ted___

Whatever you do, don't give it to the airlines as checked

baggage in a soft bag. My Bogen got broken that way.

Depending on what tripod you have, you might be able

to disconnect the sections. Ted.

Does the GX justify its higher price?

VERY DEFINITELY NO !

Ted.

Thank you all for sharing your wisdom and experience with me.

I agree that 500mm is what I SHOULD aim for, but cost is a major

factor at this time.

<p>

Can I utter the word Sigma ? In addition to the Nikon 300, I also have the Nikon 180 /2.8 and the Sigma 70-210/ 2.8 APO. As I am

meticulous about the care of my equipment, I find that the quality

of construction of this Sigma (as compared to Sigma consumer lenses) is very good. As an amateur (doing my own darkroom work)

I think that if the Sigma 400/5.6D APO Macro is of solid build, I might

go with this lens. The optics are rated highly. The "D" is valid since

it focuses to 5 feet and the AF for my 65 year old eyes would be a benefit. The alternative that I have looked at is the Nikon 400 /5.6

EDIF. The Sigma is obtainable new for $630 and a used Nikon is

about $1300.

<p>

Since I do not sell my photos and since I rarely enlarge above 8x10,

would I be foolish to go with the Sigma ? I may also get their 1.4 TC

or use my present Nikkor 1.4.

<p>

Your opinions are appreciated. Thanks, Ted.

Reading the Nature Q&A forum I notice that most serious nature

photographers usually start with prime 300mm lenses then

graduate to 500-600mm lenses. Why is 400 not used more often

considering size, weight, cost? I currently use Nikon 300 f4 EDIF

with Nikon's 1.4 or 1.6 TC giving me 420-480mm. I am thinking

about my next step -- a 400mm with the same TCs. Is this a good

progression? Thanks, Ted.

Just out of curiosity, would the limited AF of Nikon's TC 16A not be

suitable since I am aiming in that direction. Ted.

Would Fuji NPS, which also has a the four layered emulsion, be

a good substitute for Reala ? It also has the benefit of being about

a half stop faster. Ted.

The July/August issue of Photo Techniques mentions that

Konica Impressa 50 has extremely fine grain and "the best

sharpness of any color negative film" and"is only a bit more

grainy" that Ektar 25. It is available in 35 and 120 with low-to-

moderate contrast and neutral color rendition. Ted.

In a recent medical journal an article on insect repellants stated

that the military that used to use 100% DEET now only use 50%

and the recommended strengths for civilians is 35% for adults

and 10% for children. DEET is absorbed through the skin and

there are documented reports of severe neurotoxicity.

<p>

The article goes on to mention that in addition to DEET the use

of pyrethrum spray on clothing (to the point of the clothing being

just damp) every two weeks produces about 98% effectiveness

in eliminating insect bites. Ted.

For those that may be interested, the publishers of "Darkroom User",

a British magazine, have announced the launch of a new photo

magazine in mid-Sept. dedicated to medium and large format.

The name of the magazine is "MF/LF".

E-mail for information: 100410.1561@compuserve.com.

My direct e-mail to you got bounced back so I'll pass this information

along to you here.

Your best bet is Point Pelee, the southermost part of Ontario and

Canada, about 60-75 miles south of Detroit.

Other places that might be of interest are (with phone numbers

for information, area code 519):

Kortright Waterfowl Park 824-6729

Guelph Lake Conservation area 824-5061

U. of G. Arboretum Center 824-4120

City of Guelph Recreation and Parks 837-5618.

The last four are all in or around Guelph.

If I can be of further help please contact me by e-mail.

Ted.

I own a Pentax 645 and a Mamiya 6MF (along with a Nikon N90s).

Both of these MF cameras are a joy to use and are so very

different that I would be hard pressed to choose. Lenses are

more limited and more expensive, but you would be able to

get the MF equivalent of your favourite 35s. My only suggestion

is to be certain what use the camera would have and rent each one

for a weekend to get the"feel" and see how it would fit in with

your needs. Keep your Nikons, at least one. Good luck. Ted.

There was a letter to the editor in DARKROOM PHOTO (Camera & Darkroom) about

3-4 years ago about this. Using ND filters, without a spot

meter, the writer was able to match Zone 1 with his ND filter

and blank, developed film (base +fog). He came equal to or

within 1/3rd stop when compared to 2-3 commercial densitometric

readings.

I think I could locate the issue if you are interested.

Ted.

I think you should consider the Rollie 6008, 6003 or the

new 6001 that is about to appear. A demo camera should

fall into your price range. I don't believe you have too much

choice. If it weren't for the backs, the new Pentax 645N (with

changeable inserts) would be a good choice. Ted.

Please place your want ads in the appropriate classified ads

section; this is no place for 5 ads. Ted

Just want to pass on some information. I had been looking for a

645 neg. carrier for my Vivitar VI for about a year without success.

I learned via an e-mail that the carriers for a Saunders/LPL 6700

fit perfectly. I tried it and it does. Since Saunders carriers are easy

to get, I think that this will help those who have the same problem

that I did. Ted.

I would strongly suggest the Metz MZ-2 or MZ-3. I have the

former and it works exceptionally well on my 645. Ted.

I hope to take a cruise in Alaska during the first two

weeks of Sept. A search in photo.net revealed much

information on summer cruises, but nothing at this time

of year. This would be my first cruise and first trip to

Alaska. I would appreciate information about weather

as well as photo info. I will be taking a Nikon N90s as well

as a Pentax 645 with a good variety of lenses. I hope to

shoot with a negative film (probably Fuji Reala) and a

reversal film (probably Kodak E-200). I plan on 35mm

negative film and 120/220 reversal film. I have my own

darkroom and plan to process/print my own images.

It is a one week cruise. How many rolls of film do you

suggest. Thanks. Ted.

Saunders website is:

www.saundersphoto.com

e-mail:

saunders7@aol.com

I can certainly vouch for Hadley Chamberlain's integrity.

There is probably no better person to buy a used Rollei from.

He is in California and has ads in the classified section of

Shutterbug. Ted.

January 1998 issue of Shutterbug has an article on the new

Pentax 645N and B&H lists it at a price of $2350.

I agree with a previous post about dealing with Hadley

Chamberlain (he advertises in classified columns of Shutterbug).

<p>

Also, I would like to point out that excellent service for

30 year old Rolleis is still available through Marflex in New Jersey.

<p>

Rollei has been around too long to manufacture junk and

you get more camera for your dollar than you do with a Hassie

although rental lenses, etc. are much more available for the

latter.

<p>

I too live in Canada and have owned Rolleis. The reason for

the frequent change in distributors is purely economical. There

are not enough sales to make it worthwhile. Rollei does almost

no advertising in Canada. Best wishes. Ted.

I am considering buying a used, mint, Saunders 4550 XL

enlarger for use with medium format film (6x6) and with an

APO Rodagon lens. Before I invest, anybody have any

experience, especially negative ones. Thanks.