zeb_lisik

May 28, 2009

I've bought several BGN and their condition seemed pretty good, I, too think their BGN rating is conservative.

A great place to buy used lenses I think.

May 16, 2009

I have an old 28mm f2.8 that I've never used much but recently I've noticed that it sticks when focusing around .4m to infinity. It will stick when focusing often in auto focus and less so with manual. it takes several tries for it to focus.

I guess it has something to do with grease but I'm not really informed when it comes to lens internals.

I'm guessing it could be repaired/serviced. Is it worth it? Is it something I could do myself?

I'm in NYC, could anyone recommend a place to have it done locally?

May 1, 2009

Thanks for all the input.

Apparently Canon did not make made a casing for the 590 but its predecessor the 570, the wd-dc12 but its not upwards compatible. the only hard casing for the 590 is by ikealite and costs quite a bit.

Skimming some reviews I don't see much difference between the 590 and the 570; are there any major points of concern?

Also my girlfriend expressed concern about using AA batteries though we have 2600mAh rechargeables. Would we see a huge difference against a Li-ion powered cameras?

April 30, 2009

Ah sorry I didn't mean in addition to SD also CF but that SD is preferred but CF is ok.

I know no camera meets all criteria however the first set of points are not too difficult to find in one package.

I think the lack of IS won't be too bad on the G2-3-5 though since theyre not very long and fairly fast. My girlfriend didn't notice much benefit from the stabilization on her camera, perhaps because they technology is not very good or because she rarely shot at the long end.

Is stabilization a big improvement over the G5?

April 30, 2009

My girlfriends panasonic lumix 4MP P&S fell and no longer functions(the zoom lens is not functioning and can be heard shaking around). Its long been discontinued and would probably cost a lot to get fixed, if anyone would.

The criteria are as follows (in no particular order):

1. 100$ range, no more than 140$

2. preferably SD memory but also CF

3. standard ps zoom range is fine, like 28-180mm ish

4. no less than 4mp

5. fairly compact, nothing bulky like a mini DSLR

6. quality optics

we're also looking for these features:

1. image stabilization

2. option for advanced feature set like manual/shutter/ap modes, hotshoe

3. quality hard underwater housing that won't break the bank (100$ range)

I was thinking about a old Canon G3 or G5 but I'm biased since I use a canon dslr. The PS world is vast and I havnt been paying attention to it; please help!

April 11, 2009

I'm not sure what you already know but there's plenty of useful info at <a href="http://strobist.blogspot.com">http://strobist.blogspot.com</a> and I once built a DIY macro studio from a posting there which was pretty interesting and extremely easy to experiment with. If your camera is not currently able to use off camera flash you could even play around with lights on dimmers.

<a href="http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html">http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html</a>

April 8, 2009

The magnification is helpful when manually focusing when doing macro/close up.

I've never used these view finders. they also come in a right angle and those magnify upwards of 3.25x.

March 31, 2009

You can get the 18-55mm IS for around 100$ new or used.

I have a 10-22mm, 28mm f2.8 and the 50mm f1.8. When I walk around the streets of NYC I find myself using the ultra wide zoom most and then the 50mm.

The 18-55mm is probably going to be your best choice but you might want a wider angle depending on what kind of walk around shooting you'll be doing.

If you decide you'd want a wider angle get the 50mm f1.8 and bide your time for something wider and more expensive.

March 29, 2009

I'll second the 410 which I recently got for macro work and like it very much. It will probably take a little getting used to but for me its already feeling natural. Depending on your needs there are larger models available.

Definetly look into a geared head before making a final decision.

March 28, 2009

Damon:

I have dust on my cameras' sensor too, apparent only when stopped down quite a bit, and even then against certain backgrounds, like a clear day sky.

I've tried a rocket blower but the dust won't give and I even got a little more. When using the rocket blower make sure your work area is very clean.

My next step is to use a special statically charged brush. I'm waiting for my CleanSkies brush off ebay which cost just 15$ for 2.

March 23, 2009

If you're worried Sandisk has a good rebate program in effect at the moment.

also this info might be interesting though it does not apply directly to write performance of the video feature but to jpeg and raw. <a href="http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/camera_multi_page.asp?cid=6007-9784">http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/camera_multi_page.asp?cid=6007-9784</a>

March 22, 2009

A lot of people have good experiences with this ebay seller, myself included.

<a href="http://myworld.ebay.com/jinfinance/">http://myworld.ebay.com/jinfinance/</a>

I only got a chipless adapter from him but we did exchange a few messages about the chips and he seemed helpful and sounds like he know's a thing or two about them.

this is a link to the chip itself but he'll attach it to any adapter too.

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/focus-confirm-chip-4-EOS-450d-400d-450d-40d-30d-50d-5D_W0QQitemZ200285249012QQihZ010QQcategoryZ30059QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262">http://cgi.ebay.com/focus-confirm-chip-4-EOS-450d-400d-450d-40d-30d-50d-5D_W0QQitemZ200285249012QQihZ010QQcategoryZ30059QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262</a>

March 22, 2009

I'd stay away from those adapters for compatibility issues. There's lots of problems with SD card readers supporting different sizes and speeds it stands to reason that there's just as many problems with the adapters.

sandisk has another sale going on their extreme 3 and 4 Cf cards.

you can shop around at the various approved retailers for the best price. the list of vendors is on the rebate form.

<a href="http://www.adorama.com/IDSCFE34G30M.html?searchinfo=SanDisk+4+GB+Extreme+III">http://www.adorama.com/IDSCFE34G30M.html?searchinfo=SanDisk+4+GB+Extreme+III</a>

March 19, 2009

Well I went to adorama but they did not have either part.

One guy tried to sell me a medium format mamiya tripod spacer for 50$ which I passed on.

Another tried to sell me a 3 inch tall spacer and didn't seem interested in my idea of using a european mount screw which are allegedly longer and using washers or a pentax spacer. He refused to try to look up such a mounting screw without me having a part #.

I ended up walking to Home Depot and I bought several different 1/4-20 machine bolts and some rubber washers. I used a file to file away the threads closest to the head, all the way to the shaft, about 4mm in length. It took about 30 minutes and cost about 5$.

March 19, 2009

I have a Spiratone Deluxe focusing rail whose focus wheels extend below its base. I'm using a Manfrotto 3275 head that has the large RC4 thus the plate and rail can not be oriented without issue. The rail accepts 1/4" screw.

I've never handled a tripod spacer before and the pictures and descriptions online are slight. I believe these Manfrottos have a 1/4" screw on top and accepts a 3/8" screw on the other side: is this correct?

Does anyone know how the 3261 and the 120-38 differ and their thickness?

Regards,

Zeb

March 16, 2009

I'm thinking of getting a seagull angle viewfinder 1-3.25x and was wondering if anyone had experience with this particular version. It will be used for macro work.

Compared to earlier models of the 2x and 2.5x variety I'm concerned about loss of light and IQ.

Also I'm curious if anyone thinks that 3.25x could be too much magnification.

March 14, 2009

Thanks, this is along my own thoughts but I just wanted confirmation.

With regard to the quick release system the manfrotto 410 uses RC4. To take advantage of ease of use I'll need to use a quick release system on top of my macro rails. From my reseach that would be a Manfrotto 394 adapter with a 410PL plate.

Is this correct? Are there any previous versions of the adapter or plae that will also work?

I see that the 410PL replaces the 3271; what are the differences?

March 14, 2009

I have:

-manfrotto 3419 slide/stero which I use for left-right:

-spiratone deluxe focusing rail for backward-forward focusing:

-And I have a manfrotto 410 gear head in the mail.

The problem I encounter is that the focusing knobs on the spiratone extend below its mount, so I'm unable to mount the spiratone on top of the manfrotto stero slide.

I had wanted head->stero->focus rail since the focus rail would be the item getting the most fine tuning.

I wouldn't want to put anything under the head for ease of use.

My silly question is does it make much difference what order you put these items together?

I guess I only ask this since most setups I see have the backward-forward slide directly under the camera.

March 5, 2009

Phil what body do you use? do you use safe-sync for both flashes?

March 5, 2009

Phil,

I've seen a lot of other vivitar flashes on ebay. are they comparable to the 283/285/hv?

can you tell me the differences between the 283 and the 285?

March 5, 2009

I've read many postings about this subject on this board and many others.

I've been reading the Strobist articles on advice from my last posting about flash recommendations and now feel that I want a flash that has full manual control. Previously I had been considering a 420EX.

I would be using the flash mostly for portraits and macro off camera. On camera I can see myself using it at small indoor gatherings sporadically. I like the idea of using the flash as a slave in the future.

I have a 300D (with hacked firmware) and a 20D Canon.

Lately I've been considering sunpack 383, vivitar(283/285/285hv), sigma 500/530 dg super eo and canon 430ex. I don't really want to spend that much money on the canon/sigma and something tells me that if I did spend that much money I'd be better served getting a kit from mpex.com.

I want something cost effective to get me started; for experimenting and learning. I don't care about size nor if its an older flash; I'm fine getting something like a wein safe sync.

I feel like getting 1 or 2 old powerful, flexible manual flashes but I don't really know what my options are beyond the few models I've listed. I imagine there are many other possibilities.

Is there an advantage by getting a 285hv vs a wein safe sync + old flash? I hear that the new 285hv have a cheap circuit, something I don't have the expertise to fix. I've also read that the older 285hv are 12v; should I be concerned if using an old one?1

Is a 283 better than a 285/hv?

What are some good, old, used manual flash options? What are their off camera options?

If using an old flash via PC do I need to be concerned about the voltage on the 20D, newer bodies or the various cheap wireless options?

What are the advantages/disadvantages between the canon off shoe cords and PC? I understand there's no ettl for PC. Is there a max distance? How do you control more than 1 flash when using PC?

Any advice and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

February 28, 2009

Ah thanks guys, very informative.

D N: Thanks. I have an aversion to the classifieds search function. It dosn't really seem to work as expected so I never really put much time into it. For instance searching on keyword 'bogen' will not yield expected results but but either bogen or 3021 in the model or manufacturer box it seems to work. I guess it just strikes me as unpredictable and therefore unreliable.

Jim: Thanks, I use ebay a fair bit but I had never realized there was a way to search finished bids. I'll take that under advisement.

February 28, 2009

I'm in the process of buying an entry level tripod. I have a 20D/300D and light prime lenses. I would be using it for macro and portraits. I was considering buying a 3021 bogen but I'm a little unsure of a decent used price. According to this article <a href="../learn/nature/bogtri">http://www.photo.net/learn/nature/bogtri</a> from '97 the 3021 should be <100$ but recently I've seen people asking a fair bit more. Am I possibly getting confused between the pro and non pro versions? How much should I pay for a 3021? Also any other recommendations? I'd rather spend less on the pod and more on a geared head.

February 24, 2009

If you fill your buffer often and price isn't much of a concern get the fastest CF card.

If you don't then any reliable >=200x, 30mb/s or extreme III cards are suitable and cheaper than the flagship cards.

a note on transfering files, if you've bought the fastest cards and desire the fastest transfer rates you'll have to get a firewire b card reader, and you'll have to have a firewire b 9 pin(powered) port. sandisk and lexar make them.

also note that the sandisk firewireb reader comes with a cord(9 to 6 pin) to downgrade to the slower firewire a. i have no idea if the lexar model will work thus but it should.

February 24, 2009

Thomas,

that is not my only point but also that there seems to be plenty of people that would prefer a used 1ds over any xxD and even over a 5d2; but their needs may be much different than yours. lots of people think that the differences between a 40D and 50D are slight enough that a used 40D offers much more value over a new or used 50D. id say that if youre upgrading your body then don't discount the 1d and 5d from your considerations.

in the end its really all about your present and future needs.

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