michael_reichmann3

Mark,

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Have a look at my article which answers all of these questions at...

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http://www.luminous-landscape.com/645nii.htm

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Michael

I recently purchased a Pentax 645NII as a second body and back-up for my 67II system. It makes a lot of sense since it can use all 67 lenses, and offers along with lower weight and bulk several other worthwhile features.

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I've written a review of it which can be found at http://www.luminous-landscape.com/645nii.htm

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Michael

Anyone concerned about the chromatic aberration problem with the

600mm f/4, or any other long lens for that matter, should have a look

at my review of a software solution to the problem.

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It can be found at http://www.luminous-landscape.com/chromatic.htm

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Michael

Thank you Steve & Patrick,

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I now have the information I need to decide on a purchase. I'm

feeling in an irrational mood right now and so I'm sorely tempted. If

I still feel this way on Monday I'll order one. Or, maybe I'll sober

up.

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Michael

Steve (and others),

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I'm giving serious thought to purchasing the 600mm f/4, primerily for wildlife work. I've read all the online comments, but there are still some unanswered questions.

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The lens does not have a fully automatic diaphram. How is the manual diaphram implemented? Is there a pre-set lever. How does it work with the meter on the 67II?

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Does it come with a lens shade, and if so how does it fit? Built in? Can't tell from the pics in the brochure.

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The lens appears to have a rotating collar mount. Is that correct?

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The focusing mount looks as if it's rack & pinion. How is this implemented? How easy is it to use, or how difficult.

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Finally, I would enjoy hearing from anyone that has field experience with this lens. I'm well aware of how big and heavy it is, and have extensive experience with 400mm lenses in 35mm, but I'm enjoying the image quality with the Pentax so much I want to see if expanding its use to include wildlife as well as landscape is viable.

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Thanks!

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Michael

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www.luminous-landscape.com

There are times that I've found it an indispensable accessory. It

makes changing lenses on the run (sometimes literally "on the run")

very quick and convenient, partcilarly when traveling light, and in

hot weather when pockets aren't handy.

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Michael

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www.luminous-landscape.com

I have posted this afternoon a piece on The Luminous Landscape web

site that discusses some of the things that photographers who travel

with equipment should consider in light of the changed situation.

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As more information on new regulations becomes available it will be

updated.

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http://luminous-landscape.com/flying.htm

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Michael

If you're interested in the new wide angle 21-24-28 viewfinder you'll find a review at...

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http://www.luminous-landscape.com/21-24-38vf.htm

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Michael

www.luminous-landscape.com

On the issue of concerns about street shooting, I'll simply add that

from the mid-60's to the late 70's I made my living as a documentary

photographer. I probably exposed some 7-10,000 rolls of film during

that time, much of it at freedom marches, anti-war demonstations and

the like, and on the gritty streets of major cities.

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In all that time and over all those frames I never once was

physically threatened or felt in danger. Sure, occasionally someone

would say "F... off, don't take my picture...", but that's it.

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These days I primarily work as a landscape and nature photographer. I

feel much more threatened by bears, scorpions and snakes when out in

the wild than I ever did by my fellow human beings in cities. :-)

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Michael

Jack,

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Thanks.

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Yes, he was not amused. As I wrote on my "The Midway"

commentary, "... as I took my second or third frame in quick

succession, concentrating on the fellow with the tiger on his back,

one of these players looked over at me with a piercing gaze. It was

the last frame I took. I smiled, turned, and walked away."

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Michael

I've just published two articles on street phtography on my site.

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The first piece covers street shooting tools and techniques (Leica)and the second is the beginnings of a portfolio shoot at a country fair's Midway.

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http://www.luminous-landscape.com/street.htm

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http://www.luminous-landscape.com/midway.htm

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Equipment used includes M6 with Tri-Elmar and 35mm f/1.4 Summilux ASPH, and also the remarkable new Voigtlander 12mm f/5.6 Heliar.

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Finally, there is a new brief review of the M Lens Carrier about half way down the page at...

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http://www.luminous-landscape.com/leica_m6.htm

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Michael Reichmann

www.luminous-landscape.com

Joel,

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If the only criteria for judging a lens was "sharpness" then you'd be

correct. But since there are at least a half dozen other important

variables I stand by my conclusions (or lack of them).

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Michael

www.luminous-landscape.com

A check around the Net doesn't turn up too many commentaries on the new 12mm Heliar. Though I've only had the opportunity to take a few rolls with it so far it's a fascinating tool and will definately have a place in my kit.

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My comments and a couple of sample images can be found at http://www.luminous-landscape.com/12mm.htm

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Michael

If you want German optics in your scanner then you might want to

consider the Imacon Flextight line of scanners. They use Rodenstock

lenses.

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The least expensive model is the Flextight Photo at about USD

$10,000. It will handle film up to 6 X 17cm at 3,200dpi. A model

which handles film up to 4X5" at 5,700 dpi is $15,000.

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While expensive these are arguably the finest scanners available

short of a $75,000 drum scanner.

<p>

Michael

<p>

www.luminous-landscape.com