Archive for the ‘Random’ Category
WordPress Update Joys – Fixed!
Since updating WordPress to 2.6 i’ve had nothing but problems. A few people have told me about 404 errors, when trying to leave comments, or opening up individual posts. I was having problems with pages missing on the blog. Plug-ins arent updating even after i’ve installed the latest versions.
It’s so much fun.
Just bear with me, i should hopefully have it all sorted out this week.
I think this is the last time i update my blog when its not totally necessary.
* Edit: I think i’ve got everything fixed now. If not, just let me know. Cheers
Film Scanners
I developed my first roll of 120 film yesterday and i already think im addicted.
Actually, thats a pretty silly thing to say. My negatives are still hanging up by themselves looking pretty because i have no way to scan them. They might not turn out brilliant, but im now addicted to medium format viewfinders, and really like the whole process (i’ve been borrowing a friends RB67). But thats a whole other story.
Anyway… Scanners… Yet another thing to spend money on =/
The film scanner i’ve been using up to now was something i bought a while ago before i was into photography, it’s well over 5 years old now. So it was just a fluke that it had film scanning capabilities that came in handy.
With film scanners you have two main varieties (for those who dont know). Dedicated scanners that you feed slides and negative strips into that dont do anything else besides scan film. Then you have the more conventional flatbed scanners that have film scanning capabilities.
Dedicated film scanners generally offer the best quality, but can be quite expensive and only take 35mm film.
The flatbed scanners are generally cheaper, offer decent quality (especially for web viewing and smaller prints), plus can take medium format film aswell.
So at this stage im leaning towards a flatbed scanner as i dont want to spend over $300, plus i need something that can take 120 film. I’m currently looking at the Epson 4490, Epson V500, Canon CanoScan 8800F, plus a couple others. I’m just trying to find some trustworthy reviews and personal opinions, as the manufacturer specifications are quite often misleading.
It’s actually bit of a pain in the ass finding the right scanner in my price range. The reality is none will really bring out the best of film, the full dynamic range that actually makes it superior to digital. So it’ll always be bit of a compromise. As long as it’s better than what i already have i’ll be happy!
Anyone want to buy me a drum scanner?
Finally…
I’ve finished my Graphic Design course.
This whole month has been insane. So many assignments to get done and hand in, i almost left my run too late and didnt finish them in time. I’m very relieved that didnt happen.
The annoying thing about rushing alot of my work is that it didnt turn out as i originally wanted. So over the next couple of weeks its my goal to redo my portfolio and get something im actually proud of. Not something that reflects many late nights and half assed rush jobs like my current one does.
I also plan to redo my horrible website and actually upload some content to it. I think it’s going to mostly be html though, no flash, as it shits me and im always worried that people wont have the latest version installed in their browser. I like designing websites, its the coding thing that frustrates me. I’ll be happy if i never have to make a full website from scratch in my entire life! I doubt that will happen though.
Havent been taking too many photos over the last month. Actually last weekend was the first time i’d used a camera in ages. When i finish the roll i’ll post them up. I’ll be pushing some 400iso > 800iso for the first time so hopefully they come out!
Very Dangerous
Whats dangerous??
Well, the fact that im borrowing a Mamiya RB67 from a friend and i might get attached to medium format photography…. Thats whats dangerous.
Its big and heavy and damn ugly, but when you look through that viewfinder its bloody terrific. They you ofcourse have the 120 film itself which i’ve always been wanting to try out. Nothing comes close to the quality of enlargements and fine detail from medium and large format film.
I dont know why im letting myself try this camera out. Its actually pretty stupid. I’ve been interested in the Pentax 67 for a while now, and i need another reason to spend more money like i need a hole in the head (ie. photography has already sucked enough money out of me).
so anyway, this is the camera. An RB67 “Pro-s” made between 1974-1990. It has the 120 film back, 2 lenses; 90mm f/3.8 and a 150mm f/4. Oh yeah, and no metered prism on this baby (an expensive optional extra).
I’ll give it a go in a couple of weeks. I have about 10 rolls of cheap 120 film i’ll try and burn though, then develop along side my regular 35mm film. Hopefully i get some half decent results.
Finally…
After a couple of delays i finally have my Voigtländer Bessa R3A Setup.
I originally ordered a secondhand camera but my order was accidentally sent to another person!… I was obviously pretty disappointed. In the end however, i was sent a brand new R3A for the same price of the used one.. I immediately felt better again 
I have to say, out of the many cameras i’ve owned and used, this camera feels the best.. I dont know what it is, but its the type of camera that makes you want to fire off a few rolls of film just by holding it. I cant wait to start using it. I’m bringing it to work tomorrow, haha
After i put a couple rolls through it i’ll post up a proper review and take a few “beauty shots” of the camera.
For now, heres a quick shot of some of the gear..
