Photography Happenings !! Issue #19

                         **************************************************
                        *      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 #19 Dated: 10 May 1999

*** CONTENTS ***

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

        1) Announcements
           - Editor's note
           - New Article

        2) New Products
           - Fuji MX-600 Zoom
     - New Kiev film magazine
     - New Lenses from Nikon

        3) Website Reviews
           - Don's Nikon Link Page
     - Great Guide to Image Scanning
     - Flower Power
     - Review of Nikon Coolscan LS-30

        4) Events in Singapore
           - Montage: Photography Seminar
     - Mundial FotoFestival
     - Bali International Photo Competition 1999
       - Ian Lloyd's Photo Presentation

        5) Special Offers and Bargains
           - Kinderman Diafocus 1500E (IR) Slide Porojector
     - Canon EF Lens Work II

        6) Photography tips
           - The Making of "The Matrix"
     - Choosing binoculars
     - How NOT to do food photography

____________________________________________________________________________

* ANNOUNCEMENTS *

Editor's note
-------------

For those of you who are wondering if you were struck off the subscription
list, don't worry - you're not. It just happened that my computer went down
after the Chernobyl virus attack, and all my data were completely wiped
out, including the issue which was supposed to be sent out a few days
after. After spending much time and effort to get online, I had to start
afresh to rebuild "Photography Happenings!!". That explains why this issue
was so late. Fortunately, I had a backup copy of the subscription list, but
the recently subscribed e-mails were lost. Looking on the bright side, we
can start afresh after the diaster !

The next issue of "Photography Happenings!!" will be our 20th issue. Thus,
in conjunction with this milestone, we shall be moving to a new home. The
current site is hosted simultaneously on PacNet and Geocities, which were
quite slow and irritated everyone with the online banners and Java-script
errors. Singapore-One has recognized "Photography Happenings!!" as a
special website for photography, and we will be allocated residence on
their server, which means faster surfing time for everyone ! And yes... no
more banners either !! However, in the meantime the original home-site will
still be functioning.

This issue of "Photography Happenings!!" is packed with the usual
photography info that you've come to expect ! I have just gotten my system
online, so there might be some minor glitches here and there. Please bear
with them and report them to me if you are not receiving the issues
correctly. Also, I will be busy with the shifting of the new website, so
please understand if I can't reply to any e-mails inquiry immediately. But
I will certainly reply to them ASAP !! You can also e-mail me about what
you hope to see in the new site.

New Article
-----------
To make up for this late issue, I have written a short article detailing
the pros and cons with buying third-party manufacturer lenses. This is also
written partly in response to the large amount of questions I received
inquiring about the quality and compatibility of Sigma, Tamron and Tokina
lenses. It highlights the advantages of buying non-original manufacturer
lenses, and discusses some of the problems you might face with buying
third-party lenses. This article is hosted the new server, so you can
feedback to me about the speed or any problems you face:

http://lioncity.s-one.net.sg/~photo/indep.html

[Total list membership stands at 417]

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

* NEW PRODUCTS *

Fuji MX-600 Zoom
----------------
Fuji has launched a new zoom digital camera - the MX-600. The lens has an
equivalent of 35-105mm f/3.8-5.6 in conventional 35mm cameras. A 2X digital
zoom extends the maximum range to 210mm, and a special macro mode allows
close-up shooting down to 25cm. The CCD sensor incorporates 1.5 million
pixels, and Fuji's long experience in digital photography allows users to
capture sharp digital images in double-quick time. A nice plus is the
evaluative zone metering that the MX-600 utilizes to optimize metering
accuracy.

New Kiev film magazine
----------------------
Kiev, the Russian camera manufacturer of Hasselblad clones, has released
new film magazine designs which fits both Kiev cameras and Hasselblad
500-series. The new magazines incorporate a darkslide holder at the back,
so that you will not misplace the darkslide after withdrawing them. There
are two versions of the 120-type film magazines, in 6X6 and in 645 format.
The Kiev film magazines are not available locally, but can be purchased
through Kiev USA.

New Lenses from Nikon
---------------------
Nikon will be releasing two new consumer-line zoom lenses in May and June.
The 28-80mm F/3.5-5.6 AF-D replaces the current model. This new lens
features a new design incorporating a wider focussing ring, which
contributes to the improved handling. The optical design of the lens has
also been improved and it includes new Super Integrated Coating (SIC) which
reduces ghosting, flare, and also improves colour balance.

The 75-240mm f/4-5.6 AF-D is a completely new zoom range from Nikon and
replaces the 80-200mm 4.5-5.6, bringing a wider and longer optic to the
range. As with the 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6, it features Nikon's new Super
Integrated Coating.

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

* WEBSITE REVIEWS *

Here are this issue's recommended websites:

Don's Nikon Link Page
---------------------
For users of any brands searching for information/reviews on their
equipment, a dedicated links page is a blessing indeed. Here's a new Nikon
links page which was just created, and lists most of the prominent reviews
on the net. Worth putting it on your bookmark in case you need to find out
about some gear ....

http://www.ferrario.com/nikon/default.htm

Great Guide to Image Scanning
-----------------------------
Always wanted to buy a scanner to scan your pics, but not sure whether to
do it? Or perhaps you already have a scanner but you are unable to maximize
the quality of the scans ? Fuss no more - check out this great site ! It
has both basic and intermediate sections, to guide beginners and more
experienced users in different sections. The instructions are simple to
understand, without sounding too technical, and yet useful enough to be
practical !!

Basic guide includes:
Video Resolution   - How much to scan?
Printing Resolution - Scaling and Resampling
Printer Resolution - How much to scan?
Line art and OCR   - Scanner as a copy machine
Scanning for Fax
Removing Moiré Interference
Scanning images in magazines/books/newspapers
Interpolated resolution   - 2400 dpi?
Photo resolution   - How much can we scan?
Graphic file formats - Which format to use?
Out of memory problems?
Video boards   How much color to buy?
Transparent Media Adapter   - Will it work for 35 mm slides?
Printing Kodak Photo CD images
Dynamic Range   - 24 bit or 30 bits?
The Search for System Color Calibration

Intermediate guide includes:
Luminance / Histogram
UnSharp Mask sharpening
Exposure Control for Film
Histogram Practice
Curve Tool
Clone Tool
Restoration of Genealogical photos
Color Correction of Faded Slides

Wait no more !! Check it out at:

http://scantips.com/

Flower Power
------------
While we have all seen pictures of flowers, Albert Richard presents to us a
very different form of flower photography - with X-rays. He is a dental
radiographer by profession, making X-rays of teeth, when he stumbled upon
the idea of using X-rays to reveal "the beauty of the flower within". Over
forty years of experimentation with this unusual art form has led to its
present high degree of excellence. Floral radiographs literally provide one
with a third eye with which to see and appreciate the beauty in the secret
garden of flowers. Check out the unique set of B/W x-rays of flowers, in a
way you have never seen flowers before. In particular, pay attention to the
image of the German Iris, resembling a graceful dancer backlit.

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~agrxray/gallery.html

Review of Nikon Coolscan LS-30
------------------------------
Looking for a film scanner ? Subscriber Gerard Koh has written a short and
concise review of the Nikon Coolscan LS-30. It contains an introduction to
the main product features and software, plus some scanned images for
evaluation. You can check it out at:

http://homex.s1.net.sg/user/gkoh/ls30/ls30.html

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

* EVENTS IN SINGAPORE *

Montage - Photography Seminar (reminder)
-----------------------------

The NUS Photographic society, will be conducting a photo seminar named
Montage, which is a seminar cum exhibition on youth photography. Sponsored
by Shriro Singapore and Kodak Professional Division, the event will be
show-casing the best in youth photography, with special guest speakers
George Gascon of Straits Times (photojournalism), photographer Alan Lim on
fashion/commercial and Mr Henry Fung of Kodak speaking on the future of
photography. Also, representatives from various institutes such as LaSalle,
NTU and Temasek Polytechnic will be speaking on topics such as experimental
photography and lighting. Don't miss this major event of the year !

Date: 5th June 1999 (Saturday)
Time: 9:30am to 5:00pm
Venue: NUS LT 31

Tickets:       $4 [NUS Photographic Society member]
                $6 [Students - please show student pass]
                $8 [Public]

Please page for Mervyn at 95877277 or email Rodney at ckhua@singnet.com.sg
for
tickets. Seats are limited (less than 150), and available while tickets last.

For more information, please visit the website at:

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

Editor's note:
You might have seen the posters for this event already - it features a
montaged image of a guy being sucked into a toilet bowl. I was invited by
the organizers to conceptualize the idea and shoot the image for the event,
and the final pic must depict the theme of "Montage" which is the name of
the photo seminar. The posters can be found at the Peninsular area, so feel
free to send me any comments about the digitally manipulated image. You can
also register and get more info about the seminar in the flyers, available
at the stores displaying the posters.

Mundial FotoFestival
--------------------
MUNDIAL PHOTOFESTIVAL emerged as the result of long-term experience
attained in the field of art photography. Each year the MUNDIAL
PHOTOFESTIVAL is organised by the Centre of Visual Arts “Batana”. In 1998,
the International Salon received 4.742 works by 1.062 authors from 68
countries. The INTERNATIONAL SALON will be exhibited in Museum of Rovinj
from 10 September till 30 October 1999.

Whole exibition will be presented in the catalogue "excellent" - high print
quality, about 182 pages, 120 reproductions in color and monochrome.

3 THEME - 3 TEMI - 3 THEME:
A ) FREE THEME, in any tendency and process
B ) CHILDREN'S WORLD
C ) PHOTO JOURNALISM

MONOCHROME PRINTS - COLOUR PRINTS - COLOUR SLIDES

CLOSING DATE: 30 - MAY - 1999
ENTRY FORM : http://www.cel.hr/batana/english.htm

Bali International Photo Competition 1999
-----------------------------------------
As the organizing committee, we proudly present the Bali International
Photo Competition 1999 in cooperation with Department of Tourism, Art and
Culture of The Indonesian Republic, Department of Foreign Affairs of the
Indonesian Republic and The Government of Bali Province. This is the
biggest competition ever and hopefully we could arrange this kind of
competition every two years from now on.Do not hesitate to email us at
bipc99@indosat.net.id. if there is any problem/question that occurs.

You could explore more about this event in our website at

http://gam.melsa.net.id

Ian Lloyd's Photo Presentation
------------------------------
R. Ian Lloyd is a professional editorial and commercial photographer based
in Singapore with his own stock photo library. His award winning photos
havebeen published in 30 books on Asia and his work often appears in travel
and photo magazines throughout the world. He has also worked with National
Geographic on many occassions and now, he is going to share his experiences
with you. This slide show and talk will feature anecdotes, technical tips
and what it takes to make great photographs for National Geographic.

               Venue:    Boon Lay Community Centre
               Date:     16 May 1999
                         Sunday 5.30pm
               Fee:      $2
              (Free Admission for Boon Lay and Photo-Art Members)

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

* SPECIAL OFFERS AND BARGAINS *

Kinderman Diafocus 1500E (IR) Slide Porojector
----------------------------------------------
Cathay offer is having a special offer for the Kinderman Diafocus 1500 E
(IR) slide projector. This projector is targeted at photographers who are
beginning to shoot slide and want a affordable model of projector which can
do the basic functions without breaking the bank. It features the basic
functions of slide transport and autofocusing, and it comes with a
interchangeable 90mm lens. In addition, there is a bonus of a infrared-red
remote control, enabling you to control your slide projector within a short
distance, without the cumbersome wires getting in the way. At $225 only, it
is a great buy for those of you seeking a affordable and functional slide
projector.

Canon EF Lens Work II
---------------------
The Canon EF Lens Work II is available at $15.45, including GST.

The other book that benefits newbies is The ABCs of Picture Taking with
Ease which is also available at $15.45 with GST.

Both books are available at Canon Singapore Private Limited and you can see
Yoke at the reception counter for the books. There are only abut 10 copies
of the Lens Work II left, so hurry!

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

* PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS *

The Making of "The Matrix"
--------------------------
One of the hottest film this year is without doubt the sci-fi kung-fu film
"The Matrix". With such a name, you might be tempted to think that it's a
film about Nikon's metering system. This unusual sci-fi combined
HongKong-styled kungfu cinematography with incredible digital effects,
making it a novel combination.

What has this got to do with photography, you might ask ? If you have
watched the movie, you would have seen the scene near the beginning of the
movie where the female character Trinity leaped up in mid-air, was frozen
momentarily as the camera revolved around her, and she unfreezes and
delivers a potent kick to the cop. The other scene was when Neo (played by
Keanu Reeves) was dodging bullets on the rooftop of the building. The
camera swivels around him as he bent backwards to dodge the bullets
whizzing past him. How did they do it ?

Ordinary movie cameras can freeze scenes, but they cannot revolve around
the subject when the scene is frozen. They could do it only when the
subject is a stationary one, such as a lamppost or something immobile. In
this case, because the subject was in full motion, the director couldn't
use an ordinary still movie camera. For the two scenes, a special setup
called the Flo-Mo (presumably for flow-motion) array was used. It consists
of a circular-well where 35mm SLR cameras are placed in the circular wall
of the well. The actor stands in the middle, and when he performed the
move, up to 120 syncronized cameras snap his image at the very same
instant, creating a 360 degrees view of the same moment. The film is
processed, and the same frames from the 120 rolls of film were scanned and
generated into a single continuous movie clip by computers, where the
camera seemed to revolve around the "frozen in time" actor. Computers are
then used to create extra frames to smoothen the film clip, and the scene
background is then added. This technique was developed for scientific
research for motion studies, and this is the first time it has been used in
a movie production.

And now for the grand finale.... Canon fans, the camera used in the setup
was the Canon EOS A2 (American version of the Canon EOS 5 without the
Eye-Control Focus)

Remember, you heard about it first here at "Photography Happenings!!"

Note: to view the images of the above-mentioned screen shots, please check
out the web-site article under "Photography Articles" at:

http://lioncity.s-one.net.sg/~photo/matrix.html

Choosing binoculars
-------------------
Okay, this is not about photography, but it is a close relative and I
thought you might like to know about it. In the latest issue of
"ViewFinder" (Cathay Photo's newsletter), there is a section on how to
choose the most appropriate binoculars which is useful for understanding
the specifications of binoculars. It explains in simple English terms such
as magnification factor, exit pupil, field of view and twilight factor. A
very useful article to keep in case you want to get a pair of binoculars
someday !

How NOT To take food photography
--------------------------------
We have all seen our fair share of food photography. The new foodcourts all
have similar-looking shots of food which you can swear you saw at some
other stores. And there are those horrible ugly photos you see in some
menus of small eating places, who engage their staff to snap out-of-focus
pictures of their food with compact cameras so you have to guess what is
that horrible stuff :)

Here is a unique page which shows you horrible food photography, or what
they call "regrettable food". Actually, the photography is passable, but it
is the colour coordination that is way out funky. I could have sworn they
used the photographers in the filming of Austin Powers. Check this out !!

http://www.lileks.com/institute/gallery/

____________________________________________________________________________

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