Photography Happenings !! Issue #13

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                        *      PHOTOGRAPHY HAPPENINGS !!      *
                        *        Photography news in Singapore        *
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Greetings all photo enthusiasts !!

1) This a private mailing list for photographers in Singapore, so that we
can all be kept informed of the latest happenings in the photographic circle, eg. any courses, outings, interesting websites, and new products in photography.

2) If you wish not to receive any mails, or if you have any photography
enthusiast friends who wants to be added onto this list, pls e-mail me their
e-mail addresses. All the recipients on this mailing list will not be listed, so your address will be kept private and confidential.

3) Depending on the amount of news, you should be receiving one update every
two weeks or so. If you have any news of photographic interest you wish to
share with the rest, pls mail it to me !! Remember, this mailing list is only as good as the info I receive !

4) I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information posted, but I'll try my best to verify the information before putting it up.

5) The official "Photography Happenings !!" homepage is located at:

Http://home.pacific.net.sg/~nelson88

Best regards,
Nelson Tan (Editor)

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Issue #13 Dated: 5th Feb 1999

*** CONTENTS ***

Okay, and in this issue of "Photography Happenings !!", we have:

        1) Announcements
           - Wishing all readers a Happy CNY

        2) New Products
           - AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D IF
           - New AF-lenses for Pentax 645 N
           - Manfrotto 055 tripod (new version)

        3) Website Reviews
           - NUS Photographic Society Website Revamp
           - The New Picture Perfect
           - Paul Roark's Black-and-White Landscape
           - Focus On-line
           - National Geographic Website

4) Events in Singapore
- Chinatown Lightup 1999

        5) Special Offers and Bargains
           - Cathay Photo "Chinese New Year Special"
           - Ruby Photo "Bowens Special Promotions"

        6) Photography tips
           - Photo secrets
           - Printing Labels for 35mm slide mounts
           - Slides or prints ?

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* ANNOUNCEMENTS *

Wishing a readers a Happy Chinese New Year
------------------------------------------

The festive season is around the corner, and I would like to take this chance to wish all Chinese subscribers a Prosperous Chinese New Year. There are no new articles at the site for now, although I have included 2 very good websites in the reviews section, so you will definitely be kept busy surfing the net !

There is a significant increase in the numbers of new subcribers, and we welcome you to "Photography Happenings !!". I hope that this newsletter will continue to provide everyone the essential photo news and reviews, and receive your staunch support. Best of luck in your photography !

Nelson Tan
Editor

[Total list membership stands at 352]

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* NEW PRODUCTS *

Correction: In the previous issue, it was announced that Nikon released a lens 24-120mm. That is incorrect, and the correct lens is listed below.

AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D IF
--------------------------------------

Nikon has just lauched a compact AF zoom covering 28-105mm. The new lens includes aspherical lens elements for minimized distortion, and internal focusing (IF) technology for fast AF operation. According to Nikon, "this lens produces higher resolution photographs with excellent contrast". The specs for this new lens is as follows:

        Lens:           AF Zoom Nikkor 28-105 f3.5-4.5 IF
        Range:          3.8X zoom
        Type:           hybrid type asph lens
        Aperture:       9 blade aperture for more natural defocus areas
        Construction:   16 elements in 12 groups
        Closest focus: 0.5m/0.22(with macro setting)
        Diameter:       62mm filter

This lens is sold together with the F100 as a set in Japan, and sold seperately in U.K.

New AF-lenses for Pentax 645 N
------------------------------

The world's first AF medium format SLR now has new lenses to expand it's scope. The new lenses are:

                   SMC Pentax-FA 645 200mm f/4 [IF]
                   SMC Pentax-FA 645 Zoom 80mm~160mm f/4.5
                   SMC Pentax-FA 645 Macro 120mm f/4

This addition brings the lens lineup for the Pentax 645AF to a total of 8 AF lenses. It is also possible to use the 13 manual-focus lenses for the P645 on the AF version.

According to the press release, "the SMC Pentax-FA 645 200mm f/4 [IF] produces an extra-sharp, high-contrast image with minimal chromatic and spherical aberrations, thanks to the incorporation of two anomalous low dispersion lens elements. The inner focus (IF) mechanism not only improves focusing speed both in autofocus and manual-focus operations..."

The SMC Pentax-FA Zoom 80mm~160mm f/4.5 is a multi-purpose zoom lens has extra-low dispersion (ED) lens element and anomalous low dispersion lens element minimize disturbing aberrations. The lens also has a non-rotating filter thread to facilitate the use of some filters (eg. graduated and polarizers).

The SMC Pentax-FA Macro offers a minimum focusing distance of 0.395 meters
(1.3 feet) and goes to life-size manification (1:1). Pentax claims that "the combination of the floating mechanism, independently shifted diaphragm control mechanism and anomalous low dispersion lens element minimizes various aberrations caused by focus adjustment and produces a sharp, high-contrast image over the entire focus range from the minimum focusing distance to infinity."
The lens is also equipped with a focus limiter for speedy focus adjustment operation.

Here are the specifications for the 3 lenses:

                   SMC Pentax-FA 645 200mm f/4 [IF]
                   Lens Constructions 6 elements in 5 groups
                   Angle of View 20°
                   Diaphragm Fully Automatic
                   Minimum Aperture 32
                   Photometric Method TTL open-aperture metering
                   Minimum Shooting Distance 1.5m (4.9 ft)
                   Maximum Magnification 0.16 x
                   Filter Diameter 58mm
                   Maximum Diameter & Length 74.5 x 119mm (2.93 x
                   4.69 inch) wo/hood
                   Weight 670g (23.6 oz.) wo/hood

                   SMC Pentax-FA 645 Zoom 80-160mm f/4.5
                   Lens Constructions 11 elements in 10 groups
                   Angle of View 47 - 24.5°
                   Diaphragm Fully Automatic
                   Minimum Aperture 32
                   Photometric Method TTL open-aperture metering
                   Minimum Shooting Distance 1m (3.3ft)
                   Maximum Magnification 0.17 x
                   Filter Diameter 77mm
                   Maximum Diameter & Length 85 x 130.5mm (3.3 x 5.1
                   inch)
                   Weight 1010g (35.6 oz.)

                   SMC Pentax-FA 645 Macro 120mm f/4
                   Lens Constructions 9 elements in 7 groups
                   Angle of View 32.5°
                   Diaphragm Fully Automatic
                   Minimum Aperture 32
                   Photometric Method TTL open-aperture metering
                   Minimum Shooting Distance 0.395m (1.3 ft)
                   Maximum Magnification 1 x
                   Filter Diameter 67mm
                   Maximum Diameter & Length 82.5m x 110mm (3.2 x
                   4.3 inch) wo/hood
                   Weight 735g (25.9 oz.) wo/hood

Manfrotto 055 tripod (new version)
----------------------------------
Manfrotto, the Italian manufacturer of tripods and equipment supports, has released a new version of their popular 055 tripod. The new tripod features a horizontal orientation socket that allows you to position your camera facing straight down at the floor. This configuration makes copying work or macro photography much easier than before. Also, the new 055 comes with 2 lengths of interchangeable vertical column for greater flexibility. Like its predecessor, the new 055 will be available in both chrome and black versions.

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* WEBSITE REVIEWS *

Here are this issue's recommended websites:

NUS Photographic Society Website Revamp
---------------------------------------

The NUS Photographic Society has just revamped their website. Many new stuff have been included in this update to keep it at the fore of local photography. I especially like the discussion forum concept, where you can ask questions and have people answer it. Do check out the new look of the website, and the recent additions !!

- Classified Ads        - Discussion Forum              - Events noticeboard
- Photography Articles - Photo Gallery                 - IPC Course notes
- Equipment reviews     - Online Darkroom booking

Http://scicblc.nus.edu.sg/~photosoc

The New Picture Perfect
-----------------------

This website is a up and coming website. Do watch for it !! The site contains
19 articles, 2 photo galleries, and much more. Some of the latest articles include:

- A Beginners Guide to Color Infrared Photography
- The secrets to Sports Photography
- Photoshop Techniques
- Tokina 28-70 2.6-2.8 AT-X Pro II Review
- Slik 700DX Tripod Review
- Nikon FM2 Review
- Guide to Scanning Technology.

Check it out at:

http://www.picture-perfect.net

Paul Roark's Black-and-White Landscape
--------------------------------------

If you love Ansel Adam's black and white landscape images, you will like this gallery too ! The images are stunning, although the HTML script is not the most impressive. But we are there for the photos aren't we ? Guess what, the images are not taken with large format cameras. Fast loading and simple. Don't miss it if you love Ansel !!

http://www.silcom.com/~proark/photos.html

Focus On-line
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This is the second website which I mentioned you must visit. Focus On-line is jammed packed with plenty of features and articles. You can find plenty of photo news, reviews, photo gallery (you can submit your photos or vote for a fav), and a Tips and Technique section. Some of the equipment reviewed include the Fuji MX-700, Nikon F3, Pentax 67, Contax AX and Nikon Coolpix 600. Although it is not as well-established as Photo.Net, it is certainly more ambitious !!

http://www.focus-online.com/

National Geographic Website
---------------------------
National Geographic (NG) is one of the rare magazines which more people buy for the pictures than the content (the others include Playboy and FHM). World renowned for its breathtaking images, NG photographers have time after time brought back pictures of exotic places and scenics which we otherwise would not have seen in our lifetime. Visit their website for some of the pictures and stories, and feel for yourself the power of images. There are links below to two of their pages, from which you can go to anywhere else on their site. Do check out the photo tips, but frankly they are too simplistic (disappointing that it came from NG photographers). But do enjoy the site though !!

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/camerabag/hottips.html (Tips)
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/uimonen/index.html (Visions)

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* EVENTS IN SINGAPORE *

Chinatown Lightup 1999
----------------------
Right after jostling with the crowds for the Thaipusam festival, you can again look forward to another session of jamming with the crowds again. This time, the venue will be Chinatown. From now until Chinese New Year (16th Feb), Chinatown is packed with stall vendors selling the festive goods. Bring your photo gear down and get into the festive mood by mingling with the crowds (watch for your valuables though). Photos opportunities abound, and if you really want to get into the mood, go on the night of New Year's eve and watch them slash the prices of the goods !! Those with a photojournalistic streak might want to stay until the crowd has cleared, and see what a mess they have left behind. Some techniques you may want to use include slow-sync flash, or fast film to use available light to capture the mood. Or you can bring along a tripod to capture the lights on the streets (just make sure you're not blocking anyone's way !!).

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* SPECIAL OFFERS AND BARGAINS *

All efforts are made to ensure accuracy of the materials, but the editor will not be held responsible for any mistakes or errors.

Yes, the shops know that after the New Year, most of you guys will have plenty of ang-pow cash to spend. So what better ways to take them off your hands by having special offers ?? Check them out....

Cathay Photo "Chinese New Year Special"
---------------------------------------
Cathay Photo wishes all customers a Happy Chinese New Year. To celebrate the coming of another year, Cathay is having special offer on selected merchandise:

Pentax:                         Nikon F50 w/ 35-80 AF lens           $ 599
MZ 50 w/ FA 28-80 lens $499    Canon EOS 888QD w/ EF 38-76 lens     $ 339
MZM w/35-80 lens        $299    Leica Mini 3T QD                     $ 399
Espio 140M QD           $399    Leica Minilux Zoom w/ CF flash       $1399
Espio 200 QD            $599    Leica R6.2 body w/winder             $3399
Espio 90MC QD           $299    Arca Swiss Monoball B1 w/release     $ 678

Elinchrom Prolinca 400 Promo kit $1530
(2 Prolinca 400 lights, 2 stands, 2 umbrellas, 1 location bag, 1 stand bag)

Domke bags and Heritage bags are also on offer. See the latest issue of ViewFinder from Cathay Photo for more information.

Ruby Photo "Bowens Special Promotions"
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Ruby Photo, the distributor of Bowens studio flash, is holding a special promo for the renowned flash system. For a limited period,

Package:
You can now purchase a package of 2 units of Bowens Esprit 500 and a unit of Esprit 250 (original price:$3612) for only $1700.

Trade-in offers:
Trade in any brand of electronic flash (studio lights with modeling lamp) and pay only $556 for Esprit 250 or $697 for Esprit 500.

Other offers include:
Esprit 250 $611 (Original price:$1008)
Esprit 500 $766 (Original price:$1302)

All offers valid for a limited time only, and while stocks last.

Ruby Photo wishes all Chinese photography enthusiasts a Happy Chinese New Year.

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* PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS *

Photo secrets
-------------
Sounds good doesn't it ?? Now you're going to learn all the secrets of taking great photos !! Swipe that evil grin off your mouth, because it is really just a collection of good photo tips which you can apply to get better images. That said, it's really pretty basic stuff, so the more advanced readers may just want to view the gallery. Wanna know the REAL secret of making great images ?? Go out and take the picture !!

http://www.photosecrets.com/

Printing Labels for 35mm slide mounts
-------------------------------------

Photographers shooting slides face the constant problem of storing slides and captioning them. Unlike prints which could be easily captioned at the back, it is virtually impossible to write anything on a slide mount. Thus, people have resorted to putting stickers on the slides and writing on them.

Now, there is neater way to caption your mounted slides. Avery, the manufacturer of labels and stickers has emerged with a elegant solution. Using the special software "Avery Wizard", you can print labels using Microsoft word that will fit exactly onto the different labels. It's pretty easy.

1. After installing the software, just start MS-Word and click on the new icon.
2. The Avery Wizard will start, and just choose the label that you're using
3. Type in the words you want to appear on the label, and press print
4. That's it !!

You can select the option of printing the same words, or different words for all tha labels on the same page. I have found that the label 5267 just fits onto the slide mount, and you can print 2 lines of text on the label. A packet of 2000 labels cost $15 at Funan Centre.

Download your free Avery Wizard at:

http://www.avery.com

Slides or prints
----------------
Many people always ask the same question of whether to shoot slides or prints, and which is better (and why). Well, you can stop wondering because someone has taken the trouble to write articles about the whole issue of slides vs prints. In fact, he has also taken the trouble to shoot and scan images taken side-by-side with both slides and prints for you to compare !! So read the article and become wise !!

http://web.mit.edu/cai/www/photo/film/film_comp.html

http://web.mit.edu/cai/www/photo/film/printslide.html

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That's all, folks !
Happy shooting !!!

Your friendly list-maintainer,
Nelson Tan

Visit the official "Photography Happenings !!" website at:

Http://home.pacific.net.sg/~nelson88