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dan_v

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Posts posted by dan_v

    What's a Good Tripod Case for Air Travel?

    in Casual Photo Conversations

    Posted

    <p>Thanks all. Would be more convenient but I'm very hesitant to put it in checked bag. Hope your two lost bags were insured, Joe. Dang, Noreen, hadn't thought TSA might consider it a weapon! Guess they haven't figured out yet that a big ol' carry-on tripod head could raise a nasty lump too.</p>

    <p>Leaning toward one of the Gitzo cases if I can pry the $$ outta my clenched fist.</p>

    Travelling With Expensive Equipment

    in Casual Photo Conversations

    Posted

    <p>Thanks for your additional tips and experiences. Was leaning toward getting a Think Tank carry-on but disappointed to read reports about weak handles on these $300-$400 cases. How do they get away with that?</p>

    <p>I may just take my Mountainsmith photo backpack as a carry-on once I measure it to determine if it meets size regs.</p>

    <p>Stupid question: what's an easy way to disguise carry-on tripod legs? Hate to be walking around terminals advertising "come steal my pricy tripod".</p>

    Travelling With Expensive Equipment

    in Casual Photo Conversations

    Posted

    <p>Thanks everyone for your great suggestions. The Think Tank cases look great but having a backpack on the other side would be handy too, so will research further. I cringe at the thought of checking my tripod though, even with a rider on my homeowner's policy! Locally I use a rifle case to carry my pod. Any suggestions as to how to best protect it if I check it?</p>

    <p>Can I presume that TSA will be satisfied with scanning my camera case or should I expect to have to open it for show and tell?</p>

    <p> </p>

    Travelling With Expensive Equipment

    in Casual Photo Conversations

    Posted

    <p>I'm travelling cross country this fall and would like to bring along my pricey photo equipment: DSLR, couple of Zeiss lenses, Gitzo pod and RRS ballhead, plus assorted accessories.</p>

    <p>Most concerned about airline theft since I'd have to check it - OR should I just pack it in Pelican cases and FedEx it instead? Possible to get theft/loss insurance for its travel either way?</p>

    <p>Appreciate details of your experience re this. TIA.</p>

    <p> </p>

    Schneider's new TS Lenses

    in Sony/Minolta

    Posted

    <p>Hello All,</p>

    <p>It's been quite a while since I was excited about a lens. Not sure how long they've been out but just saw an ad for Schneider's PC-TS 50mm and 90mm lenses.</p>

    <p>Was considering getting the 90 until I saw the MSRP on Schneiders site! Any of you had a chance to try either of these lenses? Would love to read your take on what I can only dream about at the moment.</p>

    <p>Thanks,</p>

    <p>Dan</p>

    <p> </p>

    adding signature to photos

    in Business of Photography

    Posted

    <p>I too dislike logos or copyright info plastered on online photos, but pix on the web are so easy to copy that in self defense I've had to use low res versions and smaller images on certain sites (picasa, yahoo). On my own site (http://tinyurl.com/22n3e7r) I've resorted to bands of alternating light and dark © info at reduced transparency across the center of the image - from nearly undetectable on some images to more obvious on others showing lots of sky, for example.</p>

    <p>I've had only one person (though I'm sure many others share the same opinion) comment about the obtrusiveness of these notices; to which I reply that I would be happy to email them a (low res) copy minus the overlay. I doubt that a serious photo buyer would balk at anyone's attempt to protect their copyrighted material.</p>

    Polaroid Malfunctions Part II

    in Large Format

    Posted

    I have two 545 holders that gave me problems until I had them repaired a year or so ago ($50 each) at Camera Max, a little camera shop in Montrose, California; tel:818.248.2447.

     

    They replaced a deteriorated spring mechanism in both holders and they've worked fine since.

    tachihara 4x5

    in Large Format

    Posted

    The Tachi was my first 4x5 and not a bad one to learn with. Although it is very lightweight - making it great for backpacking, it suffers from a lack of rigidity.

     

    I have not used one, but the Shen Hao has a reputation for being a bit sturdier than the Tachi. If I had to do it over, I'd get the Shen Hao instead of the Tachi.

    Zion National Park for Thanksgiving weekend

    in Nature

    Posted

    I left Zion just over a week ago. By then most of the trees had lost their leaves, particularly along the main canyon's Scenic Drive and along Route 9 through to the east side of the park.

     

    Regardless, Zion is still so colorful that you shouldn't be disappointed. If you can get a copy of this book (available in the park also), it's full of useful info, including shooting in Zion: http://tinyurl.com/y255rx

     

    Here's one excerpt: "Court of the Patriarchs: After sunrise behind the Museum, your first stop on the scenic drive should be to view the Court of the Patriarchs which face east to southeast, so best time is from sunrise to mid-morning. The official viewpoint is fine but a better location is across the road, next to the footbridge leading to the Sand Bench Trail."

     

    And another: "Checkerboard Mesa: short distance from east entrance. Medium wide angle to standard length lens works best. The Mesa has a north-south orientation. Best time of day is mid-morning thru mid-afternoon. From the base of the mesa, walk in the direction of the canyon to a small hill to the right; this makes an excellent vantage point at sunset to shoot the East Temple silhouetted against the evening sky."

     

    Okay, one more: "Towers of the Virgin: The most beautiful sunrise panorama in Zion. Station yourself directly behind the Zion Museum and mount [a wide angle lens]. The left side of the railing shows less of the unsightly trail crossing the empty field."

     

    Have a great trip.

    Zion canyon fall color this year?

    in Nature

    Posted

    I'm in Zion now and the colors along the scenic drive in the main canyon are a mixed bag. Some cottonwoods are golden, others still green. What maples I have seen have turned red. Oaks are turning golden brown. This weekend, and into next week if the weather holds should be prime time in Zion Canyon. But be prepared to stake out your parking spot early. Lots of visitors and photographers.

     

    There are other places along Route 9 that are well worth investigating and shooting too. Beautiful scenery and far less congested than the main canyon.

     

    Enjoy your trip.

    Zion in the Fall

    in Nature

    Posted

    Jimmy,

     

    I'm also planning a Southern Utah trip this fall and have come across a number of excellent sites by locals that helped firm up my itinerary including:

     

    http://www.zionnational-park.com

     

    http://www.canyoneeringusa.com

     

    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zion_National_Park_Hiking

     

    If you don't already have the new edition of Laurent Martres excellent book "Photographing the Southwest", you can order a copy here:

    http://canyoneeringusa.com/shop/view_product.php?product=photosw

     

    Have a great trip.

     

    -Dan

    Car Break-Ins at Trailheads

    in Nature

    Posted

    Lots of great suggestions. I will heed your advice about storing nothing in the car and keeping extra equipment in a locked case in the motel room.

     

    I'll have to make sure that the company I rent a car from has offices in the North Woods where I can get a replacement if someone/thing trashes the rental.

     

    Thanks for everyone's input.

     

    I'll post a trip report when I return.

     

    -Dan

    Some entry questions.

    in Large Format

    Posted

    Ray,

     

    Much depends on the type of photography you wish to do. If you plan to do field photography and considerable hiking/backpacking then weight will surely be an issue.

     

    If you know any local photographers or live in a larger metro area where LF equipment is sold, you might start there to get a hands-on feel for different camera types such as wood versus metal, etc.

     

    Steve Simmon's book "Using The View Camera" is well worth reading. And if you like nature photography, check out Jack Dykinga's book "Large Format Nature Photography".

     

    I started in large format with a Tachihara because the price was right, but that camera is not the most sturdy. In that price range, the Shen-Hao is viewed by some as being more sturdy. However, metal cameras can be lighter and much more sturdy than wooden cameras. For example, one brand that has a good reputation is Canham which you might want to investigate: http://www.canhamcameras.com.

     

    Regarding lenses, the four major brands Nikkor, Fujinon, Rodenstock and Schneider are said to all contain excellent lenses in their line-ups but you'll have to do some research to decide what is best for you. Check out one of Terry Thalmann's excellent articles at http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/future.htm for a review of lenses from 90mm to 450mm.

     

    If you don't want to load your own film holders, there are ReadyLoads from Kodak and QuickLoads from Fuji that I find are easier to use, although they are more expensive and the film selection is more limited.

     

    At Tim mentioned, a good tripod is essential. Carbon fiber tripods are favored by many because they are very sturdy and weigh less than metal ones, but will take less abuse - and are more expensive than metal.

     

    There's a bit of a learning curve to large format, but don't let that dissuade you. Once you see your first transparency on the light box, if you're like most of us, you'll be thrilled - and hooked.

    Car Break-Ins at Trailheads

    in Nature

    Posted

    Hello,

     

    Not a pleasant subject to bring up, but with all I have invested in

    photography equipment, it's certainly a concern.

     

    I'm planning a trip to California's Del Norte and Humboldt County Redwood Parks at

    a time when I expect there will be few other hiker/photographers in

    the area.

     

    I don't plan to leave any fancy equipment in plain sight, but I cannot

    backpack it all, nor do I necessarily want to leave any at the hotel

    room since I'm not sure it's safe there either.

     

    Have any of you had or heard of problems with vandalism and theft when

    parked at trailheads (or hotels) in that neck of the woods?

     

    Since I plan to rent a vehicle for the trip, is it better to get a car

    to be able to store extra gear in the trunk versus an SUV with its

    more visible interior?

     

    -Dan

    Armed and ready, quickloads are here, have 545i...

    in Large Format

    Posted

    Vick,

     

    A few basics: use a sturdy tripod, level the camera, focus carefully, lock down all movements/controls, use a nice long (20" or so) cable release and let the camera "settle" after removing the darkcloth, placing/removing film holder, before tripping the shutter. Shade the lens if necessary and slowly press the cable release.

     

    With bellows and QL jackets extended, the slightest breeze can throw your focus off. You may find it useful to recheck focus after making an image. I found that keeping good notes is generally helpful.

     

    I have always used a QuickLoad holder for QLs, so I cannot speak to the 545 doing double duty.

     

    Most importantly, have fun. -Dan

    Need help chosing filter size for multiple lenses

    in Large Format

    Posted

    John,

     

    I have the same Rodenstock 150 lens, as well as a number of other makes that take filter sizes up to 67mm; so I settled on two step up rings that, combined, work well for my 67mm filters.

     

    B+W and Heliopan both have good reputations and I lean towards these brands, but I'm sure there are other good filter manufacturers out there.

     

    Step up rings are easy to find. IIRC, I got mine cheap from Hong Kong. Check Ebay or any of the large suppliers like Adorama.com or BHPhotoVideo.com.

     

    -Dan

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