marclangille

December 23, 2010

Jemal and John, much appreciated and best to you both for the holiday season.

Regards, Marc

December 23, 2010

Robert, Somanna, thank you!

Somanna: I agree about that second - nothing like it has ever happened since. Proof again that being attentive is critical - nothing can be taken for granted.

Best wishes over the holiday season for you both.

Regards, Marc

December 23, 2010

Hi Justin,

First off thank you very much!

The Pea Ridge area is further north by about 40 odd miles and I know you meant "west" of the Mississippi. Actually there are some relatively good reasons for my interest. The most important reason for me from a photographic perspective: the Civil War was the first extensively photographed conflict in history.

Actually I am reasonably familiar with Canadian history. I grew up in a small town in Nova Scotia that is now roughly an hour's drive across the Confederation Bridge onto Prince Edward Island to Charlottetown, where in 1864 the first conference was held (primarily) at Province House in preparation for the eventual union of the Province of Canada - East & West, now Quebec and Ontario. That is where I first learned a fair bit about Canadian history.

I also didn't live too far from Beinn Bhreagh, where Alexander Graham Bell (AGB) lived for much of his life in Canada. The museum in his memory and the amazing inventions for his time now stands in Baddeck, Nova Scotia (Cape Breton Island). On top of all of those amazing inventions (metal detector; precursor technology to magnetic storage, etc), Bell was part of the original leadership of National Geographic.

Then there is the Red River Rebellion in western Canada, aka the Métis Rebellion, led by Louis Riel. Lots of interesting things, but not on the same scale!

A lot of this part of history straddles the time lines of the American Civil War. Obviously you know events on either side affected the other.

Reproduction rights only for this exhibit, nothing else. I retain copyright to the images, no question there! A similar vein to yours was the sale of the hummingbird image for commercial reproduction rights only - they just wanted to protect the image for their exclusive use, since I retain copyright. My pricing/copyright of an image will depend on the situation - just like yourself.

Please "holler" if you come up to the NW region of AR Justin! All the best for the holidays and safe travels good sir.

Best, Marc

December 21, 2010

Hi Everyone,

First, a disclaimer to Justin Serpico: please don't roll over in your grave that a Canadian's interest in the Civil War era took some strange twists! 8-)

Background: In early 2009, I sent Taylor Studios a placeholder CD of images with over 200 images at 1024 pixels on the long side. This is for simplifying their workflow - those images act as placeholders during the design phase.

Taylor Studios is based in Rantoul, IL (south of Chicago). They have done work for a number of museums, nature centers, science centers, visitor centers, zoos and universities around the country: Taylor Studios - Interpretive Plans, Exhibit Design & Fabrication - <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.taylorstudios.com/map/project_map.html" target="_blank">http://www.taylorstudios.com/map/project_map.html</a>.

Taylor Studios portfolio: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.taylorstudios.com/portfolio/portfolio.html" target="_blank">http://www.taylorstudios.com/portfolio/portfolio.html</a>

December 2010: Received notification today that 3 of my Civil War images were selected by Taylor Studios for use in the Prairie Grove Battlefield museum exhibit renovations/design. This means that they should be on permanent display at the Prairie Grove museum. It turns out that two images are personal favorites. I had some others that I hoped would be selected, but alas no... artistic value is not always valued.

For now, here are two of the images in question....

K20D + FA* 300/2.8 + Pentax-F 1.7x AF TC:

DS + FA* 300/2.8:

I am not sure how big the printed images will be, but I know they'll hold up very well. Just need to confirm the terms for their use, etc. - specific to use at that museum of course. They're not allowed to use it anywhere else without permission and of course I retain copyright, unless negotiations take a strange twist!

UPDATE: I finalized the negotiations today!

The original negotiations were informal and were discussed almost 2 years ago - much has changed for me since then and they didn't hesitate at the increase. I upped the pricing discussed in 2009 by 50% - more of a better price for me, but still quite a bit below what I'd normally charge due to the significant exposure value, etc.

I confirmed the credit to the photographer will be given, so I gave them a better pricing than I'd normally consider. My images should have approximately 60,000 people going through the museum each year (if statistics are correct). What hasn't sunk in is the fact that most photographers never have an image on display - let alone permanent display - in any museum. One must start somewhere - still pinching myself!

Everyone's happy and I am seeing this longer than anticipated journey finally coming to a close within the year (I hope). Sorry for the short story/novel...

Cheers, Marc

October 12, 2010

I'll go for this one - Green Heron. Taken with K20D + FA* 300/2.8 down in the Rio Grande Valley:

October 12, 2010

Markus, looks like you are on a first name basis with the local crowd... 8-D

I like them!!

Cheers,

Marc

October 9, 2010

Interesting post Yvon... 8-)

Perhaps I am out of line with this: the last class I taught a while back - Basics of Digital Photography - I challenged the students by the second class to shoot in M mode exclusively. The next class they brought much better images. The digital camera allowed them a quicker learning curve in terms of instant feedback and better understanding, no question. It's as if the light came on (albeit dimmer for some) and they began to understand the relationship between exposure time, ISO and aperture values. Yes, it's not a revelation, but it's a start to help them be more competent with image capture in difficult lighting situations.

Yes, I shoot almost exclusively in M mode or AV mode, due to the subject type that I am photographing most of the time. This also allows me much, much greater creativity in controlling DOF and hence the final image result. I do not consider that old school, I consider it exercising my creativity over a image capturing tool. It's my vision that matters, not what the camera's electronics think is best - although sometimes a compromise is required.

Regards, Marc

September 25, 2010

Taken with the K10D +FA* 250-600/5.6.

Observation Post: <img src="http://www.marclangille.com/Nature/Hummingbirds-1/IGP9979-1cropped/1013024733_txvPU-L.jpg" alt="" /> It's such a crappy camera... I mean, it's 4 years old!!!! 8-)

<a href="http://www.marclangille.com/Nature/Hummingbirds-1/IGP9979-1cropped/1013024733_txvPU-XL.jpg">Larger image</a> Cheers, Marc

September 17, 2010

@Michael: that's the best part - I just sent them a link to the image and they responded with an inquiry for an outright buy. It took them 2 more months to respond to my terms (they are very busy), but the timing on the market packaging refresh precipitated the acceptance and the desire for a very quick turnaround.

@Lauren/Matt/Laurentiu: thank you all for looking/reading/commenting - it's appreciated.

Best, Marc

September 17, 2010

@Robert: thank you very much!

@Justin: indeed and it is surprisingly sharp wide open throughout the entire FL. It's a phenomenal zoom and it's the best of any I've tried in the FA* range. Probably just as sharp as my FA* 300/2.8. That's a subjective statement of course, but I'm hard pressed to see any difference in the image IQ - it's usually me or the camera who caused any problems. I think the K10D is under-rated as you indicated. Much appreciated on the comments good sir.

@Dave: thanks Dave and hope all is well!

September 16, 2010

Hey, the K10D is still around for several reasons, including timed exposures at night... 8-)

Perhaps the truth is hard to bear Mis, so here goes - the link to <a href="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=924531776&ImageKey=nhe7G">EXIF data</a>.

For reference, here's the File Info... via CS4: <a href="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/1010773098_am6YK-XL.jpg">http://www.marclangille.com/photos/1010773098_am6YK-XL.jpg</a>. I know you are strong enough to handle the truth!

Cheers, Marc

September 16, 2010

Normally I don't take many (or post) hummer images while they are on a feeder, but the image clarity and wing feather details really caught my eye on this shot. It's uncropped from approx. 12 feet away. Image is approx. 33% of the actual size: <img src="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/924531776_nhe7G-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="536" /> Link to larger image: <a href="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/924531776_nhe7G-X2.jpg">http://www.marclangille.com/photos/924531776_nhe7G-X2.jpg</a> Camera Details: Pentax K10D Shutter speed: 1/250 sec. Aperture: F/7.1 Focal length: 600mm ISO 320 AV mode Metering: center weighted Lens: FA* 250-600/5.6 Support system: Gitzo 3541XLS CF tripod Wimberley WH-200 gimbal head Wimberley P50 lens plate The best part is that I now have given (SOLD) exclusive reproduction rights on this image - it will feature in the packaging, banners, etc. for their future products at every Wal-Mart/Lowes/Amazon/online retailers/other B&M stores carrying First Nature Hummingbird Feeders (owned by Daisy) in North, Central and South America. Received notification on Tuesday, Sept. 14th of the desire by First Nature Outdoor Products: they really wanted the image and accepted my terms! Apparently the marketing folks were in the midst of a refresh on packaging so they needed it by Wednesday... talk about short notice! They signed the agreement I drew up without hesitation (I still retain copyright!) and then I handed over the digital images to them on Wednesday at their main office. I spent some time with the Marketing Manager and we talked for at least 30 minutes after the VP of Marketing headed out for appointments. Good to go and everyone is VERY happy. Examples of a simple retailer search online: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.google.com/products?q=first+nature+hummingbird+feeder&hl=en&aq=0&oq=First+Nature+Hummingbir" target="_blank">http://www.google.com/...er&hl=en&aq=0&oq=First+Nature+Hummingbir</a> I hope you enjoy the image! Cheers, Marc

February 9, 2010

Regarding gear choices and Pentax being a capable system: Jason Edwards is currently the only Aussie photographer that is directly represented by National Geographic in Washington, DC. He is still using Pentax (including digital) to this day.

http://bio-images.com/photographer.php

http://bio-images.com/awards.php

He is a very down to earth and likable man of integrity. He has put himself in danger more than once to bring attention to some of the ills in our world that we might not ever know about or not understand the extent of. He's off to Terra Del Feugo at month's end then Antarctica.

I believe my information is very reliable... ;-)

Regards, Marc

December 16, 2009

Peter, what is the cutoff date? I've been away officiating at a National Championships in Bend, OR the last week (Dec. 8th - 14th) so if I have time I'd be glad to take a peek.

For what ever my opinion is worth of course.

Regards. Marc

November 26, 2009

Yes, Peter is correct - sometimes I seriously questioned my sanity in those temps while in a blind... 8-) However, because the wildlife there rarely see people, you have fewer choices on how to get the tight shot, even with 500mm.

Dave, keep the faith and stay the course - this takes time! You've added an extra element too, MF makes it more of a challenge. A lot depends on your long lens technique and how you locate and photograph the subject(and subject compliance of course). That is where timing comes in to play. Those birds (Red Bellied Woodpecker, Waxwings, etc.) are very tough subjects!

I'm not quite ready to regularly use the above lens on a monopod, but I'll know soon enough, since it really does take a lot of practice to use 500mm+ on a monopod. The good part is that once you go back to shorter FL lenses, you'll see a big improvement on the image sharpness (assuming it's in focus, etc.) with them. The discipline and technique needed to obtain sharp shots with longer lenses will only benefit you when shooting shorter FL.

Not to hijack the thread, but this is for Douglas Stemke: this one's for you! The FA* 250-600/5.6 with Wimberley WH-200 head: <img src="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/720165493_qcxFT-L.jpg" alt="" /> Front view: <img src="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/720165312_nRP9c-L.jpg" alt="" />

Regards, Marc

October 19, 2009

Dave, the last seems to be the best of them - shows that the 2X-L is quite a good TC in the right conditions! BTW, those X-L series teleconverters are by far the best option for the A* and most FA* longer glass for a reason: minimal image degradation. I tried the 1.7x AF TC on the FA* 300/2.8 and it is excellent in most conditions.

My next statements are not a criticism: I am thinking about those EV values. As you know the shutter speeds have dropped to close to or below the actual FL so it becomes tougher for the sharpest image possible. Is there a specific reason for bumping the EV value to 0.7 to 1.0? You've lost some shutter speed as a result, hence my question. Just curious...

As a side note, I am not sure if I'll use a TC much with the new FA* 250-600/5.6 though - mainly because I rarely wanted more than 500mm and as you know it's not just for birding. That's because I relied more on technique than simply using the longest FL possible. Of course, having a variety of TCs will help the flexibility factor.

Regards, Marc

October 19, 2009

@Doug: Best of luck on this lens - exceptionally rare due to low volume production. Hey, not everyone wanted a lens costing $7400, right? 8-)

@Ken: I agree regarding the max. aperture, although in decent or better lighting, it's fine. The fastest 600's are only 1 stop faster, but I wanted a slightly lighter lens. I've tested the power zoom and it's really fast! Less than 1 second to go from 250-->600 or vice versa. Very nice, very smooth.

To me, it's the preferable lens due to it's FL: better framing, cropping, composition, since I don't wish to use it only for birding. Also easier to find a subject due to the wider FOV at 250mm without an external aid or looking outside the viewfinder. Another major reason is the MFD: 11.5 feet, that's quite a bit lower than any other 600mm lens!!

October 17, 2009

Hi Dave, regarding the monopod question - I'd suggest a QR solution instead of directly screwing it in - perhaps buy the Wimberley C-10 QR plus lens plate:

http://www.tripodhead.com/products/qr-clamps-main.cfm

OR

the RRS option (more expensive): http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Itemdesc.asp?ic=MH-01&eq=&Tp

October 17, 2009

@Les: thank you sir!

@Somanna: yes, I did think it appropriate to include the DA 50-200 - otherwise the reference of scale is more difficult to explain - dimensions/lengths don't have the same impact! Thanks for the kind words and the previous owner also shoots a EOS 1D MKII with a 500/4 so he's got a great setup. Evidently he's not used the lens for some time (no Pentax DSLR body for some time). He knew that I wanted 1st option on buying it since I missed out by a few days on buying it in 2007. Since we met last year, I know for both buyer and seller it makes a big difference in terms of trust, knowing what the lens can do, etc.

@Antoni/Garry: it's a aesthetically pleasing family I think and thank you. Please consider living vicariously through future images I might take with the lens. Much cheaper too!

@Sean/Yuri: thank you both and I'll post some test shots I took last year in the coming days!

@Robin: "I hate the loud "Pentax" so prominently on them - very tacky I think. " Fear not good sir, they are undressed! 8-)

Here is my FA* 300/2.8 in working clothes, since I shoot primarily wildlife and the LensCoat really protects your investment and in hotter weather lessens the heat buildup on the metal barrel: <img src="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/422858217_SHmJR-L.jpg" alt="" />

I don't care if the camo pattern Lens Coat is left on when photographing people - related events, but I might some day buy a plain color version instead.

Regards, Marc

October 17, 2009

Good point Lindy - missed that about the manfrotto head being used... mea culpa.

October 17, 2009

@ Andrew: what, no love for rubber bands? 8-) The story behind it is that's what the previous owner left in place because the knob twisted and released so he lost the filter and holder. Again, it's FA* LBA that is complete, nothing else about any other LBA. You are correct about the focus limiter - it's that ring with the distance markings on it. The power zoom is really fast - less than a second to go from 250 --> 600 either way. The AF is fine with decent light on a K20D, but I've not tested on a K7 yet. Just haven't had time to put it through it's paces for several reasons (including my car being in for repairs over the weekend).

@Bob and Laurentiu: thank you both and I promise to share images once time permits!

@Robert: thanks for looking and commenting. I live in the Ozarks - just a small area to cover! 8-)

@Dave: "Congratulations, Marc! I love lenses that come in trunks (just took delivery of one myself :~)

I share the skepticism about the "end of lba" The important thing is that that lens is in very capable hands."

Thank you Dave and it's a surprise to the local camera store folks too. It's only FA* LBA is complete though - just want to make sure folks understand that I did not say LBA in general!

October 17, 2009

@ Michael: I agree with your comments about Jay. I know why he handled it so carefully too. It's quite a lens!

@ Sudhakar/Frank: thank guys and I did say FA* LBA is complete, not LBA is complete... 8-)

@ Jose: they won't know what happened! Thank you sir.

October 17, 2009

Dave: congrats on the new acquisition! Just keep practicing good sir and results will follow! If any lens that's MF from Pentax on my list to consider, that 400/2.8 is it. As Lindy alluded, proper support is critical. I'm getting a Gitzo CF tripod simply to keep hiking and airline travel weights down. It will be the 3541XLS or 5541LS for me. They have ~40lb and 55lb max. support weight, which is the norm - for best stability, you want roughly double the leg capacity of the weight of the lens, head and camera body, etc. combined. Mine will weigh in around 19-20lbs so the 3541 is the min. I would want.

Disclaimer... I am a Wimberley Professional Services member, so take my comments at face value - I used their products before they brought me on board. You may wish to consider the 60 day loaner program from Wimberley if you go that route - no charge if you return it within that time period...

I have a slightly blemished P50 as a spare (in otherwise excellent shape), but I am guessing you might need the P30/P40, since the foot on the FA* 300/2.8 may be of a similar size. The P50 is for very long feet, such as the Sigma 500/4.5 and the FA* 250-600/5.6. The P30 is more than twice the length of my FA* 300/2.8's foot (just over 2 inches long). Not all plates have a set of safety stops as part of the lens plate - you install screws (supplied) with the P40 and P50 plates. Looking at the 400/2.8 I am guessing it's a shorter foot and the P30 or P40 is the best option - could be wrong and you'll need to confirm. Basically the tripod collar location is similar to the FA* 300/2.8 so to better balance the lens it would be projecting forward to the front of the lens. Let me know if you need a pic for better explanation.

See this page for lens plate lengths: <a href="http://www.tripodhead.com/products/lens-plates-specs.cfm">http://www.tripodhead.com/products/lens-plates-specs.cfm</a>

BTW, I'm going to be traveling to Bend, OR in December - where are you located? E-mail is fine too... Cheers, Marc

October 14, 2009

@Nick, Patrick and John: thanks guys!

@ Michael: then you met up with the previous owner, Jay! That's the same lens. Thanks for the kind words and I'm hoping that I can prove with the right glass and some skill, results can follow.

October 14, 2009

Here's the badge detail on the trunk: <img src="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/680289243_U9K4x-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="514" />

I opened the trunk and I see a nicely padded interior, cutouts and of course the beautiful curved silver surfaces of the FA* 250-600/5.6: <img src="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/681076066_mNFGC-L.jpg" alt="" /> I pulled out the lens and removed the lens hood (aka hood bonnet): <img src="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/680280055_rtTbE-L.jpg" alt="" /> Closer details of the lens barrel: <img src="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/680255203_RpT9Q-L.jpg" alt="" /> For some reason I like this one a great deal - a little tighter and it's almost like a product shot: <img src="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/680281379_wQZ3n-X2.jpg" alt="" /> Here's the scale of size test - from left to right: trunk and accessories, Wimberley lens plate (P-50, which I already had), FA* 80-200/2.8, FA* 200/4 Macro, FA* 300/2.8 and FA* 250-600/5.6. <img src="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/680284007_LWnxZ-L.jpg" alt="" /> That little black lens in front of the FA* 200/4 Macro is the DA 50-200... Last image for now - this is much better at showing the physical size of each lens: <img src="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/680282644_Umzhz-L.jpg" alt="" />

For reference, the FA* 250-600/5.6 with the hood extended is ~21.5 inches long.

I hope you enjoyed them! Regards, Marc

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