**************************************************
* 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. 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)
********************************************************************************
Issue #22
Dated: 21st June 1999
*** CONTENTS ***
Okay, and in this issue of "Photography Happenings !!", we have:
1) Announcements
- Editor's
note
- Copyright Infrigement
- New Section
2) New Products
- Lowepro Stealth
- 4 New Nikon Products!!
- Photoshop Release 5.5
- Monaco EZColor's Colour Management
3) Website Reviews
- Luminous Landscape by Michael H. Reichmann
- Fashion Photography
- Bill Lies Nature Photography
- Frans Lanting (Master Nature Photographer)
- New TPJC website
4) Events in Singapore
- Basic Photography Course and B/W Course
5) Special Offers and Bargains
- Fuji
NPH 160 Special Offer
6) Photography tips
- Tips
to better sports photography
- Using the Epson Stylus 750/1200 with Photoshop
5
- Achieving Photographic Quality Monochrome
Printouts
7) Classified Ads
- Nikon
FE10 for sale
- Lowepro Bag and Tokina Lens for sale
- Nikon rangefinder set for sale
________________________________________________________________________________
* ANNOUNCEMENTS *
Editor's note
-------------
The Subscription Form and Feedback Form on the website is now active.
You can now enter your feedback about the website and newsletter via the
online form, while visitors can subscribe to the newsletter at the website
too. Special thanks to Ryan Chin for taking time off to make this possible.
In addition, you can now access our official website via the following
URL in case you forget the original URL:
http://photohap.cjb.net/
After watching Star Wars and the many articles on the making of the
movie, I'm convinced that hybrid technology between conventional film and
digital will be the way to go in the future. Which is why I'll be investing
in an imaging workstation with the full works (film scanner, printers, CD-RW) in the near future. With my new digital playground, you can expect
more articles in the future to be accompanied by illustrating images. I'd
appreciate any help from readers about tips on how to build a value for
money system, or where to get the cheapest stuff. And yes... this newsletter
service continues to be free... you won't have to pay for my new toys...
but donations are always welcome :)
The highlight of this issue is on digital imaging. But other folks need
not worry, because future issues will cover other areas as well. Enjoy
!!
Copyright Infrigement?
----------------------
Warning: The following information may cause a panic attack amongst
photographers.
Two websites, Arriba Vista and Scour.net are being taken to task for
allegedly harvesting images off the Internet through their image search
engines. When visitors type a word into the serach engine, they are being
presented with the relevant images (eg. bridges) corresponding to their
search. There are millions of images listed in the search engines, and
I personally tried the search functions to see if it works as it claims.
The word "hats" brought out 449 images, while the more common words such
as "fish" had more than a thousand images being shown. All the thumbnail
images on the site are listed without permission nor knowledge from the
owners of the images. According to the report on the website Focus-Online,
"Arriba Vista's Policy seems to be that they don't have to ask photographer's
permission to hold images in their database". But the visitors who wants
to use the images are advised by a notice on the Arriba Vista imager searcher
to contact the original owner at the listed original website for permission
to use the image in any way. It seems that the main grouse against the
two websites is that neither explicitly state that they do not own the
copyrights of the images, and that they are making money off the images
indirectly from the advertising banners. Sounds intriguing? Pop down to
the two sites and try a search - who knows, you might find your own images
there!
http://www.arribavista.com
http://www.scour.net
For the full report, check out - http://copyright.focus-online.com
New Section
-----------
We are adding a new section called Guests' Contribution, for visiting
surfers who are interested in hosting photography articles at our website!
The articles can be of any nature, as long as it's about photography. Being
a free website, it's obvious that we cannot afford to pay you. But if you're
keen on sharing your knowledge with the rest of the photographic community,
just e-mail us your article, or point to an existing URL of the article.
If we feel that it is suitable for the site, we'll be glad to host it with
full credits to you!
Pssstt... See the Classified Ads for a little surprise (or shock)
!!
[Total list membership stands at 444]
********************************************************************************
* NEW PRODUCTS *
Lowepro Stealth
---------------
Lowepro, the popular manufacturer of camera bags, has released a new
backpack specially for digital photojournalists. The new Stealth is designed
to hold a professional digital SLR with 3 professional-caliber zoom lenses
(f/2.8s), with sufficient room for a large laptop computer too. With digital
camera being a part of photojournalism to enable near-instantaneous transmission
of images, the Stealth is designed to hold both digital cameras and portable
computers. The design of the Stealth was done with the input of working
digital photojournalists, to ensure maximum functionality. The Stealth
features 2 inflatable air cushions allow you to customize the size of the
bag to fit different sizes of laptops, with multiple see-through mesh-pockets
to contain various accessories. The "all-weather" (AW) designation of the
Stealth means that it keeps the elements (rain, snow, sand) out of the
sensitive equipment in the backpack.
For more details about the Stealth backpack, visit:
http://www.lowepro.com/MAINPAGE/frstealth.HTM
4 New Nikon Products!!
----------------------
Nikon has been speeding up its product releases. After the release
of the successful F100 and the two pro-calibre AFS zoom lenses, Nikon announces
the release of four more new products.
AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Not content with the original Nikkor 20-35mm f/2.8 AF-D, Nikon has
released a wider version of the pro-caliber zoom with AF-S technology.
According to the Nikon press release, this new lens features the closest
focusing distance in its class — 0.28m. This lens also feature ED (Extra-low
Dispersion) glass and aspherical lens elements in a new optical design.
Full-time manual override is also possible at any time of autofocusing.
All these features, together with the wide range and bright aperture, will
make this lens ideal for the photojournalist seeking fast AF in dim conditions.
The lens has a 9-blade aperture for a rounded opening, and is designed
to be water and dust resisitant.
PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D is a medium telephoto Nikkor lens with
tilt/shift mechanism and macro capability. According to the Nikon literature,
this lens is "equipped with tilt/shift mechanism that allows photographers
the flexibility to manipulate image perspective, distortion and focus"
(tilt: ±8.3°, shift: ±12.4mm). It also features 1:2 life-size
macro capability, and it is especially useful when coupled with the tilt-shift
mechanism for increasing effective depth-of-field without stopping down.
The CRC (close-range correction) technology ensures sharp images regardless
of distances. Minimum aperture is at f/45, adjustable in 1/2 stops. This
lens is manual focus, but it contains a CPU to transmit effective aperture
values to the camera, and it fully utilizes the Distance Technology for
3D Matrix metering. Like the AFS 17-35 f/2.8, this lens also has rounded
diaphragm opening (9 blades) makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural.
Nikon SB-28DX Speedlight
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The new Nikon SB-28DX Speedlight offers all the features of the original
SB-28, and it is designed to work specially with the new Nikon D1 professional
digital SLR, offering TTL flash control. It is compatible with current
Nikon SLR cameras, except that it has been modified to work seamlessly
with the new Nikon D1. It features 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash
and Auto-Aperture Flash capability for the Nikon D1, ensuring the main
subject is properly illuminated by flash while the background comes out
looking natural for a well-balanced, superbly lit shot. Flash output level
compensation is available on the SB-28DX, from -3 to +1 EV in 1/3 EV steps.
Professional Digital SLR - Nikon D1
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Based on the successful bodyframe of the F100, Nikon has released what
can be known as a "digital F100" - the Nikon D1. According to Nikon, "the
D1 boasts optical and digital innovations such as improved overall picture
quality, souped-up consecutive-shooting capabilities and broader compatibility,
all packed into a lightweight and strong magnesium body."
"The D1 features a large 23.7 x 15.6mm 2.74-megapixel CCD for ultrahigh-definition
2,012 x 1,324-pixel images. Superior results are further ensured by the
infrared ray (IR)-cutting, ultra-thin lithium niobate (LiNB) Low-Pass Filter
located directly in front of the CCD, and optimal signal processing delivered
by Nikon’s original algorithm. The D1 provides 3D Digital Matrix Image
Control (3D Colour Matrix
Metering, TTL White Balance and Tone Compensation) with a 1,005-pixel CCD
for optimum results."
Check out more information on the Nikon D1 by Phil Askey at:
http://photo.askey.net/news/article.asp?date=150699&article=001nikond1_pressrelease.htm
For more information on the four products, check out:
http://www.klt.co.jp/Nikon/Press_Release/index.html
Prices for all the four products have not been released yet, but these
products are expected to hit the local shores soon, perhaps in a month's
time. Watch for them in the August 20th-22nd Camera Fair at Takashimaya!
Photoshop Release 5.5
---------------------
Adobe Photoshop, the world's premier imaging software, has launched
a new release of its award-winning product - Adobe Photoshop 5.5. The new
release has enhanced capability for print and Web designing, with expanded
tools for enhanced creativity and flexibility. Version 5.5 also harnesses
the power of Adobe ImageReadyTM 2.0 for advanced processing of images for
the Web, enabling you to "design interactive Web
graphics or prepare sophisticated images for print with the same power
and ease".
Photoshop 5.5 is now available at your nearest computer store, available
in both Macintosh and IBM PC versions. Find out more information at:
http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/photoshop/main.html
Monaco EZColor's Colour Management
----------------------------------
Anyone who tried printing photographic images from your computer know
how frustrating it can be, to achieve printouts that look like the image
on the screen. It is either too dark, or the colours are out of sync, or
it can be any of the multitude of factors which cause the mismatch in output.
Now with Monaco's new software called EZColour, you can have printouts
which match your monitor's images, or at least that's what Monaco software
claims.
EZcolour claims to be able to produce accurate ICC profiles, to match
the colours of the different output devices on your computer, enabling
a near-perfect match between the display and the printouts, all in a easy
manner with a "wizard" guiding you through the steps. According to Monaco,
"EZcolor generates custom ICC profiles for scanners, monitors and printers,
which allow users to easily match the colors of original images on their
monitors and in their printed output. The ICC profiles compensate for inaccuracies
in each device, reducing variances in color output and saving users the
time, expense and frustration of multiple print jobs". Although MonacoEZcolor
does not require a colorimeter to build a monitor profile, optimum profile
accuracy is achieved with the MonacoSENSOR(TM).
Sounds too good to be true? Afraid to spend big bucks and be cheated
by some groovy sales talk? Don't worry about it, because Monaco is offering
a demo version of the EZcolour software for your free download! Check out
the software, and if you feel it delivers what it promises, you can order
the full version. Go now to:
http://monacosys.com/EZdemo.html
********************************************************************************
* WEBSITE REVIEWS *
Here are this issue's recommended websites:
Luminous Landscape by Michael H. Reichmann
------------------------------------------
This site by Michael Reichmann is unique in the sense that it is very
nicely designed, and contains a variety of sub-topics other than a photographic
gallery only. There are some articles on travel photography, digital photography,
and Ilfochrome printing etc. In addition, there are guest photographer's
galleries on the site which you might like to check out (Steve Kossack's
images are good).
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/
Fashion Photography
-------------------
This site is obviously done by a photographer. Why? Because it contains
very good pictures, but terrible scanning and HTML writing! Before you
accuse me of sterotyping anyone, let me say that I'm attesting to the skills
and proficiency of the photographer rather than commenting in his website
designing skills :)
If you like fashion photography, you'll probably like this site. It's
a very simple site with great photography. Just ignore the bad scanning
and appreciate the pics!!
http://members.xoom.com/fashionpp/webpage1.html
Bill Lies Nature Photography
----------------------------
Check out this site by Bill Lies jammed packed with great nature photographs
which will not disappoint you! Make sure you check out the Stock Images
on the site. One grouse you might have will be the longer loading time
due to the amount of images the site contains. However, given the quality
of the images, they are well-worth the wait.
http://www.liesphoto.com/
Frans Lanting - Master Nature Photographer
------------------------------------------
Frans Lanting is one of the world's foremost masters on nature photography,
with the likes of others like Art Wolfe and Galen Rowell. Check out his
website for some amazing images of animals and nature. There aren't as
many images compared to other websites, but every single image on the site
will be those that you'll be proud to display on your wall.
http://www.pdn-pix.com/MasterFrans/
New TPJC website
----------------
Tampines Junior College's photography club has just shifted their website
to the following address. You might like to check out their works to see
the efforts of the next generation of young and promising photographers.
http://homex.s-one.net.sg/member/pclub/
<Info from TPJC Photo
Club>
********************************************************************************
* EVENTS IN SINGAPORE *
Basic Photography Course and B/W Course
---------------------------------------
From the 22nd of June to 31st of August, the Substation is conducting
Basic Photography Courses for all photography enthusiasts. The entire course
will be held over 12 sessions on every Tuesday, from 7 p.m to 9 p.m. It
costs S$150 for the entire course, and the topics in the course includes:
1. history
and evolution of the camera
2. use
of different lenses and effects
3. films
and the correct exposure
4. demonstration
and practical session on film processing
5. demonstration
and practical session on printing an enlarging
6. use
of filters and their effects
7. composition
of photographs
8. correct
application of flash photography
9. studio
photography
10. photography
under various light conditions
11. photography
under different conditions
12. basics
touch-up and framing
There will also be a second session from 2nd of July to 3rd of September
on every Friday, 7.00 - 9.00 pm. For more information about the course,
please contact The Substation Box Office at 337-7800.
In addition, the Substation will also be organizing a Black & White
Photography Course from 5th July to 16th August every Monday, from 7-9
p.m. The topics covered includes the following:
1. knowing
your film
2. filters
for B & W photography
3. film
processing (with Practical)
5. B &
W printing (with Practical)
Total fees for the B/W course will be S$120.
********************************************************************************
* 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 September
1999, and the usual retail price is $5 per roll.
(Offer valid while stocks last)
********************************************************************************
* PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS *
(Note: The Editor will not be responsible for any damage to your equipment
following the implementation of the tips in this section.)
Tips to better sports photography
---------------------------------
Sports photography is one of the more difficult areas of photography,
given the intense pace of action and often-insufficient lighting. However,
it does not mean that it is out of the question for lay-persons like you
and me. Certainly, a long lens like a 400mm f/2.8 and a ticket to the front
seats will help, but they are not cheap. Reading the following article
will help you achieve better sporting photos, and it is totally free of
charge! Granted that the illustrating photos are not exactly what you'd
call top-rate, but the tips given in the articles will certainly go a long
way in helping you snare that award-winning sports image!
http://www.picture-perfect.net/sports.shtml
Using the Epson Stylus 750/1200 with Photoshop 5
------------------------------------------------
Having a headache with accurate colour management? Check out this article
which goes through each of the steps in details, in helping you achieve
more accurate colour management with the combination of the Epson Stylus
750/1200 with Photoshop 5. In case you're wondering why there are so much
information about Photoshops and Epson printers, it's because they happen
to be the best affordable software and hardware around. I'll scout around
for more tips concerning other products, but meanwhile you can check out
the article at:
http://lioncity.s-one.net.sg/~printer/print/ian_ps/
Achieving Photographic Quality Monochrome Printouts
---------------------------------------------------
The Zone 8 Photographic Society has written quite a comprehensive article
on achieving photographic quality monochrome printouts from your Epson
printers (again... sorry folks... Epson is clearly dominating here). However,
much of the details in this article can be used on OTHER printers and software,
and it covers information from scanning to calibration and adjustments,
down to the choice of printing paper, so check it out at the following
URL:
http://www.photo-snowdonia.freeserve.co.uk/link16.htm
Epson Refill Instructions - Flush Method
----------------------------------------
(Uh oh... did I hear HP users screaming in the background?)
Epson printers are amongst the best in the consumer inkjet printers
market. However, as all Epson inkjet users know, Epson ink cartridges are
non-refillable. Unlike other manufacturers such as HP, you cannot buy ink
syringe refills for your Epson cartridges. Not only do you have to spend
more to buy a new cartridge, you have to discard a partially spent colour
cartridge and get a new one, even though only one of the colours is depleted
while the rest are still relatively full.
Frustrated? Don't be. Check out this great tip page for instructions
on how to refill your Epson cartridges. It contains nice illustrations
and photo, with clear instructions one step at a time. The instructions
are applicable to the following:
Epson Stylus Color 400/440/600/640/740/750/800/850/900/1200/1520 and
Photo Printers
http://www.missupply.com/Html/SO20089N.html
********************************************************************************
* CLASSIFIED ADS *
Nikon FE10 for sale
-------------------
I have a mint Nikon FE10 for sale at $400. Interested parties please
contact me via pager or e-mail. Thanks!
E-Mail: koolaba@hotmail.com
Contact: 92892699 (Pg)
<Ng Tzong Sheng>
Lowepro Bag and Tokina Lens for sale
------------------------------------
I have a Lowepro bag for sale at $55 (bought it at $80), and a Tokina
35-300mm lens (Nikon mount) in mint condition (used less than 10 times)for
sale at $350. Both prices are negotiable, so don't hestitate to contact
me for discussion and viewing!
E-mail: spyn00@hotmail.com
<Adrian Goh>
Nikon Rangefinder Set for sale
------------------------------
Dr. Melvin J. Wilner of New York City has a rather large collection
of NIKON Rangefinder, composing of 31 bodies and complete array of lenses,
including many rare items. He is looking to sell to one individual...the
entire collection, and he has a complete list of 15 pages which he can
FAX to any SERIOUS interested party. Dr. Wilner has collected Nikons for
thirty years and remains a dedicated NIKON user.
This entire collection is worth $150,000 USD, and he can show it to
interested
party...ONLY if seriously considering purchase. He DOES NOT wish to
break up this collection.
Interested? Contact Dr. Melvin J. Wilner at mandrwilner@webtv.net now
!!
(P.S: That'll be $264,000 in Singapore dollars, enough to purchase a
brand new
Porsche Boxter here in Singapore. Foreign readers, yes you read that
right. That's how much a car costs here in Singapore!)
Your friendly list-maintainer,
Nelson Tan
Visit the official "Photography Happenings !!" website at:
http://lioncity.s-one.net.sg/~photo/index.htm
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