chughtai

<p>Stuart, thanks for v500 info!</p>

<p>David, Interesting insight on the book printing. +1 for flatbed i suppose.</p>

<p>Thanks for sharing thoughts and scans guys -- Coming back to the original question, has anyone ever tried scanning <strong>6x12</strong> frame? That's where my need and this question belongs, would love to see your scans and thoughts on scanner you used if you don't mind sharing.</p>

<p>On a minor note, a few folks were kind enough to raise the issue of <em>emotional </em>importance and negative quality, which i totally agree but believe it is off topic since its a fair assumption that for negatives and transparencies of high value, whether its related to personal, emotional or business, one will take extreme caution and a professional approach and definitely not look toward consumer product and expect miraculous results.</p>

<p>FWIW, I came across this old article on <a href="http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/scanners/drum_scans.shtml">LL on drum scans</a>, interesting final thoughts regarding flatbed comparison, what I have gathered so far, and feel free to correct me if I am wrong: Drum Scanners for professional quality but there is no options available in a so-called "normal" price range (l<em>ess than $5k</em>). Imacon is the closest ($12k) drum scanner that can handle 6x12 negatives and transparencies. Other options Howatek Grand or ICG, are completely out of question since I am not planning to set up a lab.<br /><br />Nikon LS-9000, though we have big followers here, is not capable of scanning 6x12 frames (<em>for new readers: if you have missed my last comment, see the <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/ProductDetail.page?pid=9237">nikon specification for LS-9000</a></em>)<br /><br />So, I am guessing, for my hobby needs, latest Epson flatbeds are way to go since they can handle 6x12 and resolution, though not ideal for billboards, is decent enough for printing.</p>

<p>The LS-9000 ED can <strong>not </strong>scan the 6x12 frames as per the Nikon product <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/ProductDetail.page?pid=9237">specification</a> page, which is my main reason to get the film scanner.</p>

<p>Hi,<br /><br />I am looking for recommendation for medium format <em>film </em>scanner. My requirement is to scan 6x12 frame of negatives and color transparencies, I came across Epson v500 which (<em>as per specifications</em>) does the job but got mixed reviews of quality and also been suggested to look for a dedicated film scanner rather than a flatbed.<br /><br />So I have two part question, first are the new flatbeds (like <a href="../medium-format-photography-forum/00WLyw">v500</a>) really mediocre when compared to dedicated film scanners? Keep in mind I would like to print too (mostly large landscape books 13x11 size). Second, if I have to go for dedicated film scanners for medium format (<em>which should support 6x12 frame size</em>) what are my options?<br /><br />Any thoughts, recommendation, ideas? :)<br /><br />Regards,</p>

<p>Well, Len, quality vs price is exactly the issue i am trying to handle -- don't want to pay $8 per frame when i paid 30 for the camera. ;-)</p>

<p>Thanks for the tips guys, definitely considering the v500 now and film holders from <em>BetterScanning</em>.</p>

<p>Hi,<br /><br />I am looking for opinions and recommendations of medium format scanner for films and transparencies. I have couple of holgas and will probably get Hasselblad in near future. So for the time I don't want to spend too much money on scanning (<em>keep in mind that here in Dublin a 6x12 scan costs 6.50 euro per frame!!!!</em>)<br /><br />My requirement is very simple: mainly <strong>6x12</strong> and occasionally 6x6 (both negatives and positives). :)<br /><br />I came across EPSON Perfection v500 that can handle frames up to 6x12. I found other threads on it here but none are related to 6x12.<br>

<br />My question is, has anyone used the v500 to scan 6x12 frames? Any thoughts and experiences would be great, and if you have any alternatives to recommend?<br /><br />Thanks,</p>

<p>+1 for 70-300</p>

<p>I got 55-250 last year (<em>only due to urgency and lower price</em>) -- i enjoy it a lot but if i had time and money, i would have definitely gone for a better option, ideally 100-400 (or in this case, 70-300).</p>

<p>Thanks Guys -- great tips on <em>Genie </em>and <em>Peak Imaging</em>, going to contact them to see if they take orders within EU, can't find the info on their website.</p>

<p>I came across <a href="http://www.e6processing.co.uk/">E6 Processing</a> in UK, has anyone used their service?</p>

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I am looking for online services where i could send 120 films (<em>positives or negatives</em>) and have them developed, and if possible have them converted into digital negatives too.</p>

<p>I am in Ireland and not many options here especially when it comes to positives (<em>E6 type films</em>) -- in fact, there's only one lab that still does the E6 film. Anyone aware of online 120 film development options within EU that accepts order internationally?</p>

<p>Any thoughts?</p>

<p>Thanks in Advance.</p>

<p>Have a little update on this thread: I just found out that <strong>Repo35 </strong><em>(of 68 Merrion Sq.) </em>has recently gone out of business and the only other place in dublin that does E6 is <strong>FujiFilm Lab</strong> on Upper Abbey Street, Dublin-1.</p>

<p>My 2¢, if you go for shoulder bag, do consider Ortlieb Aqua Cam (see more models at <a href="http://www.ortlieb.com/">Ortlieb </a> website) -- I have one for 4 years that has gone with me above Arctic Circle (-30C) and Brazilian Amazon, still going great. Very compact and tough. Highly recommended.</p>

<p>Long question, short answer: Invest in glass.</p>

<p>24-105 is an exceptional piece, i say invest in glass. I have a 30D and i find myself using 24-105 more than any other lens i have (16-35/2.8, 50/1.4, 55-250) -- it's truly all around lens. + future proof, works on full frame.</p>

<p>I second the thought to take both bodies + 24-105/4L and 16-35/2.8L.</p>

<p>For something different (<em>read: better</em> ), try <a href="http://www.ortlieb.de/">Ortlieb </a> <strong>Aqua Cam</strong> series. I have one for over two years with no complaints. It's pretty basic + weather proof. I use the bag for city travel, beach and has taken it to Arctic (-30C) as well as Amazon (80% Humidity).</p>

<p>Thanks folks for all the great input, I just got Markins Q3T after got some input from hikers who found it performed well in subzero temps. Going to get RRS quick clamp later though.</p>

<p><em>Ellis: Thanks for the tip, </em> <em>Burzynski is now in my wish list. :-)</em></p>

<p>Ellis, i meant <em>one of those</em> extreme condition, mutually exclusive. ;-)</p>

<p>I don't want to question the legend as there's cult following of AS-B1 but on their website there is an explicit note about <em>protection from the elements</em> (<a href="http://www.precisioncameraworks.com/Pages/monoball_core.html">link</a> ). It leads me to believe that it is NOT weather proof. (??)</p>

<p>Thanks again, i think i got all the answers (for now!) :-)</p>

<p>Now, time for ideal ball hunt, going to post a <a href="00Sj8a">separate question</a> .</p>

<p>Thanks again everybody for your feedback!!</p>

<p>Hi,<br /> <br /> I am seeking recommendations for 'the ballhead' for extreme conditions**. Now, instead of asking for comparisons or "<em>should I get it?</em> " kind of question, I have a very simple query.<br /> <br /> Have you used your ballhead in Extreme conditions, and how well it performed when it was exposed to elements? Please mention the ballhead model and any accessories attached to it at the time of using.<br /> <br /> <em>p.s. **Extreme Conditions = -25C (-13F) or lower, 80% or higher Humidity, Sand, Snow.<br /> <br /> </em> Cheers.</p>

<p>thanks all for the critique and feed back!</p>

<p>John, couple of quick questions though, any words around vibrations (<em>when fully extended</em> ) especially around outdoor rocky/sandy places? which (<em>ball</em> ) head you were/are using with Hakuba? i am assuming there are no compatability issues with RRS/Markin/etc.</p>

<p>Adam -- any specific negative points?<br>

John -- I checked the ByThom website before posting the question here but there wasn't much information; Which model did you own? I am actually planning to use in snow (-25C and lower) and tropical rain forests.</p>

<p>I am in Ireland and none of the local stores have Hakuba, i have seen Manfrotto and Gitzo here but want to do my full research before buying the carbon fiber tripod. That's why trying to find as much information as i can about Hakuba since it's considered to be a <em>Hidden Gem</em> , if that's true.</p>

<p>I won't be using it with really long lenses, the two extremes i am planning is EF 16-35L II and EF 100-400L (and may be a MP-E 65 macro in future).</p>

<p>Thanks RA, i was under the same impression but Velbon and Hakuba are different lines, though same <a href="http://www.hakubausa.com/csite/c_company.asp">parent company</a> . Also, you could find Hakuba tripods on <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=sort&A=search&Q=&sortDrop=Price%3A+High+to+Low&bl=&atl=&pn=1&st=categoryNavigation&mnp=0.0&mxp=0.0&sv=5374&bhs=t&shs=&ac=&fi=all&pn=1&ci=5374&cmpsrch=&cltp=&clsgr=">B&H</a> , <a href="http://www.adorama.com/HAHG503MX.html">Adorma</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hakuba-Carbon-Fiber-HG-503MX-Tripod/dp/B0000BZ4VW/">Amazon</a> along with Velbon models that are also mentioned on Hakuba website separately.</p>

<p>Hi,<br /> <br /> I am looking for Carbon Fiber tripods and frankly speaking don't want to pay the premium price just because of the brand name, say Gitzo or Manfrotto, etc. After searching for a while, I found few alternatives (<em>Slik, Brunton, Davis & Sanford</em> ) but didn't get any positive reviews. I stumble upon <a href="http://www.hakubausa.com/csite/c_products3.asp?cc=10&cs=110" target="_blank">Hakuba</a> and the two carbon fiber models in question are <strong>HG-503MX</strong> and <strong>HG-504MX</strong> .<br /> <br /> The problem, or here the question is, I couldn't find any reviews of HG-503MX or 504MX anywhere on <em>interweb </em> and I did google'd the cr*p out of Hakuba. :( <br /> <br /> Any Hakuba users here? Mind shedding some light on the performance/value of Hakuba carbon fiber tripods? If possible a comparison with more mainstream tripods, likes of Gitzo, etc, will be really helpful.<br /> <br /> Any words, thoughts, opinions…?<br /> <br /> Much appreciated.</p>