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 #27                                         Dated: 27th September 1999

                                *** CONTENTS ***
 

Okay, and in this issue of "Photography Happenings !!", we have:
 
        1) Announcements
           - Editor's note
           - 3 New Articles!!
  a) Kodak EIR film review
  b) Hasselblad factory tour
  c) Canon EOS 3 review

        2) New Products
     - Silicon Film digital film cateridge
     - Minolta's new 2.7 Megapixel professional digital SLR
     - 3 New Cosina lenses for Leica mount
     - Happenstance Slide Copier for Nikon Coolpix 950

        3) Website/Product Reviews
     - National Geographic Special
     - Rob's Gallery of Photographs
     - Celebrity photographer - Danny Clinch
     - Maya Colour: The Painted Villages of Mesoamerica
     - Robert Ernest Photography

        4) Events
     - A short Course in Photojournalism
     - KONICA Asia Discovery Photo Contest
     - New Stock Photo Library
     - Malaysia Photo Exposition 1999
 

        5) Photography tips
     - Using graduated filters more effectively
     - Flash photography using Nikon Speedlights
     - Batteries Guide
     - 15 Great Travel Photo Tips
     - Flower Photography

        6) Classified Ads
           - Wanted: Nikon F100 manual
     - For Sale: Rollei Prego

___________________________________________________________________________
 

                             * ANNOUNCEMENTS *

Editor's note
-------------
I'll repeat what I said in the last issue... "Use the photography forum"

I'm receiving a lot of personal e-mails asking for photography advice, and
I cannot possibly answer them quickly. By posting your questions in the
forum, other knowledgeable members can help contribute their views and
answers. Not only will you get your answers more quickly, other people can
read them as well, and I don't need to answer the same question repeatedly.

Check out the forum at:

  http://forum.s-one.net.sg/forum/288/list.pl
 
 

As usual, this issue is packed with all the photography goodies that you
expect from "Photography Happenings!!". I especially like some of the
websites reviewed in this issue, because some of the photography displayed
there are absolutely inspiring! Make sure you check them out!

And....
 

New Articles!!
--------------

As a special treat for subscribers, there are THREE new articles !!
All the articles are accesible as links from the main page at:

   Http://lioncity.s-one.net.sg/~photo
 

a) Kodak EIR Review
-------------------
For starters, there's a film review on one of the most unique film in the
world - Kodak EIR. This is a colour infrared slide film that can be
processed in the normal E6 (slide) chemicals, making it convinient for most
users to process the film in most labs. The colours are totally out of this
world, so make sure you check out the review! Because the purpose of the
review is to show you the images taken with this film, there is quite a bit
of images which might slow down the loading. Be patient, and you'll be
rewarded!
Click on the link from the main page at:
 

b) "Singapore Photographer takes Grand Tour at Hasselblad"
----------------------------------------------------------
Subscriber Peter Walker recently went on a trip to Sweden, and he had the
priviledge of visiting the Hasselblad factory there. Check out this article
where he narrates the interesting experiences he had at the factory.
 

c) EOS 3 review by Tan Chung
----------------------------
What? A Canon review at "Photography Happenings!!"? Impossible, you say?

Relax folks... the site is created for promoting photography, certainly not
for companies to create a cult following. All brands are welcomed in the
site, as long as they meet up to certain high standards. Many people think
that I'm a Nikon guy... well, I am. But I'm not against other brands  :)

Check out what Tan Chung feels about the new EOS 3 in this review!
 
 
 

Vote for your favorite camera!
------------------------------
Ever wondered what is the favorite camera of photographers? Check out what
most photographers think at this polling site, and cast your own vote for
your favorite camera!

Tip: There's a flame war between Canon and Nikon users at the polling page.
Please refrain from posting threads which might add fuel to the flame!

  http://www.techphoto.org/poll.epl?webobjectoid=1741633
 
 

        [Total list membership stands at 1043]

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

                            *  NEW PRODUCTS  *
 

Silicon Film digital film cateridge
----------------------------------
Going digital is a snap with Silicon Film
            By Chris Ladd

We've been waiting for this one so long that we thought it was never going
to happen so let's just hope it's not more phantomware.

Silicon Film's EFS-1 digital imaging system promises to turn some pro 35mms
 into true, high quality digital cameras and they say you'll be able to buy
it off the Web for under $US800 sometime soon this fall..

Silicon Film's  reps say one can go  digital  with a camera system as
familiar as the one you already own . . . as long as it's a Canon EOS 1N,
Canon EOS A2/5; Nikon F-5, Nikon N-90/F90 or Nikon F-3.

How's it work?
You just place the eFilm cartridge into the film compartment of your SLR,
close the back cover and you are ready  to shoot digitally.

- Use your existing 35mm SLR lenses, attachments and advanced camera features.
- Shoots and stores 24 high quality digital pictures at a time
- Reuse the cartridge thousands of times.
- Save the expense of  film and processing.
- Download and store images in the field so you keep shooting.
- Choose eFilm or 35mm film capture to suit your shooting equirements.
- Easily connects to your PC or MAC for instant viewing
 
What are the significant features of EFS-1 ?
Silicon Film claims EFS-1 is designed to:

* Use existing 35mm SLR lenses, attachments and advance camera features for
more flexibility and value.
* Fit easily into a 35mm camera's film compartment;
* Allow the user to switch rapidly between conventional film and digital
photography to suit field shooting requirements.
* Shoot and store up to 24 high quality digital pictures, and can be reused
thousands of times.
* Connect easily to PC or MAC for instant viewing, electronic storage,
e-mail transmission or artistic photo editing.

What type of file formats?
Software included with EFS-1 allows the user to choose the file format
(e.g. JPEG, BMP and TIFF) and view/store images in either compressed or
raw, uncompressed files for the highest image quality, flexibility and
control.

What is the file size of each image?
Less than 2 MegaByte data files at download and initial viewing. Format and
compression selected by the user in the host computer will impact file size.

What is the resolution?
1280 x 1024 pixels, captured at 36 bit color depth.

What is the ISO rating for EFS 1?
The EFS 1.3 will initially be approximately 100 ISO. Increased sensitivity
will be available in future products.

Which camera systems work with the EFS 1?
Because the SLR cameras differ in dimensions, EFS-1 is designed for
higher-end SLR models.

What is the technology driving EFS 1?
Silicon Film has designed EFS-1 with patented imaging technology using a
high resolution CMOS image sensor (1280x 1024 pixels) in a compact,
self-contained, battery powered electronic film system that digitally
captures and stores images.

Why CMOS?
Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) was selected for its
distinct advantages of higher resolution at more affordable cost and low
power consumption for longer battery life in remote operation. This offers
maximum performance and value for the field photographer.

What type of on board memory do you have?
Non Volatile Flash Memory.

Will EFS 1 be compatible with PC and MAC computers?
Yes.

What software is provided?
EFS-1 includes software for convenient image management, including image
viewing, editing and storage.

How do you connect the EFS 1 to the PC or MAC?
The ePort carrier includes a convenient PC Card Type II connector and
offers a USB connector for both PC and MAC for user flexibility. Cables to
connect to the PC (parallel) MAC (SCSI) will also be available.

They can be reached at:  www.siliconfilm.com/

       <Contributed by Chris Ladd>
 
 

Minolta's new 2.7 Megapixel professional digital SLR
----------------------------------------------------

Minolta has announced the release of a new 2.7 megapixel professional
digital SLR, the Dimage RD 3000. For more information, check out the link
(in Japanese) at the following URL:

 http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/pc/docs/article/990921/minolta.htm
 
 

New Cosina lenses for Leica mount
---------------------------------
Cosina has released three new lenses in the Leica 39mm screw mount:

   37mm f1.7 Ultron
   75mm f2.5 Color Heliar
   50mm f1.5 Nokton

The lenses are made for their Voigtlander Bessa-L camera, and will fit the
Leica cameras with the 39mm screw mount. These new lenses are equipped with
rear cams so they can couple with the rangefinder mechanism of screw mount
and Leica M rangefinders, increasing their usefullness. All the three
lenses will come equipped with accessory viewfinders.

Fore more info, check out the Japanese website at:

   http://www.cosina.co.jp/l-lenses/
 
 

Happenstance Slide Copier for Nikon Coolpix 950
-----------------------------------------------
Want to digitize your slide collection but found slide scanners too
expensive? Check out this cool device that enables you to use the Nikon
Coolpix 950 to reproduce your slides digitally. The Happenstance Slide
Copier is a simple device which mounts on the Nikon CP 950, and enables the
camera to take a 1:1 image of the slide. The 8-bit quality of the quality
will be inferior to the 24-bit capability of the slide scanners, but at
US$40 you can't be expecting too much, can you? Check it out at:

  http://www.steves-digicams.com/happenstance.html
 

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

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

National Geographic Special
---------------------------
What makes a National Geographic photographer different?

National Geographic photographers are a special breed, admired by many
other photographers for their daring, wit and skills in bring to the
readers a foreign culture and place. Given a limited time to capture the
essence of the place is not an easy task, but it is something NG
photographers excel in. The text gives us information about the place, but
it is the NG images which breathes life into the stories. Check out what is
in the minds of NG photographers in this short writeup, at:

   http://rtt.colorado.edu/~keivom/ng.html
 
 

Rob's Gallery of Photographs
----------------------------
This website is filled with nature photographs of all sorts. The gallery
contains pretty good images of nature, with that "life is beautiful" feeling.
The only complaint is that the images seem to be over-compressed, resulting
in a loss of details in some areas. However, the site is still a good one,
so make sure you check out all the catagories if you're interested in
nature photography!

   http://www.magma.ca/~rob/gallery/
 
 

Celebrity photographer - Danny Clinch
-------------------------------------

This site is incredible to say the least. The opening page itself is unqiue,
and the gallery of portraits is fanastic. The images are superb, and the
layout is unique - it stretches horizontally! Danny photographs some of the
most famous stars of Hollywood, and the images are totally unique. To say
that this man is good is a understatement - he's a genius. The images are
very well-scanned, and enables comfortable viewing.  I've never heard of
him prior to his, but I'd rank him among the top celebrity photographers.
His first book "Discovery Inn, The Photographs of Danny Clinch" has been
published. Check out his website at:

  http://www.thebluedot.com/clinch/index0.html
 

Tip: Choose the browse option instead of the tour option for easier navigation
 
 
 

Maya Colour: The Painted Villages of Mesoamerica
------------------------------------------------
Mayan villages in Mesoamerica are painted in some of the most unique colour
combinations possible. Jeffrey Becom and his wife Sally Jean Aberg
co-authored a book on their experience in Mesoamerica in which these and
many other
photos appear. The book, called "Maya Color: The Painted Villages of
Mesoamerica", was published by Abbeville in the Fall of 1997. Check out
this website to see the unique lifestyles of the Mayans, executed in
"National Geographic" style:

  http://www.pdn-pix.com/becom/becom1.html
 
 
 

Robert Ernest Photography
-------------------------
If you are interested in fine arts portraiture, you should check out this
site.

Robert Ernest is a master in fine arts portraiture, and his images extends
the  character of the subject to the viewer. The images are presented in a
interesting manner, where you only see small cropings of the final
pictures. Click on them, and the final images will be presented. The images
do not disappoint, and they might not be what you expect from the smaller
croppings! This site is definitely worth checking out!

   http://www.earnestphoto.com/
 
 

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

                             * EVENTS *
 

A short Course in Photojournalism
---------------------------------

  "Capturing news through the art of photography"

This course, designed for those who have basic knowledge in photography,
takes you through the intricate details of Photojournalism.

Topics covered over the theory and practical sessions are:

- knowledge and selection of photographic equipment for photographic
equipment
- shutter usage
- lens and aperture usage
- film speed & variation and film processing method
- sense of news
- identification and expression of news themes in photographs
- production of photo-essay
- topics analysis, including 4 assignments
- editing and application of news photos
- photo critique

This course comprises of 10 theory sessions with pratical sessions
scheduled on weekends. Participants will also be required to hand in 4
assignments.

  Dates : 13 October - 15 December ( Wednesdays )
  Time  : 7 - 9 pm
  Place : The Substation Classroom
  Course Fee : $200

For enquiries, please contact:
   The Substation
               45 Armenian Street, Singapore 179936.
               Tel : 3377 535 / Fax : 3372729
               Email: admin@substation.org.sg
 
 
 

KONICA Asia Discovery Photo Contest
-----------------------------------
Sponsored by Konica and Asahi Shimbun International
Co-sponsored by Club Med and Seiyu Singapore

View Asia through your lens. Capture Asia in its most natural state. Living
in Southeast Asia, the mundane or the new could be an excellent opportunity
to take the winning shot. So, let your experience of Asia be conveyed
through photography.

There is no restriction on the type of camera used or the size of the photo
submitted. Contestants from all Southeast Asian countries are welcomed.
 

Please choose either of the themes below.
* People
* Scenery
 

Submit your photo and Konica negative film to the address below. Please
indicate the theme of your photo, together with a caption to explain your
photo. Please include your name, address, age and contact numbers too. We
look forward to your submission.

ST INTERACTION Pte Ltd
99 Cashew Road
#05-17 Singapore 679670
Tel: (65) 7734139 Fax: (65) 8929625

Closing date for the contest is 15 October 1999.
 
 

New Stock Photo Library
-----------------------
Come Oct 31, a new stock photo library will be launched right here in
Singapore, making it the first and largest Asian stock photo agency.

We are now inviting submissions from photographers, both professionals and
amateurs. We acknowledge that the work of many amateur photographers like
yourself are of a very high quality.  Other than giving you pleasure and a
sense of achievement, these photos should be working for you.
 
Most of the time, these works are never publicised, let alone put up for sale.
Our company is opening up a business opportunity for amateur photographers
to market their best works. With our innovative e-commerce website, we are
able to sell your photographs online to a worldwide audience, 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year.

Typically we pay commission of 30% of the nett sales price, but we offer up
to 40% for photographs of exceptional quality.  You retain all rights to
the photographs during the three-year period you place your photos with us,
except the right to sell or lease these same photographs to a third party,
including other stock agencies. In other words, you can use them for any
other non-commercial use eg  exhibitions, competitions etc. We do keep your
images. We digitise them and return all materials to you within 2
weeks.Needless to say, our agency reserves the right to accept or reject
all photographs submitted. All photographs must meet our criteria of
quality and marketability.

In summary, how will it benefit you:

1) Showcase your best works to an international audience
2) An additional avenue to market your works
3) Possible regular income for as long you place the photos with us
4) Intensive and sustained marketing of your works
5) You retain all rights to your works
6) You keep all your original images
7) You don't have to spend a single cent to be able to earn a practically
unlimited income for as long you place your photographs with us.

For more information, contact:

  James Quek
  Managing Editor
  Logos Communications
  11 Kallang Place #06-09
  Tel: 398 1383
  Fax: 398 1393
  Http: www.logos.com.sg (website)
 
 
 

Malaysia Photo Exposition 1999
------------------------------
From the 8 to 10 of Oct 1999, Kuala Lumpur will be host to the Malaysia
Photo Exposition 1999. Some highlights of the exhibition include digital
workshop, a photography contest, slide shows cum seminars, photography
exhibition as well as seeing the various distributors showcasing their
latest products. You will also stand a chance of winning a ticket to Nepal
in the lucky draw.

  Malaysia Photo Exposition 1999
  8th - 10th Oct, 1999
  KL Plaza, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

For more information, call Mr. Teh at 03-4443370 or 03-4443372
 
 

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

                             * PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS *

(The Editor will not be responsible for any errors and damages following
the implementations of the tips in this section)
 

Using graduated filters more effectively
----------------------------------------
A graduated filter is a filter that is coloured a one end, and gradually
fades to clear at the other end. As anyone who has used a graduated filter
can tell you, it is not always clear when the transition from coloured to
clear begins. Here's a tip by John Caleb Schwartz on how to spot and
position the transition more effectively and quickly:

1) cut a piece of white mounting cardboard to fit dimensions of the holder

2) colour one side completely black

3) slide the black side of the card facing the lens into the filter frame,
stop
down, now a black area ending abruptly is quite visible thru the viewfinder.

4) Facing the camera, put the grad filter into one of the slots, and the
entire filter stands out against the white side of the card.  The filter
can now be slid to line up the grad fall-off area with the edge of the
card. Slip the card out, and its done.
 
 

Flash photography using Nikon Speedlights
-----------------------------------------
Even with the latest flash technology, flash usage is still no a simple
thing to master. Some people say that modern flash technology is even more
difficult to learn, with all the various modes and possibilities.

Nikon's website has released a special guide, where they explain the
different functions of speedlights and explain their fundamentals. Some of
the topics covered include:
 1. Speedlight basics
  1.1. The mechanism of a speedlight
  1.2. What are Guide Numbers (GN) ?
  1.3. Choosing shooting modes
 2. Speedlight shooting techniques
  2.1. Beware the shadows !
  2.2. Speedlight settings influence outcome
 3. More advanced use of speedlights
  3.1. Bounce shooting
  3.2. Using detached speedlights
  3.3. Rear-curtain sync mode
  3.4. Multi-flash mode
 

Check it out at:

 http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/photo_world/kumon/10e.htm
 
 
 

Batteries Guide
---------------
NiCDs, NiMHs, alkalines, rechargeables... there seem to be endless variety
of batteries available for your photographic equipment. How do they affect
your equipments' performances, and how do you choose the most suitable
types? Check out this great tip from the September 1999 issue of Outdoor
Photographer, which explains the differences in batteries technology to
make the most of your high-tech equipment:

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/content/pastissues/1999/sept/gadgetbag.ht
ml
 
 
 

15 Great Travel Photo Tips
--------------------------

For 20 years, Rick Sammon had traveled around the world, and his vast
experience in travel photography made him the ideal choice to talk about
the various tips on travelling with a camera. From making eye contact to
trip preparation, these ideas will help you improve your next journey's
images. This great collection of tips was first printed in the May 1999
issue of Outdoor Photographers, and it is now available online at:

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/content/pastissues/1999/may/15tips.html
 
 

Flower Photography
------------------
Noella Ballenger has written an excellent thesis on flower photography. The
article gives very good advice on how to capture the glory of flowers,
without going into too much jargons about closeups and magnification. There
are also excellent images scattered throughout the article to illustrate
the points, making it a interesting reading. If you're interested in
capturing nature's bounty of blossoms on film, make sure you check out this
article at:

  http://www.apogeephoto.com/mag6-6/mag6-6nb_1.shtml
 
 

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

                              * CLASSIFIED ADS *

Wanted: Nikon F100 manual
-------------------------
I bought a Nikon F100 in New York and to my surprise the manual is in
German.  I do not speak German, so I'm having a hard time operating the
camera without a
manual. I am looking for a F100 manual in English, so you have one for sale
(or perhaps a copy of it),  please contact me at the following e-mail
address. Thanks!

       Juan <guede@iline.com>
 

Rollei Prego for sale
---------------------
I have a Rollei Prego Zoom in good condition for sale at $250. The camera
features a AF-Variogon 35-70mm HTF Makro Schneider len. A good compact
camera. The price is fixed. E-Mail me at juaychuan@pacific.net.sg or page
for me at
9-316 6742 if you are interested.

          <Terry>

______________________________________________________________________________

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