larry_kincaid2

<p>I would get the Panasonic GH2 camera. It's the latest version and has a higher resolution sensor. It's featured on Luminous Landscape. But I'd use it with the kit camera it comes with--optimized I think for video--and the very high quality 20mm lens, which becomes a 40mm "normal" lens on the GH2. Problem is that this camera does not seem to be available yet in the US. I have a M9 and a G1. There's no comparison in terms of image quality. The better sensor of the M9 is just much better. Having said that, the images from the G1 and now GH2 are perfectly fine. You just cannot expect to crop them and maintain high image quality like you can with the M9. But come back in 4-6 years, as you've suggested, and let's see what the newer generation sensors look like on the G5 or G7. Okay, nice, but I don't think the sensor on the M9 has to get any better than it is now. So, it's only a matter of how long it lasts and if it can be replace in the future if necessary. </p>

<p>I'd add a strong vote for KEH. I had to send one back once; no problem if done within the 2 week or so evaluation period. I've also would trust Photo Village and Popflash. For vintage lenses, I have had good purchases from Kevin Cameras. The latter may give you too much information about the status of its lenses and tons of photographs as well. Prices vary, so you always want to shop around. In my experience, used lenses are always in what looks like "new" condition to me. I cannot see much difference from the new ones I've bought. </p>

<p>I got jumped by three pre-teens one time in Durban South Africa at 11 AM on the street, also full of other people. The rule in the US is that if the streets are full of people in a business area, there's not much risk. Depends on the level of poverty. Even a cheap P&S would look good to someone who knows nothing about cameras. One went for the wallet in my front pocket (never put it in the rear pocket), one went for the othe pocket with the handkerchief, and the 3rd went for my camera. But as the guy said up above, "I always preferred to carry my camera on a shoulder strap bandoleer fashion," which is what I was doing. That means over your shoulder and your neck, so it's harder to pull off. I spun away reflexively when the three hit at exactly the same time. The camera kid failed to get it loose, the wallet guy failed to get into my front pocket, but the handkerchief guy was a success. They were pure hit and run. So, off they went, assuming that no one would chase them. The joke is, of course, that there's no way I would want to fight with three kids on the street in any country. If they had just faced me and asked for the camera and wallet, I probably would have given it to them. And I'm about 6' 6" with shoes on! That's suppose to make them all shy too. Don't count on it. So, unless you're using the camera, keep it over your shoulder and neck, and if walking a lot I always put the camera in a small bag, also over my shoulder/neck. The real bottom line is, however, insure all your camera gear so that when any is stollen you get to replace it with brand new equipment. That thought will make your trip very merry indeed. By the way, I only had this happen once in 30 years of traveling and working around the world. It's only good for an occassional story. </p>

<p>There may be a flip side to the high demand explanation, if I'm a good example. I promised my wife I would sell two lenses to help pay for my M9. That was months ago. I have a 24mm, 28mm, and 50mm Lux Pre-ASPH that I should sell, but alas, as has been said here many times, "Never sell your Leica gear. It's always going up in price." So, some people may have used lens to sell but compared to a few years ago when prices were flat or down, people are hanging on to them too long therefore keeping then off the market. </p>

<p>Someone on another m4/3 forum told me about a web site that sells a M42 to m4/3 adapter that does not have a metal flange that blocks the SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4 lens from being fully screwed on. It sells for just $19.44 or so. Meanwhile, it looks like Fotodiox sells the same adapter on its web site. The photos and labeling are identical and it does not look like the one I just bought. This is a great, why-not-try-it price for an adapter, for anyone else who is interested. </p>

<p>Thanks for the . . . hmmm, not so good news. I have what looks like a near mint Super-Multi-Coated Takumar, SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4 lens. This must mean that the other Pentax 50mm lenses that you mention do not have this tab. As I said, neither of my other two lenses have the tab. It's a formidable looking piece of metal. I suppose if I searched hard enough, I could find out why it's there. With the 4/3 adapter it's certainly not needed. I was able to take some photographs at close range (say 10 feet or so). The quality of the image and bokeh is definitely there. I just shot leftover roll of Kodak kodachrome slide film that I had, just in time to get it processed in Kansas before the Dec. 31 deadline. The slides that came back looked great to the eye, but the scanned version that came with them was not very good. This is the one last hope for film, being able to get them scanned at a very high level by the processor. Didn't make it. There were about 4-5 good shots out of the 36, which is not bad. Needless to say, I'm not likely to use my Pentax Spotmatic again any time soon, if ever. The G1 and other 4/3 cameras have given a new life to these beautiful lenses. Do you know where I could get the tab filed down? If I bought an old fasioned manual file, it looks to me lile it would take aboiut six weeks to finish the job. You're talking about machine filing, right? Thanks. Let's nome someone else writes in with a better solution. </p>

<p>I just received an adapter from Fotodiox to mount Pentax screwmount lenses on my G1. The adapter that came works okay with two of my lenses (55mm f1.8 and 135mm lenses), but it does not work with the one I bought it for. The Takamur 50mm F1.4 lens has a metal tab that extends below the threads into the chamber of the G1. It hits a lip on the Fotodiox adapter that prevents the lens from screwing in all the way. So, there's no way that it will work or focus to infinity. Presumably, this lens has the tab because the glass extends past the threads into the original Pentax SLR camera (the others do not do this). The tab is totally unnecessary with the G1 because the adapter adds considerable extra room between the lens and the inside of the G1. So, does anyone have any experience with this? Is there a different type of M42 adapter that does not have this problem, or am I stuck with no way to use this classic lens on my G1? Thanks in advance.</p>

<p>The key to understanding his attitude about cropping is that he did not print his own photographs. Someone else always did it for him. So, technically speaking, you could say he didn't crop because he didn't finish his own photographs. He would not even know how to crop for a print. Contrast that with Ansel Adams who was a master printer and sometimes printed his negatives dozens of time because he couldn't get it quite right. This means that Cartier-Bresson might have endorsed some cropping if he were finishing his own images in PhotoShop today. But worse yet, it means that there must be dozens (hundreds) of gems that he took that were never printed because he did not get it right the first time. I've always thought that very quick photography---unlike say landscape or sitting portraits--could not possibly be done perfectly. Some cropping and leveling would always have to be done. Having said that, I still think that everthing else he says is correct--getting the geometry and structure just right with respect to focal points, action, drama, etc. Flawless in most of the photos that we were allowed to see. P.S. People who do print and work in photoshop should not feel constrained by his dictum about post-cropping.</p>

<p>These are some of the best, most creative photos that I've seen here in a long time. The whole set, not just some of them. Congratulations to everyone. </p>

<p>Makes you want to ban the sale of any kind of acid, or at least make it a highly contolled substance. I realize that this would be impossible in the countries where this is happening. Or would it? Acid is such an easy substance to use against someone and one that's almost impossible to stop or treat. Fire would be easier to deal with, almost any other weapon. Maming is clearly the intent here, maming for life. It's about as depressing as anything one could imagine. Human trafficing is another one I would like to wipe out with a magic wand, but there are no such wands. Horribly sad. </p>

<p>I have a policy from State Farm called something like a "personal items" insurance policy. It pays complete replacement value. Cost has gone up considerably during the last year, however. I've never filed a claim. It gives me great peace of mind. Who knows how much hassle it would be to get reimbursed for a theft overseas. You'd certainly want to get a police report. Worth checking out. It's not tied to my household policy with State Farm at all. </p>

<p>Cannot decide. My favorite photos with my G1 so far were taken with a Leica 50mm Lux (preasph), which functioned like a 100mm lens at 4/3. I used it in Machu Picchu around my neck with a Leica M8 and 35mm Lux a la 50mm. The G1 is light enough with the M8 that it didn't bother me to have two cameras around my neck at the same time. I took great "environmental portraits" of some of the others in our group while I was trying to take the ultimate picture of Machu Picchu that no one else ever took. That's like trying to do that for the Eiffel Tower in Paris. I had it, but the wrong angle and it disappeared. At the top of the East Gate with a very small Machu Picchu down below and out of focus, a small beautiful bird suddenly landed on the edge of the "cliff." I had about 3 seconds to take the photo. No one would ever have taken such a beautiful photo before or after unless they brought along a stuffed bird. But alas, the silly bird landed just a wee bit too much to the right of me to get Machu Picchu in the background. So, it's just a silly photo of a bird. Pretty, I suppose.</p><div></div>

<p>Gabriele asked an interesting question that some participants here used to have answers to. Why are you giving him such a hard time? </p>

<p>What's so funny about this discussion is that the $7,000 Leica M9 does not come with a kit lens included. No one complained about that. I recommend the $10,000 Leica 50mm f0.95 lens. Then no one would have to complain about the cost of the camera! Seriously (if lens prices are not serious enough), it's not that the production is limited. It's that the cameras are hand made in Germany and <strong><em>that </em></strong>limits production. They'd make more if they could. That's what we want, a hand made Leica camera that takes all of Leica lenses. But the sensor has to do justice to the high quality lenses. Than means a custom designed Kodak sensor. Surely a lot of the $ 7,000 is for Kodak. Keep in mind, Kodak also cannot mass produce the sensor they provide either. So, they have to make more profit per unit to justify the development and production costs. Do you really expect that Contax or anyone else could produce a RF camera that would take Leica lenses that also has the same high quality sensor? What sensor and for what price? Do you really want a lower quality (I don' just mean pixel count) sensor after spending that much money on a Leica lens? The prices of the camera and lens match. I cannot see why Nikon users would complain at all: they have alternative Nikon cameras--including the D700--that takes the same Nikon lenses. They have a choice, so what's to complain about. I don't think a cheaper RF camera with a different sensor would be as viable a choice as the D700 is for Nikon users. Meanwhile, we still get responses like the one above: "The prints made with the Leica equipment get the most attention: at first, the viewer is speechless (sometimes they visibly jump back when they see the first print); next, they comment on the color quality and detail; and finally, they ask what camera I'm using. Happens every time." I suspect that this may bother non-Leica users more than the prices. This resonse has happened to me many times, first with my M6 and then again with my M8. More importantly, I can see the difference for myself and I am the one paying for it (okay, so's my wife!). </p>

<p>I just bought MOMA's newly published collection of Carier-Bresson's photography. It has some photos I've never seen before. Great new overview of his life and work and working style (After finally showing someone his contact sheets, he says something like, "Now you've seen my sins. I sin 36 times on every role of film." Also noted that he numbered every role and every frame that he ever shot, totalling some 600,000 shots in all. Many of which we'll never see. Now the relevance: Whenever I look at a collection of his photos I always say the same thing at some point. Why did he bother with that one and why did anyone publish it with the rest? The rest, of course, need no further comment. They're an inspiration to pick up a camera. But some of them could have been the ones that started this thread. (By the way, with the Border's 30% coupon, that $75 book from MOMA is still expensive but tolerable. </p><div></div>

<p>There's a new option for "laptops" now, the small, ten inch net or mini laptops that sell for under $400. If you want portability and power for photographs, then get the desktop everyone's talking about above and then later get one of the 2-3 pound mini laptops to take with you on trips to download backup copies from your camera. Best of both worlds and the small laptops have a small screen but good enough to review images for deletion and saving, etc. </p>

<p>People keep sayinig that Contax G1/G2 lenses are cheap and available, but I just checked my usual source for used lenses, KEH, and found only 5 lenses, one 16mm and 4 28mm's. The cheapest 28 was about $ 265. A couple of months or so ago when this m4/3 question came up, I immediately bought a 45mm and 90mm lens from them for about $200+ and $100+, respectively. At that time there were several in every focal length to choose from. Not any more. I bought them because (1) I always wanted them and the G2 camera but bought a Leica M6 instead, and (2) I wanted to try them on my Panasonic G1 with the adapters. What I was looking for was a small, fixed 90mm lens that would become a 180mm-like telephoto lens on the Panasonic. The Contax 90mm lens is perfect for that. I bought the 45 mm lens because of its reputation as one of the best lenses ever made and because I would also have a 90mm equivalent on the Panasonic G1. The G1 with 90mm lens is so light weight, that in a trip last year to the Galapagos I was able to wear my Leica M8/35mm lens and Panasonic G1 around my neck at the same time without much difficulty. I prefer to use two high quality fixed lenses like this instead of one zoom lens camera. I also prefer manual focusing. This combination worked quite well. When it looked like rain, I only took the Pansonic. For me, having a 35mm-50mm lens available at all times plus either a fixed 90 or 180 lens available on another camera is perfect. I found that the Conax lenses work very well on the Panasonic G1, focusing was no problem. So, with the current popularity of the m4/3 cameras and more on the way you should either (1) keep them for yourself and watch them go up in value or (2) keep them until you think the prices are high enough and them sell them for a profit. I cannot think of any better use for that profit, however, than buying another Contax G1/2 lens for your upcoming m4/3 camera. They are clearly worth more than the money you'd get for them. But wait 5 years, they are no longer being produced.</p>

<p>Wrong word. You don't want the G1 or M4/3 camera to go anywhere. You want it to stay or stick around. I now have two G1 lenses and adaptors to use my Leica lenses, old Nikon lenses, and now "old" Contax G1/2 45mm and 90mm lenses. So, you might say that the Contax G1/G2 film camera didn't stick around, but the lenses did. They're being snapped up for use on M4/3 digital cameras. The lenses last. Digital cameras in particular don't seem to last, or rather demand getting replaced every 2 years or so. So, what we want is for the next generation of the Panasonic G1 to have the same sized sensor but vastly improved so that the "old" high resolution lenses work even better. I also expect the EVF to improve greatly as well. I guess you could also say "keep going." Just keep giving us a reasonably priced "new" digital G2 m4/3 camera to use with our new "old" lenses. I don't want it all discontinued. </p>

<p>The current 35mm Lux is close to perfect. I've heard complaints about focusing on the M8, but I've never had a problem on my M8. It was just judged recently as having the best bokeh as well as maintaining some element of the classic glow of Leica lenses. I cannot imagine why Leica would want to invest in an asph version (okay, to make more money, which is certainly valid). The asph version would undoubtedly have a bit higher resolution but would "draw"differently, creating great debates about which version has the best bokeh. I really like my pre-apsh 50mm Lux for all the well known reasons. But there is no question that the M9 will generate increased demand for 35mm lenses. I can hardly wait to get the 35mm perspective of the Lux out of my camera again. Perhaps the increased demand and increased prices for all Leica M lenses will offset our extraordinary losses in value from the M8. My M6 value is still holding its own. The Panasonic 4/3 phenomenon is apparently real. I bought one primarily as an inexpensive way to use a classic Nikon macro lens and to use fixed telephoto lenses, both out of the range of the M8/9. I was fortunate to grab a Contax G1/2 45mm and 90mm lenses while they were still being posted at KEH for roughly $200 and $100, repectively. There are none posted there today, just the 28mm which doesn't work on the 4/3 cameras and it's now listed in the $400 dollar range. This can only suggest that the 35/45/90 G1/G2 lenses will be selling at that level or higher when and if they appear again. After using them on my G1, I can say that they work quite well. The weight allows you to carry a M8/9 around your neck with a 24-35mm lens and a G1 with a 90mm G1 lens that "acts like" a 180mm lens. The zoom manual focus feature of the camera makes manual focusing a pleasure as well. I can also say that the current Panasonic G1 4/3 sensor as good as it is for an in-between size, does not yet match the resolution quality of the Contax G1/2 lenses (judged to be among the best ever made). But what's nice about it (besides the once $100-$300 prices of the lenses, is that the camera itself has proven to be very popular and has won camea of the year awards. This means that it will not go away soon. They will be able to develop the format further. Canon and Nikon may even be forced to get into: many people are balking now at the size and weight of the newest DSLR cameras, especially when they can see the quality of some of the P&S digital cameras that fit into your pocket. So, I look for a jump in the improvent of the 4/3 sensor, making any investment in vintage or classic lenses extremely worthwhile. With the M9 and these kinds of developments, it's a great time to be photographing. Without even mentioning that HP has discontinued its high quality B9180 printer (lowering its price for now), indicating that we are about to get a new jump in the quality of ink-jet printers from HP, Canon, etc. </p>

<p>I think that Mark's response to that error message is totally rational. So, why didn't Panasonic program in an error message that made some sense, like the reponses given here when someone asks? We won't copyright it; they can use Wayne's "Set the custom menu option to "on" to operate the shutter without a G1 lens (See page 109 in the manual)." How hard is that? </p>

<p>Try again, lower resolution, smaller size.</p><div></div>

<p>I bought a G1 about a year ago. Couldn't be happier with it. If you use other lenses, though, you have to be prepared to do manual focusing. I have learned to do it very quickly, and rather enjoy it, especially the capacity to zoom in with the EVF for fine focusing. On a recent trip to Peru and Machu Picchu, I had the Leica M8 with wide angle in one hand and the G1 with a Leica M 50mm Lux pr-Asph in the other. The 50mm becomes a 100mm on the 4/3 camera. 100 was just about right for "other photos" for me. I had the kit zoom which also goes out to 90mm and the longer zoom from 45-200 (90-400) but rarely used them. If you want a G1 you have to act quickly. Most mail order places like B&W or Adorama are out of stock except for the red ones. Someone just posted a notice that Panasonic USA is offering the red ones at a discount now. You have to go to their web site to order. The GH1 costs much more money, but if you also want a video camera it might be worth it. So, I got the G1 as a backup to my Leica and to use longer lenses, such as my old film Nikon lenses, and for macro photography. I bought a classic Nikon 50mm macro lens and adapter, which works fine on the G1 as well. So, it compliments the RF quite well. Oh, I should have said light enough to allow you to hang it over your neck along with the M8. I'll attach a photo I took in Peru with the G1 and the Leica 50mm Lux. Good luck. </p><div></div>

<p>I have used an original Pen 100mm telephoto lens with adapter, turning it into a nice, small 200mm lens on the G1. Too small to shake, so you don't have to use a tripod. If anyone is interested, I may be selling it soon, with the adapter. I just got an adpter to use my Nikon 180mm lens, a la 360mm on the G1. The length of that one, however, makes it hard to hand hold and I don't like using a tripod. So, hmmmm, not sure. I think the strenth of the G1 is the use of longer lenses, but then I have a Leica M8 for normal and wide angle lenses. </p>

<p>The reason the first settlers named those bird boobies is because they could walk right up to them and hit them on the head for dinner. No predators, no fear. For some strange reason, snorkling I found that the fish showed no fear either. You could swim right into the middle of a small school of fish and they would not swim away as they do everywhere else I've been. You could join the school for as long as you could stay under. We were there last April. With great luck because that is the mating season. Highly recommended time to visit. Animals all over the place. Back to the blue or red footed boobie or whichever it was. Sitting on the open ground with an egg under its foot. You could walk right up and take the egg if you wanted to! More importantly, you could even use a wide angle lens, or let's say 28-50mm anyway. I used a Leica M8 with 35mm Lux (a la 50mm perspective) and sometimes a 28mm. With another strap over my neck I had a Panasonic G1 with the 45-200 a la 90-400mm zoom lens. One in each hand, both light enough to carry at once. I also ended up using a 50mm rigid cron on the G1 a la 100mm lens, which seemed to be enough most of the time. Everyone forgets how high the resolution is from the Leica lenses. You can easily crop to get close-ups of many animals. So, the suggestion to use the RF most of the time with the zoom lens//camera in a backpack in reserve is a good idea. I clue what it would be like in July (our other option), though they said that was when the whales come (hence, longer lens). Check with your tour guide about what will be there when you arrive. Oh Yeah. Unbelievable experience. Anyone who goes is lucky indeed. If your into photogaphy, you're in heaven with the birds.</p>

<p>Can't tell. It's obviously upside down. </p>