les_borg

Hi Chad

I use a Bronica 645 spacer on the tripod head quick release unit. This gives enough space to clear the booster from the head. It's designed to fix to the tripod q/r plate. You then have to use a thumb screw to fix the camera/collar to the spacer. The screw is part of the Bronica unit.

Hi Chris

My experience with aquarium photography suggests that one should place the flash gun/s over the top of the unit, rather than fire thru' the glass. The latter seems to result in underexposure, maybe due to light reflection from the glass surface.

On the other hand, flash light that is applied from above has the effect of bouncing on the internal glass surfaces and thus helps to illuminate the underside of the subject to some degree; although; this experience is with small mammals, rather than fish. I usually use two guns (550 EX with Canon 1V)and ST-E2 transmitter.

I hope this may help.

The winner, to me is not a special shot - in fact, it is quite ordinary for African wildlife. I have to wonder why such a shot was ever accepted passed the BBC Wildlife Magazine office staff, who I'm told filter out all the "also rans" before the judges ever get to see the much smaller selection. There are other shots too that are in no way special. My personal favourite for the top slot was the whale feeding.

Maybe it's about time, we had a proper Nature Photographers exhibition.

Does anyone out there have any knowledge of good nature photography

sites within one hour's drive of Almunecar (about 70 Km East of

Malaga, Spain). I'm going with non-interested wife & friends, who

would like to see some nice towns and scenery, but I would like the

wildlife.

Thanks.

I have found Provia 400F a fine film, but it definately is more grainy than Sensia or Provia 100, even when pushed to ISO 200. Also, I think that it is under rated. I habitually set my 1V bodies 1/3rd. stop under the standard ISO rating for a film, as I have found that the evaluative metering always gives under exposure. I did the same with the Provia 400F and thought that the results were a little on the light side and definately grainy, but no worse than say Kodachrome 200.

All in all, it's a useful film when the light is low or when max. shutter speed is important.

I think that contributors to this question may not be aware or perhaps forgotten that Canon recommended that one should not use extension tubes to reduce close focusing because it would degrade the imaging of the lens. Fluorite glass is designed to bring all colours of light to the same focusing point. An extension tube changes the position of that point, so there would be (in theory) image degradation, although I don't think that anybody would notice it without lab analysis.

The reason why manufacturers have not built in closer focusing has been well covered already here, so I can't add any more to it.

Does anyone know of a convenient Blackcock lek in Scotland. A friend

and I tried one North of Ballater, but it was a lot of hassle and we

were rewarded with just 3 shots before it was all over. If you don't

want to broadcast the answer to all & sundry, please contact me by e-

mail.

Thanks

Hi Brian; You may know that I visited Florida in April 1998, but you may not know that I used 70 rolls of Velvia against 55 rolls of Sensia. I rated the velvia at 100 and push processed the films myself. I never used velvia after 10am or before 4pm because of the harsh contrasty conditions. I was more than satisfied with the results, so I guess you could be as well. Some of the work has been published and you will see examples of that work in the March issue of the British magazine "Outdoor Photography" - on sale about the 10th. Feb.

Good luck

Les<div></div>

If you are a bit handy, try making a device from a telescopic radio arial. Cut off the bottom fixing and sharpen to a point; cut off the top knob; heat up an area 1" below the top and bend it over 90 deg. Clean off the chrome with glass paper; silver solder a small crocodile clip to the end. I use a small piece of chamois leather to protect the plant stem. This may now be stuck in the ground near the plant to be photographed. Wrap the leather around the stem grip the leather ends only with the clip. This should work for light winds. Best of luck.

Les

Hi Brian - again

As my family come from Malta - I should be able to help you. There is a reserve at the north end of the island - at Ghadira (pronounced Hadeera. There is a web site for Birdlife Malta - www.waldonet.net.mt/birdlife/ . Try contacting someone at their base in Ta'Xbiex. Tel. 00356 347646, e-mail blm@orbit.net.mt

I'm told that you may have to be accompanied around the reserve, but good luck.

Les

Brian; I used a 100 - 400 IS zoom ata well known seal colony, here in the UK. I kept the IS on for many of the shots - about 15 rolls. I carefully checked them after processing and could see no difference between the IS and non IS pictures. Secondly, I checked them against a number of trannies taken at the same site, in 1998, using a 300mm f2.8L prime. Again, I could not tell the difference between the shots under an 8 x loupe.

Bearing in mind what has been said above and also this addition, I would leave it on when on low shutter speeds, but perhaps not worry on faster speeds.

Hi Jim

I assume that you want to print onto Ilfochrome paper (Cibachrome) - if that is the case, then an image that is less saturated will print better than a high contrast image. There are limits; but make sure that there is detail in the highlights when selecting an image to print from.

The reason for that is that each reproduction produces higher contrast, so it's better to start from relatively low contrast at the outset.

Hi Brian

I used to run photography courses on Skokholm Island, Pembrokeshire, UK. There are several thousand Puffins there, but you will almost certainly have to stay on the island for a week, although - this year, The Dyfed Wildlife Trus, who manage the island allowed a split week at the end of June. There was plenty there at that time, with a number of hides/blinds in the best places. Tel. UK 01437 765462 (from U.S. 44 1437 765462)to make a booking for next year.

Failing that, the neighbouring island of Skomer allows daily visits by the general public. You need to take the daily boat over there and return the same day, unless you have made alternative arrangements.

The Puffins there will come up to you & undo your boot laces if you let them. They are so used to seeing large numbers of humans each day.

Good luck

Hi Robert

I would say that a picture that succeeeds is one that the viewer sees and needs to draw breath at the image!!!

So what does that mean - well, look at any image that creates that reaction in yourself. It can be a rare subject or a fantastic landscape in wonderful light; but I believe that I am stating the obvious here.

I give slide shows here in the UK and now and again, people in the audience will ooh & ah!, but don't forget that their reactions are related to what they know and what they perceive as being wonderful. A birder isn't going to react in the same way with an architectural image, no matter how well photographed it is - some photographers might, but that is another story.

A UK magazine (Amateur Photographer) published an opinion by one of its staff, relating to Henri Cartier-Bresson; he stated that the material produced was boring and indifferent. That was his opinion. It also happens to be mine and several people have written to the magazine stating the same; so I would say don't worry about Jane/Joe Dow, just get on with your photography, buy good photography books and be inspired by what you see - then go out and do something like it.

Best wishes

Les Borg

In answer to Jeff Hallett's question on EBX film: I took a free roll from my UK Amateur Photographer magazine, to Florida, in April. Frankly, it was ghastly; all the blacks seemed very blue and the blues were well O.T.T. Maybe it was that I processed the film with my Sensia rolls in standard E6 chemistry - but for what it is worth, that was my findings.

100 VS on the other hand looks good, but here in the UK, we can buy Sensia II 100 for around #2.40 ($1.53) a roll (NPP) and it seems perfectly good to Britains nature photographers. Hardly anybody uses Provia - as we can't see the difference - so why spend more.

Hi Cliff

The most important thing to remember is that Hares are relatively small animals, so make your attempts after harvest time and before Late May in England. Use your car as a hide if possible. Maybe a friendly farmer will allow you onto one of his fields. Early & late in the day is the time to look.

I was once taken by vehicle onto some land surrounding my village in Hertfordshire, to find Hares - we found about 30. No one would have known of that number in such a small area.

Good hunting

Les Borg

I would like to go to The Beisbosch park in Holland to photograph

Beavers. Does anybody know of an exact location for them. I was told

of a hide/blind that overlooks a lodge on the forestry plantation

alongside the park, but I do need some details about the location -

like "where the hell is it", "Who do I contact", Which way does it

face", What time of day is best?

I thank all positive respondents in advance.

Les Borg

John - I'm going to Florida in April - I may not go as far as Merritt Island, but just in case, a list of birds may be useful.

Thanks

Les Borg

Rene - I here from Frederick that you have been making extensive use of the web.

My answer re: the Benbeo Mk1 tripod is:- don't consider using it for lenses longer than about 300mm. It is a very useful tool for low level work, but not for serious hide work with long lenses. You would be better off, using a heavy gitzo conbined with a Manfrotto head. The heads that are now being used by some photographers (Alan Williams & Dave Cottridge) are of the more expensive kind - I think -about #500. The head that I am referring to is in their catalogue. I believe that it is the 505 or 510 video head.

I use a Vinten Vision 5 head - which is actually designed for TV cameras - but is ideal for a 600mm f4.

Best wishes

Les Borg

I note that Rene De Here answered your question. As Secretary of Lee Valley Nature Photographers, I note that people who come along to their first meeting might be put off by the large number of members present and feel isolated. We are trying to remedy the situation, but it also remains a view that new members should try to get involved themselves - and many do. Those that do - stay with us and enjoy the events. If you would like to give us a try, please respond and I'll send you an application form.

For your interest, we have three hide locations around the park - which extends 23 miles from Bow to Amwell. They are all located around a small area near Waltham Abbey (Fishers Green). These sites are fed with seed and peanuts by committee members from time to time, but it's best to bring your own.

Les Borg

Membership Secretary

Hi Brian

Thanks for the posting on my question (re: speed limit). I do remember both you and Christine at Fishers Green, when you asked about joining.

I was surprised to see your note in EOS magazine sometime back though - is it really that bad.

if you want to contact me - I am on les@les-borg-photography.co.uk

Regards to both of you,

Les

1. During my trip to Florida in April, I will want to photograph

Manatees. I am told that I may see them at Blue Springs Park, but as

I am not wishing to travel further North than Orlando, I would like

to find a location further south - any ideas anyone.

2. Secondly - what time is sundown in mid April?

3. What is the speed limit on interstate 95 (for my trip from Miamai

to Merritt Island). I gather from the map that I have that the

journey length is about 232 miles.

Thanks,

Les Borg

Good heavens Mike - I look forward to seeing the answer/s to this one!!!

Les

Steve,

You may like to know of an organisation known as the Field Studies

Council. They have several centres around the country at which,

courses on anyhting take place. I run one at Malham Tarn in North

Yorkshire. Their telephone number is 01743 850674 (from the UK). They

can send you a brochure of all their courses.

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Best wishes,

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Les Borg