mark_denton

I guess for a bridge camera with a larger sensor, the Sony RX10 is the most likely candidate. It doesn't have the zoomrange of the Panasonic, though, but practically making a 30x zoom on a larger sensor will be increasingly complex. So, something will have to give. Also portability takes a hit.

 

If having a reduced zoomrange is not the worst thing, then there are many premium compacts that might fit the bill; cameras as the Canon PowerShot G-series, Sony RX100 and Panasonic LX100. You'd keep the portability more or less of the TZ80. A mirrorless (APS-C or m4/3rds) could also make sense; the entry-level models are typically quite small and you'd get the freedom of choice as far as lenses are concerned.

Enjoying the 30x zoom, but practically speaking I'm not often using much more than half that usually. Thanks

Very much enjoying using this camera, but I'd like something that gives the next step up in image quality, with similar features?

I'm using the High dynamic range and panorama facilities quite a bit for doing quick landscapes.

So basically I guess a bridge camera with a larger sensor than the TZ80.... Ideas?

<p>Hi guys and girls<br>

Anyone know of anyone still reliably dipping emulsion in tanks of chemicals in Saudi Arabia? </p>

<p>many thanks Mark Denton</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Yes fixed lens would be much better quality.<br>

I went for the Fuji exr, very impressed so far....<br>

Thank you chaps</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Yes, and being a film user I'm getting rather aroused by the 'Velvia' simulation mode. It could well be the one John. I ought to show a bit of loyalty to Fuji :-)</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I don't really 'expect' anything. I shouldn't have mentioned RAW as it narrows the choice down to a very small number of cameras.<br /> What I'm most concerned about is image quality, sharpness, dynamic range and colour.<br>

The Ricohs sound interesting</p>

<p>What's the best a grumpy pro shooter can do? Something that will fit in the pocket and take good quality images quickly. I've tried to list a few criteria here in order of importance.... Budget not more than $350</p>

<p>1 Sharpness and colour of images, good dynamic range. overall image quality and good lens<br>

2. 5x zoom or above preferably with 28mm equivalent at the short end<br>

3. Good quality macro function<br>

4. Size - not too big<br>

5. Good low light performance<br>

6. Low shutter lag<br>

7. Raw output</p>

<p>Obviously you can't have everything, but the Canon G9, Fuji f200exr and Lumix (not sure which would be best) look the options.... Or am I missing something? Anything new around?<br>

kind regards Mark</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Thanks for the tips chaps. Do you think I'd be able to load a Fotoman 617 with Velvia wearing those Lowepros Luis?</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Anyone recommend anything? I'll get frostbite one of these days. <br>

Fingerless gloves aren't really warm enough. Has anyone tried those with the detachable fingers? Before my own fingers become detachable.<br>

regards Mark</p>

<p>Sorry for my laziness John, but google those details and you should find him straight away.<br>

kind regards Mark</p>

<p>Where are you John?<br>

Here in the UK Fuji have passed on pro film repairs to Dave Boyle at Camera Repair Workshop, Milton Keynes. If you're in the US they may well have done the same. Find out who the repairman is over there, failing that I reckon Dave could send you one out.<br>

cheers Mark<br>

www.markdentonphotographic.co.uk</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Can't see anyone criticizing your methods Larry, they work for you which is the most important thing. Just I'd never advise anyone starting off with 617 to go without a CF.<br>

best wishes Mark</p>

<p>Personally I wouldn't use a G617 with print film or wide open, but each to their own. Or indeed any lens below 180mm on 617 without a centre filter.<br>

Yes, the CF's are expensive and increasingly tricky to find, but who wants to spend $2000 on a camera and get imperfect results?<br>

Important first time buyers should be aware of this before finding the 'bargain' camera on ebay in my opinion.<br>

regards Mark<br>

http://www.markdentonphotographic.co.uk/</p>

<p>It's a strange one Matt. If the aperture makes a difference I wonder if the shutter is slow on release or closure. Does length of exposure make any difference? See if the effect is lessened on long exposures...<br>

I also wonder if there is a hidden problem with the CF. Is the fall off uniform, as you would find if you didn't use a CF? Has the dye on it faded? Can you borrow another CF to try it?<br>

Yes, a love my Fotoman, hopefully will have a full 617 system soon. I think they unfairly get lumped in with some of the Chinese rubbish. Send me some 624 samples, I may have to try that sometime! Not sure if I have your email these days.<br>

Mark <br>

http://www.markdentonphotographic.co.uk/</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hi Ellis,<br>

Hope you are well. Useful to know. Who sells the heliopans? Do you find 1.5x enough?<br>

Yes, the originals are increasingly difficult to obtain Tony, no cheap solutions I'm afraid. Imo they really shouldn't be sold without a CF.<br>

Mark<br>

www.markdentonphotographic.co.uk</p>

<p> </p>

<p>That's very good Roland, thanks. Can you try to find out from him which copal shutter it is that will fit? I have one that could do with a new shutter, and also a spare 105 lens element that I'd like to convert for use on the Fotoman system.<br>

kind regards Mark</p>

<p>Matt - hope you are well. Did you get this sorted? <br>

You're probably aware that the CF's for the 90mm and 105mm lenses are different, the 90 obviously being stronger. Was the correct one on the lens?<br>

That was the only possible cause I could think of apart from a light leak.<br>

kind regards Mark</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Yes, as Roland says, avoid Gaoersi. Problems with film flatness too.<br>

Fotoman are very good though.<br>

M</p>

<p> </p>

<p>A word of warning on the G617 chaps.<br>

Here in the UK, Fuji have stopped servicing most pro film cameras as of Jan 2009 and passed the kit they have onto an external repair man.<br>

Not entirely surprising, but it appears they did not pass any Seiko shutters (which I was always told were common) on to him and have none left. It also seems difficult for him to source them. He mentioned one chap in the States may have some but is asking unrealistic prices for them. At the time of writing I don't know who this is. This means the G617 finally joins the list of cameras were shutters must be rebuilt (if possible) rather than replaced.<br>

I don't know if the situation is the same in the USA, Euope, Japan etc Further info would be useful if anyone has any, including whether any other shutters are suitable for the G617.<br>

For the moment I'm suspending my sales of the camera, but will continue to sell GX617's.<br>

The problem does not affect the GX617 lenses.<br>

kind regards Mark<br>

http://www.markdentonphotographic.co.uk/</p>

<p>Hello Tim and Jon,<br>

I'm rather busy these days to offer the scanning as a service, but could do again in future if I get an employee/dogsbody. I've an ICG drum scanner as well as the Imacon these days.<br>

I'd recommend NPS Media in Stockton for the large prints - up to 3.6m x 1.2m succesfully for me. They could probably scan for you too, but I don't know what they'd use.<br>

Ask for Bob Harvey 01642 231231<br>

regards M</p>

<p> </p>

Hector Javkin [subscriber] , Oct 25, 2008; 06:23 a.m.

Sorry, this is the one at Adorama: http://www.adorama.com/aid003925.tpl?sku=BG3054

That's the sort of thing Hector thanks, but I'd need it with a male 1/4 part rather than female

Alternatively...

If anyone can find a 3/8 bushing I might be able to drill the existing thread out and solder than in....