chad ward

In making the same decision last year -- Markins M10 vs Kirk BH-3, I emailed Kirk about their load rating. The rather kurt response was that the BH-3 is rated at 12lbs or so.

The Kirk is slightly cheaper and comes with a universal QR plate. The Markins in more expensive and doesn't come with a QR plate, but is rated at 44Kg (88lbs or thereabouts). I have read reviews from owners of both heads (and some who have both and can make a relevant comparison). Both groups of owners are extremely happy with their ballheads. You can't really go wrong either way.

I purchased my Markins through the Nikonians website: http://www.nikonians.org. It arrived in two days and has been a joy to use ever since.

By the way, the Kirk QR plates are extraordinary. You'll need QR plates with either head. It's worth the expense to get the custom fitted plates rather than the generics. It makes a world of difference.

Chad

Got the prints back. Shadows were pretty dang dark, but not bad overall. I shoot mainly slide film, so I've <i>really</i> got to get the hang of this overexposure = dark print thing.<br><br>

Here's one of the shots.<br><br>

Thanks again,<br>

Chad<div></div>

Great! Thanks folks, I really appreciate it.

Chad

Okay, I'm an idiot. I got a couple of great shots of our new dog with

our entrenched (and thoroughly evil) cat. First time they've gotten

along. Hooray. After about 10 shots I looked down and realized that

the film speed dial was still set for the Velvia 50 I was shooting

yesterday rather than the Reala I'd just loaded. Argh!

If it matters: Nikon FE, f/8 @ 1/125 in bright morning sunlight. Nikon

A2 filter.

How overexposed are these shots going to be? Is it worth shooting the

whole roll at 50 and having a pro lab pull it one stop or is a

one-stop overexposure within the latitude of Superia Reala?

Thanks for your help.

Chad

Another solution is the "check swap." Recognizing that you both have businesses to run and that you both have taxes to deal with, most non-profits are fine with this arrangement. You simply bill them at your hourly rate (or however you usually bill) and send them an invoice. They pay it. Then you write them a check in the same amount as a donation (assuming they're a 501C3 or other recognized non-profit). Essentially, you swap checks. They enter the payout for professional services into their books (a deduction), you write off the the donation in yours (a deduction). Both parties win and the tax folks are happy. It also keeps your books straight. See your accountant or tax attorney for more details.

Chad

"I have a Nikkormat FT2 that gave up the ghost. If you all want to pitch in and raise $100 for me, I'll shoot it and put up some photos of it."

I'm in. I do a fair bit of shooting myself. Having put .45 rounds through truck bodies, walls, a refrigerator, and, once, a misplaced steel-shell cooler (doh!), I think I can safely say that the AK strike must have been a ricochet. Doesn't diminish the cool factor of the story in the least, however. I'm sure he was damn glad to have the camera there to absorb the shot.

Chad

I love this lens and use it for just about everything. Another shot: Nikon FE with 105 f/2.5 wide open. Subject is a friend at one of our local pistol matches.

Chad<div></div>