Photogra[hy Happenings !! Issue #14

                        **************************************************
                        *      PHOTOGRAPHY HAPPENINGS !!      *
                        *        Photography news in Singapore        *
                        **************************************************

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)

********************************************************************************

Issue #14 Dated: 19th Feb 1999

*** CONTENTS ***

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

        1) Announcements
           - New Article

        2) New Products
           - Japanese Leica-clone with TTL metering
           - Mamiya 7 II
           - New Leica Zoom for R-Series
           - Tamron breaks new ground with 28-300mm lens
           - Nikon F100 and Nikkor lenses now available in the stores
           - EOS Reversing Ring Adaptor
           - New Nikon Digital SLR (Nikon E3)

        3) Website Reviews
           - Medium and Large Format Photography
           - John Netherton's Website
           - Aerial Photography Homepage

4) Events in Singapore
- NTU VisJourn Photojournalism Seminar

        5) Photography tips
           - Did you know ?
           - Sullivan's Scanning Tips
           - Cleaning your lenses with lens fluid without leaving marks

6) Classified Ads
- Tamron 70-210 f/3.5 SP (Nikon mount) for sale

________________________________________________________________________________

* ANNOUNCEMENTS *

In this issue, there is a number of new products that are available or will be available in Singapore soon. Perhaps the dealers are expecting people to buy more after the Lunar New Year, with all the red packets coming in ?

There has been a recent increase in the number of overseas subscribers. We welcome you to this e-mail newsletter, and hope that you will enjoy the news, articles and reviews that are not restricted to Singapore only.

Also, due to server breakdowns and full mailboxes, some of you might not receive some issues. Please download them from the archives if you want the missing issues.

New Article
-----------

There is a new article, called "The Spirit of Photography". It sounds big and impressive, but trust me - it's not ! The article lists the basic commonsense knowledge of photography, which we are prone to forgetting in the midst of all the shooting and hype of new equipment. It is one of my favorite article, and I feel that it is suitable reading for most photographers. It's a simple reading, so everyone can enjoy it, and get back to the basics of photography.

You can check out the article under the Articles Section.

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

[Total list membership stands at 372]

Notable Quote:

"The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten."

********************************************************************************

* NEW PRODUCTS *

Japanese Leica-clone with TTL metering
--------------------------------------

For those of you who dream of owning a Leica rangefinder, but could never afford the price or justify paying so much for one, take heart. A Japanese manufacturer has just released a new mechanical Leica-clone mount camera.

Yasuhara, a small Japanese camera manufacturer has launched the Yasuhara T981, which is essentially a metal range finder camera with Leica-L screw mount. It resembles the classic Leica camera, but it is a modern production. Granted, it is no Leica, and its ridiculous name sounds like some droid from Star Wars, but what do you expect for 55000 yen ??

Don't expect Leica quality construction for sure, but don't write it off. This clone comes with a TTL metering system (using SPD sensors) !! That is something which most Leica users sorely lack (unless they pay through the nose for a M6). Just press the release button, and the lightmeter is activated (using the same display as the Nikon FM2, which is a plus-minus-OK readout). They have also developed a special gray-painted Copal shutter for the TTL system.

Also, the film loading is through a hinged back like normal camera. Leica users need to grow a third arm, for changing films and taking light readings (just kidding).

There is also a 1:1 magnification finder in the T981. According to the Jap manufacturers, "our theme is to take pictures comfortably with 50mm lens. You can take pictures with this finder with both eyes open!". Don't you just love the way the Japanese phrase their words ?

Before you start reaching for your wallets, take note that the T981 is not available now. This is a new camera, and the manufacturers did not expect to sell too many units. However, the market in Japan went wild, and the stocks were totally swiped out and the orders are piling up. So don't expect to lay your hands on one anytime soon. You can however place your reservation at the website at:

http://www.yasuhara.co.jp/t981-e.html

Mamiya revamps its MF rangefinder 7
-----------------------------------

The already spectacular Mamiya 7 has just gotten better ! Mamiya has just updated its medium format 6X7 rangefinder into a second-generation camera, the Mamiya 7 II. The improvements are minor updates and cosmetic improvements, since the original model was already very good.

Some of the features include:
- Double exposure mode with security
- Exposure compensation without double commands.
- Lighter frames in the viewfinder, visible even in bright sunlight.
- Improved shutter, makes it easier to change lenses.
- The wire release socket is moved and is now easier to reach.
- 3 strap holders allows the camera to be carried vertically or horizontally
- Improved grip with rubber covering on strategic parts of the body.

The exterior looks same as the previous verion, but it now has the word Mamiya running down the edge at the left hand side, and the II printed besides Mamiya 7 at the top. The new Mamiya 7 II will be available in either black or champagne. There will also be a new lens for the Mamiya 7 - a Seiko 50mm f/4.5.

New Leica Zoom for R-Series
---------------------------
Leica has just released a new zoom for it's R-series of SLR cameras. The 35-70 f/2.8 Elmarit-R Asph is due to reach the market anytime soon, and contains aspherical elements for edge to edge sharpness. This lens also contains macro facilities. Check out the local dealers for stocks.

Tamron breaks new ground with 28-300mm lens
-------------------------------------------
When is it ever going to stop ? Five years ago, Tamron made headlines with its incredibly compact zoom which stretches from 28-200. Now, Tamron has again broken new grounds with the new Tamron 28-300mm f/2.5-6.3 LD Aspherical AF lens. Tamron has managed to pack an additional 100mm into this lens, while using internal focus technology so the front element will not rotate (great when using filters).

Nikon F100 and Nikkor lenses now available in the stores
--------------------------------------------------------
Nikon's newest products have now reached the stores in Singapore. The Nikon F100 and two other Nikon lenses - 28-105mm and 80-200mm (AF-S) are now on sale.

The F100 with the MB-13 grip and 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-S is now on display at the Cathay store-front. The F100 looks virtual indistinguishable from the F5 when fitted with the MB-13 grip, and the 80-200 AF-S looks so huge that most people will have problems hand-holding it. Shall we say that the size of the lens has just gotten out of hand ? (pun intended) Check them out....

Also, if you're interested in a review of the new F100, it can be found at:

http://hawk.foto.no/pinhole/nikon/index.html

EOS Reversing Ring Adaptor
--------------------------
Some of you probably know that by reversing your lens, you can get greater magnification from it. For example, by reversing a 50mm lens, you can achieve up to life-size magnification. There are some limitations, such as not being able to use the aperture stop-down function etc. And for Canon EOS users, it cannot be done at all because the EOS mount is fully electronic, so reversing the lens means that nothing will work at all.

However, Novaflex has created a reverse adaptor for EOS lenses which allows full transfer of electronic info to the lenses even when reversed. This allows EOS owners to reverse mount their lenses like other brands. But they are not available directly in Singapore. For more info on the product and how to order it, check out their advertisement in Practical Photography.

Nikon E3 Digital SLR
--------------------
Nikon has released a new professional digital SLR - the Nikon E3. This new digital SLR is packed to the brim with features like 1.4 million (1,364 x 1,032) total pixels, Nikkor lens compatibility and TTL Balanced Fill-Flash, making it suitable for professional applications.

The Nikon E3 features Reduction Optical System (ROS) to achieve practically
identical picture angles when the same Nikkor lens is mounted on either an E Series digital or a Nikon 35mm [135]-format SLR camera. The high viewfinder magnification ensures easy, detailed viewing. The Nikkor wideangle lens image
that you see when setting up is what you get, for assurance that the subject filling the viewfinder frame is completely captured in the final shot.

In addition, the Nikon E3 has Infrared Reduction Filter to retain realistic tone and to maintain excellent balance of RGB coloration. The TTL Balanced Fill-Flash
enables accurate flash control using Nikon Speedlights. Nikon E3/E3s cameras use a high-sensitivity 2/3-inch, 1.4-million-square-pixel CCD for processing high-definition (1,280 x 1,000 pixel) images, and Nikon's super-sensitive CCD and cutting-edge ROS allowsultra-fast shutter exposures without requiring use of expensive, heavy, oversized-aperture lenses.

The E3s' high buffer memory capacity makes it possible to shoot up to 12 consecutive images at 3 frames/sec. Both the E3s and E3 enable shooting until the memory card is full at one frame/sec. You are also ensured of compatibility with your existing Nikon equipment, since most Nikon SLR equipment and accessories, including Nikkor lenses and Speedlights can be used with the E3.

With this new release, Nikon is aiming at the professionals who are currently using Canon/Nikon bodies fitted with Kodak DC packs. With such professional specifications, it shouldn't prove too difficult to draw the users back to the Nikon system. Perhaps the price is the only obstacle. You can find more info at:

http://www.klt.co.jp/Nikon/EID/Digital_Cameras/E3/index.html

(Brought to attention by Simon Ng)

********************************************************************************

* WEBSITE REVIEWS *

Here are this issue's recommended websites:

Medium and Large Format Photography
-----------------------------------
For medium format and large format users, you ought to check out this site. It is packed with info on the larger than 35mm formats, and should prove very interesting if you're currently using them. For absolute beginners, you might find it slightly daunting. However, regardless of your level, you might like to drop by the gallery section to view some of the images.

http://home.hkstar.com/~wyr/

John Netherton's Website
------------------------
John Netherton is a contributor to the American magazine Outdoor Photographer. He is a superb wildlife photography, perhaps on par with the best of outdoor photographers like Galen Rowell and John Shaw. This is evident as you check out his website of dazzling wildlife images. If you like the outdoors, make sure you visit this website !!

http://www.johnnetherton.com/

Aerial Photography Homepage
---------------------------

If your everyday car is a Porsche and your spare car is a Jaguar, take note of this website. Aerial photography is where you take your camera miles above the earth's surface to take pictures of....err... the earth's surface. The prerequiste of this field of photography is that you have to be awefully rich, to build the devices to carry the camera up and to activate them in mid-air, and trying not to sob too hard when your EOS-1n or F5 comes plunging back to earth at 100 miles/hour. Whether or not you are into aerial photography, this is an interesting page and deserves a look. This website is very well-done and the layout is concise and logical. If everyday photography gets to you as boring,
aerial photography will be cool !! Don't miss the gallery ...

http://www-archfp.ced.berkeley.edu/kap/

********************************************************************************

* EVENTS IN SINGAPORE *

VisJourn Photojournalism Seminar
--------------------------------

VisJourn, a magazine by students of the NTU School of Communication Studies, is organising a seminar on Photojournalism.

The speaker will introduce what photojournalism is. At the same time, we will
also be soliciting for submission of photos and picture essays for our magazine.
At the moment, submission is limited to matriculated students of NTU and Alumni of SCS. However depending on the response, we will consider opening up space
for publication (in our homepage) to the general public.

Students of NTU who are interested to have their photos published in VisJourn
are encouraged to turn up for this Seminar. In this seminar, Dr Sam Winch will
elaborate on the guidelines and criteria for submissions.

The general public are also welcome to participate in this seminar to find out more about photojournalism and pick up tips of photojournalism.

For more info about our magazine and this coming seminar, please visit our
website at http://asiaphoto.com/visjourn

        Date: 23 February 1999, Tuesday
        Time: 6:00pm to 8:30pm
        Venue: Lecture Theatre, School of Communication Studies, NTU.
        Admission: free and open to the general public

Speaker: Asst. Prof. (Dr) Samuel P. Winch,
Lecturer of Photojournalism and Media Ethnics (NTU)

********************************************************************************

* PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS *

Did you know ?
--------------
Here's something interesting.... Do you know that gelatine is a basic ingredient in the manufacture of film ? Manufacturers get the gelatine by boiling the bones of cows. Because of the high demand for gelatine, Kodak tried experimenting with synthetic gelatine, but it was too expensive. Fuji apparently was trying to get gelatine from seaweed, but they too did not suceed. How many cows does a roll of film contain (sounds like a cheese commercial) ? Agfa alone buys the bones of 10,000 cows per day ! So please, use some cow-sense before you waste any film...

Sullivan's Scanning Tips
------------------------
In today's world, photography is not just about film alone. Photography has entered the digital era, whether we like it or not. It is always good to know a little of something, even if you don't like it. This website gives pretty straightforward advice and tips about scanning your images, whether it's from your prints or your film. It requires that you know something about computer terminology, and it isn't suitable for the digital wizards amongst us who might find it too simple. In other words, it's for the rest of us who're not nerds !
(Just kidding...)

Some of the topics you can find in the website includes: - Scanning for Output Method
- Bit Depth, Scan Mode & File Size
- Proper Setup
- Types of Scanners
- Finding Your Scanner's Sweet Spot
- Scanning 3D Objects
- Scanning Great Background Effects
- Correcting Poor Color
- Sharpening Scanned Images
- Salvaging a Faded Original
- Using a Polaroid Camera With a Scanner

http://www.hsdesign.com/scanning/tipswelcome.html

Cleaning your lenses with lens fluid without leaving marks
----------------------------------------------------------
What I usually do is to prepare two pieces of lens tissue. One will be
wetted with the cleaning fluid, while the other will be the dry one.
Once I clean the lens with the wet one, I'll immediately proceed to wipe
off with the dry one. The trick here is to dry off the liquid before it
evaporates on it's own, because that will leave the drying marks you've
seen. Finally, finish off with a blower to blow off any lint which the tissues
leave behind.

There you have it - Nelson's original recipe for cleaning lenses without
leaving any marks !!

********************************************************************************

* CLASSIFIED ADS *

Tamron 70-210 f/3.5 SP (Nikon mount) for sale
---------------------------------------------
Tamron 70-210 f/3.5 SP (Nikon mount) for sale at $220. It's a constant aperture zoom, and delivers blistering sharp images (I have pictures to prove it!!). The bright f/3.5 aperture means you can shoot in low light, and yet not carry around a heavy f/2.8 zoom lens ! Page for me at 9-317 4776 to view it !!

________________________________________________________________________________

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