MDMA. That means it will soon be illegal to even posses... http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/chem_prog/advisories/safrole.htm That's completely ridiculous. Here in the Blue Ridge Mountains sassafras grows everywhere. There are a couple young sassafras trees on the alley behind my house. What are they going to do, spray herbicides on all our forests? Bust me for possession of sassafras because those trees are growing on my property? Jeez, penalize everyone because a tiny minority uses something for the wrong reason. Just like the gauntlet I have to run these days to buy Sudafed for my allergies! Well, they also use water in the process to make MDMA. Will we have to sign to buy bottled water soon? We truly do have a bunch of idiots in the government here. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: rootbeer?
On May 7, 2007, at 12:53 PM, Bob W wrote: The word Sudafed is derived from 'pseudo ephedrine' - it's a man-made version of ephedrine. Ephedra was the stimulant of choice (alongside poppies and hemp) for the ancient Indo-Europeans, and is thought to have been one of the principle ingredients (in liquid form) of soma or haoma, the sacred drink of the Indo-Iranians. It was widely used in rituals such as burials among the people of Central Asia, and for hallucinogenic purposes. So next time you have a bunged-up nose and reach for the Sudafed, think of yourself as sharing in the ancient rituals of your nomadic Bronze Age ancestors of the steppes. I'll tell the pharmacist that when he asks me to sign for it. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Anyone travel with a step stool?
I keep a short stepladder in my car. Got it at Wal-Mart or some other cheapo place. It's designed for use in the kitchen to get things off high shelves. Has three steps and a curved metal piece like an upside-down U for you to hold on to. I can stand on the top step, about two feet up, and brace my legs against the U and be very stable. Or, use the lower steps when I don't need to be as high. This is the closest thing I see on line right now: http://tinyurl.com/38fwmc But mine is white and the top bar is like a semi-circle rather than straight. I'm sure there are many variations out there. Bob On May 4, 2007, at 8:37 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well, got to give list a miss for a while, just pop in and out next few days. Busy. But in quite a few photographic spots lately I've longed to be just 2-4 inches taller. And I am a tall gall. So I thought of grabbing my step stool (i have a little one) and putting it in the car trunk. This would only work for shots near the road, near my car. But sometimes there are fences and things that are hard to shoot over. Then, naturally, like the picnic blanket idea, I started wondering is there some el neato collapsible step stool, light weight, out there for photographers or someone? Or is this, like, a really weird idea? -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Anyone travel with a step stool?
On May 4, 2007, at 9:32 PM, Jack Davis wrote: I remember a picture of Ansel standing on a platform he'd built on top of his car.(??) I can't think of the name at the moment, but there is a company that makes those platforms commercially. Attaches to the top of a car like a luggage rack and has a ladder attached to get up there. The best deal I've heard of was one summer when the National Park Service loaned Ken Marcus a cherry picker so he could photograph in Yellowstone (or maybe it was Yosemite). He produced a series of gorgeous landscapes photos which he calls Pictures from places where there are no places. Getting up above roadside clutter sure has its advantages. I've thought many times about putting one of those platforms atop my Ford Explorer, but could never come up with the spare bucks to do it. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Anyone travel with a step stool?
On May 5, 2007, at 9:29 AM, Paul Sorenson wrote: Ace Hardware lists a bunch, including one like Bob mentioned below. Looks like you can buy online and have it shipped to your local store if it's not available in-store. http://tinyurl.com/2ee3yq -p The Cosco Big Step shown on that page looks just like mine but has one less step. I think I paid around thirty bucks for it when I spotted it at one of the discount marts. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: The Future of Pentax -- Great news!
On May 3, 2007, at 4:38 PM, AlexG wrote: Here is what will be added and this does not include the 645D. So what's the news on the 645D? Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: PESO: Another dog picture
On May 3, 2007, at 6:35 PM, William Robb wrote: He is a smart little guy, and handsome. He gets that from my side of the family. Little? Looks like a pretty big dog to me, or that is a really tiny sofa! Yeah, he looks like a smart dog. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Clueless - on Yahoo Groups *istD
On May 2, 2007, at 6:26 AM, eric wrote: Still not as good as those who open with I'm too lazy to search.. Fair enough, I'm too lazy to answer :D It's part of today's culture. People expect everything handed to them without any effort on their part. Bob Prescription: A physician's guess at what will best prolong the situation with least harm to the patient. - Ambrose Bierce -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: PESO: First Tulip
On Apr 29, 2007, at 10:58 PM, Paul Stenquist wrote: A beautiful spring day in Michigan. My tulips are popping out all over. Grace is pleased. Paul http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=5910081 Very nice. Here in the Virginia mountains a cruel late hard frost killed all but one of my tulips, and bent that one 90 degrees. It bravely bloomed anyway, stem and flower parallel to the ground. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: When is macro macro?
On Apr 29, 2007, at 11:10 PM, Adam Maas wrote: Macro is in the 1:2 to 1:1 range. Your Tamron does 1:2 (half life- size) without the dedicated extension tube. Microphotography is greater than 1:1 magnification. But that generally requires bellows or a reverse mounted lens on a macro lens rather than just a macro lens. Technically speaking, microphotography is making tiny photographs. Photomicrography is what you are talking about. Two very different things. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: When is macro macro?
On Apr 30, 2007, at 11:56 AM, graywolf wrote: Macro- merely means large. So any image that is larger than normal is a macrophotograph. That said, usually people consider the macro range to be 1/5 to 5 times actual size. Some pedantic types only consider 1:1 to be macro. And to most advertising types it means a lens that is closer focusing than normal (1 meter for a 50mm). In other words it is a macrophoto if you call it that. You need to understand distinctions in technical language. Macro photography is not the same as macrophotography. A photo taken at close to 1:1 is a photomacrograph, not a macrophotograph. A macrophotograph is a very large print. That's technical language. In common parlance the terms are often all jumbled up. Bob (Who, at 250 pounds, is a macrophotographer) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Boris (PESO) week 16
Boris, it bothers me that you are out of focus. I think you should have focused on yourself and let the background go out of focus. Bob On 4/28/07, Boris Liberman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi! http://not.contaxg.com/document.php?id=17435full=1 Please be honest and brutal. Thanks. Boris -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: AOL bounce, was: GMail problems
On Apr 29, 2007, at 10:11 AM, Christian wrote: Issues like this make me smile. In 3 years working for the evil- AOL the longest we've gone without being able to READ an email (not system wide, maybe 1/2% of all 14 billion emails we currently store; and certainly not account access or webmail access) is 10 minutes. Maybe you can answer a question. Periodically for no apparent reason AOL begins to bounce any e-mail I send to anyone using an AOL account. It takes two or three days for the bounced e-mails to come back to me, so I don't know anything is bouncing until then. The message I get with the bounced e-mails says to contact the AOL postmaster about the issue, but when I do that using the link in the message I never get a response. I've had to set up a Hotmail account just so I can communicate with friends and business associates who use AOL. This is a real nuisance. I never know when it will happen or for how long. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: OT: Vaseline on the lens
On Apr 29, 2007, at 12:51 PM, Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote: This is an old technique and still works well. I made this photo posted in my PAW 2002 set about 25 years ago using it ... although I used vaseline rather than butter... http://homepage.mac.com/ramarren/photo/PAW2/02.htm Vaseline, Crisco, olive oil, butter, nose grease, motor oil.. Any kind of grease will do. As Frankie Valli sang: Grease is the word It's got groove it's got meaning Grease is the time, is the place is the motion Grease is the way we are feeling Bob An egotist is a person of low taste-more interested in himself than in me. - Ambrose Bierce -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Pecker Replacement
On Apr 29, 2007, at 6:35 PM, Kenneth Waller wrote: Also your pecker is a Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus). Yes, and easily recognized by the complete lack of red on its belly. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: PESO 2007 - 20a - GDG
I like it. I would have moved the tree just a bit to the left, though. I find it a bit too centered. Bob On Apr 24, 2007, at 12:10 PM, Boris Liberman wrote: Godfrey, may I suggest that you add a bit of vignetting to this image. It seems to really ask for some probably even heavy vignetting. Boris Christian wrote: Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote: Another from my walk in the park this past Saturday, adding to the Tree collection I've been building: http://homepage.mac.com/ramarren/photo/PAW7/20a.htm Comments, critique, and a wet blanket always appreciated. No flames please: the trees get upset. best, Godfrey Yep, it's a tree. :-) Seriously, I really, really, like the OOF areas surrounding the sharp trunk. Looks kinda holga-ish maybe... only sharper... Whatever, I like the effect. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: How to Clean a LCD Screen?
I use lens cleaning fluid and a paper towel. Bob On Apr 28, 2007, at 1:26 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: With my old monitor, I just spray it with Windex. The surface of a LCD screen appears much more fragile and mine now has spots (I confess, I sometimes eat at the computer). Any suggestions? -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: How to Clean a LCD Screen?
On Apr 28, 2007, at 2:33 PM, graywolf wrote: The great thing is it costs me $10 a pint instead of $10 an ounce and seems to do a better job. That's still $ 80 per gallon. Damned expensive for ethanol!!! And they want us to run our cars on this Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Enablement 1000mm and the moon
On Apr 23, 2007, at 3:28 AM, Toine wrote: I have included some pixelpeeping links on the page http://leende.net/peso/20070422 Yep, you definitely got a good one. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Florida Lizzard
On Apr 21, 2007, at 9:16 PM, Walter Hamler wrote: Thanks for the input Bob. We have both types here where I live, but I have noticed that the brown one is seemingly taking over by population. They seem very tame and especially when it is cold, like mid 30's, you can actually stroke them on the back and they won't move or try to escape. I think the brown ones eat the eggs and babies of the green ones. Whoever brought the first ones over from Cuba really made a big mistake. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Enablement 1000mm and the moon
On Apr 22, 2007, at 4:52 PM, Toine wrote: Today I had the pleasure to enable myself with an old russian mto-11a 1000mm mirror and satisfy my LBA. First tests on a manfrotto 055 tripod where disappointing. During an attack of TBA (tripod buying addiction) I got hold of a foba alfao tripod and manfrotto 229. This monster was able to carry the weight. http://leende.net/peso/20070422 Not bad I think. All I need to do now is work on my condition to pump all this iron. Looks like you got a really good example of the MTO. In my experience they vary quite a bit, but when good can be very good. Nice shot! Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Ground Cover Question
On Apr 20, 2007, at 6:29 AM, cbwaters wrote: http://www.promopeddler.com/cat/Sports/Sporting+Event+Accessories/ Logo+Stadium+Blankets/ First thing I thought of was a stadium blanket. That's just the first link I have an old blue plaid stadium blanket that someone gave me years ago. I've carried it in the back of my car for just this purpose. For those times when the ground is actually sodden, I also have a cheap plastic tarp that I picked up for a few bucks at Wal-Mart. It has grommets in the corners and can actually be tied down in windy weather, although I haven't had to do that. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: PESO -- Flamingos on parade!
On Apr 21, 2007, at 8:47 AM, Jack Davis wrote: Folks with white hair must have set up an organization called Lawn Flamingos Unlimited. Hey, I resent that! I've had white hair for years and I have never in my life owned a fake flamingo, a garden gnome, fake geese, or any of the other popular lawn decorations. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Unsubscribing Soon
On Apr 21, 2007, at 8:48 AM, Thibouille wrote: Mmm maybe using a Gmail address would be easier? That's what I do. I have only my mailing lists (PDML and another one) on this email address. I have 18227 mail (99% PDML) nad only uses 20% of my allocated space (573MB of 2843MB). I only have one e-mail address. But I have set up my e-mail program with separate mailboxes for each list I am on, and it automatically stashes them there. This in no way interferes with my main inbox. I also have a mailbox called bullshit, and certain people's e-mails are automatically routed there regardless of which list they're posted to. If I need to wake up, I can get a guaranteed adrenaline boost by reading a few posts from there. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Florida Lizzard
On Apr 21, 2007, at 8:03 PM, Mark Cassino wrote: Nice shot. Looks like he's about to pitch car insurance. :-) Wrong lizard. That's a gecko that sells insurance. This guy looks like a brown anole, a ghastly Cuban invader that is displacing our native green anole (often called, incorrectly, chameleon.) Bob (The Lizard King) Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph, is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk - Edward Weston -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
