carlashley

<p>Hey guys,<br>

I have a suspicion my Pentax 645 (original) is in dire need of a service, but was wondering if anyone else here has experience similar issues and has had it fixed...<br>

The mirror sticks up randomly - this one is pretty straight forward, as the foam padding the mirror strikes is a little sticky.<br />Fairly easy fix there - I usually just pull the lens off and nudge the mirror down (have never had the shutter open when this has happened thankfully).<br>

The two more annoying things that have happened that suggest to me that something is wrong with the camera are:<br>

When using a cable release 'remote' in bulb mode, the shutter trips randomly during the exposure, so cutting a five minute (or other length) exposure and wasting a photo. I've tried this with the cable release screwed so that the release is holding the button down, and I've tried it manually holding the release down.<br>

The other problem is that even in single photo mode, the camera randomly shoots more than one frame like it is in a 'burst' mode.<br>

I am looking to upgrade to the NII at a later stage, but this may bring it about sooner.<br>

Thoughts on what's going on here?</p>

<p>For me photography is much like fishing.<br>

I enjoy the art and form by using it at it's most simplest form (with a MF camera and a 4x5 camera) much the same way as any fisherman likes casting a line and enjoying the moment.</p>

<p>I could also choose to go out on a boat and use a drag line or nets and get the same result, but not learning anything positive, much the same way as digital 35mm makes it easier to 'pray n spray' shoot.</p>

<p>I find myself in the position of selling all my digital 35mm gear to focus solely on medium format film and large format film.</p>

<p>And finally, the most serious form of photography will always be the type with whatever camera you've got in your hand :)</p>

<p>It's very difficult to see the problem when the majority of the photo is a black box. Perhaps just blackout the faces so it's easier to see the issue.<br>

As far as client satisfaction, I'd be offering a free portrait shoot & a number of prints for free. It certainly won't be the same as a wedding album, but it should help smooth out any problems.<br>

As far as the sub-contractor goes, unless you've got everything in writing, it will be very hard to follow up on legal action, not impossible, but a lot harder. If you don't do so already, I'd be making sure that a contract was signed detailing every requirement and clearly stating liability for the shoot will be their responsibility as well (i.e. you would seek reparations from them). Check with a lawyer/solicitor for wordings etc, and how best to handle your current situation.</p>

<p>*Just further to my post, I'd only take it back if the effect is not being caused by the operator turning the zoom/focus rings on accident/purpose during the capture of the image.</p>

<p>The focus effect looks very similar to that of a Lensbaby. I suggest you take the lens back and ask for a replacement as it definitely shouldn't behave the way it is.</p>

<p>A medium format camera will not take artistic photos.<br>

The person behind the camera takes artistic photos.<br>

I would recommend a Pentax 645 (any of them). They're decent cameras and will get you into 120 format film cheaply. My kit consists of three prime lenses and a body (645, 35mm, 75mm and 120mm). I LOVE it :)</p>

<p>I have two 24"x30" prints at home that were shot on a Canon 20D. One at ISO 400 the other at ISO 100. Both look fantastic.<br>

Sure, if you're up close you do notice a few minor defects, but given a good composition, good lighting, sharp photo, you'll easily pull off a 24x36 print.</p>

<p>Forgive me for the bumping of such an old photo, I came across this while trying to find a way to improve the luminance in the V700 scans.</p>

<p>Anyway, the last scan posted by Laura Ryan shows something interesting, it looks like it is a result of a scanner error, as the 'ghost/vertical banding' appears to be an exact mirror image of the film frame (it has the indents in exactly the same places, exact same width etc).<br>

I'm not sure if newer versions of the Epson software have fixed this, but I'd suggest trying new Epson software/drivers, or lodging a service request with them.</p>

<p>Dave - I imagine it wouldn't be any less than 14bit. Most high end 35mm digital SLR's are 14bit, and the majority of digital backs/camera's in the medium format range seem to be either 14bit or 16bit (the Phase One P65+ is a 16bit output).</p>

<p>I really don't see a difference between photo journalism and candid wedding photography. Other than one is published in a newspaper and the other is published in an album.<br>

To me both styles need a photographer that is capable of looking for the story in a photo and being able to express that story in such a way that just by looking at the photo you understand the moment.<br>

The samples posted here after the OP's question are what I'd consider great examples of either photo journalism/candid photography.<br>

Both 'types' of photography have their 'snapshots' too, and both types can have the subject posed/guided to create that story.</p>

Wow. Quite a lot of lengthy posts, when the answer is really simple. Hiring a professional isn't all about the photos, but about having someone that is there that just knows what to do & can get the results no matter what the situation. I know I'd be far more comfortable with someone thats shot 100+ weddings as my wedding photographer than arranging Aunty Joyce with her Canon 1000D to cover the day.