tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88548544580257390252024-02-07T04:31:06.301+00:00Planet VeatoUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-58925702939104028552016-02-24T14:06:00.000+00:002016-02-24T14:06:15.377+00:00Building a Tilt/Shift Lens<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I like to experiment with photography and I
also like the idea of being able to take tilt/shift style photos. I decide to
combine those two things and experiment with creating my own budget tilt/shift
lens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are a few guides online features the various
ways in which such a lens can be assembled but I went with the simple bicycle
inner tube ‘free-lens’ type. It is cheap, effective and does not require a
degree in engineering to build.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><b>Parts required:</b></u><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -18pt;">A section of bicycle inner tube</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Some long cable ties</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -18pt;">A lens body cap</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -18pt;">A suitable donor lens</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR029rWGKmpqRFUIZT_Cv45vfBoy-1LgDxkz1VO3ipV5UaW80pv7JFuJhu9wlW5YhaLXxfUQFjlPgcIPOtHgX7YJoIqR_SReR04OsBrRyGQ0wgXhv2pWzuunsKL3bqNrbMB1X27E_AYgA/s1600/Image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR029rWGKmpqRFUIZT_Cv45vfBoy-1LgDxkz1VO3ipV5UaW80pv7JFuJhu9wlW5YhaLXxfUQFjlPgcIPOtHgX7YJoIqR_SReR04OsBrRyGQ0wgXhv2pWzuunsKL3bqNrbMB1X27E_AYgA/s400/Image1.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That’s everything required. You’ll also
need some fairly standard tools like scissors, a sharp knife and screwdrivers
then you’re good to go. So far, so cheap!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Step 1</u> – The Body Cap</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In order to mount the lens to your camera
body you’re going to need to obtain a body cap in the correct mount for your
brand of camera. Being a Pentax user I purchased a generic hard plastic ‘K’
mount cap from eBay for the grand sum of £1.99.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once you have your lens cap you need to
carve out the centre hole leaving just the outer ring mount. I found the
easiest way to do this was to melt/cut it with a soldering iron but a heated
sharp knife should have the same effect. Once the hole was made I used a sharp
craft knife to cut away any sharp pointy bits.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51BUJERmyRACHqwlnQRVg1H-Ti59nrL8Ai_UYGqfGqj7ZgvmzEyiD3zvi3PnSDvJPg2ZuhJ_ydbHg0TjYRzVTh6kk6AyTlsyTWYCQcEwPiWOqkT59w2RCiDQZaZyNnSzZQsTGp-w8fLw/s1600/Image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51BUJERmyRACHqwlnQRVg1H-Ti59nrL8Ai_UYGqfGqj7ZgvmzEyiD3zvi3PnSDvJPg2ZuhJ_ydbHg0TjYRzVTh6kk6AyTlsyTWYCQcEwPiWOqkT59w2RCiDQZaZyNnSzZQsTGp-w8fLw/s400/Image2.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Step 2</u> – The Inner Tube</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You need a wide inner tube to act as the
flexible part of the lens. A typical 26” MTB inner tube should suffice with a
minimum width of 1.95” but ideally the wider the better. Once you have your tube
cut approximately 5cm of length from it stretch it around the modified body
cap. Once in place secure with a cable tie.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxj1ml0Mhbp8AzGaZKJmlj56xnhBaYJcfHrilktss6mQao4skyA8wuOVnhP31jygqpnrLaRhhGBF5MJx0R9oTgLGdPbTCNvZiCWtAlunyv4G1GvIk2X4FUaabXCCK0vUtH5AlrwjFBqs/s1600/Image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxj1ml0Mhbp8AzGaZKJmlj56xnhBaYJcfHrilktss6mQao4skyA8wuOVnhP31jygqpnrLaRhhGBF5MJx0R9oTgLGdPbTCNvZiCWtAlunyv4G1GvIk2X4FUaabXCCK0vUtH5AlrwjFBqs/s400/Image3.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Step 3</u> – The Lens</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lens choice is going to be important here.
On an APS-C sized sensor camera you’re going to need at least a 35mm full-frame lens. To allow an even greater freedom of movement when you tilt and
shift the lens bigger is also going to be better. I used an old full-frame 28mm f2.8 lens simply because I already had it at home but a lens designed for
medium format would be even better and not all that expensive from eBay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To begin with start from the rear of the
lens and strip away the mount and any superfluous body parts. The idea is to
strip enough of the lens away that you can freely move the lens around without
being restricted by the lens coming into contact with the camera body.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The next image shows how much of the lens I
stripped away but in hindsight I wish I’d have taken it even further to allow
more movement. Also with the focus ring still attached be sure to set (and then
leave) the focus at infinity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With the lens stripped down and the
aperture ring removed I had to use some fixing putty to hold the aperture
blades open at their widest setting. Without this the aperture would close down.
This behaviour can vary depending on lens manufacturer so this step may be
optional for some.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFvLyaRAXpS8dVpJJlL5rLk5m_nSsHAMoSTnFzmtqL59H_CGIyUasvYA6gr_GM8Y3vsJTzLlx8hu_JWok05M292jPV8EszKBv4iGatoaWe_zWV6_yJj_MZHvbzq9TwXj_1ktVyfzvedk/s1600/Image4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFvLyaRAXpS8dVpJJlL5rLk5m_nSsHAMoSTnFzmtqL59H_CGIyUasvYA6gr_GM8Y3vsJTzLlx8hu_JWok05M292jPV8EszKBv4iGatoaWe_zWV6_yJj_MZHvbzq9TwXj_1ktVyfzvedk/s400/Image4.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With the lens stripped and the aperture
open you can now stretch the inner tube from step 2 over the body and secure it
with a cable tie or two. The end result should look something like the lens I
made in the next image and is ready for use.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6b5y2NKT1Vt0Ank-8zcTra58wJzyHZ8at10Yu2-pgCLKLFL16bGf0PR9XgxgDzswsQqbGHRLmmecoF-n9gnqBgdAUKJ6n53FPJBs4V3FubPf3wcTQYX8OrkNMSH14z_0C5Ylntb_Emy4/s1600/Image5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6b5y2NKT1Vt0Ank-8zcTra58wJzyHZ8at10Yu2-pgCLKLFL16bGf0PR9XgxgDzswsQqbGHRLmmecoF-n9gnqBgdAUKJ6n53FPJBs4V3FubPf3wcTQYX8OrkNMSH14z_0C5Ylntb_Emy4/s400/Image5.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Demonstration</b></span></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To demonstrate the lens working I mounted the camera on a tripod, set aperture priority and took the first image with the focal point as close to 'normal' as I could reasonably get it of the rug in my lounge. The resulting image looked like this:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_IQlpRtJktZDJWpRxi0URHLrekZc09BD3THi1PyXqabZqgKh85V9tjDYJYRqZ4QC0fiKYcdAM9A546B9D1DQvPgwxbAuvKDNBII4wiY5g-bC-8slOdLWT8J2SJAz94ILPFOmQOXT3tI/s1600/Normal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_IQlpRtJktZDJWpRxi0URHLrekZc09BD3THi1PyXqabZqgKh85V9tjDYJYRqZ4QC0fiKYcdAM9A546B9D1DQvPgwxbAuvKDNBII4wiY5g-bC-8slOdLWT8J2SJAz94ILPFOmQOXT3tI/s400/Normal.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then without moving the camera or tripod I moved the lens to the left and right and took more images to show how the focal point moves along with some changes in perspective. This is further exaggerated the more you are able to move the lens.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL0YewjnBvwjMOtUOipyTspzStHWKrNznlgZ_N_cj4beOYIzFmhCrbtiBAfgh-fJnd7AWIopySjX06o-OGXU37B7ifpqpk03R_jQsp5qGxfFk-kX83uCAtH8Pi00DxFVu_YKct-QRLB4/s1600/Rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL0YewjnBvwjMOtUOipyTspzStHWKrNznlgZ_N_cj4beOYIzFmhCrbtiBAfgh-fJnd7AWIopySjX06o-OGXU37B7ifpqpk03R_jQsp5qGxfFk-kX83uCAtH8Pi00DxFVu_YKct-QRLB4/s400/Rug.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As stated earlier in the post if you are able to use a lens with a bigger image circle then greater movements will be allowed so on a typical APS-C camera a full-frame lens is useable but a medium format lens would be preferable. If, like me, you use a full-frame lens on an APS-C camera then keeping movements small is key as you will quickly find none of the image in focus otherwise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Overall it's a fun lens to use and due to it being flexible and imprecise no two images will likely be the same. Have fun experimenting!</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Revision</b></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I made a slight revision to my version of the lens as when moving it around I found the focus ring of the lens would hit the body of the camera and restrict movements too much. I made a quick modification by removing the focus ring and reattaching the inner tube and now have a greater freedom of movement.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RVpTeR59j3xvr0sZC5leVNM0UsfhpksYERwBS0IQSfvyD9dErRrggMGf2sb5ideZkYSrVxLge-snlKNRRo-gfxGaWtQq4atzZA4-6ojyGK4RYZE_NWA2GR-dZ2k6kq0nIsPvHgcb8fM/s1600/Final.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RVpTeR59j3xvr0sZC5leVNM0UsfhpksYERwBS0IQSfvyD9dErRrggMGf2sb5ideZkYSrVxLge-snlKNRRo-gfxGaWtQq4atzZA4-6ojyGK4RYZE_NWA2GR-dZ2k6kq0nIsPvHgcb8fM/s400/Final.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-29307134757383460432015-11-19T12:35:00.000+00:002015-11-19T12:35:10.336+00:00Photo Project - 52<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I recently picked up a pack of Lightbox Photography Cards<sup><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span></sup> which are essentially a deck of 52 cards, each one featuring a photo challenge to have a go at with a description and an example image.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As there are 52 cards this naturally led me to the idea of a 52 photo project starting in January 2016 where the challenge for each week will be determined by randomly selecting one of the cards from the deck.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is somewhat different to a regular 'photo-a-week' project as the theme each week is going to be set rather than being open. This could potentially be more challenging as the weekly photo has to fit a theme but at the same time will provide focus and inspiration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I intend on uploading my weekly images to Flickr<sup><span style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span></sup> and have also created a public group to organise them and allow anyone else to join in. The group can be found here: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/52project2016/" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/groups/52project2016/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Each week on a Sunday I will randomly draw a card from the deck and post the drawn challenge theme to the group discussion board. A photo fulfilling the criteria of the theme will then need to be uploaded before the following Sunday when the next card will be drawn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Apart from that the rules are pretty much open as any type and model of camera is allowed (I expect to post photos taken on a Pentax K3II, Panasonic LX100 and LG G3) with the only stipulation that one photo is posted per person per week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you'd like to join in then please come an join the group!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><sup>[1]</sup><a href="http://lightbox-photography-cards.myshopify.com/">http://lightbox-photography-cards.myshopify.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><sup>[2]</sup><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pentax_phil/">https://www.flickr.com/photos/pentax_phil/</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-84539334877291869242015-02-19T13:57:00.000+00:002015-02-19T13:57:04.940+00:00Epic Pumps<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When discussing the gym recently I was recommended a product, a pre-workout, that will supposedly make my workout more effective and last longer. I'm a beginner when it comes to the gym so I'm not jumping head first into supplements but thought I'd check this one out.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's called Warrior Rage<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span> and whilst the nutritional info had me scratching my head it's the description that really got my head spinning. I mean really, is this the kind of tactic used to sell to muscle heads? To me it sounds a little shallow and pathetic.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i>"Are you ready to not just beast your next workout, but obliterate it? To not just beat a personal record, but smash it?! Are you ready to show the world what you're really, REALLY capable of?</i></span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">If you're not, this isn't for you. Walk away. If it is... if you're a serious athlete, with serious intentions, the Warrior RAGE is the only pre-workout you need to consider. </span></i></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #20124d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Let me put it this way, here are the facts: No other pre-workout has been designed so comprehensively to build muscle, control cortisol, enhance focus, energy, drive, pump and endurance. No other pre-workout also makes all these powerful ingredients taste DELICIOUS! Warrior RAGE isn't just a pre-workout, it's a Weapon. Next time you want to smash a training session, <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">LOAD UP!</strong><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">"</span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i>"...this isn't for you. Walk away"</i> and <i>"isn't just a pre-workout, it's a Weapon</i>" I think might be my favourite parts.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">On the other hand this is both a fantastic parody and a much better sales pitch.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/wHUSBQhxeCU/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wHUSBQhxeCU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>"What's in it? INGREDIENTS"</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>"The answer that's never been a question"</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't think I've laughed as hard in a while.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span><a href="http://www.bodybuildingwarehouse.co.uk/warrior-rage-392g" target="_blank">http://www.bodybuildingwarehouse.co.uk/warrior-rage-392g</a></span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-50330827039551293022014-01-16T12:34:00.001+00:002014-01-16T12:34:17.684+00:00I'll Be Back in a Jiffy<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently I feel like I'm taking swipes at Microsoft for things that have gone wrong with my Xbox One controllers, both on forums and on twitter. The fact is, things have gone wrong, but worse than that Microsoft have failed to meet my expectations in providing a good customer service. I'm not asking for much; maybe they could not charge me to return a brand new faulty controller and possibly at least try to get it back to me before four weeks. A bit of rigorous testing of the controller to weed out faults might also have helped my situation but never mind!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have blogged about my experience so far with faulty Xbox One controllers so if you've had an issue or wonder what all the fuss is about have a look <a href="http://planet-veato.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/is-there-problem-with-xbox-one.html" target="_blank">here.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the previous blog entry was taking a swipe then I'm afraid today's is sticking the boot in as once again Microsoft's service has been a let down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It began when my wife called to tell me a package had arrived at home and she was certain it was the return of my Day One edition (broken) controller. I questioned how she knew it was the controller to which she responded she could tell the shape through the envelope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <i>e-n-v-e-l-o-p-e?</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3A1m9qboE1I/UtfRRbPeMPI/AAAAAAAABaU/xZp5Vx9Cdyk/s1600/IMGP6465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3A1m9qboE1I/UtfRRbPeMPI/AAAAAAAABaU/xZp5Vx9Cdyk/s1600/IMGP6465.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As it turns out the controllers (which aren't particularly cheap and/or limited edition models) are being sent back in thin and flimsy barely padded envelopes. I was genuinely surprised that a) it was sent back like that and b) it actually survived the journey!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me quote Microsoft's own return instructions as emailed to me:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"Step 1:</b> Obtain a sturdy shipping box and bubble wrap, newspaper, or other recyclable material for packaging the device. Do not use clothing."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So Microsoft see fit that you use a well padded box to send the controller when it's already broken but are fine to return it in a Jiffy bag once it's fixed. Am I the only one who thinks this is crazy? Not only was I surprised that the controller survived the return trip in the envelope from mainland Europe but how can they not follow some of their own advice?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not good enough Microsoft, not good enough.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-48260511850213845542014-01-07T15:19:00.000+00:002014-01-14T12:46:29.493+00:00Is There a Problem With The Xbox One Controller?<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On 22<sup>nd</sup> November 2013 I took delivery of a brand
new Xbox One Day One Edition. Buying a new console is not something I’ve either
been able or wanted to do in the past so it was pretty nice feeling when it
finally arrived. Also, as EA and Microsoft decided to allow Day One purchasers
to download a free copy of FIFA 14 I had something to play on my new console, a
game I actually like and might have purchased anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First impressions were good and once I’d got to grips with
the new dashboard, Kinect voice controls and downloaded my free game I was away
and playing. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately the good feeling didn’t last too long. Within
an hour or two of FIFA I started to notice that the analogue sticks on the
controller – more so the left one – just didn’t feel right. Was it a grind, a
pop, a click? I wasn’t sure but then this was a new, albeit similar shape and
feel controller to the Xbox 360, so I couldn’t rule out the possibility of it
just being, well, different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continued to play FIFA (interspersed with a bit of
Battlefield 4) over the following days but could not get away from thinking
that the controller’s left analogue stick just was not right and feeling that
the grind/pop/click was getting worse. And then during a game I noticed for the
first time the stick seemed to jam in place, causing my player to continue
running in the direction of travel, before popping back to its central
position. This would primarily happen in the 6 o’clock to 3 o’clock positions,
or for the Street Fighter fans, the Hadouken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deciding something wasn’t right I contacted Xbox Support who
agreed to replace the controller. There was the small issue of having to pay
the postage to return the faulty controller which I could not quite understand.
How is it that I have to pay to return a faulty item of no more than two months
old?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing a little of UK consumer rights (Sale of Goods Act
1979) I contacted the Microsoft Store where the Xbox was bought from who after
some polite debating agreed that it’s their responsibility to sort out the
issue. They also agreed it’s for them to pay the return postage costs but the
downside is I would have to send back the entire package, Xbox and all, as the
controller is part of a bundled boxed product. Not ideal then.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fairness to the store they gave me a £20-off voucher to
apologise and assisted me in arranging a return to the service centre. I
promptly paid the shipping and sent the controller and used the £20 wisely
towards another standard i.e. not Day One controller for a not unreasonable
£24.99.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luckily the new controller arrived before Christmas so I
could play FIFA over the holidays. Brilliant! Or so I thought, as after a few
hours of some frantic FIFA action the left analogue stick started to
grind/pop/click. “It can’t just be me” I thought so I started searching the
Internet and to my (lack of) surprise others are having the same issue and it
would seem particularly when playing FIFA and Madden sports games. After a call
to the Microsoft Store the new controller is also being returned but as an
individually bought product at least it will be going back to the store and I
won’t be paying the postage!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading others’ experience and thinking about my own I can
only surmise that there is a weak point in the construction of the pad that the
nature of the movement of the sticks when playing sports (fast movements,
pressure, flicks, etc.) is exploiting. People have reported hearing rattles
from inside the controller hinting at a broken part and one Xbox Forum user has
suggested /seen the part at fault although his YouTube video link has been
removed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As of the 7</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of January I am awaiting delivery
of both my Day One and Standard controllers whilst having returned a total of two.
Maybe I have been unlucky and the two I get back will be fine. Call me a cynic
but I doubt it. In the meantime Microsoft; sort out the postage costs. It’s
completely unfair to make your customers pay to return faulty products for
repair on the basis it’s only the ‘accessory’, especially if the fault keeps occurring.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>Update:</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An Xbox One user has posted a video on You Tube showing the cause of the failure:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ws5nC3vQ5VE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some Supporting Forum Links:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://forums.xbox.com/xbox_forums/xbox_support/xbox_one_support/f/4269/t/1625518.aspx?PageIndex=1" target="_blank">http://forums.xbox.com/xbox_forums/xbox_support/xbox_one_support/f/4269/t/1625518.aspx?PageIndex=1</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://forums.xbox.com/xbox_forums/general_discussion/f/3817/t/1651804.aspx?PageIndex=1" target="_blank">http://forums.xbox.com/xbox_forums/general_discussion/f/3817/t/1651804.aspx?PageIndex=1</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://forums.xbox.com/xbox_forums/xbox_support/xbox_one_support/f/4269/t/1628416.aspx?PageIndex=4" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://forums.xbox.com/xbox_forums/xbox_support/xbox_one_support/f/4269/t/1628416.aspx?PageIndex=4</span></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-2177828637148439392013-04-08T12:16:00.001+01:002013-04-11T06:31:57.468+01:00Game Over<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD76b-ZsUPOv-L7OAB1jty4JYSJXp1dt7Dc9JlSu2PVZeI5rTMdW7FwTWOPyKHFkzD8RxAvH_fMHr1tuANysFlBekQwGXQbGUXoXphwACa59AJDg-S648wc5Bg8gvGRf51wKFo_0ykG8/s1600/LCA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD76b-ZsUPOv-L7OAB1jty4JYSJXp1dt7Dc9JlSu2PVZeI5rTMdW7FwTWOPyKHFkzD8RxAvH_fMHr1tuANysFlBekQwGXQbGUXoXphwACa59AJDg-S648wc5Bg8gvGRf51wKFo_0ykG8/s1600/LCA.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a time not that long ago when I would forgo taking
out my expensive and highly capable Digital SLR for a spot of photography and
instead grab a cheaply made, plastic, lightweight and low-tech compact with
whatever film happened to live in my fridge. The camera in question was a
Vivitar Ultra Wide and Slim (UWS) and served as my introduction to the world of
Lomography.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those who are unaware <i>"Lomography is an analogue camera movement and community, and is
also a commercial trademark of Lomographische AG. It was founded in 1991 by
Viennese students Matthias Fiegl and Wolfgang Stranzinger when they discovered
the Lomo LC-A camera created by LOMO PLC of Saint Petersburg, Russia. Since
1995, Lomography has been the sole distributor of that camera outside of the
former Soviet Union, and has since moved into producing their own range of analogue
cameras, and other imports such as the Diana camera"</i> - Wikipedia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It might help at this point to check out their website and
store to see what it's all about but essentially Lomography (to me at least)
was an opportunity to reignite interest in 35mm film, to experiment in
different ways of shooting and processing, to use cameras both old (Olympus
Trip 35) and new (Lomography Supersampler) and to forget about the technical
elements required to create a shot and simply concentrate on the fun and spontaneity
of shooting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In truth it appealed to me on two levels. The first was to
remove myself from the constant learning and applying of photography rules and
concepts, to leave behind f-stops and bracketing and just enjoy shooting purely
for fun. Secondly it appealed to my gadget loving side. Being able to both
scour car boot sales and charity shops for old cameras and oddities and get my
hands on the latest weird and wonderful kit from the Lomography store. I was
hooked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent a few years as an active member of the community. I
entered competitions, uploaded photos and wrote articles for the site. I bought
and sold cameras, refurbished old kit, tried all manner of 35mm film and argued
with the naysayers who believed all Lomography to be an outlet for hipsters to
pass off naff photos taken on poor cameras as art.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It might be surprising to some then that I have sold all my
analogue cameras, emptied my fridge of film and have not posted on the
Lomography website for a number of months. No longer do I eagerly await the
postman to deliver my latest processed negatives, gone are the days of writing
articles for Piggy Points and the closest I now come to cross-processing is via
a digital filter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So why the turnaround? In short I have come to loathe the
company and community I once had a fondness for. It was not instant, it was not
based on the film medium nor is it a slight on their products, some of which I
would still speak just as highly of today. It seemed to happen gradually as the
products became more popular and the community grew larger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along with a bigger community came more user generated
content. It is this content that slowly started to turn me away from the
community as where once I defended against the Hipster tags I now saw a growing
number of articles living up to this. Articles would heap praise on products
(sometimes justified) whilst never exploring the negatives adding up to a
balanced review. Hyperbole would mount throughout a piece before erupting like
a bullshit volcano across your screen. With each new review of a new camera
turning into a Lomography love-in I started to become frustrated with the
writers and bored with their pieces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worse still were those writing of products and photos making
claims that were technically incorrect and just plain wrong. In a sense it's
difficult to judge someone's opinion as wrong as it is after all just an
opinion. But when you are using scientific or technical terms to describe
something you should have some understanding of those terms and what they mean
and be factual in your conclusions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In an example posted by one user showing a completely washed
out photo reddened by a drastic light leak they wrote <i>"The photos are very high contrasted, with emphasized saturated
green and red tones. It also gives lovely red light leaks"</i>, none of
which were true of the displayed photo other than the light leak all but
destroying the image.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The metaphors and hyperbole continue in many articles; one
describes Velvia RVP as a <i>"beast"
</i>and <i>"probably one of the most
crazy, unpredictable and wild films in the universe"</i> whilst another
describes Superia 1600 as offering <i>"mind
blowing grain."</i> It probably shouldn't bother me and maybe it goes
against the Lomography ethos to be so concerned with factual terms but it does
bother me. Reading the grossly exaggerated and factually incorrect claims
induce cringe of the highest order and turn me off the website entirely as I
start to view members of this community - my community - as the Hipsters I once
swore we were not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not convinced? Those examples are just a film review or two.
There are countless more examples in tipster, location and camera articles.
I'll leave this section with one more quote from a camera review conclusion; <i>"Don’t be shy, just say “I love you” to
your beloved camera, and share with us how sweet your experience is when living
with your petite camera sweetie!"</i> Brilliant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's not just articles though. Another aspect that grew
tiresome for me was the constant pushing of new products down my throat. With
each product launch the website shifts its focus away from some of the user
generated content and focusses on the new camera in question almost exclusively.
Reviews, location articles and tipsters all feature the latest product and the
next wave of monthly requested articles are guaranteed to feature the new
camera heavily. In short the whole effect slowly starts to come off as one big
marketing trick. And once it turns from a great community site to just another
business selling me something then unfortunately my interest starts to wane. I
understand Lomography isn't a charity and are in business to make money but
once community members are used as advertising vehicles (post this article to
your blog for some piggy points, etc.) the community spirit fades and a soulless
marketing machine is all that remains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the dreadful articles are my first and the marketing
machine my second driving factor behind my departure then the third has to
inevitably fall to the photography. Like the articles before it I have to add
at this point that it's not all bad. The Lomography website has in fact plenty
of talented people there too. I've always argued that despite the medium and
capabilities of a particular camera a good photo is a good photo. I still stand
by this and thoroughly enjoyed some of the photography featured from people all
across the world. But for every one good photo there are hundreds of poor ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is of course subjective as to what constitutes a bad
photograph - or “lomograph”. It's not personal taste I'm referring to here
though but more the deliberate abuse of film. Washing your roll of Fujifilm’s
finest emulsion in a bath of washing-up liquid and drying it out with a
hairdryer before shooting is not in any way any kind of photography I care to
be involved with. To see praise heaped on the horrible results just heightens
my sense of coldness to it. Yet this culture of experimenting has gripped the
community as people dream up new ways of destroying perfectly good film to take
utterly crap photographs. Did you know for instance that destroying your film
with lemon juice produces amazing colour? Or how about the amazing results one
can achieve with a mixture of orange juice, washing powder, cider vinegar and
lemon flavoured Vodka? It's bad enough that someone thinks these sorts of
experiments can produce anything but utter dross but to have the results
embraced and liked by a community leaves me dumbfounded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are more yet somewhat lesser factors I could pick at
as to what alienated and turned me off the community. The piggy point system
for one would feature quite heavily as well as the cost of the cameras in the
store. Ultimately though these are things I can live with and argue both for
and against but the above major points I cannot. Once I felt the site became a
marketing gimmick and when user content started to irk me by living up to its hipster
reputation it was a speedy switch from Lomo lover to a digital future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to add at this point two things. The first is that I
love film. I get excited trying out new emulsions and that seemingly endless wait
to see the results once the film goes off for processing. I also love some of
the equipment I've had my hands on over the last few years including Lomography
cameras (Supersampler, La Sardina, Spinner 360, Diana Mini) and non-Lomography
cameras alike (Trip 35, Vivitar UWS, Fujifilm Zoom Date F2.8). The second is
that this article itself being an opinion piece is likely to come in for heavy
criticism itself. Being a previous regular contributor to the site I may even
be guilty of some of the things I've accused others of. Either way the end drew
near and now my Lomography account lay dormant waiting to be deleted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I must admit I was saddened when that last package was
carried to the post office before being shipped to its new owner and I will
genuinely miss those cameras. The rest though I will not. Maybe Lomography just
isn't for me anymore and my criticisms are unfounded? Maybe I'm just not 'hip'
enough and don’t 'get it' anymore? You can decide for yourselves. I meanwhile
have no regrets leaving a community, a website and a company behind that I
unfortunately over time I came to dislike.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-16168872936507817672011-11-03T11:23:00.000+00:002011-11-03T11:23:14.373+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpoMU7XcUc3JBDR1PXhxk8PbvQX8iu9avFkkevYAGwpdakb_Fawzhww20EdM1BEZxUyKEiIyzfgjcV302bLXn00-IugpaffNOannW8eC26B-OXc3-W9vHrNQ6R-zepJ5JojQHapoeZOU/s1600/Lomokino_for+package.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpoMU7XcUc3JBDR1PXhxk8PbvQX8iu9avFkkevYAGwpdakb_Fawzhww20EdM1BEZxUyKEiIyzfgjcV302bLXn00-IugpaffNOannW8eC26B-OXc3-W9vHrNQ6R-zepJ5JojQHapoeZOU/s320/Lomokino_for+package.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE<br />
The Lomographic Society Proudly Presents<br />
<br />
The LomoKino - Super 35 Movie Maker<br />
<br />
Lomography in Motion: Take the next step in Lomography with the first camera that makes your Lomographs move on any kind of 35mm film<br />
Unique Art: Become the director of your very own LomoMovies and produce unique and precious pieces of movie art by simply winding a crank<br />
True Gadget: Irresistible design and unlimited creative possibilities will make gadget lovers’ hearts pound faster<br />
LomoMovies Online: Upload, watch and share your very own LomoMovies on www.lomography.com<br />
<br />
Lomography in Motion<br />
How great it must have been to witness the first pictures as they started to move or to see the Lumiere brothers amazing the crowds with their very first short films. After over 200 years of movie making, million-dollar-special-effects, big scale film studios and endless Hollywood dramas, we give you the chance to return back to the roots of movie making and witness the very first steps of moving Lomography. The LomoKino allows you to become a director yourself and capture Lomographic movies on 35 mm film of any kind: no sound, no special effects, no post production – just simple Lomography in motion. <br />
<br />
Unique Art<br />
To become a true LomoMovie director, just simply wind the crank of the magic box to capture 144 shots on one roll of 35 mm film - which makes 36 to 48 seconds of LomoMovie. You can use any kind of 35 mm film for different effects: Slide film, colour negative, redscale or B/W. After developing the film, spool it into the specially developed LomoKinoScope and watch your Lomographs moving over and over again. What sounds very simple produces a unique piece of art which can either stay in your hands only or can be given as a special present to somebody who really deserves it. Show your sweetheart how fast your heart is really pounding or capture a flying birthday cake for your grandma who will feel catapulted back in time. <br />
<br />
True Gadget<br />
A wise man once said “form follows function” – naaaah – we like to say “form follows motion” and that’s why we designed this camera to become a true gadget. Its irresistible design takes you straight back into the time when people left the audience screaming because a locomotive was speeding towards them on a movie screen and the movies were still a true business without special effects. It comes in a package either alone or with the LomoKinoScope, one film canister and a marvelous book. Its creative possibilities are so diverse that not even we can tell the limits. It’s up to you, gadget lovers, to take this baby in your hands and explore what movies used to be like the Lomographic way!<br />
<br />
LomoMovies Online<br />
Unlike the very first filmmakers we can call a powerful tool our own: the internet! Linking the simple technology of the LomoKino with our website, enables you to upload, watch and share your own LomoMovies. To give you a taste of the special LomoKino aesthetics and the sheer endless creative possibilities, we asked filmmakers from around the globe to create their own LomoMovies. Visit our website to get some inspiration and start shooting your first LomoMovie!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lomography.com/">www.lomography.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Technical Details<br />
Film type: all kind of 135 roll film <br />
Lens: 25mm<br />
Exposure area: 24mm x 8.5mm: 144 images/film<br />
Continuous Aperture: f/5.6 - f/11<br />
Shutter: 1/100<br />
Hand cranked: approx. 3-4 fps, 36-48 sec. movie per roll<br />
Film counting: volume display<br />
Focusing: (normal) 1m~infinity,(press button for) 0.6m close up<br />
Tripod mount: yes<br />
Retail price: tba<br />
<br />
WHAT THE HELL IS LOMOGRAPHY? <br />
<a href="http://www.lomography.com/about">http://www.lomography.com/about</a><br />
<br />
The Lomographic Society International is a globally active organization dedicated to experimental and creative snapshot photography. Boasting over a half-million members across the world, the concept of Lomography encompasses an interactive, vivid, blurred and crazy way of life. <br />
Through our constantly expanding selection of innovative cameras & photographic accessories, we promote analog photography as a creative approach to communicate, absorb, and capture the world. <br />
Through the efforts and skill of our Lomographic Society members, we seek to document the incredible planet around us in a never-ending stream of snapshots – literally a global “Lomographic” portrait as seen through the eyes of countless individuals and cultures. <br />
<br />
The Future is Analogue!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-43595239983182066452011-08-10T12:34:00.000+01:002011-08-10T12:34:37.886+01:00Refurbishing a Trip 35<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoeUYAMCtdol_YT9B2wULuLfMuLA579bWF5EZI9yrTPctWWatZ2TPABT30IC7Sr2x44eOwNgOEnebedm4XjwLBkLOnrZofK6HCR6SQ7lPfx3WloLrqIUtZf0U6K5EeHKny5lokXD3KRI/s1600/Trip35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoeUYAMCtdol_YT9B2wULuLfMuLA579bWF5EZI9yrTPctWWatZ2TPABT30IC7Sr2x44eOwNgOEnebedm4XjwLBkLOnrZofK6HCR6SQ7lPfx3WloLrqIUtZf0U6K5EeHKny5lokXD3KRI/s1600/Trip35.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Having picked up a faulty Olympus Trip 35 for £5 it was time to attempt a fix and refurbish to restore the camera to working condition. Top priority has to be working mechanicals but I also prepared to clean and re-skin the camera too. If you wish to undertake the task yourself I would advise the following materials and tools:</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Small screwdrivers</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Stanley/craft knife</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lighter fluid</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">J-cloths</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Micro fibre cloth</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Cotton ear buds</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Brasso</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Washing-up liquid</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pencil</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Cocktail or lollipop sticks</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ice-cube tray to hold screws safely</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://aki-asahi.com/store/">New skin</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://aki-asahi.com/store/">New light seals</a></span></li>
</ul><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmor18FLH2tTotBcF0ACJe98Tj00I1563vil-3KuiJUaZSA9HEmj2pGLwU6nyVewluuYsqvONbdyJn5S1kXUvIk781r1S621sSOMGrq7f8b2VtJORhhqi2yJdprMXSVK6yi8bcmZTHig/s1600/TopOff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmor18FLH2tTotBcF0ACJe98Tj00I1563vil-3KuiJUaZSA9HEmj2pGLwU6nyVewluuYsqvONbdyJn5S1kXUvIk781r1S621sSOMGrq7f8b2VtJORhhqi2yJdprMXSVK6yi8bcmZTHig/s1600/TopOff.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Firstly you need to check the meter is working correctly. To be absolutely certain it is you’ll need to remove the top plate of the camera and check the needle movement. Start by removing the screw in the left hand side under the wrist strap lug. Two more screws can be found under the rewind crank. To get to these simply open the back, wedge something like a lollipop stick in to stop it spinning and unscrew the crank from the top.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">With the top off you should now have access to the meter, or more importantly the meter needle. With no light entering the camera (cover the front of the lens with your hand) the needle will be pushed up against the viewfinder. Now point the lens to some bright light and the needle should swing to the middle. This confirms the meter is working. In that case (as with this particular camera) the fault lies with the aperture blades.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82jLJ67CQDZCx8acTwWkh6bkiqUxb5FLcpTzDOFdEEN3FjIV9Z0GEzlnDCea94Jr3tEbw40jIvOtZ2pQhXsn4Yr5La79lnhFED6yRb8FAh0kFRuy5TanZBnD59mgXZI-UOTlk5Cy7pUQ/s1600/MeterDark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82jLJ67CQDZCx8acTwWkh6bkiqUxb5FLcpTzDOFdEEN3FjIV9Z0GEzlnDCea94Jr3tEbw40jIvOtZ2pQhXsn4Yr5La79lnhFED6yRb8FAh0kFRuy5TanZBnD59mgXZI-UOTlk5Cy7pUQ/s1600/MeterDark.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDNL0DpqmeVQKvDmpf3UZ-zq8RHsc8wxuR4PdZb59-Ir3-H-V1nju_5lwJ17_Dx6hN6Xxbq2721oTZVRPZLUcwHfytLexe2eU0glcLEAyX8dXtgw6HkrZKQgBIwFl-dNEgh7FYLkmOTM/s1600/MeterLight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDNL0DpqmeVQKvDmpf3UZ-zq8RHsc8wxuR4PdZb59-Ir3-H-V1nju_5lwJ17_Dx6hN6Xxbq2721oTZVRPZLUcwHfytLexe2eU0glcLEAyX8dXtgw6HkrZKQgBIwFl-dNEgh7FYLkmOTM/s1600/MeterLight.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The top can now be reassembled but be sure to clean any muck from hard to reach areas as you do to make cleaning the camera later a little easier.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctQgoe7guD2aJeNVLIsXISAgBdoBSlUkB1ygY-K9crVXV9lPH4bCZPPcYPJE82rYKC5zT8qE1bfBU7AU1dsnW8bEjt3fVgvStdAbRHTeVepnH-apD4Lx1aKsZeC12m6R6vkr8D-JQwDA/s1600/RemoveFrontElement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctQgoe7guD2aJeNVLIsXISAgBdoBSlUkB1ygY-K9crVXV9lPH4bCZPPcYPJE82rYKC5zT8qE1bfBU7AU1dsnW8bEjt3fVgvStdAbRHTeVepnH-apD4Lx1aKsZeC12m6R6vkr8D-JQwDA/s1600/RemoveFrontElement.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">To get to the aperture blades start by removing the bottom plate of the camera by unscrewing the two small screws. Now turn your attention to the front inner ring (with the writing on) and locate the three small screws around the rim. Before you remove them set the aperture to ‘A’ and the focal length to infinity (the mountain symbol). Now loosen the three screws but do not remove them completely. The ring can now be pulled off.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">To remove the front lens element simply unscrew it. It’s important before you move it to mark it so it can be returned into the exact same position. If not the camera’s focus will be off. I suggest a marker or a scratch from a knife on the rim at the 12 o’clock position. Remove the lens, give it a good clean with a micro fibre cloth and set it aside.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now we need to remove the bulk of the lens from the body. To begin with lift the wires on the bottom of the camera over the tripod thread to loosen them. Now locate the three deeper screws inside the lens and remove all three. The lens will now pull off the body exposing the middle element. Remove this and clean it also.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuUjLG9HJhPy8Kk42XhDanGZuWrO0PQIIIAZOZ9xVqyXXsm5ccC-6hZhVjlOKFkchtFlD6Qs8mcpW8YpEU-tu99SR4MPbqIezia277OWYN7j_ftJTuvS7Pfa_GQhF_lo16T72cUzE3tA/s1600/LoosenWires.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuUjLG9HJhPy8Kk42XhDanGZuWrO0PQIIIAZOZ9xVqyXXsm5ccC-6hZhVjlOKFkchtFlD6Qs8mcpW8YpEU-tu99SR4MPbqIezia277OWYN7j_ftJTuvS7Pfa_GQhF_lo16T72cUzE3tA/s1600/LoosenWires.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now we get to the important aperture blades. Remove the screws holding it in place and start to work it with your fingers. It should open and close easily enough. Now take the lighter fluid and thoroughly clean the blades and surrounding metal. Keep working them and you should notice they move more freely. Leave the blades to fully dry or use a hairdryer. It’s important not to lubricate the blades as they will eventually stick again. To aid lubrication you can rub some graphite onto the blades simply using a craft knife or stanley blade to shave the end of a soft pencil (I used a 3B). Blow away any excess.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMSfI6XexMzPz7Mv-w4ke3IGawVmEv50LGI1qwa8A-wjYwI3SlL82KRPf9xm9KUxM5faN9Ilx8A2ugn4hWVC-RYfAabQCK9Ebz3iP_dOeylbN7noOETPzP5qmFyuPPZsIovZBDwxgtcY/s1600/RemoveAperture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMSfI6XexMzPz7Mv-w4ke3IGawVmEv50LGI1qwa8A-wjYwI3SlL82KRPf9xm9KUxM5faN9Ilx8A2ugn4hWVC-RYfAabQCK9Ebz3iP_dOeylbN7noOETPzP5qmFyuPPZsIovZBDwxgtcY/s1600/RemoveAperture.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_BEg1v6VFPSQgf7CiyV1rLGG3RkaqrkOumwMKKRfzpaNlEksAzzgrYYUiGXxJRPi9ujAxIBOHH8q1FSshcmRWbW3HQX-lbXD6AGl0AdcrHapOB6SfAnk26yWiIRjotl-jWllhDafYyI/s1600/RearLens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_BEg1v6VFPSQgf7CiyV1rLGG3RkaqrkOumwMKKRfzpaNlEksAzzgrYYUiGXxJRPi9ujAxIBOHH8q1FSshcmRWbW3HQX-lbXD6AGl0AdcrHapOB6SfAnk26yWiIRjotl-jWllhDafYyI/s1600/RearLens.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">With the blades now moving with ease clean the rear lens element and trace back through your steps to reassemble the lens. Remember to align the front element as you marked it at the start. Once the lens has been assembled move the focal length dial one way then the other to make sure the front element is rotating at the same time.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">If everything looks good it’s time to test. The easiest test is to leave the aperture on ‘A’, cover the lens and try to depress the shutter. If everything is now working the shutter will not fire and a red flag will be shown in the viewfinder. Removing you hand from the lens and trying again should allow the shutter to fire.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">You can also see the apertures in action by selecting them manually and either pressing the shutter half way. At 2.8 the hole will be nice and wide whereas 22 will have a very narrow hole. These tests confirmed that the repair in this particular camera were successful!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hsV0EkvpZ_iI7kPAOnMVPxdmq1Xi-Fql2FujuIEujBgFsn5CY2iyZbMujEyblDAOAz07sv188GKLRl8in9ZAMKFRzjAxwNPLCKmTBStua_M3ciYyckqZI-zHHPJtzOboRfLGs_ZWyV8/s1600/CleanUp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hsV0EkvpZ_iI7kPAOnMVPxdmq1Xi-Fql2FujuIEujBgFsn5CY2iyZbMujEyblDAOAz07sv188GKLRl8in9ZAMKFRzjAxwNPLCKmTBStua_M3ciYyckqZI-zHHPJtzOboRfLGs_ZWyV8/s1600/CleanUp.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">With the mechanics now working you can turn you attention to the looks. Start by pulling off the camera’s current skin which should peel off quite nicely. Now locate the old messy light seals by the hinge of the door and clean these up. With the old seals removed stick the new ones in place using a cocktail stick to get into the hard to reach areas.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpJ70X8dfSYQanGZ1KLz-Wlx-YUTLRhNuVZUqRXXGm9ploRbjM39l7pH6vGFpEIm-Otx-NxvaLSss1P8GkkyGsHuSjJ-ifXDMLEne5XJF9fJb9fYpnBdHR5j2bT9xTC7Uv6wequRD_3k/s1600/LightSeals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpJ70X8dfSYQanGZ1KLz-Wlx-YUTLRhNuVZUqRXXGm9ploRbjM39l7pH6vGFpEIm-Otx-NxvaLSss1P8GkkyGsHuSjJ-ifXDMLEne5XJF9fJb9fYpnBdHR5j2bT9xTC7Uv6wequRD_3k/s1600/LightSeals.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">At this point you can give the camera an all over clean with some mild washing-up liquid and water mix with a slightly damp cloth and allow it to dry. Now polish the camera with something like Brasso liquid taking care to avoid the parts the new skin is going to be stuck to. Depending on the condition of the camera you could use ultra fine git sandpaper or polish to really go to work on the camera. This is something I may look to in the future for the silver coloured parts.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The new skins are relatively easy to attach. They don’t fix permanently so you can correct any errors. Be sure to get the skin right under the lens for a good fit. Now get the cocktail stick into any hard to reach areas and wipe over the skin to make sure there are no bubbles and it’s firmly in place.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Done!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2R1RFo5K96vMRdY5xD0gWM1K3prJLX03mCunJi5qzMwiCYow6qmM-PgxGF9CUz70jjN7ypiWFkmcduLjULlnjaePLTpOjSBE13cKilzJv_OtLC8hf6QyImxQHaiLzIlEA6rKPr33Dow/s1600/Refurb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2R1RFo5K96vMRdY5xD0gWM1K3prJLX03mCunJi5qzMwiCYow6qmM-PgxGF9CUz70jjN7ypiWFkmcduLjULlnjaePLTpOjSBE13cKilzJv_OtLC8hf6QyImxQHaiLzIlEA6rKPr33Dow/s1600/Refurb1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dbThoyyCTKIc5bLZcRcKPQ-PogdYYGoP8imXowK4zOB5ZICrqVOvfiA0dnuKL_3SD1C5ei48o9-khb7GqWvUfsYJBHL_EqEWgF949LDjNmNkMJQW0OM4RMucZ93t9L4t59vbd1qBdfU/s1600/Refurb2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dbThoyyCTKIc5bLZcRcKPQ-PogdYYGoP8imXowK4zOB5ZICrqVOvfiA0dnuKL_3SD1C5ei48o9-khb7GqWvUfsYJBHL_EqEWgF949LDjNmNkMJQW0OM4RMucZ93t9L4t59vbd1qBdfU/s1600/Refurb2.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">You could go further and paint over the black painted parts that have worn over time but if like me intend on using the camera and not displaying it’s probably not worth it. More importantly be sure to run a cheap film though the camera to test the focus wasn’t incorrectly set when putting the lens back together. If it was remove the front inner ring again, give the front element a 1/4 turn maximum and try again. Alternatively there are more detailed instructions on the internet to help reset the focus.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-73693986117145965482011-07-05T19:37:00.000+01:002011-07-05T19:37:53.654+01:00Lomography Supersampler Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_yzPGMQX0BFTK5Hedb5X04wJ7yuNu4GLRZ-BXj4QhdPWGcz2EFKs0lrcQB9scr4nIjadgfTTk1Nj608dZT2Jy70NG-tIrggkplHkNYcaaSMikElOQlf7hZNBRGcJadc6CWpFBU2lRLk/s1600/camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_yzPGMQX0BFTK5Hedb5X04wJ7yuNu4GLRZ-BXj4QhdPWGcz2EFKs0lrcQB9scr4nIjadgfTTk1Nj608dZT2Jy70NG-tIrggkplHkNYcaaSMikElOQlf7hZNBRGcJadc6CWpFBU2lRLk/s320/camera.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Back when Lomography first grabbed my attention two camera types interested me the most. The first was the premium LC-A and the second the cheap-as-chips Supersampler. I haven’t yet managed to lay my hands on an LC-A but I have quite recently bought my first Supersampler.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For those who don’t know (although it’s quite difficult to miss!) the Supersampler has an arrangement of four 24mm lenses on the front of the camera that will fire when the shutter is pressed. This can be pre-selected as four photos in two seconds or four photos in 0.2 seconds. And that’s about it. No other settings to fuss around with, no worries about focussing and framing is literally ‘point and shoot’.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One notable feature is the film winding mechanism. There is a rip cord on the side of the camera that both advances the film and cocks the shutter. Although quite novel it’s worth reading the instruction manual well as breakages can occur with over enthusiastic pulling of the cord.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Typically of Lomography cameras it is packaged very well (almost too well as the packaging seems to contain both more weight and quantity in plastic than the camera itself) and an included 144 page book serves as an example of the kind of photos you can expect to take.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Moving onto the camera itself the rubberised feel gives the camera a tactile quality and although lightweight it feels sturdy enough in the hand and not as delicate as I expected it to be. The rubber viewfinder window on the side seems rather pointless though and after falling off a few times I just left it in the box. The point and shoot nature of the camera means it’s not all that important anyway.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Loading the film was a straightforward affair and following the instruction manual should mean no mistakes are made. A pull on the rip cord (again, nice and gently) and it’s ready to go.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Camera:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Lomography Supersampler Blue</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Film:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Kodak Ultramax ASA400</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Location:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Forest Fields, Nottingham</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Processing:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Asda 1 Hour, scans to CD</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Due to the camera being able to capture motion and movement in its four frames I made the focus of the test Emily playing in the park. I went against the advice of the Lomography website too and used ASA400 rather than the recommended ASA800 as it was a sunny and bright day. With 24 frames soon used the 1 hour lab beckoned.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My first impressions upon seeing the results were joy and amazement. I’d never captured anything like this before on any other camera. The manner in which the camera captures those four frames to create a movie like effect is fantastic. To see Emily frozen in four time frames coming down a slide gives the photo an almost animated effect.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2upZ_SMP5i5v8KRvchBkNBLdp0rZ2zCgwXLHaSZeniRDoaeRhQV8QlBRHubh4JpLhQJMMgTqmrqPMA5BEDIvm_FtmehzEowJ7IrroTuI0TC1zdurUGa4I8KDf07S_2U4NrtHB7TdntY/s1600/CNV00018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2upZ_SMP5i5v8KRvchBkNBLdp0rZ2zCgwXLHaSZeniRDoaeRhQV8QlBRHubh4JpLhQJMMgTqmrqPMA5BEDIvm_FtmehzEowJ7IrroTuI0TC1zdurUGa4I8KDf07S_2U4NrtHB7TdntY/s400/CNV00018.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As well as this all important feature the camera’s exposure and focussing was spot on and those used to lomography type cameras will have no complaints in this department. I would say the photos are on the soft side but worlds apart from the dreamy softness of something like the Diana Mini.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Overall I would rate the Supersampler very positively. It captures images in a way you’ve probably not done so before and is an experience in itself. The camera is very light and compact but feel sturdy enough to survive a drop. On the downside the cord can be fragile and requires finesse rather than brute force and the viewfinder attachment is frankly a waste of time. Finally, and as said before regarding some other Lomography camera, the packaging is a little over the top and adds more weight and cost to the product than is probably necessary.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ultimately though it’s not an expensive camera and overall the joys from taking those superb four frame shots outweigh any of the minor negatives. This is definitely one little camera I would recommend.</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-54058559812551343932011-05-19T22:32:00.000+01:002011-05-19T22:38:06.773+01:00When Film and Digital Collide<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m split between two camps at the moment. Photography camps that is. In truth I tend not to be a hardcore fanboy of any one particular brand, movement, product or system which enables me to experience the best of what each has to offer. For that reason my camera bags are full of both digital and film photography equipment.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I’m a fan of both mediums I use them for different purposes and almost never together. Digital for example tends to be used when I’ve planned a specific visit to a location to take photographs or have a specific photo in mind. Film on the other hand (following the principles of Lomography) is used more spontaneously and is brought along on the basis I might see something interesting that catches my eye without worrying about perfect exposure and pin sharp focus.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also whereas my digital workflow is likely to include at least some post processing, when using film the images are simply scanned and saved to disk. I wouldn’t be against editing the photos captured on film outright but in keeping with the principles of Lomography they have up to now remained untouched.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just recently though after returning from a trip to Warwick Castle I came across one of my 35mm black and white photos and immediately saw potential for it to be edited in the digital realm. I have nothing against the original photo and was very pleased with the performance of the little Fujifilm Silvi F2.8 and Neopan 1600 but it looked perfect for some tilt/shift trickery.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those who don’t know, a specialist tilt/shift lens (specifically the tilt aspect) can allow selective focus to simulate a miniature scene. It’s a photography technique I have a fondness for but could never afford the prohibitive cost of the lenses required. Fortunately you can replicate the effect in the digital darkroom using tools such as onOne’s FocalPoint 2 software.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wanting to preserve the “analogue” aspect of the photo as much as possible I made the decision to do no further alterations than the selective focus required to produce the effect. It felt important to keep as much of the original image as possible as it came from the camera. This might seem trivial as once it is altered significantly in my opinion it would no longer qualify as lomography. Yet if i’m to marry the two mediums to produce an image it feels important to me to retain as much of the original as I can.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the original:</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahEvnQT-x6ehRKbxCD0Wu_NVA2QkdA7KokgzjQpSinQky3p_ZhoP7gR1b0YRuYWQTX1_53nOPtNByGVjRrjYIiw0LkOC4ck8M5b6TVlCXW0B6vqEB5l7oYwoB0oB52gmtrqsQP_RbGfg/s1600/Original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahEvnQT-x6ehRKbxCD0Wu_NVA2QkdA7KokgzjQpSinQky3p_ZhoP7gR1b0YRuYWQTX1_53nOPtNByGVjRrjYIiw0LkOC4ck8M5b6TVlCXW0B6vqEB5l7oYwoB0oB52gmtrqsQP_RbGfg/s400/Original.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warwick Castle, April '11 (Fujifilm Silvi F2.8 & Neopan 1600)<br />
<b><u>CLICK TO ENLARGE</u></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And with the selective focus applied here is the edit:</span><br />
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</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0n0ENJtfviyvNmZLDj0sfrZVufGEeJISoQT0MXpVqXlZx8mGxaVpzMMk8gs8v2D37ny_N0yeJsrgWOtj_wglj8g6-ohqlE8AUbB4TTqDGscOgtNIybRYwPbMECjMXJPLraUzSSWkAcY/s1600/Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0n0ENJtfviyvNmZLDj0sfrZVufGEeJISoQT0MXpVqXlZx8mGxaVpzMMk8gs8v2D37ny_N0yeJsrgWOtj_wglj8g6-ohqlE8AUbB4TTqDGscOgtNIybRYwPbMECjMXJPLraUzSSWkAcY/s400/Edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warwick Castle (edit), April '11 (Fujifilm Silvi F2.8 & Neopan 1600)<br />
<u><b>CLICK TO ENLARGE</b></u></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall I’m very, very pleased with the result. It’s my first attempt at creating the effect and as the photo originally came from my fondness for film/lomography it means that little bit more to me. I still concede that with such an edit the resultant photo can no longer be considered true lomography but as an interesting photo that combines the best of two mediums I think it works brilliantly!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-59064986270411055452011-05-14T09:21:00.000+01:002011-05-14T09:59:47.162+01:00Price Wars - iMac Vs Windows PC<div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Having recently made the decision to buy an iMac I was sure to do plenty of research beforehand to make sure it was the right computer for me. It was during this time I came across the usual argument of “Macs are overpriced” which if I I’m honest I also believed to be true. The model I was looking at after all is £1649 before any upgrades or additional software.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What led me to consider the iMac as an option though was the inclusion of a 27” LED 2560x1440 IPS monitor that I craved to aid my photography hobby. When pricing a similar specification monitor for a Windows PC build I was looking at around £740 with the then current pricing. This got me wondering; if the monitor costs that much alone, how much would the rest of the build cost in comparison to an iMac?</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Before looking at the hardware specification I feel it’s worth mentioning that although the specifications are close there will always be discrepancies. The keyboard and mouse combination on the PC for example is not as high quality or feature rich as those included with the iMac. Similarly and argument could be said that the ‘laptop’ type components in the iMac aren’t as quick as their ‘desktop’ counterparts in the PC.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Getting down to business let’s look at the specs:</span></span></span></div><br />
<br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr> <td><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">iMac</span></b></td> <td><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PC</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(using Bit-Tech Enthusiast base PC)</span></i></span></td> </tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">27” 2560x1440 IPS LED monitor</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">27" Dell Ultrasharp U2711</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.1GHz Intel Core i5</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.3GHz Intel Core i5</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4GB 1333MHz RAM</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4GB 1600MHz RAM</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ATI 6790M 1GB graphics</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ATI 6850 1GB graphics</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1TB HDD</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1TB HDD</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mac OS X</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Windows 7 64-bit Pro</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apple Wireless Keyboard/Mouse</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Logitech Wireless MK520</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DVDRW</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DVDRW</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">17w speakers built-in</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Logitech X-140 2.0 speakers</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thunderbolt connectivity</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">N/A</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Airport Wi-Fi</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wireless ‘N’ PCI</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Facetime 720p camera</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MS LifeCam 720p</span></td> </tr>
<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr> <td><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">£1649</span></b></td> <td><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">£1546.69</span></b></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Looking at those figures there is £100 difference almost to the pound whilst the specifications are very evenly matched. The 6970M graphics card in the iMac for example although a laptop variant is said to be equivalent to the desktop 6850 card. Performance is of course going to depend in part on the operating system but with one or two minor difference the specifications are as close as possible.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So on cost the Windows PC wins the argument – it is cheaper.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well not quite. Although these two prices are separated by £100 the iMac is built, delivered and supported for a year at no extra charge. The PC on the other hand has to be built and supported by the end user and could be subject to P&P charges. Is this difference worth £100? I guess that’s up to the individual and how hands-on they want to be with their new PC.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are of course other arguments that could be raised to debate the perceived value of either system with the upgradeability and overclockability of the PC and the highly polished looks and quiet performance of the iMac. This estimation of value comes down to each individual user and how each system best fits their needs but on the topic of purchase price I am surprised to have found that the iMac actually doesn’t cost anything more than an equivalent built PC.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now that was a surprise.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And that’s why I now have one.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*for simplicity the Windows PC is referred to as "PC"</span></span></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-11231096814606199872011-03-29T17:27:00.000+01:002011-03-29T17:28:21.024+01:00Diana Mini Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNe3C7l5-kvRg4fSYxhm4p_pYTnrhejFDL2SmE-vHPHLWZ2Pz99efIQnYoKyBSSpJDKPMIQSpHk33RFrbbRyk5bNQHx55y1f7p5-tKMkTTUyaXqABdGJcEA7_m6hhdrvkAAyE_u8hHB0/s1600/white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="237" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNe3C7l5-kvRg4fSYxhm4p_pYTnrhejFDL2SmE-vHPHLWZ2Pz99efIQnYoKyBSSpJDKPMIQSpHk33RFrbbRyk5bNQHx55y1f7p5-tKMkTTUyaXqABdGJcEA7_m6hhdrvkAAyE_u8hHB0/s400/white.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diana Mini White - </span><a href="http://www.lomography.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.lomography.com/</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Diana Mini is essentially a shrunken down 35mm version of the popular Diana F+ which supports both the classic Diana square format and half frame photos (up to 72 photos on a roll) and retains the same design and looks of its bigger sibling.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being intrigued by the Mini and with a recent birthday I finally laid hands on the white variant of the Diana Mini thanks to my wonderful girlfriend.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After tearing away the gift-wrap I was left with a compact yet surprisingly weighty box containing my new camera. The overall presentation was really nice with the small but perfectly formed box displaying the Mini through a see-through top panel.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further inspection of the box revealed a book in the base which I then realised contributed most of the weight to the packaging. The book itself is filled with photos in both square and half frame formats as well introducing the camera and concepts. It also gives plenty of tips and ideas to help you get to grips with the little Diana.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Putting the book to one side and removing the inner packaging I got my first feel of this little camera and initial reaction was good. Given its plastic construction I was pleasantly surprised that it did not feel too flimsy (unlike my other ‘Lomo’ camera – the Vivitar UWS) and the textured feel running around the body added to the quality feel. It also became apparent how pretty the Mini is up close especially in its white colour variant.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A quick glance around the camera revealed the focus ring on the front of the lens and the aperture and shutter speed settings nearby along with a thread for a shutter release cable. Settings appeared fairly straightforward too with two selectable shutter speeds (‘N’ for normal exposures and ‘B’ for long exposures), two apertures (sunny and cloudy) and four focal distances (0.6m, 1-2m, 2-4m and infinity). The shutter release also sits on the side of the lens.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On top of the camera is the film winder and two holes for the pronged Diana flash whilst underneath is a fairly standard film release button, rewind handle and release to slide the back of the camera off for loading/unloading film. Finally on the back there is the viewfinder and a switch to move between the two formats available but more about those later.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the inspection compete and a good overall first impression it was time to actually use the camera. Loading my first film was straightforward and being careful to follow the instructions in the manual meant a successful first attempt. With film loaded I headed out around my local area for some test shots.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weather being typically British and with limited control over aperture I opted for ASA400 speed film and set the aperture in most cases to the cloudy setting unless on the rare occasion the sun broke through the clouds. The shutter selection meanwhile stayed on the ‘N’ setting throughout. It’s worth mentioning though that if you’re a little careless you could accidentally put the camera in ‘B’ mode although I managed to avoid doing so.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking through the viewfinder to compose shots you can see opaque bars to the left and right which help frame the shot in half frame mode or ignored if shooting in the square format. With each shot composed in the viewfinder I pulled down on the shutter release and got a satisfying SNAP each time before winding the film on for the next shot. The camera itself felt good in my hands and most of the controls including the all important shutter release are in easy reach even for my sausage-like man fingers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did run into one small problem on the day concerning the focussing. As this is selected via rotating dial on the front of lens I found this a little tricky to change if I had the camera at eye level. The best solution was to change the focal distance before composing the shot in the viewfinder although I sometimes forgot to do this.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the Diana Mini supports the half frame format too I felt it wouldn’t have been a proper test without giving this a go. It states in the manual that the format has to be changed before advancing the film and that it’s best to shoot a blank frame in-between for the benefit of the processing lab. It’s worth keeping this in mind. The process for me was to switch to half frame, advance the film (being careful to stop when I felt tension), shoot a frame with the lens cap on, advance the film again and shoot as normal. When changing back to the square format I shot another blank frame with the lens cap on too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the day ended I went off to my nearest 1 hour processing lab and asked that they i) process the film as normal ii) scan the negatives to CD so I can crop the borders off at home and iii) don’t cut the negative. With these instructions I had my photos back within the hour and without any complications.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to say I was impressed with the Mini’s photos. Both the square and half frame formats looked great and save for a few focussing errors (possibly on my part) the aesthetic of the photos is exactly what I was expecting and perfectly in keeping with the ‘Lomo look’. The pairing of the Mini’s lens with a roll of Kodak Gold/Ultramax 400 returned some colourful, bright and saturated photos. Also any fears I had over camera shake when depressing the quite stiff shutter arm were dispelled as there was no sign of any. I shot some fairly uninspiring objects on the day and was pleasantly surprised when even these took on a character and certain quality.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CmYbQtGbbZgF0MHJHpWeIQPjuLqQE0HKlP_y0OTLIH0456b8710d2weNtcWL4PFbc0hN-fMo5O_8lskwWFXO_rMzSwgQ_-HLN1PZmTR6muaTgMvRn-VNlIcjBtv-tr2yn1Wdc86fMYY/s1600/CNV00007+%2528640x614%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="383" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CmYbQtGbbZgF0MHJHpWeIQPjuLqQE0HKlP_y0OTLIH0456b8710d2weNtcWL4PFbc0hN-fMo5O_8lskwWFXO_rMzSwgQ_-HLN1PZmTR6muaTgMvRn-VNlIcjBtv-tr2yn1Wdc86fMYY/s400/CNV00007+%2528640x614%2529.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I had to pick faults I would say that focussing can be tricky on the fly and that you can get some waste through shooting blank frames between switching formats. Also if shooting continuously over the film you might have trouble getting the film processed at some labs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, although good value, I would find some benefit in the more expensive flash model but this is almost double the cost. In addition I can’t help feeling that although the included book is nicely presented and a good read I’m unlikely to pick it up again and wonder how much it adds to the overall cost of the package.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are just minor gripes though and the Diana Mini definitely gets a thumbs up from me. For value, features, handling, build and more importantly the resulting photos I can’t complain. Even during this first test I haven’t yet tried double exposures or made use of the ‘B’ shutter setting so there’s plenty of experimenting left to do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you’re an experienced Lomographer I would seriously consider adding the Mini to your collection. If on the other hand you’re new to Lomography then consider the Mini to be an ideal first camera. It has the benefits of the Diana F’s lovely square format and dreamy lens but with all the convenience of the 35mm film format.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*Product shot from </span><a href="http://microsites.lomography.com/dianamini/products"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">http://microsites.lomography.com/dianamini/products</span></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-67933786887796329622011-03-03T11:27:00.000+00:002011-03-29T17:29:17.315+01:00Lomography Attacked<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was looking on Yahoo Answers recently and someone asked the question "What is so special about the Holga camera?" Before writing my response I read some of the others and found an almost hatred for the plastic cameras I have grown a fondness for.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to admit to not having used a Holga although I have used other similar cameras. Even with that in mind what I understand to be the question could be applied to other Lomo cameras like the Diana, etc - with a perceived low quality, lo-fi images and cult following what's so good about them?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well nothing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kind of.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The camera itself on its own is nothing special but it's what you do with it that matters. People on Yahoo Answers (as seen in that example) seem to have a hatred for these plastic cameras. Ultimately though isn’t the camera just a tool just as the paint brush is to the artist?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I personally don’t care whether someone has a £40,000 medium format digital back 40 mega pixel camera or a £1 plastic piece of junk bought from a charity shop. For me art (and specifically photography) is subjective and just because an image isn't pin-sharp and exposed perfectly does not mean it cannot be a good photo in its own right. If your photo has to convey meaning or emotion, depict a scene or show personalities then who decides which types or camera are suitable for doing this?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In truth I would even go as far as saying the Lomography and photography mediums - whether film of digital - are too different to be judged against one and other on a technical basis. It’s this fact where the ‘real’ photographers get hung up on as how can something made of plastic, producing lo-fi images and accessible to all possibly create anything of any worth?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A sticking point seems to be the belief that with a Lomo camera you can take any old photo and pass it off as ‘art’ and of course you get people who probably do. But that's not limited to the Lomography crowd though. What these people seem to forget is with the rise in consumer level DSLRs popularity, how many people use their cameras on full auto and never produce anything worthwhile? Or how about those who manipulate their images in Photoshop to the point of having no resemblance to the original at all?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I say don’t get tied up in what others think, or subscribe to the view that other types of photography cannot be just as creative, artistic or valid as an art form. Do what YOU WANT and produce images YOU LIKE on any camera YOU CHOOSE. If that happens to be a £40 piece of plastic then so be it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So no - the Holga is nothing special then just as in the wrong hands NO camera is special.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy snapping!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lomography.com/homes/veato">My Lomo Home</a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-78748109851161277042011-02-10T21:19:00.000+00:002011-03-29T17:30:02.635+01:00Home Delivery Network<blockquote><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have a parcel you want delivered? Do you want it to arrive in pieces? Would you like to complain but get nowhere? Then the Home Delivery Network is for you!</span></em></blockquote><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At least that's what the advert ought to say.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm utterly dumbfounded that a courier service thinks it is acceptable to throw/drop a parcel over a solid 7ft fence without knowing what is on the other side or what the package contains. Amazing! Luckily for the courier (to be known as <em>'Ape'</em> from this point on) the package wasn't a box of grenades (shame) but a baby's first birthday gift.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess it's fortunate he didn't drop the package on a (probably by then dead) dog or into a pond but simply on a nice soft and bouncy patch of concrete. Only concrete isn't bouncy. Or soft. So now we don't have a baby's first birthday present anymore.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't want to be too harsh on the Ape that delivered the package but a seven year old would know that dropping an item from 7ft might result in some damage. On the other hand I guess a seven year old might have missed the <span style="background-color: red; color: #ffd966;"><strong>"FRAGILE: Handle With Care"</strong></span> label!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you like us find your package does arrive in pieces after a menage-a-trois of Ape, fragile item and concrete conspire to ruin your day then at least you can phone their customer service number to be fobbed off. It's like the gift that keeps on giving. <em>"You'll have to contact who you bought it from".</em> Yeah, thanks.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854854458025739025.post-23527166645213102112011-02-08T20:19:00.000+00:002011-03-29T17:30:44.427+01:00Banana Face<div align="left"><span style="font-family: arial;">At work and with a little time on my hands I noticed out of the corner of my eye the fruit on my desk. With a little imagination and slightly crossed eyes I thought it resembled a face. </span></div><br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571420827886997938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgv_oPVXdB39FkkoqqjuHX-rI8NvJq5hUjm69ty-0hlYRPc0EJdI1RRcarXc3Js150RytoclPzmVx_NMpceKd4gAQiTh6wlKQuLxMgl_oJqgrXxS1x0cfODlIfi8IoAgsiU1difT_BUBw/s320/shot_1297164601671.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 275px;" /><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">Being a man and childish I rearranged the fruit into a more<em> interesting</em> shape.</span><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571419247893832722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11LmM1bHRR0uWqI5GB3CZmIMHAHzqgOc02iNs3EByH0cNXMqwOoVRj76A9zupvEOGb6jjJxdo0KMLPLxxcAv1ZjWtgLrzOOEJWl66dfe9pz98-6CmbEq6T_MPYu2sOl-ONjNC7W8z-W0/s320/shot_1297164644557.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 275px;" /><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">Proud of a job well done I consulted the Family Guy page-a-day calendar to see what Peter Griffin had to say about it.</span><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="292" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571420235881092402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw-TK4WLAiBxJOygkqryFPk24YqP49VBYV1nYg9jWVLq2JeqVDUHQkUd0KFsFfc6SFr3-8KWC1rz-qK6-kVQjJjZYljhzgusKWFRV3qEfhQ-lTR30RGmuR2iAwwbebEqKg4IZEb9Ii90/s320/shot_1297164660298.jpg" style="display: block; height: 252px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 276px;" width="320" /><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">Result!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0