Worx Gallery

Take advantage of the high value of Canon lenses

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:16:46 GMT

I wrote an article some time back about my surprise at the prices of used Canon lenses.

Since then I have bought and sold many camera bodies and lenses and have some tips for you on taking advantage of the high resale prices of Canon gear.

More on APS-C and APS-H cameras

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 23:13:24 GMT

When reading the Canon forums, I am constantly amazed at the foolish comments from some of the users when it comes to their cameras -- particularly the APS-C size sensor cameras.

Surprise, some new additions

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 01:51:28 GMT

Back in Feb. 2010 I tried to sell off my Miranda camera and the few lenses and accessories I had.

What an eye-opener. There just isn't any 35mm film camera that is worthy anything any more.

So, I decided to become a collector.

Previous Gear

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:33:56 GMT

Rather than list each individual piece of gear that I have owned, this article is a list of what I have owned and used recently.

I'll document why I bought it, and why I sold it.

More on light meters

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:23:09 GMT

Wow, didn't take long before someone emailed me about the first article on light meters.

Here's the summary of the email: Why do you think DSLRs do not meter properly? and Why do you need an old analog light meter to help you with digital SLRs?

Plus, in this article, more on the second light meter I purchased.

Light Meters

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:33:17 GMT

A digital camera is a conundrum ... it is both vastly different than a film camera, yet it is the same.

Even with the pro versions, a digital camera has significantly more automation than the film cameras.
First, let's get some terminology correct: ISO is the internationalization of the old ASA/DIN numbers. ASA = American Standards Association. DIN = Deutsch Industrie Norm). So, in the old days, a film was expressed as 100/20 which meant ASA 100, or 20 DIN. Today, ISO is equivalent to the old ASA ratings.

From a Miranda Camera Company manual

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 01:40:23 GMT

This text is the Welcome message from the 1971 Miranda Auto Sensorex EE camera.

About the Miranda Sensorex EE

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 01:10:42 GMT

The history of Miranda cameras begun in 1955 when Orion Camera Co. released the "Miranda T". After a year the company changed its name to the Miranda Camera Company.

Thoughout its history, Miranda Camera Company was a respectable competitor to Nikon. Desite this, most cameras were sold to avid amateurs. The Miranda cameras available today are usually cosmetically and mechanically in good condition.

The Miranda line of 35mm SLR cameras developed very comprehensively over more than twenty years of production. The special and unique feature in several models of Miranda SLR cameras is the removable prism. The prism can be removed by pushing the small slider and pulling back on the prism housing. The focusing screen is now a usable waist level finder. Because of this design, TTL metering can be still used. This is particularly useful when taking close-up photos. Despite Miranda cameras of good quality and quite versatile, production of SLR cameras ended with the DX-3 in 1978.

Miranda Sensomat RE II

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 01:23:53 GMT

After some 38 years, I have added to my Miranda gear.

I purchased a black body Miranda Sensomat RE II.

Still have 35mm gear

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:59:09 GMT

If you have followed my articles from the home page, you'll note that I have great affection for the Miranda camera line.

My first 35mm film camera was a Miranda Sensomat RE. The Miranda Camera Co. produced some great cameras, many with innovative features adopted by other manufacturers.

Unfortunately, the Miranda camera line was not as popular as it should have been. When the Miranda Camera Co. first ventured into auto-focus cameras, one model in particular destroyed the company. The Miranda DX-3 had many problems and the resulting warranty fiasco led to financial ruin and closed down the company.

Cleaning and maintaining leather on camera bodies and cases

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:07:09 GMT

Leather is like your skin. It has pores and needs to breathe.

Over time, the oils in the leather are drawn out and the salts in your perspiration (from your hands) create white marks on the leather areas of your camera body and on leather cases.

There is a way to maintain your leather looking new though ...

Caring for your gear

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:59:27 GMT

My father is carpenter. The toolbox he uses to carry around with him is typically made on a job site with two A-frames at each end, a wide board for the bottom, two narrower boards for sides, and a 5/4 hardwood dowel as a handle. It's effective and cheap.

He always looked after his tools. While they looked well used, they also had a "cared-for" look. The saw blades were darkened from the wood residue, but -- no rust. The handles had a few chip marks, but were re-painted fairly frequently. The chisels had bevelled heads from hammer strikes, but the blades were immaculate and dangerously sharp.

He doesn't carry his tool kit anymore, he's 90 and long retired. The lessons about caring for your tools, though, carries on.

UV Filters and White Balance

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:31:08 GMT

If you have been following my articles on UV filters and their effect on your camera, this is another in that series you MUST read.

UV Filters, questions and answers

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 20:34:08 GMT

I've received a number of emails about my two articles on UV filters. Rather than respond to individual emails, here's the questions and answers.

UV Filters, to end a debate

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 01:52:45 GMT

I received several emails from readers attempting to correct me on several points in my UV filter article.

To summarize the emails, the message communicated is that my assertions that a UV filter can cost you one stop (and I describe that more precisely as one f-stop) -- a very expensive proposition -- is wrong. The messages were pointing to the wording that a UV filter can cost you one stop: meaning an increase in shutter speed (to maintain the same amount of light reaching the sensor).

The emails are in fact correct, but somewhat misguided. Here's where some background in film photography and some basic photography math can be useful.

UV Filters, more misinformation ...

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:39:23 GMT

I recall a conversation with a professional from some 20 years ago when I bought one of my 35mm film cameras and new lenses. Essentially, the professional was advising to put a UV filter on the front of the lens for two reasons.

The first reason was to block UV rays from affecting the image recorded on the film.

The second reason was to protect the front glass of the lens. His reasoning was pretty simple: which would you rather replace a $79. filter, or a $799. lens? Makes sense doesn't it?

Kenko 1.4x teleconverter and GALLERY!

Tue, 11 May 2010 23:35:07 GMT

Just received a Kenko 1.4x teleconverter.

I have taken a few pictures with the teleconverter on a Canon 85mm f/1.8 and a Canon 24-105mm f/4L.

Just amazing ... that's all I have to say!

Common sense photography

Mon, 10 May 2010 18:20:58 GMT

I occasionally read some of the forums -- particularly the threads where someone asks a question. There is always some idiot that answers "why would you do that?" ...

If it is a beginner asking the questions, why not just answer the question. If the question is off the mark, the answer can address that. It is far more important to foster goodwill and help motivate than to be stupid ...

Use some common-sense folks ... help beginners, choose accessories wisely ...

Teleconverters and extension tubes

Mon, 03 May 2010 02:03:19 GMT

Are teleconverters and extension tubes worthwhile? That really depends on what you want to achieve.

Is weather sealing and image stability necessary?

Mon, 03 May 2010 01:24:18 GMT

I've worked with various cameras for slightly more than 40 years. None had any weather sealing and I've never had any damage caused by dust or moisture.

Of course, you have to use common sense. I wouldn't take my camera out in pouring rain ...

More about microns and pixel density

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:25:10 GMT

There's a lot of disagreement and confusion when it comes to addressing pixel size of cameras relative to image quality (IQ). On one side is the argument that a camera with a larger pixel size has better IQ (image quality). I am with the other side ... but I want to spend some time explaining this.

About microns

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:27:53 GMT

Within the past few days, I have been reading a lot about the impact of "microns" on overall IQ (image quality). Unfortunately, I used the wrong math in describing my conclusions -- that being that microns in theory should have an impact, but in practice there is really no major impact.

Digital photography terms de-mystified

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:26:51 GMT

"If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit" ... ever read a forum where some pinhead starts talking about chromatic aberration, pixel density, bokeh, microns, or ... ? If you've come away shaking your head trying to figure out what is being said, you are being baffled.

Canon, Nikon or Pentax?

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:05:56 GMT

I get a lot of emails and instant messages asking my opinion on Nikon, Canon, and Pentax. There are other brands of cameras and lenses available too, but I don't seem to get many questions about those. I'll restrict my comments to these three.

Before you popup your email compose window, the issue of the brand of camera or lenses that you use is not important to me ... and it shouldn't be that important to you either. If you are a Nikon user, good for you. If you are a Canon user, good for you. And if you are a Pentax user, good for you. You've obviously selected the gear you are using for some very valid reasons, and I have no intention on knocking those.

Compact Flash card and reader

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:45:29 GMT

I have decided to go with the Transcend brand of compact flash card and reader. Transcend is a brand that I have used in the past. While it is low priced, my experience is that it is a high quality.

APS-C lenses magnify compared to FF lenses?

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 18:25:44 GMT

With many of the lenses today designed specifically for APS-C sensors, vendors of lenses should really train their staff to better address the questions buyers have.

APS-C, APS-H, or Full Frame?

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 18:16:13 GMT

These terms all date back to the film days. APS originally meant “Advanced Photo System”. The APS film format had three designations:

P (for Panoramic) which was 30.2mm x 9.5mm with an aspect ratio of 3:1
H (for High definition) which was 30.2mm x 16.7mm with an aspect ratio of 16:9
C (for Classic) which was 25.1mm x 16.7mm with an aspect ratio of 3:2
This was introduced in 1996, mainly by Kodak.

Buying used lenses

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 18:09:56 GMT

I’ve recently started looking for some used lenses and cameras. It is difficult to rationalize how some of the sellers price their used equipment. Here’s a few examples of what I have run into … and at the bottom of the article, some tips on getting good value.

First, a bit of background: Canon Canada pricing is totally out of whack with Canon USA pricing. Since Canon USA owns Canon Canada, this is ridiculous. And a tip: you can buy a Canon lens in the USA, with a Canon USA warranty, and the warranty is honored in Canada (check before you buy). Not quite the same for the camera, you have to check with Canon first. It’s fuzzier for Canon International warranties.

Help selecting lenses ...

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 18:00:14 GMT

The internet is fabulous for doing research. But, there’s a problem. In many of the forums, I have found the questions that I have regarding lenses on digital cameras posed properly, but the answers are riddled with double talk.

Digital SLR cameras introduce features that simply were not available on 35mm film cameras. For example, the only way to “boost” ISO on a 35mm film camera is to buy higher ISO rated film.

With most of my questions, I had to resort to my old math to get the answers I want. Hopefully, you can benefit from this.

The most important accessory

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 11:20:57 GMT

I ended up in a long discussion yesterday. Several of us were offering opinions on the most important accessory for a camera. I had a similar discussion today with a long time expert and professional photographer. I would like to put my perspective on this, largely because I am struggling with a decision on which lens to purchase for my new camera.

I’ve been an amateur photographer since about 1968 when I joined the Camera club at my high school in Sarnia, ON. Mentioning this is particularly important because back when I started using cameras, all the cameras in the price range I could afford back then were all manual. You had to learn about manually controlling lighting, f-stops, aperture, focal range, focusing, depth of field and every other attribute of the picture you were taking. Applying that knowledge to today’s technology helps with selecting the right components and accessories.