hobbo

I too can't advise regarding macular oedema but anyone with a developing cataract or cataracts need have no fear.......during the past year I have had both eyes cleared of them, the procedure may seem scary, but the surgery is both quick and painless ...in and out in twenty minutes is the norm.

Prior to my surgery I was struggling with all aspects of my sight ...... Now, after years of chronic short sight I don't need glasses except for reading....clarity, colour and distance vision have been completely restored, the difference is truly amazing.

I do have a macular membrane in my left eye, which causes me to see straight lines bend down in the middle, but I can cope with that, now that I'm not a joiner any longer......surgery is available, but I understand that it can be very complicated.

We all take our eyes for granted at times......should you have any problems with them, have no fear, the NHS eye clinics are second to none......I wish you well.

Hobbo

In General Photography discussion

I have purchased two smartphones for my granddaughter and one for myself from the local CEX shop, the shop staff are usually very knowledgable and helpful....all used goods purchased have a no quibble twelve month guarantee ....

The phones? .....Blackberry that was exchanged for an iPhone 3 under the guarantee and my own Windows HTC Trophy that updates itself regularly and is super fast on the net ....quadraphonic sound for music too.

Just Google CEX .....I think they sell online too......I am nothing whatsoever to do with the company.....Oh! Nearly forgot.......they have great cameras, lenses, and photographic bits in stock too.

Hobbo

In Camera Phones

Licorice Allsorts and Chocolate........once a pack is opened....I'm lost.

Hobbo

In Off-topic discussion

I can recommend the .....Rad.io.....app a fantastic choice of world radio, great reception and ease of use.

Hobbo

In Light-hearted chat | Page: 1, 2

I would like to approach this from a totally different angle if I may.......

.......First off You seem to be a little unsure whether birds or insects are your main interest, specialist lenses at both ends of the spectrum are prohibitively expensive as is the peripheral but nesserary ancillary equipment such as tripod or photo stacking rails.

Both bird/wildlife photography and Macro bug hunting get you out of doors and into the countryside.........if your not going to travel abroad the number of UK bird species are minute compared with the vast numbers of insects, bugs, spiders and crustaceans in the environment.

If able, then go for the best lenses and equipment you can afford in both areas, or choose one......the one that appeals most considering not only the photographs you produce but the people you might meet up with ......birding usually means lots of other enthusiasts, sometimes tucked in Hides with much hefty equipment, plus lots of driving......Macro, on the other hand can be as solitary as you want to make it, the heavy equipment and outlay are left at home as aids to producing the finished stack or enhanced shot, you can discover millions of creepy crawlies within a few hundred yards of your back door.

Like any major Hobby, Photography can prove very expensive indeed, I advise a little sitting and thinking time before rushing out to buy.....explore this amazing Forum and the other ones specialising in Bird and Macro Photography, so you get a clear idea of where you want to go....or do both of course

I wish you well whichever path you take.

Hobbo

In Lenses

Personally, if I am shooting insects or bugs in Macro, then P&P is kept to a minimum for the specialist forum, that takes Skill.....Likewise, if I am taking run of the mill family and general photographs they are a straight record......but......

.......if I get the urge to be a bit creative, both in taking a shot or later after P&P it might develop into into what most folk would consider to be Art.

I just enjoy my Photography without getting bogged down in what it might be.

Hobbo

In General Photography discussion | Page: 1, 2

I knew a girl once......Her Compact smelt of........Face-Power

Hobbo

In Light-hearted chat | Page: 1, 2, 3

I can only suggest that the original poster go to the BBC iPlayer to watch the incredible photography of Irwin Bloomenfeld....I have drawn attention to the documentary in another thread....a...MUST WATCH...for all serious/creative photgraphers:

Hobbo

In General Photography discussion | Page: 1, 2, 3

I have just watched a fascinating documentary on Irwin Bloomenfeld.....catch it on BBC iPlayer if you can......a very creative but controversial photographer.

Hobbo

In General Photography discussion | Page: 1, 2, 3

Thank you both, I successfully completed the project using the little Panasonic LX5.....I used light from a north facing bay window and a curtain as a reflector.......

Hobbo

In Taking photos | Page: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

I require advice here folks.

I have been given permission to copy a pre-war school attendance book, it is larger than A4 so doesn't fit my scanner, there are circa 100 hand written pages. I feel that the easiest and quickest way to copy it, is to photograph each page?

Should I point the camera down from a tripod?....or......Shoot from a tripod horizontaly?....will cloudy or in-shade daylight be OK?

I would like to complete the project in one go so that each shot is the same regarding lighting, eventually it may be printed in part or as whole from the digital file.

Will JPEGs rather than RAW be OK?

Which lens please...............or......will a good compact be OK?

I have an LX5 and a Fuji compact....both shoot RAW:

Cheers!

Hobbo

In Taking photos

I should have included in my earlier post that you might like to interview and photograph a few of the remaining WWII Land Army Girls and Timber Jill's , they would give you a very clear feminist viewpoint of life at the sharp end of farming and forestry during those hard times, when social class hardly mattered, the classes were totally mixed up in all the women's services.....I have recently been interviewing and photographing ex WWII ATS girls who all served on Heavy Anti-Aircraft Gun Sites, a fascinating project.

Hobbo

In General Photography discussion

Why not delve into the eighteenth century farmers who initiated new breeds, crop development, farm buildings and machinery, all done not only to increase profit, but to increase production and to ease the load on farm workers......also, Google Joseph arch ( distant relative) visit his home village, and local farms.....record what remain of innovative buildings and machines, don't get too bogged down in the politics of it all.....ENJOY!

Hobbo

In General Photography discussion

I can highly recommend the LX5 I wouldn't be without mine.......a little wonder of a camera.

I would imagine there might be good used oneson eBay now........I purchased mine new.....but my other high quality RAW shooting compact came via an eBay refurbished camera store.....it is just fine.

Always check a sellers feedback before buying.


See an example of an LX5 shot here.....

http://www.ephotozine.com/user/hobbo-150445/gallery/photo/little-greenjug-208563...

Hobbo

In Digital cameras

I know little about Minolta film cameras, but I do know that Minolta lenses fit Sony Alpha cameras.. It might be interesting to acquire an EBay Alpha for a reasonable price to see what they do digital.

In the meantime, have fun learning or relearning how to use a film camera.

HOBBO

In Film cameras | Page: 1, 2

Many moons ago I cured the clogged heads of an elderly Epson Printer by removing all the inks then using a cotton bud and near boiling water to wash them through....Power Off of course:

Hobbo

In Printing

Taken in a very busy and very wet Stratford-Upon-Avon, a very quick, on the spot shot.

Hobbo

In Photo Month Forum

You could wear it as a Meddalion?

Hobbo

In Off-topic discussion | Page: 1, 2, 3

If I were you, I would think really deeply on your personal aims and targets.....then ask yourself the all important question........WHAT DO I REALLY WANT TO DO?....make a list, prioritise each item.

It is obvious that if you want to be a good professional photographer then you need to study and practice photography in depth, whether at University or elsewhere.......but above all .....no matter what you choose to do in life.....it is essential that you learn to develop good business sense.

I know dozens of people who went to University to study one thing, then ended up doing something completely different, whilst retaining lots of positive spin- off from their University Education.

I wish you well!

Hobbo

In General Photography discussion

I've not read the other replies yet.......but.....when I used to engrave glass, I always displayed them to very best advantage against a black velvet background with a light or lights shining down into them.....the level and type of lights need to be experimented with, I am sure that the ones I used were similar to shop spot lights....all low voltage now. Think?

Hobbo

In Beginner Photographers | Page: 1, 2, 3, 4

Yes......No Problem

Just Google.....Martin Henson, a specialist in mono landscape and other photography.....he runs a bespoke mono printing service using only a dedicated mono printer and the very best Art Paper.

I have used him for my best, mono work, excellent results and reasonable prices.

Perhaps EPZ mods could keep his details on file?

Hobbo

In Printing

Quote: Not a mirrorless one, then?

Oh no......but a pair of ....HOT SHOES......at least?

Hobbo

In Digital cameras | Page: 1, 2, 3

My good lady would like a .....COMPACT CAMERA.....complete with makeup, lippy and nail varnish etc.

Hobbo

In Digital cameras | Page: 1, 2, 3

Quote: Some thoughts:
Electronic read-out rather than using a mechanical shutter - no shaking, shuddering, and quiet!
Proper dust elimination rather than using a blower / swabs to get rid of the stuff.
Magically light-weight and small so it fits in pocket but still manages to have an EVF, good max aperture at all focal lengths (something like 24-1000 ).
Direct access to most functions without diving into menus.
Versatile LCD screen - swivel, up / down etc.
For use on long focal lengths, the viewfinder in line with the lens so that it is possible to line up the subject looking over the top of the camera, rather like it used to be possible to do with my old Hi8 camcorder.
Must be able to stand steadily on flat surfaces - I rarely use a tripod if I can stand the camera on a hard surface instead.

As described here, but with the addition of a .....SMART-PHONE.

Hobbo

In Digital cameras | Page: 1, 2, 3

Very recently I owed a big favour to a friend who is a very keen but cash- strapped photographer, still using good quality film cameras but wanting break into digital fr the first time.

After a little research, then a look at a couple of very informative videos on You-Tube I purchased, via eBay a fully functional and rather dated.....

FUJI S2 PRO complete with a 1 Gb card for circa £90 and a NIKON AF VR 18/200 lens for circa £60 ..... A decent kit for around £150.

You can see one of the test pics taken with it if you look for .....WINTER ROSES.....in my recent portfolio, the colour rendition is spot on, no wonder the camera was a favourite of some wedding photographers.

Yes!......Getting used to using the quirky menus and settings on this beast of a camera is a bit of a challenge, but a little of that harms no one.......oh! ....and that lens can be used on ny future NIKON purchased.

Hobbo

In Canon Cameras | Page: 1, 2, 3

GOOGLE search, mono photography specialist and landscape photographer.....Martin Henson..........he does amazing bespoke mono printing a very reasonable prices.

PM me if you can't find him.

Hobbo

In Printing

Don't bother with a flash......it won't reach.

Hobbo

In Event Photography

Someone flipped a flippin' flapjack,
Jack fell down
it broke his crown,
poor lad.

I give up!

In my day, it was the teachers who threw things.....chalk was hard.....but a wooden blackboard rubber was definitely dodgy....if you didn't dodge.

Hobbo

In Light-hearted chat

SPECSAVERS sell great lens wipes for around £2 A pack.

Hobbo

In Lenses

I have never bothered with either and don't think I ever will.

Hobbo

In Off-topic discussion

Quote: Nice purchase. Is it a 1.8 lens?

Sadly no......it's the 1.7.......I have posted an example of what can do in my most recent post called Loop Rustique.

Hobbo

In Lenses | Page: 1, 2

I've, just treated myself to an Ebay Minolta AF Nifty Fifty to use on my Sony Alpha 55, it is functioning as it should, and I can't wait to put it through its paces.

I realise it will be great for Street Photography ( I do a fair bit of that)...

Any other ideas, to get the best use from it please?

Cheers!

Hobbo

In Lenses

Thank you for the positive feedback folks.......Angel Radio is quirky but great listening, because they play stuff from the 50s and 60s too......I love the sometimes quirky presenters.

but for the serious Jazz/ Swing/ and Syncopated buffs you can't beat ...Radio Dismuke....once you get your ears adjusted to the playback it can be fantastic.....except perhaps for some of the songs and singers....but we still say that about current stuff.

Hobbo

In Light-hearted chat

If you are of a certain vintage......or.....want educating into a completely different musical world, give the Internet Radio station.......RADIO DISMUKE .....a try.....it plays 1920s 1930s 1940s Jazz, Syncopated Rythm Dance Tunes and all kinds of quirky songs, all digitally remastered.....give it a go.....at first it will sound very strange, but if you are the least bit musical, it will grow on you.....the sheer ability of some of the instrumentalists with amaze you......what a pity they didn't have our recording and Playback equipment back then?.....

Listen for a whole.......absorb.....then....

tell me what you think.

Hobbo

In Light-hearted chat | Page: 1, 2 ...64, 65

I officially tagged onto a Pro photographers Wedding shoot......he firmly believed in using no flash whatsoever, during the day he set his camera for the ambient light conditions......for the evening reception and dancing his advice ( and it worked) was to use your shortest brightes Prime lens,then up the ISO to garner as much light as possible.....have no worries about graininess, ths an be dealt with in processing, or used to create creative mono shots......a browse pge 2 ofmy portfolio to find a post called LIGHT FANTASTIC but I was restricted to using an all rounder 18/200 lens.........At one point to capture faster shots he did use a couple of portable battery photo lights.....but no flash whatsoever all day......his work is stunning......,,I learned so much during that very long day.

Hobbo

In Taking photos | Page: 1, 2 ...64, 65

So sad.....a lovely man, who made watching TVa pleasure....... I wonder how many smokers will heed the warning though?.......I am currently dealing with a very close relative who has cancer of the throat and severe heart and circulation problems......

Hobbo

In Off-topic discussion

He can afford one!

Hobbo

In Digital cameras

If you shoot your portraits in RAW, then post shoot selective sharpening and contrast grading using soft brushes and layers is essential to get the best from your originals?

Hobbo

In General Photography discussion

I too have tried my best to watch and to learn from this series, but the presentation as been disjointed.....dire, in fact......extremely patronising in parts.

Hobbo

In General Photography discussion | Page: 1, 2

I use Corel Photopaint Pro......I would make a mask selection, then cut.....open the cut portion as a new selection, then use the appropriate tool to reverse it.

Then paste this as a transparent selection on to your original, then carefully move around until it matches using tools to make the joins invisible.

Hobbo

In Beginner Photographers

I sometimes laugh when I see how my very weird iPad Spell Checker makes up completely new words without me noticing.........it can have a mind of its own sometimes.

Hobbo

In General Photography discussion

Having and using a pocket or sheath knife, like most other kids..........essential kit if you went camping or wanted to make your own toys, catapults, whistles and bows and arrows etc.
You were taught safe knife skills by responsible adults or learned them in the scouts and guides.....you were praised as being a responsible kid for having a sharp pocket knife.....Never ever dreamed of them as weapons.....mine goes with me everywhere today.

Hobbo

In Off-topic discussion | Page: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Yesterday, they found an Ancestor of ...... Alfred The Great.........he was burning cakes in GREGGS.

HOBBO

In Light-hearted chat | Page: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

There are often.....Richard The Thirds......in our car parks after a Saturday night.

In Light-hearted chat | Page: 1, 2

Has anyone thought that the photographer might have been using the shop window as a ....Self-Portrait Mirror?.........I have done this in the past, especially if the reflected background adds to the effect..........

Hobbo

In Taking photos | Page: 1, 2

Father Christmas is known to be a very keen photographer....He was ...Sent A Clause....in his contract:

Hobbo

In Taking photos | Page: 1, 2, 3, 4

I find that I leave my TAMRON 18/200 more than any other lens......it can go from wide to zoom very quickly, and can do a fair macro shot.

It does have its down sides but it will have to suffice until I can afford the SONY version for my Sony A55.

I do have a couple of expensive Primes and Macro lenses......plus quite a collection of old Minolta and medium priced others.

Hobbo

In Lenses | Page: 1, 2, 3, 4

Just to put things into perspective.......

I was called out to my brothers house this morning, he has been a heavy smoker for years, even continuing to smoke after developing throat cancer and losing his larynx 15 years ago ...... There was an emergency ambulance outside, he was in the capable hands of the ambulance crew who had him wired up to heart monitors, it wasn't good, his pulse was erratic and he looked dreadful.....worst of all he has a massive blood clot on his swollen arm, this could break up and kill him at any time or give him a disabling stroke, his legs are twice normal size, the walls of his house are literally sticky with nicotine.....As I arrived he was signing a release firm for the crew because he had flatly refused to be hospitalised.....even I couldn't persuade him ( he can't smoke in hospital) .......one of the paramedics had made him five roll- ups because my brother was having problems because of his extremely painful arm.......To give the crew credit they waited outside for half an hour as I did my best to get him to go with them......he wouldn't go, so he has chosen to continue sitting in his armchair, in agony smoking roll- ups........I will check up on him in the morning and wait in for the community nurse who will take care of his health needs only....he refuses all offers of help to clean up or redecorate......... I have witnessed five other close family members suffer in almost the same way.....no wonder I detest smoking.......I feel so frustrated.....

Hobbo

In Off-topic discussion | Page: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5