Jon L

Microsoft finally released RAW codec for Windows 7 so you can view them in windows explorer, Microsoft photo gallery, etc! http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=26829

IMG_4633 by drjlo1, on Flickr

Still practicing hand-held shots with extension tube. IMG_4508 by drjlo1, on Flickr

When I had the Zeiss 35mm f/2 ZE for Canon, I ended up with less percentage of razor-sharp photos compared to Canon lens, probably mostly due to my lack of manual-focusing skills. But I felt even well-focused Zeiss photos were not sharper or less noisy than Canon lenses. What Zeiss did have was a warmer tone, which to this day I'm not sure whether I liked or not. Anyway, manual focusing in dark places, without a tripod, without manual-focus screen, can definitely challenge the best of us. At any rate, here is my new Chinese ("Fancier") carbon-fiber tripod, which reportedly comes from same factory as Benro, Flashpoint, etc. Not bad at all for $160 or so I paid including a decent ballhead.. Yes, I'm a cheapskate, and no, $500-600 carbon tripods are not in my future. IMG_4202 by drjlo2, on Flickr

Going to work at 4:15 AM can't be too fun. Busy Bee? IMG_4119 by drjlo1, on Flickr

PuwhaHwahwa!!! Their so-called Q/A Section says: Can I adjust the aperture of my SLR lens while I'm using the mount? Depends on what lens you're using! Most old school film SLR lenses have an aperture ring on them. If you're using a newer digital lens then you're out of luck. Hold up, why are the images upside down? The SLR Mount doesn't have any mirrors inside. Usually there's a mirror inside your camera that flips the image right-side up. But iPhones are indeed mirror-less, so you'll have to rotate the images using an editing app. Why are my photos grainy/splotchy? The Lens Mount uses a focusing screen just like your DSLR. It can get dirty easily since it is relatively unprotected (it's exposed each time you assemble the mount). Be sure to clean it using an air-duster or soft cloth each time you shoot. You may still see some particles, that's normal. My images are coming out a tad darker than I'd like, what's the deal? We've found that you'll lose about 1 to 2 f-stops when using the adapter. Using an older lens with a manual aperture ring helps control this. Otherwise you may need to brighten up the images in post.

I would cry out louder to this, but I did have to send back Sigma 70mm Macro due to the fact it simply would not focus in live view mode on my Canon. I mean, macro is one dang place where one needs live view for that elbow grease focusing

When Fur Ball Gets UPSET.. IMG_3812BW by drjlo1, on Flickr

IMG_3782BW by drjlo1, on Flickr

"They" being Sony or? Timeframe? Also, what happened to all the NEX lenses Sigma announced some time ago?

BEFORE IMG_3719 by drjlo1, on Flickr AND AFTER IMG_3728 by drjlo1, on Flickr

Huh. Neither Sony NEX C3 nor Samsung NX11 seem all that compelling to me. The Samsung doesn't even seem to have a newer sensor from previous, just adding some features like panorama. While the Sony has a new sensor, it seems to just unnecessarily boost the Megapixel count, with preliminary IQ impressions being not really better than older model. I must say, at least Samsung has a ton of new lenses coming to market.. I might just keep saving my money towards Canon mirrorless (right..) or just wait for a new full frame Canon and use my APS-C with small lens like 35mm f2 as "portable."

Yes, but the bug also happened to crawl into a sliver of evening sunlight with his head at the time. BTW, does anyone know of rumors of replacement model for Samsung NX100? I ask because according to Bens' Bargains, Adorama is selling the NX100 with Samsung flash and 20-50mm lens for $399 after $150 off coupon code! "Samsung NX100 14.6MP Digital Camera + Samsung SEF15A A-TTL External Flash for $549 - $150 off with coupon code S8585896 = $399 with free shipping." I've been going back and forth bet. NEX-5 and NX100 for my portable APS-C camera for awhile now, and there's even rumors of NEX replacement.

IMG_3693 by drjlo1, on Flickr

135L with extension tube. IMG_3238 by drjlo1, on Flickr

IMG_2014 by drjlo1, on Flickr

Having a great time in Cancun, Mexico right now. IMG_2023 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1997 by drjlo2, on Flickr

Which 'stat?

For me personally, the whole thing was made worth it by the opportunity to hear Sanders Sound electrostats. I love 'stats in headphone and speaker world, and Sanders is not unreasonably priced considering the included active crossover and bass amp. It also happens to have overcome many weaknesses of traditional 'stats, including low sensitivity, huge panel size, loudness, and most of all panel/woofer incoherency of some *other* hybrids. I will get myself a pair some day. As far as other rooms, the great sounding rooms unfortunately came with huge pricetags as usual, so they do not have real-world application for mere mortals anyway. Many/most rooms actually sounded pretty good to decent, surprising for show conditions, and some rooms were quite thrilling. The whole show was quite fun and definitely worth my time. This video is of me having a good old time in Burmester room.

Wow. Looks like Beach camera is selling Samyang/Rokinon 14mm lens for $299 including shipping (labelled "Bell and Howard"). These usually for for $379-399, so a bargain for those in need of ultra wide (full frame) fun! http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/search.aspx?kwd=BH14M+&x=44&y=20&pr=250+300&omid=168&ref=email3

From the car. IMG_1866 by drjlo1, on Flickr

IMG_1832 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1839 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1840 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1721 by drjlo2, on Flickr Weiss transport and DAC in Venture Audio room. IMG_1842 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1841 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1704 by drjlo2, on Flickr

IMG_1797 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1798 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1800 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1804 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1805 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1806 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1812 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1821 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1838 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1831 by drjlo2, on Flickr

IMG_1773 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1776 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1778 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1784 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1786 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1787 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1789 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1791 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1794 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1795 by drjlo2, on Flickr

IMG_1756 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1757 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1758 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1760 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1763 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1765 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1766 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1769 by drjlo2, on Flickr IMG_1772 by drjlo2, on Flickr