jeff mein smith

<p>Thanks, Nick - hope that's the cause.</p>

<p>I live in Hong Kong - I'd rather not be left on hold, when e-mail is (supposed) to be cheap and efficient.</p>

<p>Anyone had any trouble with Kirk lens collars for <em>service</em>? (not the product itself - that's brilliant). They were very quick to respond to an order I placed, but when I tried to cancel it a few hours later (on a Sunday, no less, so they would have been closed until Monday and able to action the cancellation), no reply.<br>

The collar turned up in the post later. When I again e-mailed them to see if I could return it, no reply, not even in the negative.</p>

<p>'Craig and Vicky'<br>

Natural light; cross-processed tungsten slide film; graffiti-covered old stockyards.<br>

I've only done a few weddings, and only if asked!</p><div></div>

<p>I use both on my F6. The AF is ever-so-slightly sharper wide open (as naturfotograf review says) but both produce dreamy, gorgeous portraits. The MF is a delight to use, with its silky-smooth focus (if you like expensive toys), is heavier but nicely balanced on the F bodies. I use the AF more simply because of the convenience of auto-focus with the option to go to MF if desired.</p><div></div>

I think a 1 series body would be best for speed of auto-focus, although the 5D is very nice. I've used an 85 1.2 Mk2 (on full frame)successfully at fashion shows and concerts. Check out www.e-fotografija.si/templates/?a=967&z=1&page=1 for 1D Mk3 info. The 40D gets good reviews, too.

HK airport is really relaxed compared to many, especially on arrival, but liquids are a no-no in hand luggage.

Victoria Harbour is still amazing, despite the pollution and land reclamation, especially at night, so go across on a Star Ferry (very cheap trip) and walk along the Avenue of Stars. The real (not the tourist trap) markets in Mong Kok and Central are great for local colour.

In Shenzhen, watch your bag closely - lots of beggars and pick-pockets.

Thanks for all your help - bought a San Disk card (good excuse to buy something!) with the enclosed software.

Jeff

Can anyone recommend a cheap, good program to recover deleted SD card pictures?

I'm running Windows Vista, Canon cameras and San Disk SD cards. Thanks for any

lifelines offered!

I use the STE2 transmitter - it has a focus-assist beam. No good for candids, but fine in a studio when someone is expecting to be photographed! It dramatically speeds up the response time.

Like Sidney, I'd recommend Crumpler. I have the Whickey & Cox and the 5 Million Dollar Home, which I used in India, but that was for a discreet, one body two lens set-up (24 & 135). The W & C is brilliant cos its zip is against your back (think 'pickpockets')and it can go face down in the (copious amounts of) dirt.

The little bag was against my stomach for easy access and security reasons.

The worst problem in India is dust.

1. www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-50mm-f-1.2-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx has the lenses side-by-side.

2. Introduced late 1998. As for up-grade/replacement, who knows? (other than Canon)

There are a few shops in Champagne Court, Kimberley Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon), that sell good second hand stuff. Don't accept the first price they say, though, but bargain a bit.

For new stuff, Wing Shing in Sai Yeung Choi St South (Mong Kok), Kinefoto in Stanley St, Central (HK Island) and Tin Cheung Camera in Carnarvon Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui again, are honest and reliable. Make sure you get an international warranty, though, as there are lots of grey imports here.

To give you an idea, a new 85 1.2L Mk2 is HK $15000.

If you get lost or stuck, call me!

Jeff (0852)93779964

Something as discreet as possible. My 24-70 and 1V HS attracted too much attention. I'd use a small prime or zoom, say the 50, or 35 f2. The hutons and interiors need something fast and reasonably wide. Be ultra careful with your bag, too; I used a waist holster. My 135 f2 worked a treat in India.

Adam, I've had a Pelican 1550 (with padded dividers) for years. It's brilliant: as their advertising claimed, protects against shark-bite, bear-bite, but maybe not 5 year-olds... I've hauled it around sand-dunes, mountain tops (helicopter access!) on all manner of wedding assignments etc etc. The new 1510 carry-on looks useful, too.

Paulo, interesting to read 'Velvia' in your posting: what camera body? I tried a 50 1.2 on my 1V and it was perfect, but on a borrowed 5D it misbehaved, displaying the close-distance focus problems some have complained of.

Thanks, Angel.

'You may have a bad copy'

Two sad ones, Delwyn, both from (different) reputable dealers, full international warranty etc. What are the odds of a third one being sub-par?

I've endured two soft/indifferent copies of the 24-70 zoom now. Could anyone

who actually owns this zoom and the new 50 1.2L tell me which one they find

sharper, with better colour etc. I shoot a lot at f2, f2.8.

NO speculators/hearsay experts, please, only real owners!

Crumpler Whickey and Cox (called the Shrinkle in some markets): carries my laptop, EOS 1VHS, spare lens, 550 EX etc. Slightly smaller than the Karachi Outpost. Amazingly comfortable, innards removable to become a normal backpack. 'Hidden' zip on Crumplers meakes them very hard for people to pilfer from while you're wearing it, too.

Yes: G7 in dedicated Canon leather case (retro-look like my dad's camera!). Feels substantial enough to be 'real', but unobstrusive, as the G6 user said. Fits into a (large) pocket or my work bag.

Powershot A710 IS: small, light, responsive, image stabilised and good image quality. Check it out at dpreview.com.

For what it's worth, Canon Hong Kong have a 'new product preview' next month, and the only DSLR mentioned is a 30D. Deception or disappointment?

Ales

When I travel in Asia I take a neoprene pencil case and fill it up with rice when I get there: instant camera bean-bag! It supports very heavy lens/camera combos, stops the gear getting scratched on rocks, balcony ledges etc and fits around all manner of uneven surfaces. Empty it (or cook and eat!) when you want to return/discard the weight. The rice works better than polystyrene balls. Jeff

Use the bulb setting/mode. To quote from my 1V manual: "Using bulb uses almost no battery power." The remote the 3 and the 1V share (RS80N3)has a lock to keep the shutter open manually.