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wenger

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Posts posted by wenger

    Thin Negatives ?

    in Black & White Practice

    Posted

    In case anyone else comes across this posting as I did after experiencing the same issue, here's what I found:

     

    I was mixing TMax RS developer at 4:1 as I thought Kodak's online processing chart called for. Since Tmax RS is a replentishing solution it does not get diluted and is used full strength. I used Pete's method to confirm that the developer wasn't doing what it was supposed to. After using the developer at full strength I got crisp full negatives.

    Used MF system suggestions.

    in Medium Format

    Posted

    I plan to get a waist level finder (I've always liked the change in perspective you get by lowering the camera, I just don't bend nearly often enough). A Polaroid back, and some additional 120/220 backs. I have a nice Sekonic meter that I just got last Christmas. Thanks again.

    Used MF system suggestions.

    in Medium Format

    Posted

    <strong>Robert</strong> - Thanks! The framing/cropping is part of why I'm looking for a flexible system.

    <br><br><strong>Jonathan</strong> - Thanks for the links. They are very helpful. In fact, I'm now looking strongly at the Bronica systems. They seem to offer much of what I'm looking for.

    <br><br><strong>Andy</strong> - Nice images. I just may pick up one of those at some point. I'm a bit of a collector myself.

    <br><br><strong>David</strong> - Good idea! Looks like the Bronica SQ-AI may be a winner!

    <br><br><strong>Bueh</strong> - Thanks for the peace of mind. All of this information has certainly been helpful and helped me get an idea of exactly what it is I want and what cameras will meet those criteria.

    Used MF system suggestions.

    in Medium Format

    Posted

    The artsy look of the square negative is basically the primary factor of the 6X6. I think you convinced me that I should move that up on my priority list.

    <br><br>Your point regarding the need for multiple lenses is also well received. I have been thinking from a 35mm standpoint and I guess I need to shake that ideology. I'm not affraid to think outside the box (or in the case of 6X6 with a fixed length lens forcing myself to think inside the box). Maybe I should knock down my price level substantially and play with an older cheaper camera for a while and see where it takes me.

    <br><br><i>In short, consider carefully and choose wisely</i> - conjurs thoughts of Indiana Jones and the quest for the holy grail - "<i>he chose... poorly.</i>" - I'd hate to end up like that guy...<br>

    Used MF system suggestions.

    in Medium Format

    Posted

    The interchangeable back feature is pretty important to me. While I appreciate your idea of multiple systems, I'm much more likely to carry around 1 camera with 2-3 backs than I am 2-3 MF cameras. Also the Polaroid feature is pretty important to me.

    <br><br>

    So here's a quick priority list:<br>

    Priced within my range<br>

    Quality (yet affordable) glass<br>

    Quality (yet affordable) body<br>

    Multiple backs<br>

    Polaroid back<br>

    Portablility<br>

    6X6 format<br>

    Availability of accessories (lenses)<br>

    Close focus<br>

    <br>

    The first five I'm pretty firm on.

    Used MF system suggestions.

    in Medium Format

    Posted

    Thanks for all of the responses so far. <br><br><strong>David</strong> - the reason the Mamiya topped the list so far was that it seemed I could find good systems within my price range as Terry has pointed out. <br><br><strong>Christopher</strong> - the ancillary costs did come to mind (especially the film scanner) but I do process my own B&W and in fact have a wet room. I wouldn't mind being forced into shooting more B&W, but would still like to have a back loaded with some Velvia or something for when the situation dictated it. I will still be keeping my 35mm setup also. <br><br><strong>Simon</strong> - I'll have to check out Bronica more carefully. One of the problems I've had is that all of the different models (in all makes) are confusing. Mamiya's website has helped me understand what they offer (another reason I've leaned their direction - I understand their products better at this point). What Bronica would give me the 6X6 option as well as 645? How do I determine which lenses go with which system (all models)? Does anyone know of a chart with such information?<br><br><strong>Robert</strong> - thank you, optical printing is the BEST!<br><br><strong>Andy</strong> - Thank you. The focal range issue hadn't really come to mind and it is somewhat important to me. As I indicated however, I will be keeping my 35mm setup, so when the need calls, I can always (provided I have it with me) bounce to 35mm. <strong><br><br>Terry</strong> - I am a bit of a pack rat, and it is unlikely that I would ever sell the camera, especially based on the rate at which these will likely drop in value in the coming years (look at what you can buy a used Nikon F5 for on Ebay these days). So my strategy would be to look for the best value and not worry about superficial wear and tear on the body. If I'm not mistaken, most of these cameras are work horses. As long as the glass is clean and the functionality is there I'm happy. Do you see any pitfalls with this strategy? <br><br><strong>All</Strong> - thank you for your swift responses! I've been with Photo.net for a few years and was a patron until recently. I've become frustrated with just how difficult it is to get thoughtful critiques on images (even when actively critiquing others). Maybe in light of your responses I'll have to re-up.

    Used MF system suggestions.

    in Medium Format

    Posted

    I'm in the market for a medium format system. I would like to keep

    my initial investment under $1000 (the more under the better). Based

    on the following criteria can anyone make any recommendations as to

    what type of system I should pursue?

     

    I am an amateur photographer who shoots mostly abstract/fine art

    type images, but I dabble in a little of everything. I am especially

    interested in a camera that offers an interchangeable back so that I

    can have several backs loaded with various film types (including

    Polaroid). I have a slight preference to the 6X6 format, however am

    not adverse to forsaking that for convenience/portability and/or

    affordability. So far the Mamiya 645 Pros have found their way to

    the top of my list. For the $1000 I am hoping to purchase a body, a

    couple lenses, and a couple backs at least. I've been looking at

    Ebay.com KEH.com and Photogon.com, are there any other recommended

    resources?

     

    Thanks in advance.

    Format Feedback

    in PhotoNet Site Help

    Posted

    Brian - It sounds like you have more exciting changes coming (the ability for users to assign preferences through CSS, etc.). I'm glad the server problems seem to be in the past and see you have the time to focus on innovation. If you don't change - you lose.

     

    I do like the idea of either the photographer or the user being able to specify preferences for displaying critiques, details, etc. by default.

     

    Also I think it would be useful for the "All photos by photographer" page: http://www.photo.net/photodb/member-photos?user_id=XXXXXX to have the same "Options|Details" selection as is available in the folder views: http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=XXXXXX

     

    I see no reason to have the 2 different community member pages. I agree with Doug that having the text of the comments included as opposed to just a link to the thread as it was before would also be nice. Could that be collapsed and expanded by the user?

    Problem getting to portfolio

    in PhotoNet Site Help

    Posted

    Ha! You know... I had a sneaking suspicion that was the case. I'm one of those people who will stay out of the site feedback forum for long stretches, then spend some time here just to see what's going on. Guess I missed it before. Is that the same for that spiffy banner you have? Thanks!

    Photo Secretary for F100?

    in Nikon

    Posted

    I use Photo Secretary with my F90X. It is basically the same, however, the below list of custom functions, I cannot use, but an F100 user can.

    <br><br>

    One other feature it has is that the images can be linked to the data. So you can view the images from within the Photo Secretary.

    <br><br>

    At least with my F90X the data was not saved until the function was turned on via the software. Once it was turned on, the data is stored inside the camera. It will store multiple rolls (I don't know the limit) and delete them all at the time of the download. I am not good at writing down exposure information, so I find it useful (when I get around to downloading the info).

    <br><br>

    The settings it lets you customize are as follows:

    <br><br>

    AE-L/AF-L Button Options<br>

    Aperature setting with lens' aperature ring<br>

    Auto exposure/flash auto bracketing options<br>

    Switching command dial operation<br>

    Delay time for auto-meter switch off<br>

    Delay time for self timer operation<br>

    LCD Illuminator activated by pressing any button<br>

    Data Imprint (Day/month/year/time) on frame 0<br>

    Warning indicator with non-DX coded film<br>

    Shutter release confirmation with self-timer LED<br>

    Automatic Film rewind at end of roll<br>

    Film advance with closing of camera back<br>

    Film advance in multiple exposure<br>

    Autofocus activated when shutter button is lightly pressed<br>

    Dynamic AF mode with closest subject priortiy in continuous servo AF<br>

    Dynamic AF mode with closest subject priortiy in single servo AF<br>

    Focus area selection changed to continuously in same direction<br>

    Change of steps of the exposure values<br>

    Bracketing Order<br>

    Auto exposure lock when shutter release is lightly pressed<br>

    Easy exposure compensation<br>

    Aperature control<br>

    <br><br>

    Each of the above have various settings depending on the category. I should note that I have Photo Secretary II and I don't know what difference there is between any other release.

    <br><br>

    Hope this helps.

    Problem getting to portfolio

    in PhotoNet Site Help

    Posted

    Bill - I think <a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=007dg5">this thread</a> will explain it for you. Basically it has to do with bandwidth.<br><br>

    Brian - Great new addition!! Excellent job!<br><br>Of course here's the part you were waiting for:<br> While you are at it (especially since I know from experience that making changes is easier when you are knee deep than coming in fresh) maybe there are a few other changes that would be prudent. I understand the desire (or at least see how it is unnecessary) to have an unregistered user view every post a user has made on the site. It would however, be nice if an unregistered user were able to see photographer's information such as their "Biography" and "Portrait". Also the three most recent photos is a nice touch, and of course their portfolio. <br><br>So I guess what I am suggesting is one page (accessable to all) that would have general photographer information and a list of their folders/presentations. (It would also be cool if this were accessible in a similar way to the photos page http://www.photo.net/user/screenname) And a second page that has the information that is more "expensive" to the servers (unaccessable to the unregistered).<br><br>Regardless, thanks for the addition of the Screen Name driven photos page. Very cool. I know you're overworked, but may as well make some suggestions eh?

    Help, need link...

    in PhotoNet Site Help

    Posted

    Yes, I recently had to find this also, and found it difficult. The one place I know there is a link to it is on the top of the ratings breakdown page - linked from the 'Aesthetic' and 'Originality' headings. I think it used to be connected to the same headings on the main photo page. It would be nice if these were re-linked.

     

    I also was tying to find the link through the Drop Down Menu -> Learn -> Publishing -> Using Photo.net but this links to your portfolio. It seems this should be some sort of help page with links to the Ratings Guideline page.

    Critique Requests shown when critiquing photos

    in PhotoNet Site Help

    Posted

    I'm sure this has been asked before, but I've never seen it and I

    wasn't able to find it via the search:

    <br><br>

    Would it be possible to have the photographer's "Critique Request"

    show up somewhere on the <a

    href="http://www.photo.net/gallery/photocritique/?

    rating_type=photocritique&topic_id=1481&recent=4"> Critique

    Photos</a> page? It is often that a "Critique Request" will offer

    information that is relevant to the specific image and requested

    critique. It also may offer just enough information to get some of

    these drive by raters to actually put some thought into what they

    are doing and type a few words. As it becomes harder and harder to

    elicit meaningful comments this seems like a small improvement that

    may be a move in the right direction. Thanks.

    Ego and Ratings

    in PhotoNet Site Help

    Posted

    <i>Sounds about right to me based on a high score of 8.</i><br><br>Well that statement is true, but it connotates that 4 is not the average in the PN rating system. In fact since there is no ability to rate a 0 or an 8, 4 remains the average. Sorry for the off topic correction. <br><br>My personal tact is to <b>never</b> rate without a comment. If I can't verbalize what I like or dislike about an image, I don't believe I am qualified to tag it with some number. Frankly even so I probably comment on 15-20 images for every one that I rate.
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