**************************************************
* 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 #26
Dated: 7th September 1999
*** CONTENTS ***
Okay, and in this issue of "Photography Happenings !!", we have:
1) Announcements
- Editor's
note
- Hot
products forecasts
- Correction
2) New Products
- Fuji MegaPixel Camera
- New Nikon products
- New Canon products
- Ilford Inkjet Paper
- Slik Pro 800CF Series tripods
- Manfrotto Carbon and Magnesium tripods
- Large Format Filters from Schneider
3) Website/Product Reviews
- Nikon Coolpix 950 website
- Nikon F5 Digital
- Landscape Portfolio by Hick Sandrine
- Digital Camera Resource Page
- Set Yourself Adrift
- Digital PhotoContest Website
4) Events
- Mongolia Slide show
- Black and White Photography Course
5) Special Offers and Bargains
- Special
Kodak E100VS offer by RGB Color
6) Photography tips
- Weight Limits for Carry-on Luggages
- Tips for Portrait Photography
- Looking for a low-light slide-film?
- Is your Darkroom Safe?
- A Potpourri of Photo Stuff
7) Classified Ads
- Balcar
MiniZ1 for sale
___________________________________________________________________________
* ANNOUNCEMENTS *
Editor's note
-------------
Recently, the number of subscribers have climbed substantially, although
I
do not know how they found out about this little "secret" mailing list
:)
I have renamed "Website Reviews" section to "Website/Products Reviews",
to
reflect the addition of product reviews on the Internet to the section.
The total number of subscribers have passed the 1000-mark, and I'm trying
very hard to keep the e-mail program from crashing due to the sheer
numbers. The bigger problem seems to be the ever-increasing numbers
of
questions which have been stacking up in my mailbox. I offer my apologies
for not being able to answer them immediately, because they're coming
in
faster than I can answer them! So dear subscribers, plaese try asking
them
in the website's photography forum instead because all the other visitors
can help to answer them. In addition, I can answer the questions in
the
forum and the answers can be there for the rest to see, so I don't
need to
answer the same inquiries all over again. The website forum is available
at:
http://forum.s-one.net.sg/forum/288/list.pl
Phew! :)
Hot products forecasts
----------------------
The recent World Camera Fair (big name for small event) held at Takashimaya
Square (20th-22nd Aug) provided some clues on the products destined
to be
hot-sellers in the next 6 months:
Nikon Coolscan LS-30 and LS-2000
Nikon Coolpix 700 and 950
Nikon F100
Olympus Camdia
Minolta DiaScan
Nikon D1 (mega seller among commercial companies)
Hasselblad 503CW with CW winder and prism
Canon EOS 3
Canon EOS 50
Minolta Dynax 9
In addition, check out the new products from Nikon and Canon in this
issue!! The recent months have seen the two photographic giants battle
for
market share with the introduction of new lenses and accessories.
Just as
exciting is the trend of carbon fibre tripods on the rise, with Slik
and
Manfrotto (Bogen) introducing new models after Gitzo and Mamiya pioneered
the use of carbon fibre in tripods. We can only hope that the increase
in
competition will one day enable carbon fibre tripods to be sold at
more
reasonable prices.
Correction
----------
It appears that a few readers were confused by last issue's report
on the
new Nikon EC-E screen. I would like to take the chance to clarify that
the
EC-E screen darkens the selected focusing points like the F100, but
it does
not illuminate them in red like the F100. It is probably my wrong choice
of
words which led to the misconception. My sincere apologies for the
mix-up.
[Total list membership stands
at 1032]
***************************************************************************
* NEW PRODUCTS *
Fuji MegaPixel Camera
---------------------
Not a month goes by without some companies introducing a new digital
product. Fuji Photo has released the MX-2700 digital camera, a pocket-sized
mini digital camera that packs 2.3 megapixel resolution. Weighing only
8.5
ounces, the MX-2700 measures 3.1 X 3.8 X 1.3 inches, small enough to
slip
into your pocket with ease. The camera utilizes SmartMedia cards, and
you
can record 8 to 35 images on each card, depending on the resolution
chosen.
The MX-2700 incorporates a 2.5X digital zoom and built-in flash, and
it
ships with Aobe PhotoDelux 3.0. For more information, check out
www.fujifilm.com.
New Nikon products
------------------
Nikon has released a new lens: the 28~80mm f/3.5-5.6 D-AF
According to Nikon, "the new optical design ensures high quality images
even at closest focus distance, and the rounded diaphragm blades (
7
blades) is especially effective for close-ups and portraits."
The lens comes in the optical configuration of 8 elements in 8 groups,
with
a minimum focusing distance of 1.3 feet and a filter size of
58mm.
In addition, there is a new Nikon flash unit that is sure to make close-up
enthusiasts sit up and listen: the new SB-29 Macro Ringlight
The SB-29 macro ring-flash incorporates 2 flashtubes, and it is ideal
for
flat lighting during close-ups. Some of the new innovations will be
that
the Main unit can be attached to Controller on top of hot shoe, and
the
brightness of flash can be reduced incrementally down to 1/4 power.
One of
the best feature will be the modeling light lets you check effect of
flash
before shooting.
Finally, Nikon releases the Nikon AS-17 Flash coupler for F3 series
cameras, which maintains TTL with compatible ISO-footed flash units.
New Canon products
------------------
Not to be outdone by Nikon, Canon has expanded its system considerably
with
the introduction of new lenses and accessories:
EF 70-200mm f/4L USM
Canon has expanded its professional L-series lenses with the EF 70-200mm
f/4L USM lens, which will offer oustanding performance in a compact
package. With one Fluorite and two Super UD elements in a 16-element
optical formula, the lens will give superlative performance like the
other
L-lenses. Chromatic aberration will be corrected by the inclusion of
flourite lens elements, while the light weight of only 1.56 lb. will
mean
that the lens is ideal for travel photography. The new f/4L lens is
supplied with accessories such as a lens hood and pouch. A detachable
tripod collar is optionally available.
Specification
Focal length: 70 to 200mm
Construction: 16 elements in 13 groups
(includes one Fluorite element and two UD
glass elements)
Angle-of-view: 34° to 12° (diagonal)
Focusing: autofocus with Ring USM; helical
lens draw with inner focusing and focus cam;
manual focusing possible in Manual and AF
modes
Focusing range: 0.2 metres to infinity
Distance range limiting switch:
1) 1.2 metres to infinity
2) 3 metres to infinity
Maximum magnification: 0.08x (wide),
0.21 (tele) at 1.2 metres
Lens mount: EF; signal transmissions: lens
mode, lens type, metering information, focal
length, AF drive information
Aperture range: f4 to f32
Aperture control: Pulse with EMD
Aperture blades: 8
Depth-of-field scale: none
Infrared mark: provided (at 70mm and
100mm)
Filter mount: 67mm (2 filters can be
attached)
Size: ø76mm x 172mm
Weight: 710g (lens only)
For more info, check out:
http://www.eos-magazine.com/News_15_EF70-200mmf4.html
MP-E65mm f/2.8 Macro Photo Lens
The new MP-E65mm f/2.8 Macro Photo Lens is a unique lens for macro
photography, with the capability of going into the range of 1X to 5X
magnification! This new manual focus lens is fully compatible with
all
Canon EOS cameras.
According to Canon, "the MP-E 65mm f/2.8 incorporates a highly-corrected
ten element optical formula (inclusive of one UD-glass element) to
minimize
chromatic aberration. It also utilizes a 3-group floating system to
enhance
edge-to-edge sharpness at all magnifications and incorporates Canon’s
original ElectroMagnetic Diaphragm (EMD) for fully automatic exposure
control. Working distances (from the front of the lens to the subject)
range from 4 inches at 1X (life size) to 1.6 inches at 5X. The extended
focusing range and robust mechanical construction of the MP-E 65mm
f/2.8
eliminate the need for bulky and delicate bellows units, making the
lens
highly suitable for close-up photography in a wide variety of shooting
conditions both indoors and out."
The MP-E 65mm f/2.8 comes with a detachable tripod collar and 58mm filter
thread. It can be fitted with Canon’s Macro Ring Lite ML-3 (available
optionally).
Specification
Focal length: 65mm
Construction: 10 elements in 8 groups
(includes one UD glass element)
Angle-of-view: 18°40' (diagonal, at 1x)
Focusing: Manual. Rectilinear focusing with
the front group (floating system)
Focusing range: 0.243 to 0.313 metres
Lens mount: EF
Signal transmissions: lens mode, lens type,
metering information, focal length
Aperture range: f2.8 to f16
Aperture control: Pulse with EMD
Aperture blades: 6
Depth-of-field scale: none
Infrared mark: none
Filter mount: 58mm
Size: ø81mm x 98mm
Weight: 730g (lens only); 880g (lens with
tripod collar)
More more info, check out:
http://www.eos-magazine.com/News_14_MP-E65mmlens.html
Angle Finder C
Although Canon's SLRs do not feature removeable finders, Canon’s new
Angle
Finder C will enable waist-level and low-angle picture taking, as well
as
copy work and macro photography. Featuring a rubber eyecup and a built-in
adjustable diopter, its roof prism keeps the image correctly oriented
for
easy viewing. The Angle Finder C attaches to the viewfinder eyepieces
of
Canon EOS cameras via two types of supplied adapters. The mangification
of
the finder is switchable between 1.25x or 2.5x.
For more info, check out:
http://www.eos-magazine.com/News_16_AngleFinderC.html
Ilford Inkjet Paper
-------------------
Ilford has added inkjet paper to its growing line of digital products.
The
paper is designed to emulate conventional heavyweight, RC-based darkroom
paper with glossy surface and neutral tint. According to Ilford, the
inkjet
paper will be quick-drying and smudge-resistant. For more information,
check out the Ilford website at www.ilford.com.
Slik Pro 800CF Series tripods
-----------------------------
Slik has introduced a new line of tripods made from carbon fibre -
the Slik
Pro 800CF tripods. Tripods and monopods made with carbon fibre are
approximately 30-40 % lighter than the equivalent aluminum tripod,
without
compromising on rigidity and strength.
The Slik Pro 800 CF Series tripods and monopod are suited for use with
35mm
SLR and medium format cameras. The tripods include a reversable panhead
mounting stud -3/8" and 1/4", and they incorporate 3-position leg angle
adjustment.
For the lowest possible camera angle with the legs fully spread, a
special
shoort centre column is available as an optional accesory. The leg-lock
type is the Twist lock system with double nut ring (crown-cap) type,
and
the center column is gearless. For more information and pictures, check
out:
http://www.daymen.com/Slik/CFseries.htm
Manfrotto Carbon and Magnesium tripods
--------------------------------------
Manfrotto (Bogen in the US) has launched a distinctive new range of
lightweight Carbon and Magnesium tripods and monopod. The new series
feature a unique 3 facet shaped carbon tubes to eliminate leg and centre
column rotation and increase stability. Patented magnesium top casting
allows the centre column to be converted to lateral arm in seconds
for
overhead shots.
The legs are set individually with quick action button selection to
set leg
angles, 20 degrees, 45 degrees or 65 degrees. The in-built spirit level
to
help with setup to ensure straight horizons. There will not be any
glue
joints, all connections use the time proven Manfrotto pressure clamping
system for durability and serviceability. Hopefully, this will eliminate
the problem of joints becoming unglued in extreme cold weather, as
in the
case of the early Gitzo carbon fibre tripods. For more info, check
out:
http://www.manfrotto.com/home/latest/index.html
Manfrotto has also released a new Magnesium 3D tripod Head, called the
460Mg. According to Manfrotto, it is "an innovative 3D Head unlike
any
other. Cast from lightweight magnesium, the head can be positioned
in
virtually any position to get the exact framing of the image. The
lock-system using spring-loaded conical joints allows greater flexibility
than any other 3D head whether mounted on a tripod centre column or
lateral
arm. The rubber grip knobs provide finger tip control and will not
poke you
in the eye like conventional handles do. A quick release camera plate
system using the new universal plate 200PL-14 allows for instant camera
changes. The 460Mg is the ideal head in combination with the Carbon
No One
line for 35mm SLRs and medium format cameras. "
Large Format Filters from Schneider
-----------------------------------
Th German optical company, Schneider has introduced a new series of
graduated B+W filters for large format photographers. The new series
will
be available in hard-edge and soft-edge blends, and in various filter
sizes
such as 4X4 inches and 4X5.65 inches. The slot-in filters are designed
to
reduce light levels without creating colour casts. For more information,
check out the Schneider site at www.schneideroptics.com.
***************************************************************************
* WEBSITE/PRODUCTS REVIEWS *
Here are this issue's recommended websites:
Nikon Coolpix 950 website
-------------------------
Even though Nikon CoolPix 950 has some complaints, it is nevertheless
a
great digital camera. I found this site having interesting review and
in
particular the author's creativity. Making slide and negative scanner
from
this camera.
http://home.hiwaay.net/~drcannon/cp950/
<Reviewed By B H Tan>
Editor's note:
This is a fantastic page for owners of the Nikon Coolpix 950, and those
who
are considering buying one. Not only are there plenty of images taken
with
the Coolpix in real-life situations, the writer also has plenty of
ideas
and advice on using the digital camera, not to mention some of the
home-made accessories!
Nikon F5 Digital
----------------
This page is interesting, because the F5 Digital does not exist! The
page
is dedicated to the imaginary camera that the author has in his mind.
He
took his imagination very seriously, because he took the trouble to
create
very realistic photos of the imaginary prototype. If he did not put
the
disclaimer that the camera does not exist, one can be forgiven for
thinking
that it's real! Apparently, Nikon has been listening, because the coming
Digital D1 looks suspiciously like the one at this website:
http://www.mclink.it/personal/MC0258/F5.html#English
Landscape Portfolio by Hick Sandrine
------------------------------------
Listen to the Belgian photographer talk about his work. No techniques
discussed in the article, but rather the mood and feelings involved
in his
work. Great landscape works with a flightly-romantic feeling to them.
According to Hick, "to create an atmosphere with a certain romanticism
in
my images, I apply the technique of soft focus. The quality of the
light is
essential, as everyone knows. Think of the dramatic lights that precede
a
storm, the magical light after the passage of the shower, and also,
the
strange light that reigns after you lie down in the sun. As you will
observe, the most beautiful lights are the most fugitive, and they
change
all the time. It’s necessary to work very fast to seize them. That
means
you won’t have time to think about the technical elements of the shoot."
Check it out at:
http://www.apogeephoto.com/mag5-6/mag5-6hick.shtml
Digital Camera Resource Page
----------------------------
The digital camera is definitely the "In-thing" now and the future.
This
website is updated, almost daily, on the range of digital cameras
available. There are good reviews of different cameras available.
http://www.dcresource.com/
<Reviewed by B H Tan>
Set Yourself Adrift
-------------------
This article by Courtney Milne discusses the magic of the ice world
through
the macro lens. The author discusses the feelings of wonder and discovery
as he examined the ice structures through close-ups, along with a couple
of
illustrating images and some technical details.
http://www.courtneymilne.com/fsetyouradrift.html
Digital PhotoContest Website
----------------------------
There is a new web site up for digital photography buffs. This website
features a contest for digital images, and the gallery seems quite
good. I
did not read the rules and regulation of the contest though. Check
it out!
http://www.digitalphotocontest.com
<Contributed by Sam Miller>
***************************************************************************
* EVENTS *
Mongolia - Land of Blue Skies
-----------------------------
Contax Club will be organizing a slide presentation on Mongolia on 15th
of
Sept at the Contax Club facilities. Check out the beauty of Mongolia
through the eyes of the photographers. Expect to see wide-ranging deserts
and landscapes, with majestic grasslands for the herds. Admission is
free.
15 Sept
8 p.m
Contax
Club
Sindo Building 3rd Flr, Tannery Lane.
Black and White Photography Course
----------------------------------
Photography enthusiasts wishing to pick up white and black photography
should grab this chance. The Photographic Society of Singapore (PSS)
will
be organizing a basic course on B/W photography, from using of the
SLR
camera to developing black-and-white prints. It will be held every
Wednesday and Saturday, from 15th to 25th Sept. The entire course will
be
held over 12 sessions, and will cost $154. For more information, call
PSS
at 7434836.
***************************************************************************
* SPECIAL OFFERS AND BARGAINS *
Special Kodak E100VS offer by RGB Color
---------------------------------------
RGB Color is having a special film promotion on Kodak E100VS film,
with
very special prices for a limited time only:
35mm (36 exposures) S$8.80 only
120mm S$5.50 only
In addition, you can also redeem 50% discount on E6 service with proof
of
purchase at RGB. Thus, a roll of 36mm E100VS plus E6 processing will
work
out to S$11.00 only. Offers valid for a limited time only.
Also check out the new facelift of the Beach Road branch of RGB Color.
***************************************************************************
* PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS *
(The Editor will not be responsible for any errors and damages following
the implementations of the tips in this section)
Weight Limits for Carry-on Luggages
-----------------------------------
In the US, the published weight limits (as seen in the
4/99 Pop Photo) are:
Airline #bags
Weight
Exclusions
-=======------======-------------========----------------============
American 2
no limit
purse
America West 2
no limit
handbag
Continental 1
40lb.
Computer case
Delta 3
40lb. small business
case
Northwest 3
40lb.
small purse
Southwest 2
no limit camera bag, handbag
TWA
2
no limit
none
United 2
50lb.
none
USAIR 3
40lb. camera
bag, handbag
Size is also regulated
Some airlines (American, Continental & United) do it by limiting
the
added LWH dimensions of the bag. For them it cannot be larger than
45".
At the 22x13x9" limit are: America West, Delta & Northwest.
At the 24x16x10" limit are: Southwest, TWA, & USAir.
According to PP, these were current as of April 99. The FAA's
own
max specs on carry-on luggage is the 45" sum. I do not know if this
also applies to international flights as well. Hope this helps.
*= Doris Fang =*
[Who travels as light as possible]
Tips for Portrait Photography
-----------------------------
This page provides a summary of the points that you should look out
for
when doing portraiture. It is not a comprehensive and detailed article
on
portraiture, but a tabulated summary of the important points and tips
that
you should be aware of when photographing humans. It describes various
techniques such as dealing with a model's problems, positioning, hand
posing within a portrait, shooting groups and couples and lighting
tips. It
is definitely worth saving it as a HTML file in your disk, in case
you need
them as a reference someday! Check it out at:
http://pages.prodigy.net/sharkma/tips.html
Looking for a low-light slide-film?
-----------------------------------
We all face the problem of ambient photography in low-light scenes.
High
speed films are usually unacceptably grainy, especially for slide films.
Even for ISO 400 slide films, the grain is usually noticeable enough
to
detract attention from the image itself.
Authur Morris, a noted wildlife photographer believes he has found
a
solution to photographing in low-light ambient situations with slide
films:
"For years I have searched for a fast slide film that does not exhibit
a
magenta shift when pushed in low, dreary light. I have finally found
it in
Fuji MS, 100-1000 Multi-speed (RMS). I first used this film on the
Pribilof
Islands where the murk and the fog often mandate the use of a fast
film.
The color was so good that when I opened the first box marked" MS +2"
I
thought that the lab had mis-marked a roll of Velvia! Additionally,
the
film is sharp and exhibits little grain. In all but extremely dark
conditions, I rate MS at 320 and indicate EI 400 when I send it to
the lab.
This film allows me to shoot in low light conditions where I would
simply
be out of business using my favorite film, Fuji Velvia (at EI 100).
"
For more tips on bird photography, check out his website at:
http://birdsasart.com/faq.html
Is your Darkroom Safe?
----------------------
Darkroom work is fun and captivating, but it has its inherent dangers
which
you should be aware of. Photographic chemicals, especially colour chemicals
and alternative processes, emit poisonous fumes which will create
respiritory problems if the darkroom is not properly ventilated.
Check out this article by Michael Fulks as he discusses his experience
with
darkroom poisoning, and some down-to-earth advice about working safely
in
the darkroom.
http://www.apogeephoto.com/mag1-4/mag1-4mf.shtml
A Potpourri of Photo Stuff
--------------------------
According to Steve Traudt, "this article could be called, stuff I wish
l'd
known 10 years sooner! It presents 15 tips, techniques and philosophies.
Some are objective; some are subjective. All have been useful to myself
and
to my students. I am especially interested in gaining control over
the
technical side so it becomes second nature; then the photographer's
vision
and emotions can come forth within the photograph."
Follow Steve as he runs through a compilation of mini tips which allows
the
photographer to gain more control over the photographic process at:
http://www.apogeephoto.com/mag1-6/mag1-6st.shtml
***************************************************************************
* CLASSIFIED ADS *
Balcar MiniZ1 for sale
----------------------
I have one Balcar MiniZ1 (250W/S) with Photoflex Softbox (medium) for
sale,
at S$600 (non-negotiable). The studio light unit is in good condition
and
seldom used. I have a spare original Balcar flashtube (brand-new) to
give
away with the purchase of the unit. Contact me at 9-316 6742 if interested
in viewing. Thanks!
<Terry
Toh>
______________________________________________________________________________
That's all for this issue, folks!
Happy shooting!!
Your friendly list-maintainer,
Nelson Tan
Visit the official "Photography Happenings !!" website at:
http://lioncity.s-one.net.sg/~photo
|