Re: [Paddlewise] Waterproof cameras (again)

From: Gabriel L Romeu <romeug_at_erols.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 09:55:08 -0500
ari0236_at_Saunalahti.fi wrote:

> 
> Dear "aunt" Ally´s pics had certain darkening towards the corners. She was using the same weatherproof Olympus My2  as I, but with a zoom.  It did not work well, though mine did.

I was under impression that vignetting was only a consideration with
large format cameras these days.  apparently there is some quality
control issues even with the new cameras.
> 
> Lessons learnt: they (in general, the manufacturers) are still not able to produce high quality zoom lenses with reasonable prices.

The REAL 'sharp zealots' would never even consider a zoom.  Far too many
compromises in sharpness.  I am having my first experience with a short
zoom on my new digital, kinda cute but nothing I would consider in a
fast situation.  I would imagine it is a very useful accessory for a lot
of people out there though.  It definitely appeals to the vanity of my
wife however as she doesn't seem to go for a 'Romanesque' nose when I
shoot wider.
> 
> To me, nothing beats good old Nikonos, pre-set depth of field/ f16 & automatic exposure time. Lenses do count, and almost unbreakable camera bodies.

Using this argument, I would agree with you.  A wider angle lens (to me,
35mm is normal) with a good depth of field have gotten me through a lot
of situations with an image or two worth keeping (if I was lucky).  In
fact, this is the general way that I shoot.  
Someone on the list had posted the exposures listed on the old film
boxes when manual cameras were in the majority, as well as the 'sunny
over the shoulder ASA rule'.  This and the maximum depth of field
allowed me to work both fast and unobtrusive for many years and many
frames.  It is a very fine method and reduces the decisions to 5 basic
exposures in daylight (which you don't have too much of these days, huh
Ari?) with some compensation (from experience) to shooting in the
shadows of high buildings or deep woods (I am assuming the deep woods
thing as being a city boy).  This paradigm makes a manual camera faster
than any automatic camera.
Of course, the REAL 'sharp zealots' would only use critical focus.
An interesting side note- I had a Nikonos  (no #, old one) that I had
bought to specifically do a project of photographing fill flash in the
rain .  I was working a full time + job in New York City with one or two
days a week off to devote to this.  During a 2 year period, I had 1 day
of rain on a  day off.  Since the muses were not on my side for this
project, I traded the camera (+ rollei 35s, speed graphic, chinon SLR)
for a fujica 6x9 rangefinder.  Even today, I always have clear weather
when I vacation.  The only exception I can remember is at the AKT
symposium last summer, we had an afternoon of rain.  As I remember
though, a lot more was expected.
The problem with this is that I love the rain.  I guess I love weather,
cause I can't complain about the clear days either.

Again Ari, I feel embarrassed in only speaking english and not
accommodating you with a reply in your own language.  I really
appreciate all of you out there from different lands making the
compromises so that someone like me can learn from your responses and
thoughts.

best, gabriel

-- 
                            Gabriel L
Romeu                                                    
http://studiofurniture.com        İİİİİ   furniture from the
workshop               
http://studiofurniture.com/diary  İİİİİ   life as a tourist, daily
journal         
http://studiofurniture.com/paint  İİİİİ   paintings, photographs,
etchings, objects
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Received on Sat Jan 20 2001 - 06:46:39 PST

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