neil_johnstone

<p>Apex 100 is a good fit for the E-P1 (with the 14-42mm fitted).</p>

LR2 is not able to process the files yet - maybe the next update?

To quote the manual:

 

- SD memory card (8MB to 2GB)

- SDHC memory card (4GB)

- Multimedia card

 

A 2GB SD card will record 84 RAW images.

I have just recived one and I'm impressed. I've also used a Panasonic LX1, the DLux3 has a much better LCD display (more natural colours) and, on what little use I've had so far, the output is different from the LX1, supporting what people have said about different firmware.

 

I used the LX1 on holiday in summer when you couldn't carry anything on to flights and have been quite impressed. No, it doesn't give the same definition as slide film in a T3 (which is what I would have taken if I could have flown with film), but it is acceptable, especially with the 16:9 ratio.

 

As a compact, lightweight camera, I think that it's hard to beat (16:9, RAW, useful lens range). But it would be nice if it took AA batteries!

I've used Benbo and Uniloc tripods for years (both the full-size and the 'Trekker' versions. However, I have now moved to a Gitzo CF Explorer with an Acratech head, which is an extremely good combination.

 

Nothing wrong with the Benbo/Uniloc design, but the Explorer packs to a much more convenient shape to strap to a rucsac, is a lot lighter without sacrificing stability and the CF is more comfortable in cold weather. The disadvantage of the Explorer is that I'd not be as happy with the legs in water - which is never a problem with the Benbo.

For use in mountains, I've gone for the 80-200. The weight is comparable to carrying a 90/180 pair, but the real benefit is in not having to change lenses in awkward situations. The 70-180 APO is not a lens I'd choose to carry, or to use hand held. I have not found f4 a limitation with Kodachrome64.

The 80-200 benefits from a tripod collar, either a modified STA-1 or the Burzynski one (which comes with a built-in ARCA type plate).

It look me a long time to accept zooms, but now I'm converted!

Not all 24mm Elmarit's have the E60 thread - but if yours does, a standard B+W filter works perfectly.

 

I do not think that a lens cap was ever made that fitted on the front of an attached lens hood.

Calumet, near to Euston Station used to. www.calumetphoto.com has location maps - but it would be a good idea to contact them to check first, as I don't know how much stock they hold.

Has any exposure compensation been set? From memory (I'm not at home, so can't check), the LED flashes as a warning when exposure compensation is used.

I use a 'normal' camera bag (CCS/Lowe/Kinesis pouches), so that everything is easy to carry away from the bike, carried in a Carradice saddlebag on the bike. Carradice now make an easy to remove attachment to allow instant removal of the saddlebag, if you want that option instead of removing the contents. With a suspension seatpost, vibration is reduced to the minimum (although with the camera gear inside a padded pouch, I'm not convinced that vibration on a pedal bike is a major issue - I've been over some very rough tracks (Iceland) with no problems).

 

Those who suggest carrying on your body have evidently never cycled long distances!

I do - after several years using a Visoflex for macro and longer lenses the simplicity of an SLR for these purposes won, so the M system was sold. Moving from an M what other option is there for an all manual SLR with equivalent lenses?

No filters, but as much Kodachrome 64 (or 25 if you can get it) as you can carry!

My experience with Leica UK is that they can be extremely slow, but that they do a good job.

The service document should list what they have done to the lens.

My extender is non-ROM, but have you stopped down the lenses fully

before mounting them to the extender? If you don't, the diaphragm

linkage will not work properly, giving the problem you describe.

I'm considering a shift lens - anyone with experience of the 35mm Curtagon?

With the motor drive attached, the camera uses the motor drive

batteries. To check the batteries, hold down the usual test switch

and press in the 'mode' switch at the same time.

I have gone the same route to reduce weight and found that the 2x APO

extender works very well with the 180/3.4 APO as a lightweight

combination.

 

<p>

 

I do not, though, have any experience of using the extender with

zooms.

Has anyone tried using E60 instead of Series filters on this lens?

(Why does the lens have an E60 thread when Series filters are recommeneded by Leica?).

I agree with the Gitzo 1127 with Leica B+S head, but also look at the Novoflex mini Magic Ball. I use both for travelling with lenses up to 180mm (and also with a 2x convertor), with excellent results.

I have also shortened the centre column, as there is too much movement with it extended.

The 1127 will hold heavier loads (I've used it with an 8lb camera and lens combination), but I'm not so happy with this. Long lenses need heavy tripods!