rkbrooks

<p>When I switched from Canon to Nikon, this was one of my first lenses- on FF, I really love a 50mil. That being said, I've been pretty disappointed with it. I don't find the bokeh attractive and the focusing is VERY slow- especially when you'd typically use this type of lens for candid shots.<br>

Sorta reminds me of the Canon 85/1.2- maybe not that slow, but slow enough to make me question the whole point of re-engineering this lens.</p>

Anyone aware of a motordrive MF RF that can shoot 6x6 or 6x7? Ideally

something like the Fuji 6_'s, but with a drive?

I love my GA645Zi, but need larger negs for printing and also need a motor drive

for my application.

Thanks!

The original definitely sounds broken. The good news is that the replacement is an upgrade; it adds barcode reading for film speed and a second release.

The lens is incredibly sharp on both of these cameras. I've got an enlargement on my wall that's 36" on the long side and it stands up to extremely close scrutiny.

You'll enjoy it, and be sure to post some of your shots.

Well, if you're talking color transparency film, then I'd recommend Provia 100F. If you want high saturation, the new Velvia.

You need to tell us if you want print or slide, what format, and if you'll be scanning or printing traditionally. You'll get a lot more tips with a more specific question.

Thanks guys- I should have said RESIN. I still can't find one though. (I'm in the States).

If someone has an actual HITECH part number (4 digits, typically) - I would appreciate it.

Having a heck of a time finding a #12 filter in 4x4 polyester. Strange that

Hitech doesn't seem to have one.

Any clues? Is a heavy CC filter a possible substitute?

Thanks!

Actually it's more like:

Old and long = outer

New = inner

(the 400mm ED and 800mm ED are both inner, while the old 400 and 600 are outer)

But yes, you need the inner for your lenses.

Leave it. I dragged a 4x5 around on my first vist and regretted it... There's too much to enjoy over there and it sounds like you have an ambitious schedule anyway.

Take some 35mm gear and enjoy (and photograph) the atmosphere. Europe isn't the American West. There's not a lot of room in many photogenic places to park a big tripod and view camera gear.

Also, trying to carry that amount of gear on public transport is a mistake. One small bag is best.

If you do take it, please check back in with this thread and let us know how many exposures you took.

Well, I changed my development time to 5 minutes and added hypo clear to all the baths. This did the trick, my highlights are white!

Unfortunately, since I changed two variables at once, I don't know if one or both made the improvement. For now, both changes are part of my process.

Thanks again!

I'm going to try adding the hypo clearing agent to my EDTA washes and I'll get back to you guys.

Thanks for the info on EDTA and the longer development times. I'll post results.

Well, I've made my first few Pd prints from 4x5 contacts. That was

really neat. I suppose I've spent too much time manipulating bits

lately- it's such a contrast to have something to hold in your hand,

that you made!

In any case, I've made my test prints and gotten what I think is a

decent exposure. However, I can't seem to get the yellow out of the

highlights. I'm using the B&S Pd starter kit which uses EDTA. I'm

doing three washes of 5 min, 5 min and 10 minutes (and higher, to try

to clear)- but I'm still getting yellows in my highlights. I think my

dynamic range would improve if I could get closer to the paper white.

Do I need to change to HCl? Very long wash times? Uncoated areas of

the paper sharpely contrast, so the paper isn't getting yellow.

I'm using RO/DI water also, so it's not that my water chemistry is

screwing things up.

Thanks for any advice.

Where do the platinum/palladium printing people hang out? I'd love

to find a good forum for this... Thanks!

I'm not aware of one.

What I do is, when I find a unique spot that I want to record, is to use the voice annotation to say "Waypoint 123" and then add that waypoint to my GPS.

I've taken some great portraits with my 1dsm2 and the 24-70 at 2.8. At high ISOs, the camera performs great- and the bokeh wide open looks like an old-school prime. What else can you ask for?

I've used the 85/1.2 and I'd say the AF is far too slow to use for candid shots, awesome lens, but it's for a sitting, IMHO.

If you really have to buy something, consider the 135/2; nice and creamy, but sharp inside the DoF. Fast AF.

Hand held: Fuji 645zi. How can that lens be so sharp?

Tripod: Pentax 67. Ah, the negatives, and that amazing 55-100mm.