September 2015

But don't expect all the answers - if you need everything there is Google and the public library.You can, however, have some answers - if you are prepared to wait. I need time to get to the computer and Google them..Thus the state of photographic knowledge in 2015. The facts that are given and immutable - like the sun never shines up under our feet - are few and far between and even they can sometimes be challenged by the semantic quibblers. This is annoying and makes me feel all Anti-Semantic - a difficult position in my family. I have decided to go selectively deaf to many of these flights of argument and feel better for it.The internet is a wonderful resource when you have too much time and/or intellect on your hands and want to waste some of it. You needn't resort to pictures of cats or naked ladies - there are innumerable sites dealing with photography that can sand the surface of your brain smooth. In some cases down to 1200 wet and dry and with a fine...

 The strobists amongst us will always value lightness, versatility, and simplicity. Right up until we decide to buy a new camera system - at which time we will want the latest model with the hydraulic stabilisers and in-built steam bagel toaster. In all three colours. Pardon the cynicism but I have been there and still have the wrapping paper to prove it.Back to lightness and simplicity. Manfrotto have come out with a strobist stand that is aimed squarely at the field shooter. It is a combination of their back-folding nano-Pole stand with a dedicated flash and umbrella holder on top.Sure, you can assemble a similar rig from other components but at a greater price and with none of the sleek style - in particular the pared-down streamlining of the umbrella holder that has none of the protruding knobs and keys of other products. And the flash gripper is built right into the top of it.Another two features:a. The cast metal upper yoke has a hook on the side for cord control.b. There is an adjustable levelling end on one of...

A computer mouse is a very light object - pick yours up and see what I mean.Oh, if you are a gaming nerd or a computer freak you might have one of the types that has a joystick and a gun button and a dozen different adjustments - and always runs out of battery power halfway through a game...

Is it me or are lenses getting bigger?News came through to us today of a new Canon lens that is due soon - a 35mm f1.4L II USM L series designed for professional photographers. Apparently it incorporates a new lens technology.The news report states that it is concerned with the blue spectrum - there is a an organic optical material that refracts blue light - the new technology is going to significantly reduce chromatic aberration and produce sharper images.35mm focal length on a full-frame camera is slightly wide, but not so much so as to generate a sense of distortion in group pictures and landscapes. The lens will have 9 blades in the aperture mechanism and will thus produce circular highlights in the background.But...