victor_di_sylvester1

Asher,

 

I enjoyed viewing your selections and the diversity of photo's. I'm constantly trying to figure out why more women photographers are not represented in the various forums I view. Is photography mostly a male hobby or is there other factors at work? I just don't see much work or interaction from women on the forums I visit, in relation to their percentage of the population.

Come on guys. It is obvious that Mark is upset with the transaction but to make personal statements on his ethics in this difficult situation is,in my opinon, not fair.

 

I admire him for posting this workplace situation that caused him discomfort and one that left him very few options. He had to measure the risk to reward to his job and paying his bills. I assume he isn't a manager at the photo store which would have put the responsibity for that transaction on him. If, after speaking to his manager about this transaction he can then decide if he should look for a more ethical workplace. Good luck Mark.

Because this question of filters has been discussed on various Leica list, sometimes with passion, I to have dealt with this issue after purchasing my first Leica four years ago. I have been shooting with various cameras and lens for over 40 years. I always have a B&W MRC UV filter and a lens hood on all my lenses. Traveling around this country and Europe in all weather conditions including wind and possible spray from the ocean, I'm not willing to take the chance of doing damage to the front element of my lenses. To satisfy my curiousity on this topic, I have done test shots, on a tripod, with and without a filter one after another to measure if there is a difference in quality. I have done this with my 35mm, 50mm, 90mm & 135mm. Before viewing the slides on a very large screen, I marked each slide with the F stop and shutter speed and filter or no filter from notes on my numbered slide. I then mixed the slides and projected them randomly. I truefully could not tell which slide was shot with or without filter. So, for me the protection factor the filter provides, without any noticable difference in quality conviences me to use a quality filter. This is only my opinion. I suggest you do the same thing with one lens. It sure is a way to put this to question to rest in your mind.

So much complaining from a list that has so many non-paying users. Be happy that someone is providing this forum "FREE OF CHARGE", even if you wish not to become a paying member. Good constructive ideas are important to any forum, but some comments are, in my opinon, delivered in an abrasive tone. A little sugar in your lemon juice may help those who are so angry. If that doesn't work for you, vote with your feet and find a place which will provide the services, at the same price, you desire. Or better yet, start your own forum with the added services you wish, at the same price.

You may wish to do your eyes a favor and use a 4X loupe. Looking at many slides with higher magnification can become difficult. The Schneider 4X loupe is excellent. I suggest you try various loupe magnification at your local camera shop before purchasing. Each individual will naturally give you their preference which feels confortable with their eyes and needs.