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                        *      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)

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Issue #18 Dated: 16 Apr 1999

*** CONTENTS ***

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

        1) Announcements
           - Editor's notes
           - International subscribers

        2) New Products
           - Cokin's new X-Pro filter series
           - Dynalite M1000e strobe power packs

        3) Website Reviews
           - Jed Wee's Homepage
           - Digital Fashion Photography
           - PhotoArt: Fine Arts Photography and Photojournalism
           - Photodo Photography Website
           - Temples of Thailand

        4) Events in Singapore
           - Ian Lloyd :Assignment with National Geographic
           - Himeji Photo Contest
           - M.I.L.K Photo Contest

        5) Special Offers and Bargains
           - Nikon FM10/FE10 starter kit special offer
           - Kodak E100VS Promotion by RGB Color

        6) Photography tips
           - Types of batteries
           - Filter Guide
           - A Photographer's Guide to Scanning Technology
           - Excuse me, are you a terrorist ?

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* ANNOUNCEMENTS *

Editor's notes
--------------
As the iMac fever sweeps across the world, hundreds of Mac peripherals turn up in funky transparent neon cases to match the cool looks of the iMacs. One just wonders if the photographic industry would follow suit and manufacture some cool iNik, iCan and iMin. But then, of course the film compartment would obviously need to be light-proof !!

On April Fool's Day, the famous local photo guru Mr Yip Hoi Kee played an April Fool's Joke on Hilarion Goh, saying that he welcomes them to his house at 8888 East Coast Road and they would collectively give him an AngPow of 8 Rupiah each so that he will use it to buy a new film to try it, and the new film is rated at IS0-8888. And on Sat April 3, the Straits Times 4D Result came out - 8888 (2nd prize!). The biggest joke of all.... none of them bought the numbers !! :)

With all the hype around the Melisa virus, most people would have known about it. But for those who are still in the dark, subscriber Kenny Yeo recommends checking out the following page for info. Thankfully, the virus isn't malicious.

http://community.s-one.net.sg/onezine/09041999-2.html

International subscribers
-------------------------
There has been an increase in the numbers of international (non-Singapore) subscribers. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of you. Although this newsletter is based in Singapore and certain sections pertain to local events, much of the information are applicable no matter where you are ! Hope that all of you will find this e-mail newsletter useful !!

[Total list membership stands at 417]

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* NEW PRODUCTS *

Cokin's new X-Pro filter series
-------------------------------
Cokin has released a new line of filters - the new X-Pro filter series. The design is based on the original Cokin's "A" and "P" series square filter bracket system, but the X-Pro series is much larger and is intended for use on lenses with very large front elements or ultra-wide angle lenses. The adapter rings for the X-Pro series brackets range from 62mm to 112mm, with the option to increase the thread size to a maximum of 122mm. Prices have not been available yet.

Dynalite M1000e strobe power packs
----------------------------------
Dyna-Lite's M1000e studio/location strobe power packs have a total of 1000
watt/seconds which can be distributed to four arc protected heads symmetrically or asymmetrically between its divided "A" and "B" flash head outlet banks. There is a five f-stop range with a variator providing 1/3 stop fine tuning. All of these power control settings give the user a potential selection of 15 different power settings for a single flash head. According to Dyna-Lite, the M1000e can deliver a motor drive shooting rate of up to 4 frames per second at its lowest power setting. The M1000e weighs 6.7 lbs and measures 5 7/8 x 6 7/8 x 6 7/8 inches. Find out more about this new unit at:

http://www.dynalite.com

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* WEBSITE REVIEWS *

Here are this issue's recommended websites:

Jed Wee's Homepage
------------------
Jed Wee is a local photographer who has amassed a significant number of photography articles and reviews on cameras/lenses. They are pretty comprehensive and useful, without being too technical. There is also a small gallery on the website. All in all, it is definitely a worthwhile site to check out !

http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~wee/

Digital Fashion Photography
---------------------------
Wanna be a fashion photographer ?? Then check out this website ! Featuring the works of Ben Affleck, this website is pretty fast-loading and the pictures are stunning. Bold concepts and excellent lighting makes the pictures. The works are also revolutionary in the sense that Affleck uses digital imaging equipment to turnaround the images instantly to the clients, as well as using conventional cameras. Don't miss this site if your're into fashion photography !

http://www.kimberlyphoto.com/

PhotoArt - Fine Arts Photography and Photojournalism
----------------------------------------------------
Fine arts and photojournalism seldom mix, but that's exactly what they did in this website. It is a great website to check out fine arts photography. The gallery features quite a number of fine-art pictures, and you don't have to buy them to appreciate the great works. But they'll sure look good on your walls !

http://photoarts.com/

Photodo Photography Website
---------------------------
It has a weird name, but Photodo is a popular website which updates visitors with the latest product releases in the market. It also contains lots of MTF lens tests, although I found it a pain to retrieve the information I wanted. There's also constant news about the photographic industry etc. Great site, do check it out !

http://www.photodo.com/

Temples of Thailand
-------------------
Subscriber Peter Walker invites everyone to visit his new gallery, featuring the temples of Thailand. The gallery has been refreshed with new works, portraying the grandeur of the Thai temples. Do drop by for a visit !

http://www.peterwalker.com

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* EVENTS IN SINGAPORE *

Ian Lloyd - Assignment with National Geographic
-----------------------------------------------
The Photo-Art Association of Singapore will be organizing a very interesting presentation this coming May. Mr Ian Lloyd, the famous travel photographer, will be talking about his work during the presentation "Assignment with National Geographic". Mr Lloyds is a contributor to the famous magazine, and he owns a stock photography company which is based in Singapore. You have probably seen his some of his works in the Periplus Postcards, which are produced by him. If you are interested in travel photography, don't miss this show ! Admission is free-of-charge, but avenue is yet to be confirmed. "Photography Happenings !!" will keep you updated once the information is available

16th May 1999 (Sunday)
2 p.m

These two are not strictly an event in Singapore, but rather something which you can participate in Singapore, so I think that counts too !! Do check it out, the prizes are very attractive !

Himeji Photo Contest
--------------------

Himeji was the first Japanese city to have a major heritage site listed by UNESCO on the World Cultural Heritage Register (the beautiful white Himeji Castle which overlooks the city). To celebrate the fifth year since that designation the city is offering some big prizes in a photo contest aimed at amateur and professionals alike. Top prize is a cash award of 1 million Yen (approx. US$ 8,000) plus a Nikon F5 camera. Photographs taken on the subject of any of the 582 sites listed on the World Cultural Heritage Register, both natural and cultural, can be entered. This list is on the web at:

http://www.unesco.org/whc/nwhc/pages/sites/main.htm

Full details about the contest are available on the Himeji City webpage at:

http://www.welcome21.co.jp.

(Please ignore the Japanese text and go straight to the English section)

The contest closing date is 31st August 1999.

M.I.L.K competition
-------------------

(M.I.L.K. - Moments of Intimacy, Laughter and Kinship)

M.I.L.K competition is a major international photographic competition with a prize pool in excess of US$ 750,000. The three catagories of the competition will be Friendship, Family and Love. There will be 100 winners in each category.
The winning images will create a strong emotional response by communicating 'stories' that celebrate the rich and diverse aspects of friendship, family and love. They will reflect some or all of the following characteristics:

        - Original, the ordinary made extraordinary                                     - Authentic, conveying real emotion                                             - Amusing, a smile, sometimes laughter, always recognition
        - Celebratory, affirmative
        - Heart-warming, not sentimental

Legendary Magnum photographer Elliott Erwitt is Chief Judge for the global photographic competition. Here's what he has to say: "The photos I'm looking for are ones with relevance to people's emotions, people's feelings, people's sense of fun. Pictures that are positive, really, but not exclusively so. Pictures that champion the joy of living, rather than the opposite." Erwitt cautions that "they've got to be good pictures, because celebration on its own is not very
interesting. They've got to tell you something that you haven't seen, or touch you in some way emotionally. If a picture doesn't touch you emotionally, it's not worth much."

M.I.L.K. intends reproducing the 300 winning images in a range of books and other printed material, and also plans to launch a major international touring exhibition. All of the featured photographers will retain copyright in their
images. As well as prize money, they will receive ongoing publishing royalties.
The competition closes on 30 September 1999. Check out the website for more information:

http://www.milkphotos.com/whatis_index.shtm

Editor's note:
I've checked out the website, and this seems to be an extraordinarily good competition, with a unique theme to go along. I don't think you can go wrong with entering this contest - go for it !! Just make sure you don't send cliche photos !!

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* SPECIAL OFFERS AND BARGAINS *

(The following information were checked in every way possible to verify their accuracy, but the editor will not be held responsible for any misinformation.)

Nikon FM10/FE10 starter kit special offer
-----------------------------------------
Always wanted to purchase a Nikon system but put off by the high price ? Nikon is now offering for a limited period, two very specially-priced Nikon starter kits for beginning photographers !!

FM10 kit ($599)                FE10 kit ($669)
- FM10 body                     - FE10 body
- 35-70mm Nikkor lens           - 35-70mm Nikkor lens
- 70-210mm Nikkor lens          - 70-210mm Nikkor lens

The two starter kits enable the beginning photographer to start your own Nikon system, building up your accessories as you go along. The package contains the basic Nikon equipment to help you get started on your photographic adventure. There has never been such a well-priced package on the market, especially when it is a Nikon. But offer is only valid while stocks last !

Editor's note:
For more information on the Nikon FM10, you can check out the review below. I personally feel that the FM10 is a good buy at this price.

http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Musee/1274/fm10.html

Kodak E100VS Promotion by RGB Color
-----------------------------------
Kodak's answer to Fuji's Velvia, the E100 VS (Vivid Saturation) is claimed to be a true 100 ISO film. It is offered as an option for all those folk who need something faster than Velvia's 50 ISO rating.

Some of the features Kodak was proud enough to list on the brochure :-

1) true 100 speed film
2) Most vivid saturated colors available in a 100 speed film today
3) Unsurpassed sharpness at 100 speed
4) Superb recipocity properties
5) Translucent " frosted " film cans for easy identification

Kodak is making it for 35mm, 120/220, 4x5, 8x10, 9x12, 13x18, and bulk rolls of 100ft (30m) in 35mm.

And here's some good news for you guys. RUSH down to RGB Color Lab at Winsland House or the other one at Beach Road, and you can get that film for ONLY $9 !
In addition, RGB Color Lab is having an offer on now, and they'll develop your roll of E100VS for only $3 (process only, unmounted) ! That's like only $11 for a roll of slides + processing.

This makes it one of the cheapest deals in town. For a new film, this is a great time to experiment !

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* PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS *

Types of batteries
------------------
It used to be that there were only two types of batteries - heavy-duty and normal. With modern technology, there're now more species of batteries than you can count with both hands - alkaline, lithium, NiMH, NiCd....

Understanding the properties of each type of batteries allows you to optimize the choice of power supply for your equipment, and prevent you from damaging your electronics by choosing the wrong type of batteries. This article provides a basic guide to the common types of batteries available on the market today. It is not overly technical, and explains the pros and cons of each type of batteries. Worth saving it in case you need to refer to it someday.

http://www.picture-perfect.net/battery.shtml

Filter Guide
------------
There is a guide to filters in the "Photography Happenings !!" website, but you can also refer to this for a more abbreviated and concise guide to the common filters. It's divided into a few sections:

                        Filters for Black and White Photography
                        Commonly Used Filters
                        Color Correction Filters
                        Special Effects Filters
                        Special Purpose Filters

This article is more suitable for the beginning photographer, or the intermediate photographer who wants to know more about filters less commonly used (eg. infrared-red). Check it out at:

http://www.picture-perfect.net/filterguide.shtml

A Photographer's Guide to Scanning Technology
---------------------------------------------
If you are planning to buy a scanner, or you are new to scanning terminologies, then this page is for you. This article covers the basic terms used in scanning in a simple-to-understand manner, so that you can grasp the basics of scanning. Terms like DPIs, colour depth, density range etc are explained concisely.

http://www.picture-perfect.net/scanning.shtml

Excuse me, are you a terrorist ?
--------------------------------
Myth or not, X-rays are considered something cancerous for films. Different tests have shown different results about the effects of X-rays, but the general consensus is that you should avoid passing your films through the X-rays whenever possible.

Never place your films in the luggage, because the dosage of X-ray is stronger than the ones used for scanning carry-on cases. Also, a new type of X-ray has been developed for scanning luggages in the hold, which will definitely ruin the film.

In the United States, you are entitled to a hand-inspected of the films you carry on (with you instead of in the checked suitcases). Federal Aviation Authorities (FAA) regulations require airport security to hand inspect your film if you request it. The relevant FAA regulations are found at the following website:

http://www.faa.gov/avr/AFS/FARS/far-108.txt

If the authories at the airport refuses to honour your request for a hand inspection, kindly display the printout to show them that you are aware of your legal rights. However, please remember to be very polite about it !

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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