sam_johnson5

<p>Me, I'd take a Leica M6, 21, 35 and 50mm lenses, a FM2 or FM3a with a 85/1.4 and lots of Velvia, Astia and Provia film. Much more reliable and probably much lighter weight too. Actually, that is my rig regardless of where I'm going.</p>

<p>I've had two copies of this lens and was hugely disappointed on my film cameras. One of the worst Nikon lenses I've ever used, it wasn't even sharp dead center and I know my focusing wasn't the problem. The 17-55mm is outstanding and the 12-24mm is right behind it. I'd say return the 20/2.8 and try something else, maybe a Zeiss ZF 21.</p>

<p>Not well regarded by many? Who? Check out the review on dpreview.com with which I have to agree in general. For what it is intended, a general purpose single lens for travel or whatever, it is darned good. The main complaints are some lens distortion which can be readily corrected in PS if a critical result is required. No, I wouldn't use it for a paid assignment, but most of the folks here aren't up against that kind of scrutiny. I can get this mounted on a D300 plus a 12-24mm/4 and a SB-600 all in a Domke F-803, which was my size criteria. Other than the 105mm macro, I think it will easily replace the other two, assuming you don't really need the added reach of the 70-300mm. The VR works great and it focuses quickly. It doesn't have fast optics (no super zooms do), but based on your criteria to consolidate from the lenses listed, I think it would be a great solution for you.</p>

<p>My how times have changed. Used to be they made you use a film camera instead of some computer that takes away all the thought in the image capture process. Anyway, if you're a Leica fan, try to talk your prof into letting you use a Panasonic GF1 or a Olympus EP-2 if they come out in time for your class. It is as close to digital gets to a Leica without spending a ransom on equipment.</p>

<p>Second the Getty. They have wonderful photo exhibits and the building is way cool.</p>

<p>Patience, my son, patience. There are good deals out there if you are patient enought to wait for them. I scored a black chrome M4 in wonderful condition for $1400 not too long ago. I think $1200-1300 should be doable for a near mint chrome body, but prices on M4's in top condition get a big premium. Be sure to ask lots of questions, don't assume anything.</p>

<p>Not sure who your seller was, but be sure to review their feedback carefully. Given the auction description and the price they were asking, I think I know who it may be. IMO, a feedback score of less than 99% for a regular seller of Leica items shouts trouble. On the other hand, my experience is sellers on pnet and RFF are of very high standing and prices tend to be very fair.</p>

<p>Glad to hear you will come out whole from the deal and best of luck for your search.</p>

<p>Patience, my son, patience. There are good deals out there if you are patient enought to wait for them. I scored a black chrome M4 in wonderful condition for $1400 not too long ago. I think $1200-1300 should be doable for a near mint chrome body, but prices on M4's in top condition get a big premium. Be sure to ask lots of questions, don't assume anything.</p>

<p>Not sure who your seller was, but be sure to review their feedback carefully. Given the auction description and the price they were asking, I think I know who it may be. IMO, a feedback score of less than 99% for a regular seller of Leica items shouts trouble. On the other hand, my experience is sellers on pnet and RFF are of very high standing and prices tend to be very fair.</p>

<p>Glad to hear you will come out whole from the deal and best of luck for your search.</p>

<p>Might want to rent a gyroscope mount if you want the images to be sharp.</p>

<p>Steve, it is thoughtful of you to post this question! You should be aware that, if you have hired a good photographer, they have been going non-stop for a good 4 hours (likely longer) by the time dinner is served (see 2 posts above). I've never actually put this into a contract, but on the other hand I don't think it is out of line for the photographer to do so.</p>

<p>While I always bring some granola bars with me, etc. I can tell you it is much appreciated when we are offered a meal like those being served the guests. We usually just eat in the kitchen with the other help which is fine. Gives us a chance to escape for a bit. Best time to eat is right after the head table is served and we get some of the early shots of the happy couple out of the way (clinking glasses and kisses stuff). It's good downtime at that time as there photo ops are pretty few and far between and we need some time to download our memory cards (to ensure they are backed up), etc. My bigger concern is usually dehydration rather than hunger (I'm in Hotlanta), so having water readily available is also most appreciated. </p>

<p>The 35-70/2.8 is an excellent lens with just a 62mm front filter size. This was the pro mid range zoom before the 24-70/2.8 came out. I think it even predates the 20-35/2.8. They are readily available on the used market. It is a push/pull zoom so watch for internal dust and be sure to get one that holds its position when extended and pointing upward (no zoom creep). </p>

<p>Asim, this is very insightful. With your revelation, you are now really ready to move to a higher level. My feeling is that, unless you are a Peter Lik, Jack Dykinga or Thomas Mangelsen and need the very best that technology has to offer for landscapes or wildlife, it really isn't about the equipment - it's about what is going on between your ears and simply being there. Countless highly emotion-evoking images have been produced on substantially less that state-of-the-art gear. Take Capa's Normandy invasion photos, for example.</p>

<p>BTW, I believe your budget is quite adequate to get into Leica M. Not too long ago, I purchased a perfectly operating M2 and crystal clear 35mm Summicron III for $1100. Add a cheap Gossen digisix meter and the total is actually under $1200. Be patient, these are out there in the used market, especially in today's economy. Sellers on pnet and RFF are especially reputable.</p>

<p>Best wishes to you on your journey.</p>

 

<p>You should probably designate a focal length, but as far as primes and zooms I vote for the 85/1.4 AIS and probably the 35-70mm/2.8 (an AF lens but runs in manual). There are many nice, larger zooms, but I don't go for their size.</p>

<p>Buy mine! It's for sale in the Leica section. Even if you decide RFs aren't for you can turn around and resell it. I've gotten so I can't hardly use a SLR, maybe this will happen to you??? Good luck with your journey.</p>

The lab that I have used for years for Ilfochrome printing, Holland Photo, has dropped this process. Can any one

recommend some really top flight Ilfochrome printers in the US? Thanks.

Thanks, everyone. I've purchased the MIS inks and a cleaning set to purge out the old Lyson inks. Looks like the black head is clogged, to on to the next problem. They say Windex may do the trick. We'll see.

Hi, all. I have a Epson 2200 printer that has been languishing because I've

never been satisfied with the inksets I've tried when printing black and

white. My latest attempt was the Lyson Daylight Darkroom set which I was never

able to get right and found their software and support underwhelming. So what

is the state of the art today, and what would be the best source for profiles

for that set? Thanks in advance.