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. I will not be held responsible for any inaccuracy of information in the newsletter.

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

  http://lioncity.s-one.net.sg/~photo/index.htm
 

                                                        Best regards,
                                                        Nelson Tan  (Editor)
 

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Issue #21                                                  Dated: 7th June 1999

                                *** CONTENTS ***
 

Okay, and in this issue of "Photography Happenings !!", we have:
 
        1) Announcements
           - Editor's note
     - Updating of subcription list
           - New Article
 
        2) New Products
     - Canon EOS 300 and Ixus II
     - New lens from Canon
     - Kodak Portra Films

        3) Website Reviews
     - Digital Photography Review by Phil Askey
     - Great Photography Links Page
     - Digital Darkroom @ Singapore
     - Nature Photography by Glen Gaffney

        4) Events in Singapore
     - Tag Heuer Alter Ego Photo Competition
     - Nature Outing to Sungei Buloh Nature Park

        5) Special Offers and Bargains
           - Fuji NPH 160 Special Offer !!
     - Rodenstock Aspherical Loupe and Cabin Light Panel
     - Zeiss Binoculars offer

        6) Photography tips
           - Want a REALLY cheap fisheye lens ?
     - Cleaning your photo equipment
     - Nikon Lens Identification
     - Night-time shots, Reciprocity, Moonlight landscapes

________________________________________________________________________________
 

                             * ANNOUNCEMENTS *

Editor's note
-------------
There is no denying it - Star Wars is back!! Thanks to a zealous friend, I managed to catch the much anticipated movie on the opening day. Other than the fantastic cinematography and computer graphics, one of the effects used in the movie caught my attention. For those of you who plan to catch the movie, notice that several scenes have obvious flares introduced. What's interesting is that the scenes were computer simulations, and so are the lens flares!! The flaring effects were generated to create a sense of realism into the computer generated scenes, as if they were taken by a real movie camera. Steven Spielberg also utlized the flare technique (by stripping the lens of their multi-coating) in the movie Saving Private Ryan, to create more flares and less saturated colours for more realism. The moral of the story - it is not what you have, but how you make use of it. For the two movies, the directors had utilized what the others call a flaw (flares and uncoated lens) into a creative force. So rather than insisting on having the very best equipment, re-evaluate what you can do with what you currently have!
 

Updating of subcription list
----------------------------
The subscription list has been updated to remove address which were invalid, resulting in bounced mails. The following list of e-mails were removed. If you find your e-mail among those removed, and feel that it has been a mistake, please e-mail me personally. Thanks !

annuar@pacific.net.sg, oslo@pacific.net.sg, ckwok@po.pacific.net.sg, flexicut@pacific.net.sg, angietan@pacific.net.sg, paul.phang@pacific.net.sg,
chee-kong.ow-yong@db.com, coolice@cyberway.com.sg, IvorLee@vanderhorst.com,
neock@mbox4.singnet.com.sg, LEE_IVAN-SH/HP-SINGAPORE_om4@ctss59, theirony@hotmail.com, riderz@singa.pore.net, salim@pacific.net.sg, sulu@hpsgns1.sgp.hp.com, TOH_Hai_Yang@MND.gov.sg, RONNIEL@hq.psa.com.sg, teown@cyberway.com.sg
 

New Article
-----------
For this issue, I did a review of the new Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-S "D" lens. Other than the usual technical specifications, you can find evaluative comments about the various aspects of the lens, such as handling and optical performance. Of course, being a photography review, I have included some photographs taken with the lens. Check it out under the Equipment Review section at:

  http://lioncity.s-one.net.sg/~photo/AFS80200.html

 
 
                                         [Total list membership stands at 425]

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                            *  NEW PRODUCTS  *

Canon EOS 300 and Ixus II
-------------------------
The Canon EOS 300 is now available in Singapore with the EF 28-80mm lens, for approximately S$650. Check with your photographic dealer for the exact price.

At the same time, Canon has launched a new version of the hippy APS camera. The small chrome wonder is now the Ixus II and filled with multiple functions. Ixus II has a 2X zoom lens, with both active and passive autofocusing. The APS format makes mid roll film change makes it possible anytime. It also features custom functions, where you can program the camera to remember the last flash function used, delay film rewind, and instant shutter release. With instant shutter release it takes only 0.03 sec between shutter release and exposure of the film

  http://www.photodo.com/templates/display.lasso?show=587
 

New lens from Canon
-------------------
Canon has updated four of its super-telephoto lenses. They all now feature image stabilisation (IS), in addition to other improvements. The new lenses are:

 - -  EF 300mm f2.8L IS USM
 - -  EF 400mm f2.8L IS USM
 - -  EF 500mm f4L IS USM
 - -  EF 600mm f4L IS USM

The new lenses have been developed as the next generation of super-telephoto L-series lenses. In addition to IS, they offer:

 - - improved resolution and contrast over previous models
 - - faster autofocusing when used with the EOS 3
 - - better correction of aberrations and improved optical performance
 - - improved balance for hand-held shooting
 - - reduced weight compared to non-IS versions
 - - improved dust and moisture proofing
 - - special mode for panning shots (switches off horizontal/vertical sensor)
 - - auto tripod detection provides IS compensation at slower shutter speeds

The EF 300mm and EF 400mm IS lenses are fully compatible with the Extenders EF 1.4x and 2x. The EF 500mm and EF 600mm IS lenses are fully compatible with the Extender EF 1.4x. With the EF 500mm and EF 600mm IS lenses and the Extender EF 2x, autofocus is possible with the EOS 3 (centre point focusing); manual focus must be used with other EOS models. With the EF 500mm and EF 600mm IS lenses and the Extender EF 2x, image stabilisation is possible with the EOS 1N, IN RS, 3, 50/50E, 500N, 5000,
D2000, IX and IX7 cameras; it is not available with other EOS models.

         <Info from EOS-Mail>

Kodak Portra Films
------------------
Kodak has indicated that the new Portra films (ISO 160 and 400) will be available in Singapore soon, probably in a month's time. The film will be available in NC (neutral colour) and VC (vivid colour) versions, and the main advantage of the new Portra series is the ability to derive similar results from the same series (either NC or VC). This is especially useful for wedding photography where you want to use ISO 160 for fine-grained outdoor shots, and ISO 400 for the indoor images. Using the same series of Portra film in two speeds will allow you to print two sets of similar prints with matching colour rendition. Watch for the new films in the stores soon!!
 

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                           * WEBSITE REVIEWS *
 
Here are this issue's recommended websites:
 

Digital Photography Review by Phil Askey
----------------------------------------
Inspired by the release of the three digital cameras in last issue's New Products, subscriber Christopherson Ting sent me the URL of this incredible website which digital fanatics must check out. Phil Askey has a very comprehensive website on digital photography, and it basically covers everything you need to know about digital cameras and the latest product news.  Here's a brief run-down on the sections you can find in the site:

Latest news  News archive  Reviews
Specifications Buying Guide  Side-by-side
Glossary  Galleries  Forums
Hints and Tips Advertising  Links
 

Even if you're not into digital photography now, visit the site just to see how much digital cameras are nowadays, and bookmark it in case you want to dabble with the digital cameras someday !!

 http://photo.askey.net/default.asp?/infosheet/nikoncp950_page2.asp

       <Recommended by Christopherson Ting>
 

Great Photography Links Page
----------------------------
Another great site recommended by Christopherson is this links page which includes many useful links to various photographic sites. The links are varied and covers a great number of topics, such as:

Link Pages  Newsgroups  Mail lists  FAQS
Homepages  Organizations  Photo Naturalist  Nature
Travel   Photojournalism  Underwater    Tips
Technique  Tutorial    Seminars   Checklists
Macro    Digital    Equipment   Calculations
Books    Labs    Publications  Galleries
Stock   Large Format  Buying   Master Photographers
 

It's a incredible list of websites and tips, which you should not miss !!

  http://www.timwhite.home.avana.net/photo/photo.html
 

       <Recommended by Christopherson Ting>
 

Digital Darkroom @ Singapore
----------------------------
Are you into digital ? If you are, you'll be kicking yourself for missing out on this incredible local website ! Set up by local enthusiasts of the Epson printers, this site is incredibly well-feature and absolutely jammed packed with useful articles and comparisons. It does not stop at Epson printers, it even covers various aspects such as paper, scanning tips and various other great stuff. If you have a Epson or HP printer, be sure to check out the articles on how to get the best out of them ! Your printouts will never look the same again ! Also take a look at the article on slide scanners and comparison of the various brands.

   http://www.magix.com.sg/users/kltham/
 
 

Nature Photography by Glen Gaffney
----------------------------------
If you are into wildlife photography, this site should be on your brower's bookmark. Canadian photographer Glen Gaffney accumulated 207 high quality images of various subjects at his website. He devoted several years to a special project documenting the life of foxes, and you can see the intimate images of the portrait of foxes at the gallery. It also covers many different subject materials, so pop over and check it out at:

   http://members.tripod.com/~Glen_Gaffney
 

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                            * EVENTS IN SINGAPORE *
 

Tag Heuer Alter Ego Photo Competition
-------------------------------------

Closing date: 21 June 1999
Top Prize: S$3000 and a latest Tag Heuer watch worth $1745
Theme: Capture the many facets of feminity that depict the duality of strength and beauty - the woman's Alter Ego
Organised by: Tag Heuer and supported by Photographic Society of Singapore
Open to: All members of PSS, photo clubs of Tertiary and Professionals in Singapore by invitation only.
For further queries: Call MDK consultants at 3230355
 

Nature Outing to Sungei Buloh Nature Park
-----------------------------------------
Asia.photo is organizing a nature outing to Sungei Buloh Nature Park on 13th June, Sunday.  This 87-hectare park, at the northern tip of Singapore, is made up of mangrove mudflats, brackish water ponds and freshwater ponds. The park is an important stopover and refuelling point for migratory birds.

Although June is not the season for migratory birds, it is the time of breeding and nesting of other local birds. You can also see resident purple and grey herons, kingfishers, doves, bee-eaters, tailorbirds, woodpeckers, munias, etc. You can also photograph water lilys, giant monitor lizards, insects, etc.

Especially welcome newbies and beginners. There will be experienced photographers and bird watchers alongside to guide you, so no worries! Patience and an eye for details will get you interesting pictures! As the park is not easily accessible via public transport, an air-conditioned bus has been chartered to provide 2 way free transport from National museum to Sungei Buloh Nature Park and back.

Meeting Time/Venue: 1pm, Bus will be stationed at National Museum Main Entrance.

Home Sweet Home: 6:30pm

        <Info from organizers>

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                        * SPECIAL OFFERS AND BARGAINS *
 

Fuji NPH 160 Special Offer
--------------------------
Ruby Photo is clearing its stocks of Fuji NPH 160 colour negative film, at the special price of only $3 each !! The film is due to expire in August 1999, and personally I feel that it is definitely worth buying. It offers fine grain and great skin tones, making it a natural choice for portraiture. And at $3 per roll, it is cheaper than anything else on the market (usual retail price is $5 per roll). Moreover, colour neg films are more tolerant to expiry dates, and I'm pretty confident that if you keep the film refrigerated after purchase, it can last past Decemeber without significant effects. So if you've not tried NPH before, this is a great chance to have a go at it !!

(Offer valid while stocks last)
 

Rodenstock Aspherical Loupe and Cabin Light Panel
-------------------------------------------------
Cathay Photo is now having promotion of the Rodenstock 4x aspherical Loupe together with a stylish Cabin CL-5000P Light Panel (Japan made) at only $180!!!  The light panel is less than half an inch thick, viewing panel of 4"x5", and weigh only 280grams.  The best thing is it uses high quality fluorescent lamp (instead of the cheap tungsten light bulb) which gives standard daylight color temperature.

        <Brought to attention by Wei Shuan Lee>
 

Zeiss Binoculars offer
----------------------
Cathay Photo is having special offers on certain models of Zeiss binoculars. For a limited time and while stocks last, the following Zeiss binos are going for:

 Model    Usual price Special price
 -----    ----------- -------------
 8X20 BT Classic  1275  395
 10X25 BT Classic  1400  495
 8X30 Olive Green Rubber 2750  995
 10X40 BGA Classic  3377  1350

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                             * PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS *

Want a REALLY cheap fisheye lens ?
----------------------------------
Fisheye lenses are expensive, and they have limited uses. Original fisheye lenses from Nikon, Canon and Minolta costs a bomb, and the effects becomes cliche if you use the fisheye effect for every shot ! Other than the relatively cheaper alternative of buying a Russian fisheye (around $400-500), you can buy fisheye lens adaptor which screws on to the front of your wide-angle lens (but the image is really quite bad).

Anderson posted this tip in the Nikon Digest, which seemed very interesting although I'm not sure if it works well. But here is what he said:

"A really inexpensive way to play with a "fisheye adapter" is to buy a door
viewer (that is intended to let you peek out your front door and see who is
there), drill a hole in a spare lens cap, and epoxy (glue) the viewer into it.
The larger diameter plastic-bodied viewers work well. The quality won't be
great, but it IS cheap!"

If anyone tries it, perhaps you can e-mail me about your experience !
 

Caring for your photo equipment
-------------------------------
Subscriber Peter Walker recommends the following web page for tips on cleaning and maintaining your photo equipment. The site is mainly focused on movie cameras but this page on camera care is applicable to all types of cameras. I've checked the page and it is a excellent resource and very professional. Save a copy in your PC!

    http://www.fauer.com/camcare.htm

        <Contributed by Peter Walker>
 

Nikon Lens Identification
-------------------------
If you have a Nikon lens dating back to the 1970s, it is possible that you do not really know the compatibility or the version of the lens you have. Many of the manual Nikkors have improved versions with minor cosmetic changes. The following URLs should help you EXACTLY identify the type of lens you have.

 http://cameraquest.com/aidaiais.htm

 http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/index.htm

 http://www.tfb.com/oce/ynikais.htm

 http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/index.htm
 
 

Night-time shots, Reciprocity, Moonlight landscapes
---------------------------------------------------
Planning on doing night-time shots and moonlight landscapes but don't know how to go about doing it? Let Robert Monaghan's website provide you with the necessary info! The website was originally aimed at topics like taking landscape photos using
soft moonlight exposures (hours long) and star-trails and so on, but it now has some of the standard speeds photography.

 http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/moonlight.html (night-time exposure)

 http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/reciprocity.html (film reciprocity values)

________________________________________________________________________________
 

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

       Your friendly list-maintainer,
          Nelson Tan
 

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

   http://lioncity.s-one.net.sg/~photo/index.htm