wmervine

<p>I recently picked up a Pentor 135mm f/2.8 which no one seems to know much about . It arrived a few weeks ago but only got out with it last week.</p>

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<p>Greetings all.<br>

I got to join a local photo walkers outing last sunday through the CBD of Johannesburg. 40+ togs swarming through town on a sunday morning did cause some curious glances and minor panic for a film crew trying to shoot a car ad.<br>

This is a stamp mill that was originally brought in for gold mining in 1886 and now resides in front of the head office of one of the local mining companies. In use it was driven by a steam engine and used to break up the gold bearing ore.</p><div></div>

<p>Well, My Tamron took a fall onto the concrete last week. Survived with no issues. Sadly my Tokina had to go in. And Tokinas are made like a tank. Go figure.</p>

<p>Tough call. I can't comment on the Nikon but I find the Tamron really sharp even at 300mm. The VC is a little odd,but you get the hang of it quickly. I have absolutely no regrets buying it. I think Eric Arnold has used both and can comment.</p>

<p>Hello wednesday! Loving what I have seen so far.<br>

From me is another dog photo. Time to rustle up some human victims, err . . . subjects again.<br>

Taken with a D300 18-55 kit lens.</p><div></div>

<p>Thx guys. Now the question is would anybody drop about $20 on this?</p>

<p>My preferred supplier on the local auction site has just listed a Dacora Digora.</p>

<p>http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/43481970/Dacora_Digora_6x6_with_Dignar_75mm_f4_5_Great_120_Lomo_Style_Camera.html</p>

<p>Seems to be a MF viewfinder. Google can't find anything relating to it.<br>

Does anyone here have any idea?<br>

Thx</p>

<p>Greetings all. Really awesome pics so far.<br>

After many attempts managed to get a pic of this little guy where he doesn't blink with the flash. His name is Tigger and he is a tiny bundle of attitude and character. I must just remember to increase my dof when shooting dogs.</p><div></div>

<p>Well, finally got the lens today. Fairly well made but the interesting part is the lens was made in Japan. Will post some detailed pics when I get a chance.</p>

<p>Greetings all. Wonderful submissions so far. Will have to go back through them properly later.<br>

Finally got my F80/N80 so can start shooting film on Nikon.<br>

I'm not much of a bird person but we have a family of weavers move in. Caught Mr's Weaver at home.</p><div></div>

<p>Craig I'll have a look just now. No light table so must make myself one. I did try tweak a bit in PSE which I think helps some.</p><div></div>

<p>No worries John. The ins and outs of these older cameras can be quite a challenge.<br>

Love the colours and vibrnacy in your photo. Do you remember what film you used? I know mine are Straight off the scan no post but thought Velvia was a bit more intense.</p>

<p>John I know the Mamiya Sekor SX lens doesn't require stop down metering and the meter responds correctly acording to the quick check I did with my Sekonic. The Osawa did too once I realised I had knocked the switch onto manual and fixed it. I'll have to check the zoom though.<br>

Now as I have a Chinon 40-105 f/3.5 macro and a Pentor 135 f/2.8 lenses arriving shortly in the mail I will have to get my head around using stop down metering. And keep the Sekonic handy too.<br>

As for the monument I wouldn't be surprised if it was a copy. Will do some digging to see when it was erected.</p>

<p>The previous 3 pics were taken with the Osawa 28. This last one with the Mamiya Sekor SX 50.</p><div></div>

<p>I must say I find the minimum shutter speed of 1/500 a bit limiting. Not in these conditions though.</p><div></div>

<p>I've not done any editing or tweaking of the scans. This is as from the lab.</p><div></div>

<p>Found I need to get a spirit level to set up the tripod. Not quite square. These are shot on expired Velvia 50 and scanned by the lab.</p><div></div>

<p>After getting my recently aquired Mamiya serviced to sort out the light seals, I decided to take it out for a test. Went to the South African war museum for a change. Sadly no cameras allowed so got out the tripod and polariser and took some pics of the Boer war monument outside. Still need to get my head around the metering but seems ok so far. Just the zoom which overexposed badly.</p><div></div>

<p>For what it's worth, Neil van Niekerk used one at a wedding recently:<br>

http://neilvn.com/tangents/2011/06/13/review-fuji-x100-photographing-a-wedding/</p>

<p>As a sound engineer of 20 odd years my personal choice would likely be the Sennheiser. They have a really good track record of building superb rifle/shotgun mics. Also the Rode could be a decent option. Not knowing who designed or makes the mic for Nikon I can't comment on it's quality and sound. Don't know off hand if any other pro mic manufacturers have launched mics for SLR use at this point, But pro brands like AKG, Audio Technica, Sanken, Beyer, etc all make fairly decent mics.</p>

<p>Irvine do you perchance keep an eye on bid or buy? I just picked up a F80 for R200. Just awaiting for it to arive. Not much on right now besides a Nikon F with a 135mm f/2.8. Nice looking Olymus OM-10 for R450 with 2 lenses. And a 50mm f/1.2 Ai that is out of my budget right now.</p>

<p>Morning all. Love being able to start a wednesday admiring the wonderful work posted every wed. And 3 wonderful smiles courtesy of Jennifer Apurva and David really make a good start to the day.<br>

Been pretty hectic at work of late so not much chance to break out the camera. So the other night decided to try my hand at some product style photography. The model being a Mamiya 35mm SLR I was given recently. Quite a change of pace shooting film. (my F80 I won on auction is on it's way, so will be able to submit here in the future too.) I thought the grey background looked period for this camera.</p><div></div>

<p>One of the best reviews I've found on the Di866:<br>

http://speedlights.net/2011/03/10/nissin-di-866-flash-review/<br>

Recently bought myself the Di622 mk.2 and you get alot for the price. CLS worked like a charm with my D300. And plenty power too. The 866 is now on my shopping list. Cheaper than a SB-900, more powerful, and has all the features I need. Need I say more?</p>

<p>Thx for the info Alan. What I find interesting is that an East German company was selling products into South Africa back then, considering the political issues of the time.<br>

I've put a bid in on the lens, and to date I'm the only bidder at R175. So will wait and see.</p>

<p>This is the body Fritz was referring to. Might it be from the same manufacturer?<br /> http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/41354884/Pentacon_Praktika_Pentor_Super_TL_Camera_M42_Mount_with_Body_Cap_and_Leather_Hard_Case.html<br /> Was also looking at this body as well. For the price of a couple of hamburgers, might grab it as well.</p>