stewart_ethier2

I had a focussing problem with a 300mm lens with symptoms

similar to yours until I realized I had forgotten to remove the

anti-rotation screw on the lens, preventing it from resting flat

against the lensboard. But this wouldn't explain the ghost

images ...

<I>Some subject matter can look quite gross in big prints,

especially head shots of people.</I><BR>

Doug, you apparently haven't seen Tracy Storer's 20x24 Polaroid

head shots. They are truly spectacular.

I was planning a darkroom in my new house (on a septic

system) until I read this. Are there any other solutions?

<p>

<p>

Information on Septic System Disposal

<p>

Kodak does not recommend the use of septic systems for

disposal of photographic processing chemicals because the

disposal of photographic processing solutions may affect the

proper operations of the septic system. Septic tank systems are

used for the disposal of domestic waste, primarily in areas

where municipal sewers are unavailable. Therefore, they are

engineered for that stated purpose, and operate with anaerobic

(in the absence of oxygen) biological action to accomplish the

treatment of discharged wastes.

<p>

Discharge from septic tank systems may adversely affect

sources of underground drinking water. Regulations have been

established by the federal Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) and many states to minimize that potential. Your U.S. EPA

Regional or State Administrator of the Underground Injection

Control (UIC) Program and/or local health department should be

contacted to determine whether the discharge of

photoprocessing effluents into your septic system is allowable.

Due to increased enforcement on disposal to Class V injection

wells which include septic tanks, thorough inquiry on the

regional, state or local compliance requirements is advised.

<p>

Other disposal options for your photoprocessing waste include

household hazardous waste collection facilities in your area,

discharge to a nearby municipal wastewater treatment plant, or a

licensed chemical hauler. Household hazardous waste

collection facilities are options only if you generate less than 100

kilograms (220 pounds) of hazardous waste per calendar

month.

<p>

Customers who use KODAK photographic chemicals can also

arrange to have their wastes properly treated and disposed of by

using the KODAK RELAY Program

My experience is similar to Mr. Congdon's. Ordered a Wisner

ULF camera, promised in 6 months, delivered in 10 months,

required to pay in full in advance. There were 4 defects in the

camera when delivered that Mr. Wisner promised to repair but

one year later has not done so. Buyer beware.

I've got one of the Calumet Polaroid manual processors. It

works very well and is very reliable. On the other hand it is quite

bulky and might not be suitable for backpacking. Also, it is not

very intuitive so I have to reread the instructions every time I use

it.

6x9 no, but 6x7 yes. The Goetschmann 8585AV Slide Projector

handles 6x7 slides in 85x85mm mounts and has audio-visual

capabilities. Very expensive German technology.

<p>

Try http://www.jafaphotography.com/projecto.htm .

I just ran across a more recent Dykinga book, "Large Format

Nature Photography." Less than 6 months after publication, it

was already remaindered at a local bookstore. But think about it:

How many large format color nature photographers are there out

there? In any case, the book is highly recommended and the

pictures are beautiful.

The Nightline piece was superb. You can order a video of it

here:

http://www.abcnewsstore.com/product-details.cgi?_item_code=

N020307+01

.

Of course there are reasons it is a lost art ....

<p>

Manual metering is awkward while handholding an LF camera.

Film holders and darkslides are awkward while handholding an

LF camera. Depth of field is poor at f8. Film speeds are too

slow, especially in color.

<p>

Bottom line: you'll get better results from MF.

There was a piece on ABC tonight on Joel Meyerowitz'

photographic study of the World Trade Center, begun long before

9/11/01. Since then he has had daily access to ground zero, and

it seems the work is all 8x10. I'd love to see some of it. Has

anything appeared in print yet?

What's important is the ratio between consecutive focal lengths.

So if you find that your 110 and 180 are in about the right

relationship to each other (not too far apart), you'll want a lens of

focal length x, where

<p>

x/110 = 110/180,

<p>

i.e., x = 67.2. This suggests that a 65 would be best for you.

I have a 16x20 and can confirm that the Fujinon 600 C covers the

format with plenty of room to spare.

<I>I just cannot comprehend the level of obsessive behaviour

which forces you to go and buy a seperate 10 inch cable release

for each lens, pre-attached for speed. </I><BR><BR>

Many people do this, including such well known landscape

photographers as Tom Till. Obsessive? Maybe, but also very

convenient. .

This article is five days old. I'm posting it here for those who

might have missed it.

<BR>

Photographer admits fire role <BR>

By Angie Welling<P>

Deseret News staff writer<BR>

The nature photographer accused of setting fires at Delicate

Arch last year pleaded guilty Friday in federal court.<P>

      Michael Fatali, Springdale, also pleaded guilty to setting two

fires in Canyonlands National Park in August 1997. The

36-year-old professional photographer faces up to six months in

prison and a $5,000 fine for each of the seven misdemeanor

counts.<P>

      Fatali also agreed to pay full restitution to the National Park

Service for damage caused by the fires. Restoration is estimated

at more than $16,000.<P>

      On Sept. 18, 2000, Fatali led a group of amateur

photographers to Delicate Arch to photograph the famous

four-story sandstone arch, which is the backdrop of some Utah

license plates. At his direction, Fatali's assistant and others from

the group set two fires, one directly under the arch and another to

the east of the structure. Aluminum baking pans brought along to

contain the fire failed, and the flames scorched and discolored

the sandstone. Fatali tried to stomp out the fires, but one was

still burning when the group left the area.<P>

      Park visitors reported the damage to rangers the next

morning.<P>

      Officials were able to remove some of the scorch marks

immediately, but remaining scars from the fire could not be

removed because an oily or waxy stain had penetrated the

rock.<P>

      Fatali on Friday also admitted to starting two fires in

Canyonlands National Park, the first on Aug. 12, 1997, at

Horsehoof Arch and again on Aug. 13, 1997, at the Joint Trails

Needles District. He used wood from within the park to start the

two fires, he said.<P>

      According to prosecutors, in November 2000 Fatali sent an

e-mail message to members of the photography community

apologizing for what happened, saying he "seriously regretted"

the incident. "I simply screwed up," the message said.<P>

      Defense attorney Kristine Rogers declined to comment

Friday, saying Fatali would make a statement after his Feb. 1,

2002, sentencing hearing.<P>

      Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Dance said Fatali fully

acknowledged his criminal conduct by pleading guilty to all

seven counts as charged.<P>

      "It's a matter that's very serious," Dance said. "All of our

national parks are for the enjoyment of future generations."

<BR>