tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76974704834872178432024-02-06T23:34:26.638-07:00Spell foto with the letter FUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-41662577589269818092010-12-22T17:54:00.003-07:002010-12-22T20:29:12.736-07:00Off-camera flash on a budget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM56DeCc53nF4_KIQmdYepIRjdEtc5SJ31JWWYcro6fPUyQXbOn-drYLbl_BH98hoedT1XF5XBssTUssCmF713yyrn_tMNzEExKX8Cq1O3XhJ35XrPDWy9wyVG51K8QBB91EhetQD3Zn9/s1600/DSC_7007_edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM56DeCc53nF4_KIQmdYepIRjdEtc5SJ31JWWYcro6fPUyQXbOn-drYLbl_BH98hoedT1XF5XBssTUssCmF713yyrn_tMNzEExKX8Cq1O3XhJ35XrPDWy9wyVG51K8QBB91EhetQD3Zn9/s400/DSC_7007_edit.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;">I am constantly getting asked about how to put together a speedlight (small flash) based light setup on a budget. You can get a solid two light set up for under $240 (single light for near $150). It may lack some of the bells and whistles, but it will be a reliable setup.</div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;">Before we get to my recommendations, here are a few caveats:</div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;">1. All of the items I mention are buying new. You can find some good deals on used gear on ebay or craigslist.</div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;">2. In an effort to save time, and simplify the purchasing process, all products come from two places: the Meking eBay store, and B & H Photo.</div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;">3. These are not necessarily products I use, but they are products I am familiar with. I have, over time, added to, and sold off various components of my small flash setup. For example, I started off with Cactus wireless triggers, then I found a deal on PocketWizard Plus II transceivers, and more recently settled on the JrX Studio from Radiopopper. I will probably switch again.</div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;">4. I don't use my small flash set up for every shoot I do.</div><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
</P><table WIDTH=100% BORDER=4 BORDERCOLOR="#4c4c4c" CELLPADDING=4 CELLSPACING=0 FRAME=RHS RULES=COLS><col WIDTH=33> <col WIDTH=33> <col WIDTH=33>
<tr> <td WIDTH=33% VALIGN=BOTTOM BGCOLOR="#333333"> <p ALIGN=CENTER STYLE="background: transparent"><font COLOR="#ffffff"><font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt"><b>TWO LIGHTS</B></FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> <td WIDTH=35% VALIGN=BOTTOM> <p ALIGN=CENTER><font COLOR="#ffffff"><font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt"><b>ALTERNATIVES</B></FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> <td WIDTH=32% BGCOLOR="#000080"> <p ALIGN=CENTER><font COLOR="#ffffff"><font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt"><b>WHAT I USE</B></FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> </TR>
<tr> <td COLSPAN=3 VALIGN=TOP> <p ALIGN=CENTER><font COLOR="#ffffff"><font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt"><b>FLASHES</B></FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> </TR>
<tr VALIGN=TOP> <td bgcolor="#333333"> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">1 Yongnuo YN465 ($66 shipped)</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">1 Yongnuo YN460 II ($48 shipped)</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">You could save $18 and buy two YN460 II. Don't. It is nice to have a flash that supports TTL (Through The Lens metering). If you are Canon or Nikon it will mount to your camera, and work with the auto settings on your camera. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Make sure when buying the YN465 you buy a flash specific to your brand of camera (Nikon or Canon).</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">All the other items listed are camera neutral.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> <td bgcolor="#000000"> <p>• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 COLOR="#ffffff" STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Consider adding a third light: YN460 II. Three lights will allow you do do most lighting configurations you see. Don't have to be in a rush to buy three lights. You can add a third strobe later.</FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Also, think about buying a Canon (430EX II) or Nikon flash (Nikon SB-700) and your main light. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">You can sometimes find some deals on craigslist or at the thrift. But you have to be a regular searcher. I found a few SunPak flashes with adjustable output at the thrift for $12, and $4 but those represented A LOT of hours walking through thrift stores. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P></TD> <td bgcolor="#000080"> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">3 Nikon SB-800.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">I picked them up on craigslist.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">The Nikon SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, and SB-900 have built in wireless control from certain cameras.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> </TR>
<tr> <td COLSPAN=3 VALIGN=TOP> <p ALIGN=CENTER><font COLOR="#ffffff"><font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt"><b>TRIGGERS</B></FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> </TR>
<tr VALIGN=TOP> <td BGCOLOR="#333333"> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Yongnuo RF-602 (1 trigger, 1 receiver) ($28 shipped)</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">You “need” just one receiver with this particular two light set up (remember we are on a budget). The receiver will be for the YN465.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">How do we trigger the other flash? The YN460 II has a built in optical slave which means that it will “see” the pulse of light from the other flash, and then trigger.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> <td> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">I generally like having a wireless receiver for all my flashes, even if they have an optical slave. Consider getting a receiver for each flash (if you are only going to use three flashes).</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">There is a reason that the RF-602 is $28 and the PocketWizard Mini Flex Transceiver is $229. PocketWizard is the gold standard, and offers a lot of features beyond the Yongnuo product.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">But, if you just want to trigger a flash remotely they both do the job. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P></TD> <td BGCOLOR="#000080"> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Radiopopper JrX Studio with RP Cube</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">The Radiopoppers allow me to manually adjust the flash from the trigger, so I don't have to walk over to each flash to adjust the output.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">My JrX units are also compatible with my Alienbees which was another factor in my decision to go with Radiopoppers.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Some day I am probably going to drop some coin on the new PocketWizard set up when it finally ships for Nikon for a variety of reasons.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> </TR>
<tr> <td COLSPAN=3 VALIGN=TOP> <p ALIGN=CENTER><font COLOR="#ffffff"><font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt"><b>LIGHT STANDS</B></FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> </TR>
<tr VALIGN=TOP> <td BGCOLOR="#333333"> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Lightstand (x2) ($20 each + shipping)</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">2 Umbrella brackets (x2) ($17 each + shipping)</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Really, if space and weight isn't an issue, just about any light stand will do.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> <td> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">The more compact and lighter you go, the more expensive stands become.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">If photographing in breezy conditions you are also going to need to think about a weight for your light stand. Once an umbrella is on there, they tend to take off even in a gentle breeze. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Umbrella brackets are one of the things I choose not to splurge on. Just make sure your bracket comes with the components to mount your flash. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P></TD> <td BGCOLOR="#000080"> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">I have just generic light stands I have acquired over time.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">I need to spend some $$ and buy some lighter more compact ones, but I am usually spending my money on other stuff. If I had to hike around with my gear, I would have made the investment in nicer stands already. But think about it, how far from your car are you really going to be?</FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> </TR>
<tr> <td COLSPAN=3 VALIGN=TOP> <p ALIGN=CENTER><font COLOR="#ffffff"><font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt"><b>DIFFIUSION</B></FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> </TR>
<tr VALIGN=TOP> <td HEIGHT=181 BGCOLOR="#333333"> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Westcott 43inch collapsible umbrella ($22 + shipping)</FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> <td> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">I like having two umbrellas. Having two offers some options that are nice to have.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">If you add a third light, probably don't get a third umbrella. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">You could go with a cheaper umbrella that doesn't collapse, but it sure is nice to have them fold up small. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P></TD> <td BGCOLOR="#000080"> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">I have 2 Westcott collapsible umbrellas. I really only use one most of the time.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">I have some softboxes, and other stuff, but I really use my umbrella a majority of the time. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P></TD> </TR>
<tr> <td COLSPAN=3 VALIGN=TOP> <p ALIGN=CENTER><font COLOR="#ffffff"><font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt"><b>OTHER MODIFIERS</B></FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> </TR>
<tr VALIGN=TOP> <td BGCOLOR="#333333"> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Grids, gels (colored plastic to cover your flashes), etc.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> <td> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">You can make your own grids, or buy some online.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Gels for small flashes are pretty important in the medium to long term. Get some. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Snoots, bounce cards, lightoshperes (overrated), softboxes, ringlights, etc. will come in time if you need them (which you probably will).</FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> <td BGCOLOR="#000080"> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">I bought some grids at SaxonPC online. They are pretty junkie. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">I went to a studio lighting store one afternoon, and they let me have some Rosco or Lee sample packs for free. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P></TD> </TR>
<tr> <td COLSPAN=3 VALIGN=TOP> <p ALIGN=CENTER><font COLOR="#ffffff"><font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt"><b>FINAL PRICE</B></FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> </TR>
<tr VALIGN=TOP> <td BGCOLOR="#333333"> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff"><font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">$238 for a two light setup.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff"><font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">$153 for a single light setup.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P></TD> <td> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">This gets you two lights, trigger, umbrella (plus brackets), and stands.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Really, you aren't going to get into off camera flash for much less than this.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">You might be able to save a few dollars on the stands, and umbrellas, but you get what you pay for. Also, for the sake of convenience I used the prices from two stores only: B & H Photo, and Meking ebay store. You might be able to find some deals on Amazon, but be careful because sometimes you have to pay for shipping on multiple items because they come from different stores affiliated with Amazon. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">For me, this is the cheapest setup that offers “enough” reliability that would allow me to work not being worried about gear failure. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P></TD> <td BGCOLOR="#000080"> <p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Think about how you want to contain all of your gear.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">I have all my gear (except lightstands) in a plastic container bungied to a luggage cart thingy I bought at the thrift.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">If I had the nicer lightstands, I could contain it all in my backpack.</FONT></FONT></FONT></P><p><font COLOR="#ffffff">• <font FACE="Verdana, sans-serif"><font SIZE=2 STYLE="font-size: 9pt">Batteries. Buy rechargeable. It will be cheaper in the long run. I like the Sanyo Eneloops that I picked up at Costco. But we could do a whole chart on batteries, and their chargers. </FONT></FONT></FONT> </P></TD> </TR>
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</style> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Lights and trigger:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Meking-Equipments">http://stores.ebay.com/Meking-Equipments</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://stores.ebay.com/hkyongnuophotoequipment">http://stores.ebay.com/hkyongnuophotoequipment</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Light stands:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/262758-REG/Impact_LS_6B_Light_Stand_Black.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/262758-REG/Impact_LS_6B_Light_Stand_Black.html</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">brackets:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298709-REG/Impact_3117_Umbrella_Bracket.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298709-REG/Impact_3117_Umbrella_Bracket.html</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Umbrella:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Westcott+2001+43in&N=0&InitialSearch=yes">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Westcott+2001+43in&N=0&InitialSearch=yes</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-28556005175982400152010-11-06T16:56:00.002-07:002010-11-06T21:17:50.643-07:00Yongnuo YN-465 Speedlite<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJyrn_vRrMkyMXSWSn7sQlii7k5N4HiERQ-t2TlccOI2uPADjIwMRwgOpS-jyyqR5pOMryjgTeQEx6ZCv-mOhhTPLaekDnGMmSGNOjYETn_fnIfzUXZoFPyQdwmGCMYjcQjQBDTQh1Tki/s1600/SW_DSC_0252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJyrn_vRrMkyMXSWSn7sQlii7k5N4HiERQ-t2TlccOI2uPADjIwMRwgOpS-jyyqR5pOMryjgTeQEx6ZCv-mOhhTPLaekDnGMmSGNOjYETn_fnIfzUXZoFPyQdwmGCMYjcQjQBDTQh1Tki/s320/SW_DSC_0252.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like how the dial works.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">A lot of friends ask me for advice when it comes to camera gear. I have been looking for some reasonably priced speedlights that I can recommend. After spending a small fortune on a body and lens, it is hard to fork out the $$ for stuff like flashes, memory cards, etc.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I did a little reading about Yongnuo speedlites. I thought I would give one a shot. I ordered the YN-465 from ebay for $65. This was the most affordable flash that claimed TTL AND manual controls. Note: I order the Nikon version of this flash.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">While I more often use my flashes in manual mode, it is great to be able to throw a flash on top of my camera and forget about settings, by putting it into Automatic/TTL mode. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I had high hopes for the Yongnuo YN465. My biggest concern was: does it really work in TTL mode?</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="http://photorojo.blogspot.com/2010/11/yongnuo-yn-465-speedlite.html">Click to read the rest</a>.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWyV80OsyXcS5o_mkWp6UZ4zgr2zRWGY0FhNjXzxO1EBNvqennyzaZHO31MwctPTtfPX9N_b6LqaO1FyaTLUV1-9JvPYpliifM9ITL9exI4Ip8ZFAnE3f1JdJ2SQe_bO9IhfOvjQu0jFG/s1600/SW_DSC_0248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWyV80OsyXcS5o_mkWp6UZ4zgr2zRWGY0FhNjXzxO1EBNvqennyzaZHO31MwctPTtfPX9N_b6LqaO1FyaTLUV1-9JvPYpliifM9ITL9exI4Ip8ZFAnE3f1JdJ2SQe_bO9IhfOvjQu0jFG/s320/SW_DSC_0248.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nikon SB-800 & Yougnuo YN465.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b>THE GOOD:</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">• TTL - The TTL feature works (more details and sample shots below).</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">• Build quality is good. It feels solid.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">• The round dial is simple to use. I like it a lot. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">• The lights on the back provide simple visual feedback without having to decode information on a screen.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b>THE BAD:</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">• No optical slave (allows the speedlite to be triggered, by seeing the flash of other speedlites). I knew this going in, but figured TTL was worth the trade-off. Some Yongnuos have built in optical slaves.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">• No zoom head. Once again this wasn't a big deal in exchange for TTL. But it would be nice to have.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">• The plastic foot seems a flimsy, and the plastic seems a softer than the feet of other flashes I have owned.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">• Radiopopper JrX Studio compatibility - no. While the Radiopoppers will trigger these flashes, an RP cube + JrX Studio transmitter won't adjust the output from the transmitter dial. If you don't know what I am talking about. Don't worry about it. But it is a bit of a bummer. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b>TTL - Does it really work?</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I tried this speedlite on a D90 (18-55mm VR lens). I used the flash in program, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes. I took one picture with the YN-460, and then put an SB-800 on the camera. I know those two speedlights aren't comparable but it I took pictures in a relatively small area, and just wanted to compare TTL ability.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Wow. I was really surprised at how well the Yongnuo flash performed when compared to the Nikon SB-800. There is a lot of technology packed into the SB-800, but the YN465 more than held its own.They actually returned pretty similarly exposed shots. See the examples.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNMQnJt0Ey9kiDBEDHd0sfaf1N8PgGmvkS3cQtannlnwtDxopnaHgJRXs3oQKq-kTcmFQ_383yrNC0Zoq4g0_0gU64wU38XdJ2pPdKaJRqgWgSlkKI4jW2-egpRisjjEHYY24UFxraR0C/s1600/kitchen_program.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNMQnJt0Ey9kiDBEDHd0sfaf1N8PgGmvkS3cQtannlnwtDxopnaHgJRXs3oQKq-kTcmFQ_383yrNC0Zoq4g0_0gU64wU38XdJ2pPdKaJRqgWgSlkKI4jW2-egpRisjjEHYY24UFxraR0C/s640/kitchen_program.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b>SUMMARY</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">For the price, this speedlite was awesome. I would feel comfortable telling a friend to buy one. However, I am not sure if it is worth not buying a Nikon or Canon flash. You could pick up a used Nikon SB-600 or Canon 430 EX on craigslist for between $150 and $200. But if you want a flash with TTL, and also want to go off camera I think it is a terrific deal. With two Yongnuo speedlites, you could do some pretty creative two light set-ups for half the price of a used Canon/Nikon entry level flash. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=110565950766&view=all&tid=585038811001">I bought mine for $65 shipped (mine didn't come with a detachable diffuser)</a>.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="http://stores.ebay.com/hkyongnuophotoequipment/Flashes-Strobes-/_i.html?_nkw=yn-465&submit=Search&_fsub=490452016&_sid=720284096">You can buy it direct from Yongnuo for $72 shipped (you pay a little more but get the front diffuser)</a>.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1iVmC2YIwV3jgSV74HvoOMhbppPkSz16G858mjaAk_0TsXByu55llS6Aci9H28SjGd7RLP3gYw9y8QAx5PFO7Sl4t91I5TXjS9VtwPP7UVSxj4h_cWafodZ28K25yas085V4-5yUFDbV/s1600/SW_DSC_0245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1iVmC2YIwV3jgSV74HvoOMhbppPkSz16G858mjaAk_0TsXByu55llS6Aci9H28SjGd7RLP3gYw9y8QAx5PFO7Sl4t91I5TXjS9VtwPP7UVSxj4h_cWafodZ28K25yas085V4-5yUFDbV/s320/SW_DSC_0245.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My box didn't fare well in during shipping.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcppadAQHiAN99OEubr_Jm9coEnY1A30x4nivpaMVMROunASA7-6H9nPOs9UYiAHLO-NFaAtJrt28LLELzY8THJbiw6mVAhFj9NiWphF9e3rbNdb6WhAh_g8Z9aSIosasHdZF4xpfy8k8/s1600/livingroom_aperture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcppadAQHiAN99OEubr_Jm9coEnY1A30x4nivpaMVMROunASA7-6H9nPOs9UYiAHLO-NFaAtJrt28LLELzY8THJbiw6mVAhFj9NiWphF9e3rbNdb6WhAh_g8Z9aSIosasHdZF4xpfy8k8/s400/livingroom_aperture.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsVbhg3OewiAEm2yuABCBhgjiNAWyZoB23hjY-N5sX8O8p4P2pP-LBIHRsZTuqplXUP3DxGHcwwly0AatCNe3rBBivAWMNSOhZP5KnaJUnLrbplMAkyLSFohXZrtLiSz7FwyttC1vqU4i/s1600/livingroom_program.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsVbhg3OewiAEm2yuABCBhgjiNAWyZoB23hjY-N5sX8O8p4P2pP-LBIHRsZTuqplXUP3DxGHcwwly0AatCNe3rBBivAWMNSOhZP5KnaJUnLrbplMAkyLSFohXZrtLiSz7FwyttC1vqU4i/s640/livingroom_program.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice at 1/4 of a second. I had to have a relatively long exposure for the dark room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkfvOtoz31DxCvWG5QFA9diVPcntYcdtfjYh-Vne6V7no4oChapF0nnibeQ8p3y0JxMu1EkLGgBwEvdWRSM_zecVivrK9rvqi9tWqeNcV2aWdRo9lq9vjjh0Eux5bzVkp3ULocsGmcRId/s1600/outside_program.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkfvOtoz31DxCvWG5QFA9diVPcntYcdtfjYh-Vne6V7no4oChapF0nnibeQ8p3y0JxMu1EkLGgBwEvdWRSM_zecVivrK9rvqi9tWqeNcV2aWdRo9lq9vjjh0Eux5bzVkp3ULocsGmcRId/s320/outside_program.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6fSKIfAz_b6CGHo1-bDk6T9gIqK-1mjwCtxey4vJRxueBhtrUuoXYESC2K0YoKKQqUZhR55Ky6N3o2fmD47WxQ6M8E3fpT4Z2G1l9BsAhycKV6YaBaR5g_Xdxw9gzXOAEeJwsarn4xo5/s1600/outside_shutter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6fSKIfAz_b6CGHo1-bDk6T9gIqK-1mjwCtxey4vJRxueBhtrUuoXYESC2K0YoKKQqUZhR55Ky6N3o2fmD47WxQ6M8E3fpT4Z2G1l9BsAhycKV6YaBaR5g_Xdxw9gzXOAEeJwsarn4xo5/s320/outside_shutter.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-86829593775874868692010-10-16T15:26:00.004-07:002010-11-06T11:51:51.299-07:00Nikon SB-28 Flash (speedlight) Foot Shoe repair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Got a deal on a Nikon SB-28 speedlight. I bought some photography junk, and this was in the bag. The flash works fine, but the foot was broken. The original user glued it back together. I didn't trust my new flash to another person's sketchy glue job. I decided to replace the Nikon sb-28 foot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd-MDB5eEm_4Z_AFPU7PVeItpCv9Ljce_dCjiCzOwxLZBAjrbRctx6QiJhalaMegyR8d-LBN0yMVrs-JLQgtsBBCxAtbBZmx8xvWV3EW8J36ZS0ludZzHXBwvaPp5BRyzuJWIU8Rs2IlP/s1600/SW_DSC_9965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd-MDB5eEm_4Z_AFPU7PVeItpCv9Ljce_dCjiCzOwxLZBAjrbRctx6QiJhalaMegyR8d-LBN0yMVrs-JLQgtsBBCxAtbBZmx8xvWV3EW8J36ZS0ludZzHXBwvaPp5BRyzuJWIU8Rs2IlP/s320/SW_DSC_9965.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The foot cost about $3.00 from nikon plus another few dollars for shipping. I see replacement parts on ebay all the time. But I really like to order from Nikon: it is usually cheaper, and I know I am getting Nikon quality parts. (I also asked about an LCD for a Coolpix point and shoot, and they quoted me $45, and ebay has the same part for $25 - go figure).<br />
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When calling, be ready to tell them what color the metal ground connectors are on the side of your foot. Apparently there are two different kinds of feet for different SB-28 designs. I wrote down the serial number from my flash, and called during lunch at work. The serial number wouldn't do it, I had to know the color of the metal on sides of the foot (silver vs. bronze?). <a href="http://photorojo.blogspot.com/2009/05/diy-nikon-sb-600-speedlight-flash-tube.html">For information on the phone numbers and address, check the comments in my SB-600 post. I called the same place.</a><br />
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The shoe arrived yesterday, and today I swapped out the old for the new. If you have a small phillips screwdriver you can probably do it in 15 minutes. Here it is:<br />
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(<a href="http://photorojo.blogspot.com/2010/10/nikon-sb-28-flash-speedlight-foot-shoe.html">Click to read the steps and see the pictures after the jump</a>).<br />
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1. Remove the four screws that hold the foot assembly to the flash body.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIT5JPl__D9eqVnMDDUwQEtJt9iyTrIZj1b7i-DVDxZz6BSbARAAzXD1j7a763O5Cva3v-tsBdTvbTJNUHvPWd1S1Wqw6Y-Dum66qSxnMQGY75Q9s-ie-lb3U4vMJcTnKnIfjI09LTZVYL/s1600/figure+1+assembly+screws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIT5JPl__D9eqVnMDDUwQEtJt9iyTrIZj1b7i-DVDxZz6BSbARAAzXD1j7a763O5Cva3v-tsBdTvbTJNUHvPWd1S1Wqw6Y-Dum66qSxnMQGY75Q9s-ie-lb3U4vMJcTnKnIfjI09LTZVYL/s320/figure+1+assembly+screws.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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2. Take care when pulling off the bottom assembly. You don't want to break the ribbon that sends signals from the shoe assembly to the flash unit.<br />
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3. Four screws attach the small green PCB to the foot. These four screws also hold the foot together. Remove these screws, and the PCB should come out easily. From here you should also be able to pull off the foot, and then screw off the locking ring.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPtQoKhJkWy2RdWagyMIF8QFdZCmHwrDr2WdauqmMLVrsNAp1BUplo2kAPvyYZq8RYV0-hgNDHY4enUePjBud81RcF2ZT673P4kF5vKhF2eb8CJVmmUqipVFuyfe1yf3QopM-yTORytqW/s1600/figure+2+pcb+screws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPtQoKhJkWy2RdWagyMIF8QFdZCmHwrDr2WdauqmMLVrsNAp1BUplo2kAPvyYZq8RYV0-hgNDHY4enUePjBud81RcF2ZT673P4kF5vKhF2eb8CJVmmUqipVFuyfe1yf3QopM-yTORytqW/s320/figure+2+pcb+screws.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remove these four screws holding in the green circuit board.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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4. Make note of how the locking pin rests in the locking ring. It has to go back in just a certain way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vl_s9EkYzIMGE7lPKz-0qZ813GdD4NdUlVdKA2kzrUx-WyY1RCmFNNKcKOS4N6kVnQ9BtHfjOl9LhapJxLHLvJxJ7R0rMCPP7f-H36xo__8dQSWOegvpQWZmYc0lTLJwJ5dBeKRzXQGc/s1600/figure+3+locking+pin+location.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vl_s9EkYzIMGE7lPKz-0qZ813GdD4NdUlVdKA2kzrUx-WyY1RCmFNNKcKOS4N6kVnQ9BtHfjOl9LhapJxLHLvJxJ7R0rMCPP7f-H36xo__8dQSWOegvpQWZmYc0lTLJwJ5dBeKRzXQGc/s320/figure+3+locking+pin+location.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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5. Now you can replace the foot and reassemble. My flash works fine. It is great to have another flash to work with my Radiopopper JrX units.<br />
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Problems I had:<br />
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I was worried about putting too much pressure on the screws that held in the green PCB. I didn't want to break the circuit board. When I reassembled the whole thing, there was a little too much play in the foot (it wobbled a bit when in the shoe). I opened it back up, and tightened those screws down quite firmly. No problems after that.<br />
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I took apart the foot assembly about 3 weeks before I ordered the part. I placed the eight screws in a plastic baggie. Because the original user had tried to fix the foot with glue. I wanted to make sure I could take it apart for repair before I ordered the part. Make sure you remember which screws go where - I had a hard time remembering. The long ones hold in the PCB and keep the foot together. The short ones attach the foot assembly to the flash body.<br />
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Here are some extra pictures that might be helpful to anyone fixing their foot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVmxx-tAQ10mrKKMt1-T7Yl7feWZdni8P0vbVziPR9MRljjTX7vgHj50b9mdibb6nMPMA5eD9rl17dtkhNS3lgi_9kc8um7-VLqG7cqamECsOddNYtbBBglWrU4Tqm9L0j33YA8YSWvIv/s1600/figure+4+other+helpful+images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVmxx-tAQ10mrKKMt1-T7Yl7feWZdni8P0vbVziPR9MRljjTX7vgHj50b9mdibb6nMPMA5eD9rl17dtkhNS3lgi_9kc8um7-VLqG7cqamECsOddNYtbBBglWrU4Tqm9L0j33YA8YSWvIv/s320/figure+4+other+helpful+images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-33689265031224537652010-10-03T12:56:00.002-07:002010-11-06T11:31:29.576-07:00Coco Ring Flash Adapter: Ray Flash knock-off.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I wanted a ring flash. I like David Hobby's recent use of the Orbis Ring Flash as a fill flash. However, I am not a full time photographer, and don't have unlimited funds, so I decided to check out the Coco Ring Flash Adapter (sorry Hobby. I hate shopping at Wal-Mart too, but I can't afford not to).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VcxN4mxpIpUdfFadjnKPcRRGsRsspD3venyyMO3Rtr2YMIkdfpGnRy4hx4sxDLk1dCMSBcXQDaHs1Fg8PScDNNTg3OtcNEtAWegKNq79iaC8jQpxhmBpPNHrcraGiqfJjqepAkTkbYzE/s1600/ringflash_labeled.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="440" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523902759768194722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VcxN4mxpIpUdfFadjnKPcRRGsRsspD3venyyMO3Rtr2YMIkdfpGnRy4hx4sxDLk1dCMSBcXQDaHs1Fg8PScDNNTg3OtcNEtAWegKNq79iaC8jQpxhmBpPNHrcraGiqfJjqepAkTkbYzE/s640/ringflash_labeled.jpg" style="display: block; height: 275px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="640" /></a><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here is my unscientific review of the Coco Ring Flash.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Get more pictures and the whole review after the jump...</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. You get what you pay for. The Coco is pretty cheaply made. Despite all the comments I read about its cheap build, I was still surprised when I unboxed it, I noticed that the clear plastic on the front was scratched up quite a bit. There is even on area where the plastic had some burn bubbles from the moulding process (see picture).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjUtdlCdcyo-xmK7lsSQLN-G5DEyWw9EJFGNQxV976ebzlbT5jHrwmM-uTWG6EYvfkqRvjoIm-O6t-AODjH6Zo5K_SwIwjI8HTTQVc3kkN1s8TrILmu_bxMc9S2SKx0x5CVtis_ZVtGzv/s1600/SW_DSC_9649.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523903391830889474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjUtdlCdcyo-xmK7lsSQLN-G5DEyWw9EJFGNQxV976ebzlbT5jHrwmM-uTWG6EYvfkqRvjoIm-O6t-AODjH6Zo5K_SwIwjI8HTTQVc3kkN1s8TrILmu_bxMc9S2SKx0x5CVtis_ZVtGzv/s400/SW_DSC_9649.jpg" style="display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2. The Coco adapter doesn't fit on the flash head very well (but this is my fault). I have a variety of flashes, some with some pretty large heads. So I bought one that would fit on the Nikon SB-900 knowing I was going to use it on some smaller flashes. However, I don't get the feeling that it is going to fit on any flash head that well. I stuck some velcro on the inside, and it works okay. It comes with a rubber wedge, which is pretty essential to a snug fit. You may have to get creative depending on the flash head you will use.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0gb2H_9fbRqXPPdusNzWN0ifbjXlq8cXNZ_yoBbr1NR81d0lyiUz1PJSL8sVj4dJYjjEQEtK8aRHdbFbN3B5A-KX6JkDHpIMSyAY7krByS40wPF1YpcYrPo28c_Ut8TTaCC5orzMec12/s1600/SW_DSC_9653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0gb2H_9fbRqXPPdusNzWN0ifbjXlq8cXNZ_yoBbr1NR81d0lyiUz1PJSL8sVj4dJYjjEQEtK8aRHdbFbN3B5A-KX6JkDHpIMSyAY7krByS40wPF1YpcYrPo28c_Ut8TTaCC5orzMec12/s400/SW_DSC_9653.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3. When looking at the ring flash from the front, the light seems a little uneven (see pictures). But in the actual pictures of people and objects, the shadow looks fine: the look that I expected. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFkJcV1cLp0R-6yzkaRxKAKtrXFa7siUm8Ed8DAqcN6BcWK8yz_I65QhjpPGWKb_DqWgHHnYbV-HcGtyrK4xvvj09hYTVqzlNkBxtyfivFdlS6PW0ES6xK_ugCOno_BuYqf4B2-cAFraP/s1600/light_exiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFkJcV1cLp0R-6yzkaRxKAKtrXFa7siUm8Ed8DAqcN6BcWK8yz_I65QhjpPGWKb_DqWgHHnYbV-HcGtyrK4xvvj09hYTVqzlNkBxtyfivFdlS6PW0ES6xK_ugCOno_BuYqf4B2-cAFraP/s400/light_exiting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4. I wish the Coco's ring was a little bigger. I would like actual ring catchlights instead the catch lights simply look like a circle.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-3huMW6vqcMJPRmzbR_TiqXZgS1DN92L1BhuEA2W3maB4Cz6bYEFJGwuCwcxuvIllL2a1Q_P0XcKC7ecVJx86OMa7okbD6A7LYMeM51rtglkwq6hekL7qzGepitcb93tJObkAxFsND_K/s1600/SW_DSC_9675-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-3huMW6vqcMJPRmzbR_TiqXZgS1DN92L1BhuEA2W3maB4Cz6bYEFJGwuCwcxuvIllL2a1Q_P0XcKC7ecVJx86OMa7okbD6A7LYMeM51rtglkwq6hekL7qzGepitcb93tJObkAxFsND_K/s400/SW_DSC_9675-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5. Conclusion: I would buy it again. In the end, for $50 + shipping from Amazon it is a fun little tool. Despite the poor build quality. It works fine, and I really like the effect it gives. While the "ring flash" look will get old soon, I can see using it more and more as a fill flash.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaTxuPdvtQtyIS5yjzcYg_nz5C1z29HO6GWGRIat4k7Mz4jcCMCYAyLmn0VTimpyiXIj7h01QR013vslFBcbx4Iu_82kmx3pbm48TDKHDaIvkwpG9RPfSF7wvcLfj_vgNq74B2NlxZ0wx/s1600/SW_DSC_9645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaTxuPdvtQtyIS5yjzcYg_nz5C1z29HO6GWGRIat4k7Mz4jcCMCYAyLmn0VTimpyiXIj7h01QR013vslFBcbx4Iu_82kmx3pbm48TDKHDaIvkwpG9RPfSF7wvcLfj_vgNq74B2NlxZ0wx/s400/SW_DSC_9645.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was seriously considering a DIY alternative, and went to Home Depot to buy the stuff, but after pricing my options and considering the amount of time would be involved, I decided to buy the Coco Ring Flash Adapter. My few friends who have seen it, like it, and for the price are considering one. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrTPL7908vuT0IHI_eWv3NPVo1bwJnY-EjdzJMTxNKRJIWNcF7Y2BDHPmsWEkV8Tava6fZXAS6HeGWi609BmQz5slGWyTSOKbZtmsTtcAg7NlRYh1mrQlkCRKOBiC2rGLO0-jHQO2pxSr/s1600/SW_DSC_9793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrTPL7908vuT0IHI_eWv3NPVo1bwJnY-EjdzJMTxNKRJIWNcF7Y2BDHPmsWEkV8Tava6fZXAS6HeGWi609BmQz5slGWyTSOKbZtmsTtcAg7NlRYh1mrQlkCRKOBiC2rGLO0-jHQO2pxSr/s640/SW_DSC_9793.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camera right: Alien Bee 800 with large shoot through umbrella.<br />
Behind subject: Alien Bee 800 with grid.<br />
Ring flash: around camera used as fill.<br />
Straight from camera, no editing.</td></tr>
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</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-31053799722937627972010-05-16T20:58:00.007-07:002010-11-06T11:45:06.260-07:00A guy, his family, and a Honda OdysseyFriday was the deadline to enter a photograph in a local art show/competition. I found a couple of photos that I had taken during the last year that I would probably enter. But, I wanted to use the festival to challenge me to set up a shot I hadn't taken before. I have a bunch of ideas of images I want to shoot. This was the first of those photos to go from abstract idea to actual photo.<br />
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THE INSPIRATION<br />
My aunt who is studying photography took some awesome portraits of her family and friends. She did a great job of capturing people in their elements. She turned me on to some images taken by <a href="http://www.janetbordeninc.com/artists/Barney">Tina Barney</a>. I am not necessarily a fan of all of Barney's images, but I like what she is trying to do with her photos. I hope my aunt posts her shots because they are on a whole other level. I tried to channel a little Tina Barney and A. Livingstone in the creation of my image. <br />
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I wanted to photograph people in their element; take a shot that told a story. I am not sure that I did that, but I think the photo is at least fun to look at.<br />
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I am going to save the set up and technical elements about the photograph for a later blog post. I took a few shots of the set up, and will post those too. Except for a little desaturation, this is pretty close to how the image came out of the camera.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAU2XAanUgxtRRsLmZhtf88bhrIQ3bM82lFfZ6tr7TVCBqg8XEG20F6EW9DMskH6FH-3-Ht05eAptUI2NcDqoRE4zGjysHzgq8nrpNcZXkatpzQ5hJYumC-ARXLs2fOWR57n5oCMAXzFnk/s1600/In+the+Van-571.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472092538615408098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAU2XAanUgxtRRsLmZhtf88bhrIQ3bM82lFfZ6tr7TVCBqg8XEG20F6EW9DMskH6FH-3-Ht05eAptUI2NcDqoRE4zGjysHzgq8nrpNcZXkatpzQ5hJYumC-ARXLs2fOWR57n5oCMAXzFnk/s400/In+the+Van-571.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-59755013101803388762010-02-15T00:09:00.017-07:002010-11-06T11:52:09.457-07:00Nikon D70 DSLR Flash Fix<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39HMCEqOo7pwWYTLb1yYwZ2_TwvAo0qLBuA7e8Zao16XrckUNZQ8UJ4jMNpbEQq5hZf4jEwz_I8rjtPAUyo8hQmbygdwwl-w6kf93-CQrZe3PnHQGVyY2Pto2_Z2YHhEEXXTua4TfL53g/s1600/SW_DSC_2344.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474546061658908738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39HMCEqOo7pwWYTLb1yYwZ2_TwvAo0qLBuA7e8Zao16XrckUNZQ8UJ4jMNpbEQq5hZf4jEwz_I8rjtPAUyo8hQmbygdwwl-w6kf93-CQrZe3PnHQGVyY2Pto2_Z2YHhEEXXTua4TfL53g/s400/SW_DSC_2344.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 1px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 1px;" /></a><br />
<div>I picked up a couple of Nikon D70 bodies on craigslist this week. I got them home and found out the built-in flash wouldn’t fire. I was pretty frustrated by the situation. The D70 can remotely fire a Nikon flash with CLS, but not if the flash doesn’t work. The seller who sold me the cameras didn’t know that the flashes didn’t work. Really, I have no reason not to believe her.</div><div><br />
</div><div>After surfing the web, I found that there is a group of D70 users who have had their built-in flashes go out. <a href="http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00BWst">I read over at photo.net about a guy named Tony Evans who fixed his flash</a>. As a result, I don’t take credit for discovering this fix, but I tried to document my fix.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Sold my macro lens. These are the best picts I’ve got.</div><div><br />
</div><div>1: Remove the screws that hold on the cover of the built in flash (pic 1). Note that the screws actually screw in/out at an angle (pic 1 b).</div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd2gMIye26q_vi80QikZMEZbRQ_8EY89NyR9rM_RWd4Vl0Hzx0TCiy312ALOZKoE-sJt8xcmugfoGe_WiFDNJxmAoY5s2d4D7lggxhBiQEPvmTc2j4KawzeCgK3y3ruUlt3y-fLKcpb0p/s1600-h/SW_DSC_7500.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd2gMIye26q_vi80QikZMEZbRQ_8EY89NyR9rM_RWd4Vl0Hzx0TCiy312ALOZKoE-sJt8xcmugfoGe_WiFDNJxmAoY5s2d4D7lggxhBiQEPvmTc2j4KawzeCgK3y3ruUlt3y-fLKcpb0p/s1600-h/SW_DSC_7500.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438371015104652658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd2gMIye26q_vi80QikZMEZbRQ_8EY89NyR9rM_RWd4Vl0Hzx0TCiy312ALOZKoE-sJt8xcmugfoGe_WiFDNJxmAoY5s2d4D7lggxhBiQEPvmTc2j4KawzeCgK3y3ruUlt3y-fLKcpb0p/s400/SW_DSC_7500.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf5nOPIH8wAsFU7kMbVTk2GuUE2vzsHRv4AKRwRKXhqgi6LsJJLevGtEqg1hvtMOeNGsiJqqlYIxNynAZqnWoXr6J9JxsS70IpqaFab8EmajKQYGzjPPjJF0Cpcg7xvfO8-tHr_wOLY4g/s1600-h/SW_DSC_7501.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438371019496277538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf5nOPIH8wAsFU7kMbVTk2GuUE2vzsHRv4AKRwRKXhqgi6LsJJLevGtEqg1hvtMOeNGsiJqqlYIxNynAZqnWoXr6J9JxsS70IpqaFab8EmajKQYGzjPPjJF0Cpcg7xvfO8-tHr_wOLY4g/s400/SW_DSC_7501.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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See the rest after the jump.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>2: Notice the white tab that is attached to a white cylinder (pic 2). The tab for whatever reason can get pushed into the housing, and needs to be pulled back out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtAbf0tGhONGBEHZ8oR8XlZ1nGvSnRqfosxKrJ6QyaslWJWek0uccbm_k41pNCJC5WIFFapeXtqxuG8ZwIhYRucknYD3Vedn0bZMuYQ3MbVe62of4t6Aw0gDxISANT5QZXm-cSUZC3Nqg/s1600-h/SW_DSC_7502.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438371027976933506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtAbf0tGhONGBEHZ8oR8XlZ1nGvSnRqfosxKrJ6QyaslWJWek0uccbm_k41pNCJC5WIFFapeXtqxuG8ZwIhYRucknYD3Vedn0bZMuYQ3MbVe62of4t6Aw0gDxISANT5QZXm-cSUZC3Nqg/s400/SW_DSC_7502.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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3: On the opposite side I removed the screw and spring (pic 3) to allow the whole flash to be lifted up (pict 3b). Be careful not to break any wires. But everything seemed pretty well attached.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJR2P4UbecmUvHhCAtEWdUCLyLeMcoSKEUAZ-TtiI0D5km9Dij64rfruRJhbZJP0wSV2R9vtitoD7TB8Z9k-LXIkONJUPDD3gRwyc1Te5SYnpOhzLGjTOeAMzUHwC8dFYy9Yw4wxCXXvS/s1600-h/SW_DSC_7503.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438371036571476002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJR2P4UbecmUvHhCAtEWdUCLyLeMcoSKEUAZ-TtiI0D5km9Dij64rfruRJhbZJP0wSV2R9vtitoD7TB8Z9k-LXIkONJUPDD3gRwyc1Te5SYnpOhzLGjTOeAMzUHwC8dFYy9Yw4wxCXXvS/s400/SW_DSC_7503.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauYOWYSnhNkYUz5ps91WW2RLAblUrfJq8e8ETbZ1x6jFsWmAIMJ0ft1fJDa4wGohwO2wpfg2c3THZUVINNixYUtVX3xm8t7YNsog6QsbwOVJpwTMHJbNrSgMlQL3Qk-ny8cproVqX25x2/s1600-h/SW_DSC_7505.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438371043020274146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauYOWYSnhNkYUz5ps91WW2RLAblUrfJq8e8ETbZ1x6jFsWmAIMJ0ft1fJDa4wGohwO2wpfg2c3THZUVINNixYUtVX3xm8t7YNsog6QsbwOVJpwTMHJbNrSgMlQL3Qk-ny8cproVqX25x2/s400/SW_DSC_7505.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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4: I used a paper clip with a small hook on one end (pic 4) to stick into the white cylinder and pull it out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1nnjQ5xjntn-gSkW0bOD45cAJIdzOfzvWLRlqIyqJtHDs6VFeW9iNIr42SWgdVXwecGsb6R3fnRDy-mREmG4QonVPfE8wAK5ZvQwrqAnxhYN9uphiAbaEk20qXiidbbRBOibYxcoGHDk/s1600-h/SW_DSC_7506.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438372032664925314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1nnjQ5xjntn-gSkW0bOD45cAJIdzOfzvWLRlqIyqJtHDs6VFeW9iNIr42SWgdVXwecGsb6R3fnRDy-mREmG4QonVPfE8wAK5ZvQwrqAnxhYN9uphiAbaEk20qXiidbbRBOibYxcoGHDk/s400/SW_DSC_7506.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<br />
. You then need to snap the black flash housing back over the white cylinder (pic 5). There are little tabs that hold the cylinder in place (pic 5). This was the most frustrating and time-consuming part. As I tried to slip the black housing over the end of the cylinder; the cylinder would get shoved back in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEMjWwHvzEoIQO79zqxjH9JdNxJRnKdXuaTVNC_B0YQlvjaPEfuRN0sgJriS0wNCj9Z1vYE2rOhNgcZHp05cJwgEPjckvo4SqO4QoqR0_aR48ef2CjjDvLUorjRQavHy-Mz8zQOCqxxKO/s1600-h/SW_DSC_7507.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438372023095908562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEMjWwHvzEoIQO79zqxjH9JdNxJRnKdXuaTVNC_B0YQlvjaPEfuRN0sgJriS0wNCj9Z1vYE2rOhNgcZHp05cJwgEPjckvo4SqO4QoqR0_aR48ef2CjjDvLUorjRQavHy-Mz8zQOCqxxKO/s400/SW_DSC_7507.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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6. The post-fix appropriate connection (pic. 6).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoY0Zf1t0sPUcc1o5sZDXdbbVXRGsz-eHs-iLzzfy586joyT47vOKKWv8UZlUKosFM1UK5rrRY3Gv3ziwuhvgQYa5Fh64mStDypl0DjF-IIxUL2fJkPZFjJjRm2ZVckLoL9qgUq7mSIJw/s1600-h/SW_DSC_7508.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438372020477521970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoY0Zf1t0sPUcc1o5sZDXdbbVXRGsz-eHs-iLzzfy586joyT47vOKKWv8UZlUKosFM1UK5rrRY3Gv3ziwuhvgQYa5Fh64mStDypl0DjF-IIxUL2fJkPZFjJjRm2ZVckLoL9qgUq7mSIJw/s400/SW_DSC_7508.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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7. Reassemble.<br />
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Hope this helps. The D70 is a great camera: autofocus motor built into the body, insane sync speeds due to the electronic shutter, and built in (albeit very simple) CLS control are just a few things that make this a classic camera.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-10232584012190435132009-09-26T16:21:00.007-07:002010-11-06T11:55:04.587-07:00DIY Radiopoppers RPcube<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOFCD1b8FhpRGkhShmxxsXufl29lVhM1KZjkf-CksvRpKL3XLNA9vR07stORaRQmKHvUO6Ros_f8EY8ySd83plyGiAq5qdXDX2fw8tZS7ZM734Z5gO-PaL3ikKG3iXqYJ4JwWL_gJ5_Zv/s1600-h/SW_DSC_1952.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385921903522905778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOFCD1b8FhpRGkhShmxxsXufl29lVhM1KZjkf-CksvRpKL3XLNA9vR07stORaRQmKHvUO6Ros_f8EY8ySd83plyGiAq5qdXDX2fw8tZS7ZM734Z5gO-PaL3ikKG3iXqYJ4JwWL_gJ5_Zv/s400/SW_DSC_1952.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">While I love the Nikon CLS system, I find that it can be problematic at times. The flashes aren't always able to "see" each other. I decided to go with radio triggers. I started with gadget infinity triggers; then I graduated to pocketwizards. However, when Radiopoppers announced their JrX line of triggers and receivers and the potential to adjust the level of flash output, I decided to give them a try. Unfortunately, the JrXs require the not yet released "RP Cube" to adjust the flash output. With how long it takes Radiopoppers to release their products, I chose not to hold by breath.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I decided to build my own RP Cube.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I ordered a couple of Nikon AS-900 cords from BH Photo. The cost around $10 each. I chose these cords because I have an SB-800, SB-600, and an older Vivitar flash that supports (maybe) Nikon TTL (an older version). As a result, I cut it, and used the hot shoe for the SB-600, and the female three prong side for the SB-800. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157622317133654/">More info can be found here in the strobist forums on Flickr</a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNPTpWk-MqpBgCg16oMLZ7MLLRGK3kJAyL6O4PY-xO4xvXV9A7tytM02QRmmsLRv0tP4MDZc0qpsIs3H0T48EFOxdnX0roKse1t0kMlz2LYlWnHoZLCv99CUha6Pq8FBSuC8TeJyZ-fdH/s1600-h/SW_DSC_1946.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385921894720390050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNPTpWk-MqpBgCg16oMLZ7MLLRGK3kJAyL6O4PY-xO4xvXV9A7tytM02QRmmsLRv0tP4MDZc0qpsIs3H0T48EFOxdnX0roKse1t0kMlz2LYlWnHoZLCv99CUha6Pq8FBSuC8TeJyZ-fdH/s400/SW_DSC_1946.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">It is pretty cool to wirelessly control the power of my strobes. Another reason I went with the radiopoppers is that the ability to control my alienbees is built into the JrXs without modification. Here are some non-scientfic shots of me wirelessly adjusting the flash in my kitchen. Note that there are two flashes in the picture. However, the SB-800 is turned off and is not firing. These images include just the SB-600 firing from the DIY RPcube hot shoe.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoNFqUZLmqNGtdS3TIAlon_vLmDoO2MVASaj2yCyerPxgCL-VBhaoxYO9tiGIdEdzwyajwGaO2rY0pcShwIBR0C9UQIXUXS3mh7WAlJk2OTPn18JNOQfuUjzjvfRg97WI9yWGJ8XAFF53/s1600-h/SW_DSC_1928.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385921913400620850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoNFqUZLmqNGtdS3TIAlon_vLmDoO2MVASaj2yCyerPxgCL-VBhaoxYO9tiGIdEdzwyajwGaO2rY0pcShwIBR0C9UQIXUXS3mh7WAlJk2OTPn18JNOQfuUjzjvfRg97WI9yWGJ8XAFF53/s400/SW_DSC_1928.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 178px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-38580919351498900522009-07-25T23:52:00.009-07:002010-11-06T11:45:38.598-07:00Downtown Phoenix at Night<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbarNd3Y76pNySgKWne7S8RNd9-J1Ywp3K50t5C37mE1KVTsIc5BF1Bdu1w-5UB-gcDPrIjHAyoGlByd5kzbC9-Eflc2VUh_0VWe0J-2SEb_Opyf4cqm6URrsxrWcQt03SzLvRq1IgqSe/s1600-h/SW_DSC_7232_3_4_5_6_7_8_tonemapped.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362662217113346674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbarNd3Y76pNySgKWne7S8RNd9-J1Ywp3K50t5C37mE1KVTsIc5BF1Bdu1w-5UB-gcDPrIjHAyoGlByd5kzbC9-Eflc2VUh_0VWe0J-2SEb_Opyf4cqm6URrsxrWcQt03SzLvRq1IgqSe/s400/SW_DSC_7232_3_4_5_6_7_8_tonemapped.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 292px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
This is downtown Phoenix at on Friday night. This is Phoenix City Hall. This shot was taken close to midnight. Pirates had just downed the Diamondbacks. Regardless, there were fireworks above the ballpark. Have a few more shots from that evening over at my smugmug HDR gallery.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-71752452185763160422009-07-18T12:34:00.005-07:002010-11-06T11:46:01.361-07:00Read Hot Shoe Diaries and other cool books online<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyqoFV9mm3wcwRSBrBS_wj4qZLGvrCQ5onEo69CGuKIVhlJbEE-KyQ0mrwix-njj9K70JnrWB5WoZFG5UVlM3YOalBRPE6p2Cx9uOU2XWrk9gr3LcY61KaMe4K1qLU7v3qW5Rlq8geHws/s1600-h/ddd.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359886176118982930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyqoFV9mm3wcwRSBrBS_wj4qZLGvrCQ5onEo69CGuKIVhlJbEE-KyQ0mrwix-njj9K70JnrWB5WoZFG5UVlM3YOalBRPE6p2Cx9uOU2XWrk9gr3LcY61KaMe4K1qLU7v3qW5Rlq8geHws/s400/ddd.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 419px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 456px;" /></a><br />
UPDATE: Scott Kelby's latest book: The Digital Photography Book, Vol. 3 is up at Safari Online. Hey it just came out - that was fast.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Okay, so only four people "read" my blog. My wife, my aunt, and... I read it. Okay, so only three people "read" my blog. Maybe it will catch on before 2039.<br />
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Read more after the jump...<br />
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Joe McNally has a newish book out. It is called Hot Shoe Diaries. About three months ago, I put the book on hold at the Phoenix library. Two days before it had to be back, I started to read it. I already owe my library too much in fines, so I returned it. The waiting list is long, so it will be about a year before I can check it out again (really).<br />
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I am poor, and can't afford to buy the latest and greatest book from Scott Kelby when he publishes some "I am a Photoshop Genius" book. However, books like those from McNally and Kelby I read online for free.<br />
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I read them online through my library. McNally's books are available through an online company called Safari Books Online. I have library cards to several libraries (nerdy, I know). My Glendale, Arizona library card gains me access to Safari Books Online. Safari Books carries titles from heavy weight publishers in the areas of technology. For example, they have books from publishers such as O'Reilly Media, Peachpit Press, Adobe Press, New Riders, Cisco Press, Microsoft Press, Sams, and IBM Press.<br />
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From home, Using my library card number I can log in to Glendale's online services and as a result, Safari Books Online.<br />
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Here is a sample of books offered:<br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;">- MCTS: Windows® Server 2008 70-642 Q&A By: Pierre Askmo DTI Publishing Publisher: Course Technology PTR<br />
- The Digital Photography Handbook Vols 1 and 2 By: Scott Kelby Publisher: Peachpit Press<br />
- Adobe Flash CS4 Professional for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide By: Katherine Ulrich Publisher: Peachpit Press<br />
- Photoshop CS4: The Missing Manual By: Lesa Snider King Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Inc.<br />
- Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing Manual By: David Pogue Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Inc.<br />
- The ActionScript™ 3.0 Migration Guide: Making the Move from ActionScript 2.0 By: Kris Hadlock Publisher: New Riders<br />
- SCJP Sun® Certified Programmer for Java™ 6 Study Guide: (Exam 310-065) By: Katherine Sierra; Bert Bates<br />
- Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS): (CCNA Security exam 640-553) (Authorized Self-Study Guide) By: Catherine Paquet Publisher: Cisco Press</span><br />
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Oh, and all the books I have used are searchable (you can't do that in print).<br />
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Public libraries pay a lot of money to have access to these databases. There is information about getting scholarships, Chilton's car repair books (I actually had my laptop out in the driveway while reading the step by step guide during a successful attempt to replace the broken driver's side window of my car), phone number look-ups, language learning software like Rosetta Stone or Auralog, sample ACT, SAT, GMAT, LSAT, Civil Service exams; the list is endless.<br />
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Two Libraries I have used that have Safari Online access are the San Francisco, California Public Library and the Glendale, Arizona Public Library (I don't think Phoenix, Az or Maricopa County do - they use overdrive, and while it has great books too, it doesn't offer the same quantity of tech books).</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-3318882657556132702009-07-06T11:27:00.007-07:002010-11-06T11:48:33.422-07:00Wedding Shoot<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtJoXKtQbvDsTLHTrh1G4beXaX0SVyK5oziVSZpVJ2Ncb4Igvi4VT60JbCmneztxwccf1fMKJ_9LNW61PaCDGDsOJwyx0JXgwgB3Zj2R8XPOezmUT91v6jWlj4bH3DzTKGjyNpn6ItT7r/s1600-h/579610679_nNfsm-XL.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355419858541731778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtJoXKtQbvDsTLHTrh1G4beXaX0SVyK5oziVSZpVJ2Ncb4Igvi4VT60JbCmneztxwccf1fMKJ_9LNW61PaCDGDsOJwyx0JXgwgB3Zj2R8XPOezmUT91v6jWlj4bH3DzTKGjyNpn6ItT7r/s400/579610679_nNfsm-XL.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 346px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 523px;" /></a><br />
Summer has gotten busy! My cousin was married last week. She asked me to help take wedding photos. I really enjoyed it. I worked my butt off. We got some great shots. More photos can be viewed from my smugmug galleries (link on the upper right hand area of this blog page). I am still in the process of reviewing and uploading reception shots. Image shot at 1/20 s, f/2.5, ISO 500, Nikon D90 with a 50mm f/1.4 lens (I borrowed the lens from my friend Matt). I had two Nikon SB-600s mounted to a monopod, and shot through an umbrella. I was firing the strobes using commander mode on the D90. However, I was manually controlling the flash power, and don't remember the exact flash setting.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-46540033403281959742009-05-17T18:31:00.015-07:002010-11-06T11:48:59.833-07:00DIY Nikon SB-600 speedlight Flash Tube replacementIn a previous post I mentioned that one of my kids knocked over a light stand with an sb-600 attached. Well, I ordered the $8.52 USD flash tube from Nikon for the sb-600 speedlight, and did it myself last night. Works fine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikG0kJRJ1WFDv4vs1BUGOYm2YgIesuj9P9QxWk1iwEBxY22nwPE9mrAaX-XdWwj_nTJNuhRPc4uND_6lfHOmgVAIrcoo9l6MXNZJSLrjw9XJV8PBPdjr8ChnLMzcOlYF6LpMB60QObRP3r/s1600-h/broken+flash+tube.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337014962578227426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikG0kJRJ1WFDv4vs1BUGOYm2YgIesuj9P9QxWk1iwEBxY22nwPE9mrAaX-XdWwj_nTJNuhRPc4uND_6lfHOmgVAIrcoo9l6MXNZJSLrjw9XJV8PBPdjr8ChnLMzcOlYF6LpMB60QObRP3r/s400/broken+flash+tube.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 168px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 503px;" /></a><br />
Things you need:<br />
- 1 Nikon SB-600 Speedlight with a broken flash tube.<br />
- Small philips screw driver (the small screwdriver set at the dollar store is fine).<br />
- Soldering iron and solder (a solder sucker came in handy - borrowed it from a friend - thanks Matt).<br />
- Replacement bulb (obviously): Part number: XE701 BTW (not required when phoning Nikon).<br />
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Optional:<br />
- A way to drain the power from the capacitor/thingy that stores the energy to allow for a high powered flash.<br />
- Small flat head screwdriver.<br />
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Prep: I didn't actively drain the power from the flash before I began working. After my flash broke, I could see that the tube was snapped in half. I removed the batteries. It sat without batteries for about three weeks. When I touched inside wires, I felt some power still in the flash, but never got zapped (though I have been zapped before while working on flashes).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TB9yW2MV_Y6sytqb3KyYuDConaYSKbONXbCmCX2N2rBXcgO30JZFL9isb91PbAe_vXL8DOx7t5t309fnUwtB-8aUEplXymv0Rpgs9eGW-OvyNPtZB1IKcGZyPg1admL8PMQa0rBJrf6S/s1600-h/1+2+3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337005186893576402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TB9yW2MV_Y6sytqb3KyYuDConaYSKbONXbCmCX2N2rBXcgO30JZFL9isb91PbAe_vXL8DOx7t5t309fnUwtB-8aUEplXymv0Rpgs9eGW-OvyNPtZB1IKcGZyPg1admL8PMQa0rBJrf6S/s400/1+2+3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 130px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 617px;" /></a><br />
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Step 1. Place the flash bottom up and remove the two long screws at the end of the flash head.<br />
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Step 2. Pry off the rubber "Push" button on the hinge that allows for the head to be manipulated. There is also a spring underneath. I used a small flathead screw driver, but anything would have worked. It came off easily. Then unscrew the four screws underneath.<br />
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Step 3. Remove the cover on the opposite side of the hinge. Underneath the rubber cover is a very thin black adhesive film. Remove the film to expose the screws. Don't worry about tearing the film. Remove the four screws.<br />
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The bottom of the flash head should then easily be removed exposing the internal electronics. Notice the four small copper prongs that protrude from the bottom of the flash tube assembly. These prongs rub along the circuit board, and control the head's zoom. Try not to bend them, and definitely don't break them off. Make sure to check that they contact the board before reassembling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NpN_WOvyI1-qf_dzl1sQ576pNslWfd5sWE8-T1PIph3hkMM162sKUEuBal3Qw2abu8HddsKhZMa7_ihncMesYA-ll1JeZuzz6CzH2brWZMqFRcYpkX5SpfJVxAUMTwHTDgGz2i9mzIZz/s1600-h/copper+prongs.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337009044379263202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NpN_WOvyI1-qf_dzl1sQ576pNslWfd5sWE8-T1PIph3hkMM162sKUEuBal3Qw2abu8HddsKhZMa7_ihncMesYA-ll1JeZuzz6CzH2brWZMqFRcYpkX5SpfJVxAUMTwHTDgGz2i9mzIZz/s400/copper+prongs.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 132px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Step 4. (optional). Drain the power so you won't get shocked. Here are some ways you may want to do it:<br />
<a href="http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/11/important-warning-camera-flash.html">http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/11/important-warning-camera-flash.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxBNY7Fzm4OeaOi9369nH7fQ54_ZuXvF2Uw6cYFiMdnDwe-loP6nZJIXRcBl7Um0Z52tf_zngo-tLNlX0d_IPA5lF-CM-YGsNQZnndsZlHi3wK5oRykVcQhz3NAfk7Kg7kw7AnEZ6FymH/s1600-h/5+6+6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337006047438502466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxBNY7Fzm4OeaOi9369nH7fQ54_ZuXvF2Uw6cYFiMdnDwe-loP6nZJIXRcBl7Um0Z52tf_zngo-tLNlX0d_IPA5lF-CM-YGsNQZnndsZlHi3wK5oRykVcQhz3NAfk7Kg7kw7AnEZ6FymH/s400/5+6+6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 135px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 611px;" /></a><br />
Step 5. Four screws hold the zoom motor to the flash head. It is best to remove these screws to allow easier access to the solder points. However, eight screws are visible(ish), and only four need to be removed. Remove the two black ones on the far side opposite the pcb/circuit board. The other two screws to be removed run along the metal post on which the flash bulb assembly slides. The bulb assembly may actually obscure the one of the screws. The bulb assembly can gently be slid out of the way. The silver screws hold a pcb board to the flash head and don't need to be removed. The other row of screws (in between the two rows we are removing) can also stay in place.<br />
<br />
Once the screws are removed, the only thing holding the bulb unit to the flash body are wires. Remove the wires from the clip to get more working distance between the board and the flash tube assembly.<br />
<br />
Step 6. Remove the solder from the flash tube. The flash tube is solder at three points. One on each end, and a white wire that is also attached to the bulb. If you have a replacement bulb, it should be obvious the points that you need to desolder. Note: there is a second white wire that will also become desoldered; it joins the white wire from the bulb, at the same solder point.<br />
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Step 7. A transparent "rubber band" holds the bulb in the flash tube assembly and will need to be removed. I recommend removing the side with the white wire first, because on that side there is a slit in the rubber band to facilitate removal. Take note of which way the ends of the rubber band are facing in order to replace it the same way.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQ_XJPGsUk2v8rgHZB15IkQisQaceHhEMS0kGHeZp5QkUAXqd7jMJM61dQW1NdljkK3fF4cWIKgWwNPSbal1HFvvlJ-lUGmu9-GR9TCeGuv-rNnemJNbbBlN88JU6Uv5XCfmI7g6eKdTq/s1600-h/7+and+10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337007916092765314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQ_XJPGsUk2v8rgHZB15IkQisQaceHhEMS0kGHeZp5QkUAXqd7jMJM61dQW1NdljkK3fF4cWIKgWwNPSbal1HFvvlJ-lUGmu9-GR9TCeGuv-rNnemJNbbBlN88JU6Uv5XCfmI7g6eKdTq/s400/7+and+10.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 166px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 502px;" /></a><br />
Step 8. Remove the tube. Kind of a pain, but it comes out.<br />
<br />
Step 9. Slide the new bulb in and resolder. This is the simplest step, but this took me the longest. I preferred to solder the end without the white wire first. My rationale was that because there is a slit in the other side (the side with the white wire) of the rubber band, it will go on easier. Who knows? Also, my solder skills are lacking, so if I can do it, so can you.<br />
<br />
Step 10. Put it back together.<br />
A couple of things to remember: make sure that the copper prongs mentioned in step 3 are contacting the circuit board, you may want to check them out before replacing the screws that hold the flash tube assembly to the flash head. Also, make sure that the wires connecting the tube assembly to the flash are tucked way back. I put my flash back together, and it worked fine, accept for the 85mm zoom. The tube assembly was bumping the wires, and couldn't zoom all the way back. I had to reopen, and tuck the wires out of the way.<br />
<br />
While I didn't try to break any components, I wasn't particularly gentile. The flash head seemed pretty durable, and moderately simple. If you can grow a third hand before beginning this project, it would be helpful.<br />
<br />
Happy soldering!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-55816292656958731342009-04-25T17:33:00.007-07:002010-11-06T11:49:21.181-07:00Thanks Matt for getting me out of the house to shoot some photos.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye5wHRNxHP8BO1e_DxLXpxraPE0WAc-8EhUzDRt7tQEGVQj3ds4qvlX8GUhR3Qqzb1Hwa5d_7HtG5gYgGip_BfjaoqhXQ69kkkFI3_KRFDgC10oaV6QOu0UOdx8HYX-2utdecWX2yKTxt/s1600-h/520700020_8boFr-O.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328794981721463794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhye5wHRNxHP8BO1e_DxLXpxraPE0WAc-8EhUzDRt7tQEGVQj3ds4qvlX8GUhR3Qqzb1Hwa5d_7HtG5gYgGip_BfjaoqhXQ69kkkFI3_KRFDgC10oaV6QOu0UOdx8HYX-2utdecWX2yKTxt/s400/520700020_8boFr-O.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 265px;" /></a><br />
<br />
My friend Matt has been wanting to do a few night time HDR shots of certain building he and I saw a month or two ago. Here is my version of the building. It is near Deer Valley Airport in a business park just off of 19th Ave. Matt took some great shots. I took three photos, and this is the one I liked most. It is an HDR shot with exposures taken at 510 (8:30), 256 (4:16), 128 (2:08), 64, 30, 15, and 8 seconds. I am glad Matt got me out, and got me home when my voice started getting raspy.<br />
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On an unrelated note, I hope to soon a post on replacing the bulb in a Nikon SB-600 speedlight. I had the strobe on a light stand when my 1 year old knocked it over, and it landed bulb side down on the tile in the dining room. ARRGGHH. The zoom feature works, and I can easilty see the broken bulb through the clear plastic. Nikon's part dept. was closed 5 minutes before their scheduled closing time :p by the time I tried to order the part.<br />
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The bulb is on ebay for $29 + shipping but I hear that they are cheaper from Nikon. I have my soldering iron ready (three solder points), I just hope I can save it. It is on life support, and I hope it doesn't die on the operating table (my soldering is pretty bad).<br />
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Note: I am not a big fan of the "fakey/surreal" looking HDR photos, though they do have their place. If you look at this photo at full size. It looks more realistic.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-60605047241018343082009-04-21T21:45:00.004-07:002010-11-06T11:48:19.572-07:00Tiffany<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb4hNYqUJZUMmrApMJ5qHfUUXk-adMjx5Qm45p324-ph_wG7gEGs7k0pY47ZSL8ek6FQXkTY4v18erMeOQsn6WDJRfoyx1bd_nLH6QCeUJXu_M8msYCi7vkvwyUx_a01t_MWEjJtW5lcd/s1600-h/tiffany+play.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327373083469692194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb4hNYqUJZUMmrApMJ5qHfUUXk-adMjx5Qm45p324-ph_wG7gEGs7k0pY47ZSL8ek6FQXkTY4v18erMeOQsn6WDJRfoyx1bd_nLH6QCeUJXu_M8msYCi7vkvwyUx_a01t_MWEjJtW5lcd/s400/tiffany+play.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Shot this photo of my sister-in-law in the garage. Two lights: an SB800 gelled blue shooting on a white background, and an Alienbees 800 with a large softbox camera right. I would have liked a little more distance between the subject and the background, but this was in my garage. Oh well. Then did about 3 minutes of post in Photoshop, just a quick high pass filter set to 75%ish opacity, vignetting, and desaturated just a tad. </span></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Arnon, good luck on getting your black chair back. I love it.</span></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-33844155333079958392009-04-18T20:57:00.004-07:002010-11-06T11:57:44.008-07:00Black chair on the hill<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bwazEJWwq-J0Eee20CQsvaaw9qayew6IXr6ajlc6ip709HinDZl_lJdeNBNgp0-Xz73Z2p_3iAQROKc2LFhobY79dSqFXbLnxiPs1BJk_Nd2tmNajaOqNEMtn3r3mHG8Yce8XoI8N3k6/s1600-h/DSC_1603.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326247939750255090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bwazEJWwq-J0Eee20CQsvaaw9qayew6IXr6ajlc6ip709HinDZl_lJdeNBNgp0-Xz73Z2p_3iAQROKc2LFhobY79dSqFXbLnxiPs1BJk_Nd2tmNajaOqNEMtn3r3mHG8Yce8XoI8N3k6/s400/DSC_1603.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Tessa always does a good job of helping me compose photos. Borrowed a black leather chair from the Livingstone house, and went up to a little hill not far from home. The chair turned out to be a lot heavier than it looked. Shooting through an umbrella, I think I would have preferred a softbox to control the light fall-off a little more. But I don't mind a little illumination on the immediate surroundings.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-55493744169931460032009-04-16T21:31:00.007-07:002010-11-06T11:48:01.248-07:00dumped<div style="text-align: left;">My <a href="http://arnonart143.blogspot.com/">aunt</a> was given the assignment of using strobes to take portraits. She decided to do a series of "dumped" photos. Here is one of the shots. We did it in my garage (I think it may have been a ploy to keep her own garage clean). <a href="http://arnonart143.blogspot.com/">Check them out here.</a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk3UxPJQXn_ujzc34Ic8aMlTrtm0Dvmxxts4RZMNGpPICmiGEUf5uOrbvnSBl1O5bIn9zVO_c7kvtSpsFx0FLs6Y8LHfvd5dY1pZanYTrvPyjAcKauzk3xfITl92z83ECahK1N4e47SU6/s1600-h/DSC_0698.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZEw6ChZV8BIjYvGG2ZuU0iz_qxdCZw4hMmH7xQSXHXtgJecORsymOUkwWErBjm-5ARAk-9UYTd5FLhtqUi9fsNMzO0XdXoenfdAK2LX7eMLEolrVnDTJ-9ppm4vKW-3pRO2YKEsTOvO3/s1600-h/DSC_0694.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE72g6MOAn8dXbnUA4e8RORsp4XY7oILuj8h-aScsdXIMtfIpWUil8mcoK1JSyK5vYh1LA844FrWw8HbUqDB0QVcbpLd45qPzFnM-11o46NwxsVjZWX7WIj0UQl293GcFBZq8gq8zmmKSS/s1600-h/_MG_0186.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325516004637953042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE72g6MOAn8dXbnUA4e8RORsp4XY7oILuj8h-aScsdXIMtfIpWUil8mcoK1JSyK5vYh1LA844FrWw8HbUqDB0QVcbpLd45qPzFnM-11o46NwxsVjZWX7WIj0UQl293GcFBZq8gq8zmmKSS/s400/_MG_0186.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 261px;" /></a><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Three Alienbees total. Two on the sides and slightly above with 7inch reflectors (come standard with the strobes), and one alienbees shot into silver umbrella as the key light. We tried an sb-800 on the floor shooting at the background for a few shots. It was set to fire with the built in optical trigger. With the exception of two sb-600s, we used all my light.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We were able to shoot between 3.5 frames per second and 4.5 frames per second. The alienbees did a good job of keeping up, but a little power was lost. The first frame of each burst was noticeably lighter than the following.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Here are a couple of the setup shots. The shots are from our second sitting. As result, we managed to keep the mess somewhat under control. The chair front and left is where I stood to pour the food product on the poor recipient.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Before:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325516004948092178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZEw6ChZV8BIjYvGG2ZuU0iz_qxdCZw4hMmH7xQSXHXtgJecORsymOUkwWErBjm-5ARAk-9UYTd5FLhtqUi9fsNMzO0XdXoenfdAK2LX7eMLEolrVnDTJ-9ppm4vKW-3pRO2YKEsTOvO3/s400/DSC_0694.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">After:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325516011441250610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk3UxPJQXn_ujzc34Ic8aMlTrtm0Dvmxxts4RZMNGpPICmiGEUf5uOrbvnSBl1O5bIn9zVO_c7kvtSpsFx0FLs6Y8LHfvd5dY1pZanYTrvPyjAcKauzk3xfITl92z83ECahK1N4e47SU6/s400/DSC_0698.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-24496765913935003162009-03-31T23:11:00.003-07:002010-11-06T11:49:40.708-07:00Dance on white wall with butcher paper floor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbIyZoL20ChrYBMYFEfukaIzpQzPoVufnU1aFnopa1GBsoA9aZAU9thAnnOe0OroOxE8IKI9ZvVPiIfyrtFMWen-C1aEcRtEoJDm2bfsUnsPE4KR11CnZON9aWgAyOgXrdgnQEAO7Obje/s1600-h/DSC_0638.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319602221596997986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbIyZoL20ChrYBMYFEfukaIzpQzPoVufnU1aFnopa1GBsoA9aZAU9thAnnOe0OroOxE8IKI9ZvVPiIfyrtFMWen-C1aEcRtEoJDm2bfsUnsPE4KR11CnZON9aWgAyOgXrdgnQEAO7Obje/s400/DSC_0638.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 264px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I help out with the photography club at the high school. We started out with 30+ participants, and we are down to about 4-6 regulars. Which, to be honest, is on par with how most of the clubs at the school work. I dragged three Alienbees (800 x2 and 400) to school, and set them up in the teacher's work room. We laid some white butcher paper on the floor and went to town. 6.5 foot ceilings? Not recommended for shooting dance. Oh well, that is what we had, and it was a good learning experience for all involved. Thanks Sarah and Chris for being our guinea pigs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-73385468472026483752009-03-20T12:50:00.004-07:002010-11-06T11:49:59.305-07:00Wednesday and Thursday Night HDR Photos<a href="http://stevewatson.smugmug.com/photos/495222002_ggEBP-S.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stevewatson.smugmug.com/photos/495222002_ggEBP-S.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://stevewatson.smugmug.com/photos/495224465_Y7P5r-S.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stevewatson.smugmug.com/photos/495224465_Y7P5r-S.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://stevewatson.smugmug.com/photos/495225331_PUvJ7-S.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stevewatson.smugmug.com/photos/495225331_PUvJ7-S.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://stevewatson.smugmug.com/photos/495226272_szapj-S.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stevewatson.smugmug.com/photos/495226272_szapj-S.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://stevewatson.smugmug.com/photos/495230108_8jXkC-S.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stevewatson.smugmug.com/photos/495230108_8jXkC-S.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Thanks Ryan for taking us to Knight Transportation. <a href="http://stevewatson.smugmug.com/gallery/7670395_5JAzR/1/495225331_PUvJ7">I created a HDR gallery at my smugmug account here</a>. The shots taken at Jesse's Auto Body Shop have been moved to smugmug gallery due to a google snafu with yesterday's post. I like last night's shots.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-75385309096512714862009-03-19T16:37:00.003-07:002010-11-06T11:50:20.108-07:00My Childhood Memories<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSJ30cfGwS1g5krf3BD39Lj6SukXz32RlSusFV9p0iAPdsFT72IWd68EMuAnGYctH4oYAvPCkF-s2Bu2YLO5UPFjx7DEuYq14uMw4k3hndtkn-jx3YIuFswDbjtHHlisvLQV_fVZLYgN4/s1600-h/DSC_9775.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315047852413436514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSJ30cfGwS1g5krf3BD39Lj6SukXz32RlSusFV9p0iAPdsFT72IWd68EMuAnGYctH4oYAvPCkF-s2Bu2YLO5UPFjx7DEuYq14uMw4k3hndtkn-jx3YIuFswDbjtHHlisvLQV_fVZLYgN4/s400/DSC_9775.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Here is my latest project: I am taking pictures of things associated with my childhood. Occasionally I am going to include some photos not taken by me, but taken when I was a kid. I am inviting my family members to come to the blog and comment on any memories that they may have of the photo, or the object in the photo.<br />
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</div><div>Here is my teddy bear appropriately named "Teddy." He has been around a long time. I literally don't remember not having Teddy. He has one bad eye, and I don't remember very well where he came from.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-54598045388403906502009-03-18T10:28:00.001-07:002010-11-06T11:50:42.915-07:00Tuesday night's HDR<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi-p5y4wKXnc9R2KDsQqMh8KTx4ALTJ3_Fb9G7Ex2YGZ5k4HpcR8zMIpMakPi05JXF3N8NgvcC4E3vseyFR2vpXTvXGONhEpmikCt558Uc_9o5TNolP_XLpZKIxjnnwbaFKo94cXQdOkG/s1600-h/DSC_9661And9more_tonemapped.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314607661414711186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi-p5y4wKXnc9R2KDsQqMh8KTx4ALTJ3_Fb9G7Ex2YGZ5k4HpcR8zMIpMakPi05JXF3N8NgvcC4E3vseyFR2vpXTvXGONhEpmikCt558Uc_9o5TNolP_XLpZKIxjnnwbaFKo94cXQdOkG/s400/DSC_9661And9more_tonemapped.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0SyC7PqUftrrk3fNb1BO12O6RqCeUae7__N1ccbIDKANBCf8KxMt6cqlQpkjF51RpsTf2Bw3G-xC-rLC4udhscmpZBtZKL2ZeC-GmiOF_BPUfrpotvrDtP1NE50vUVjBt_tMKsC_OHqX/s1600-h/DSC_9668And10more_tonemapped.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314606957293531154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0SyC7PqUftrrk3fNb1BO12O6RqCeUae7__N1ccbIDKANBCf8KxMt6cqlQpkjF51RpsTf2Bw3G-xC-rLC4udhscmpZBtZKL2ZeC-GmiOF_BPUfrpotvrDtP1NE50vUVjBt_tMKsC_OHqX/s400/DSC_9668And10more_tonemapped.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZdmgM2EBDJebgPMm2fMPYyMH48zwSKFlKOA-RpnRHu1sUkM5pl8EKf1903EAivx2yTXQNf_zNWEbX7tkr4ITgP8PGpRSgMhi1bH-STw6DyQb_LGvk6StU7L0h6KPoHyxnwTRdvVyEBxt/s1600-h/DSC_9681And11more_tonemapped.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314583674622748530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZdmgM2EBDJebgPMm2fMPYyMH48zwSKFlKOA-RpnRHu1sUkM5pl8EKf1903EAivx2yTXQNf_zNWEbX7tkr4ITgP8PGpRSgMhi1bH-STw6DyQb_LGvk6StU7L0h6KPoHyxnwTRdvVyEBxt/s400/DSC_9681And11more_tonemapped.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3487OZDx1mfDj4SBOZ5V9OAkcBL72OOA6uplR6_7HIoq5u7ylRk9skW0Pp8ckEEWcSehJXpECWmnpFUJFq29gnqIqYRvrSzRv9yiJ4sVhbzpFNUCAKOfMx8AkBL3HgZNJhDCj11OxEsc/s1600-h/DSC_9694And11more_tonemapped_edit.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314582989608281250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3487OZDx1mfDj4SBOZ5V9OAkcBL72OOA6uplR6_7HIoq5u7ylRk9skW0Pp8ckEEWcSehJXpECWmnpFUJFq29gnqIqYRvrSzRv9yiJ4sVhbzpFNUCAKOfMx8AkBL3HgZNJhDCj11OxEsc/s400/DSC_9694And11more_tonemapped_edit.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I am on spring break. As a result, I actually have stuff to post. After the last couple of nights I am getting the feeling that the better HDR photos have less lights, but more light. For example, all the above shots were made at the same location. However in the shot with the trucks I use the construction machinery to block the actual light bulbs. The light still enters the picture, but I don't get the nasty flaring. Maybe a star filter over the lens wouldn't eliminate the flare, but help control it?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-65803947440546181032009-03-17T18:21:00.001-07:002010-11-06T11:51:36.937-07:00I can't solder worth...My aunt has a Canon Rebel XTi. In an effort to help eliminate camera shake, I decided to try to build her a remote for her camera. Fortunately, the XTi has a pretty simple remote control interface. It is basically a stereo 3/32 (smaller one) headphone jack connected to some buttons. To be honest I wish my Nikon D90's interface was as simple, but I digress.<br />
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I searched the web and I found very simple instructions here:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/s3is-rox/2236114921/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/s3is-rox/2236114921/</a><br />
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I bought a couple of push buttons at radio shack. I used a Goo Gone bottle as the housing. The wires were left over from other projects, I tried to use a jack from a cell phone headphone/microphone head piece. However the jack was designed to carry 4 signals instead of a regular stereo jack which carries three. As a result, the cell phone jack didn't line up in the body of the XTi as it should. I may have been able to get it to work with a little more effort, but it was more simple to just go find a stereo jack.<br />
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Here it is. It works, and isn't flashy but hey. I think it would look cool to put a bunch of L.E.D. lights in there, but...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwddGE5nfzP435RrMiYk4Cj8RR9eyR1sQdtkbhnYugBFh7E5owqzwKixCiGVFSA2D3k4IvO_okkRtArcrP_wPYLgHzcbN79oF5xIOG97uqHj9ETDmeAeXUS6pSj8LFaDvYgifsbtWnzU_n/s1600-h/CSC_9653.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314336583064427618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwddGE5nfzP435RrMiYk4Cj8RR9eyR1sQdtkbhnYugBFh7E5owqzwKixCiGVFSA2D3k4IvO_okkRtArcrP_wPYLgHzcbN79oF5xIOG97uqHj9ETDmeAeXUS6pSj8LFaDvYgifsbtWnzU_n/s400/CSC_9653.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11Yvlwb5Vd1Rid0nbYmDMppxYl13SKQYIwUZyOpyGvI-fDhITr4VCPITHS6D0CXlUDzIPAG6hCie1qwmC0FHi2B7DYVtQ1anzVnLgwo4qQnwzheE6V8A0KJHLi0kH10sbBZl70xKYojxt/s1600-h/CSC_9652.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314336438156906050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11Yvlwb5Vd1Rid0nbYmDMppxYl13SKQYIwUZyOpyGvI-fDhITr4VCPITHS6D0CXlUDzIPAG6hCie1qwmC0FHi2B7DYVtQ1anzVnLgwo4qQnwzheE6V8A0KJHLi0kH10sbBZl70xKYojxt/s400/CSC_9652.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
As an aside: My soldering sucks. You would think that after all the "do it yourself" projects I have tried to do, I would start to get better. But no... I may be worse than when I started.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-25181998286147237952009-03-17T09:55:00.002-07:002010-11-06T11:51:14.472-07:00Nighttime HDR 3 and 4<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwSs25mbf0uLuaBAagwhyS43Hzy549vg7PP25oHcmd63CZp1wWyOxRC4Lts83VXYBK-qS32FUjXF_qJnPnh_XnE3NUW5gyky3NKdBLqkqwfcB71BJqHPxCV-FrZq6-E0FZ53gkbesPAEl/s1600-h/DSC_9628.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhQvs0a7PCsCn8hlNiEO5UH7WKfkFbewpY2HmybuF3tt-jbB515bzQnwxse_iOn3q9aSATxZZMzpsGBzQBly64p1KHwFBr1ua7vB0CT4KVtV7m-PR_RaZCMcaNY_MX7Y-7MAR1dsXHHNa/s1600-h/DSC_9632And8more_tonemapped.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOg2Jwvki8qJ8pIYsKb2hnafc8AWyxKWYoNUGMPGx39FjS_7FauSWdy-cCCwGnyXYmw4RlyjhbtyCSTVPwaeqS2HwkaQBh4r3ZvMYwGoCmQYuH2fbKgLf8AqXTVROSci9e73t36nkGzdrv/s1600-h/DSC_9643And9more_tonemapped.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314202295484440482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOg2Jwvki8qJ8pIYsKb2hnafc8AWyxKWYoNUGMPGx39FjS_7FauSWdy-cCCwGnyXYmw4RlyjhbtyCSTVPwaeqS2HwkaQBh4r3ZvMYwGoCmQYuH2fbKgLf8AqXTVROSci9e73t36nkGzdrv/s400/DSC_9643And9more_tonemapped.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
My aunt and I went out last night to do some HDR shots. Cherry pickers: I like it. Other than importing the images, I ran a noise filter on the final image and set the white balance to auto.<br />
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</div><div>The building under construction wasn't so hot. I think that I was getting too much light from the overhead lights that were over us. Also, there is a light haze over the image. Again, I think it is due to the lights. Too much lens flare. It looks like I am shooting behind a plate of glass. I could do some work on it, but I am trying to do as little Photoshop as possible on these. I may revisit after the kids and I get back from the dentist.</div><div><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314203319590662066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhQvs0a7PCsCn8hlNiEO5UH7WKfkFbewpY2HmybuF3tt-jbB515bzQnwxse_iOn3q9aSATxZZMzpsGBzQBly64p1KHwFBr1ua7vB0CT4KVtV7m-PR_RaZCMcaNY_MX7Y-7MAR1dsXHHNa/s400/DSC_9632And8more_tonemapped.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: 400px;" /></span><br />
<div><div style="text-align: left;">When we first pulled up to check out the building, a security guard noticed us. We didn't like the angle anyway, so we pulled around back, and parked in the parking lot of an adjacent bank. A few minutes after we set up our cameras and began to shoot, a van pulled into the picture (lower left). Then a few moments later a couple of police cars showed up. The police were very courteous (really how scary do we look with our cameras on tripods, and us just chillin' on the curb). They indicated that the property we were on was private property. The police officer just asked us to speed up the process, and not stay too long. Thanks, officer friendly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314207880712313490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwSs25mbf0uLuaBAagwhyS43Hzy549vg7PP25oHcmd63CZp1wWyOxRC4Lts83VXYBK-qS32FUjXF_qJnPnh_XnE3NUW5gyky3NKdBLqkqwfcB71BJqHPxCV-FrZq6-E0FZ53gkbesPAEl/s400/DSC_9628.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: 400px;" /></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-16414365240938476602009-03-16T02:57:00.001-07:002010-11-06T11:50:58.015-07:00Night time HDR 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6laYfOiu17LK-8pCBXG8XjqDhpHb6Yh0MBpBo90zkxZVy7OWWiYqM2LLptOvpLbBnwLb4xtHskSi2WEokJ4fSesgNGt6gFJi50eZMb36KKAOLONzHUHV_SdsXy0cUPYosedbI5M1fcYa-/s1600-h/DSC_9613And8more_tonemapped.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313727831030178306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6laYfOiu17LK-8pCBXG8XjqDhpHb6Yh0MBpBo90zkxZVy7OWWiYqM2LLptOvpLbBnwLb4xtHskSi2WEokJ4fSesgNGt6gFJi50eZMb36KKAOLONzHUHV_SdsXy0cUPYosedbI5M1fcYa-/s400/DSC_9613And8more_tonemapped.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div>Okay, I just got back from the local fire station. This time I wasn't loosey goosey with my shutter speeds. I took a stop watch, and wrote down ahead of time how long I would keep the shutter open for each image. I planed on doing five images: 1 sec., 4 sec., 15 sec., 60 sec., and 250 sec. In the end I did these, and while there I decided to do a 125 sec., 1/2 sec. and 1/4 sec. as well. Above is the image of the merged files. Below is the long exposure (4 minute and 15 sec. shot.), notice the lack of detail in the windows of the fire station versus the HDR image. Also, in the HDR version, I removed the moon in light room. </div><div><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLJFaIVfuMbpc2DHt6CbHrXBNRgjoY7vpuO7jSaJQZkgeKQjGtruZuiDnQyf3NKxXRAZqTASxkU0Rur7IqKoGWN7OyBFn_mSN7_PhjoOL0N2BVLyjE0uN4aBslxaR1vUjMUleEcbsOapQ/s1600-h/DSC_9616.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313726640205159474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLJFaIVfuMbpc2DHt6CbHrXBNRgjoY7vpuO7jSaJQZkgeKQjGtruZuiDnQyf3NKxXRAZqTASxkU0Rur7IqKoGWN7OyBFn_mSN7_PhjoOL0N2BVLyjE0uN4aBslxaR1vUjMUleEcbsOapQ/s400/DSC_9616.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-58560123710892569792009-03-16T01:42:00.001-07:002010-11-06T11:52:59.224-07:00Nighttime HDR<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gbUtF1u2Mv0UbjskT7VI_WxPvOhaP7LXri5JEqftAlHxvQ7RuR75wi0q-C3LTQIlCCHlYJRveLhtH0MI8-WT_26fYRYjYe2MXW2L_6UCBaMTPySNvgFG5vqXSpnVNYd8dqGLqILIe17k/s1600-h/DSC_9603And7more_tonemapped.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313704935238964034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gbUtF1u2Mv0UbjskT7VI_WxPvOhaP7LXri5JEqftAlHxvQ7RuR75wi0q-C3LTQIlCCHlYJRveLhtH0MI8-WT_26fYRYjYe2MXW2L_6UCBaMTPySNvgFG5vqXSpnVNYd8dqGLqILIe17k/s400/DSC_9603And7more_tonemapped.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 224px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Just shot loosey goosey with random variable shutter speed (didn't have a watch to time the exposure in "bulb" mode). Brought the images into photomatix to merge the images. Then I took the resulting image into Lightroom to adjust the white balance, and crop the image. A few notes: the street light was putting out a very orange light. And the house is purple. Here is the non-white balanced shot:<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZovDafiOeJOQnl1ogF6tACtnDvWNTxwCPzNDTe_EQfQspm-PXrzCHdWucHwfV9Jzk74Fjd5WvOf_Fohs270C7LpmjoDoorjboayHmzXPYXvnxRMh5Hu3oMXWO_Yd6As-XlQzscElRmFZ2/s1600-h/DSC_9603And7more_tonemapped.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313818503238433250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZovDafiOeJOQnl1ogF6tACtnDvWNTxwCPzNDTe_EQfQspm-PXrzCHdWucHwfV9Jzk74Fjd5WvOf_Fohs270C7LpmjoDoorjboayHmzXPYXvnxRMh5Hu3oMXWO_Yd6As-XlQzscElRmFZ2/s400/DSC_9603And7more_tonemapped.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 224px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-58560500185185290412009-02-28T11:48:00.002-07:002010-11-06T11:53:34.130-07:00Black Curtains Mexican Poppy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-9RWEOVUsQEpTmQFSts37Fi2CK-g4OaZcfeuT2ZEEhq3HbsvQhLIpXdxfQep0c48pUPIrCksyFt7tKhBaXYHzfoN_tQiuPoqzu77jFAmSlYcVVcIsBAQHloijblgxuAsyuXArFyuUo8K/s1600-h/DSC_9582.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314618048981632098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-9RWEOVUsQEpTmQFSts37Fi2CK-g4OaZcfeuT2ZEEhq3HbsvQhLIpXdxfQep0c48pUPIrCksyFt7tKhBaXYHzfoN_tQiuPoqzu77jFAmSlYcVVcIsBAQHloijblgxuAsyuXArFyuUo8K/s400/DSC_9582.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7-DK1zMXgNPGRUg3I9kiaEfR7G1ad3YtZeosM4Mpc4LH5hbTL2gtMrEL51Yox9_lbwQZn537U95KqqE4QqQR28N2Y39U3KaYmKpdtcNkU9aIbiVAglQdEidVXgC60yOgYbtoHk6rLw2g/s1600-h/DSC_8211.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307922797885778626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7-DK1zMXgNPGRUg3I9kiaEfR7G1ad3YtZeosM4Mpc4LH5hbTL2gtMrEL51Yox9_lbwQZn537U95KqqE4QqQR28N2Y39U3KaYmKpdtcNkU9aIbiVAglQdEidVXgC60yOgYbtoHk6rLw2g/s400/DSC_8211.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 271px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 410px;" /></a><br />
Tessa and I bought some black curtains to cover up the shelves in the garage. They double as a black background.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7697470483487217843.post-17219173457453471582009-02-27T22:19:00.001-07:002010-11-06T11:53:58.925-07:00red bench = cool<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0r-BoOreQuquIUn0ysOQZdwWRmJGgREU0j113YXfbiYroxVlbjSbrOPaEqGPQARE4rTewizrACB-JmEKrSBRmWo0zeDNQ7OqFkb4KErnIlKNANiRZpGF-Ru2sugeeK09S6GLzFGUaAMN/s1600-h/CSC_8920.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307718543444125346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0r-BoOreQuquIUn0ysOQZdwWRmJGgREU0j113YXfbiYroxVlbjSbrOPaEqGPQARE4rTewizrACB-JmEKrSBRmWo0zeDNQ7OqFkb4KErnIlKNANiRZpGF-Ru2sugeeK09S6GLzFGUaAMN/s320/CSC_8920.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 111px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 166px;" /></a>I have done a couple of family portraits at the park. Every time I go, I borrow my aunt's bench. It is a great bench. It is the perfect size to carry to the park. It fits in my trunk (how can you beat that, really?).<br />
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On bulk trash day a few months ago, she let me know that there was a bench in someone else's bulk trash. Not one to pass up someone else's trash, we went over and asked if we could take it.<br />
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After I saw it, I wasn't too keen on taking it home. I kind of took it just to be nice to a family relative who was looking out for me.<br />
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The white paint was flaking off of the bottom, and the green paint was flaking off of the top. The top piece was particle/compressed wood. The top layer had peeled off in places exposing all the compressed particle. It had nappy dog hair stuck to it, and gnaw marks on some of the corners. I was thinking it may go from one person's bulk trash to another's.<br />
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...But in the end I am cheap (mainly out of necessity). I can't afford some kewl hip new antique bench so I decided to work with what I had: nappyness.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PbXVUEinytfkKxrHO3rCsbHJ6IBCtI2uffKB7LrrleLVrIk9JLz8CxIKD_CnL7eQG9Ia5KSl5SdF9Om4uo60GkktutC9YDknTvSXfNzUYmyYDH04By60lntiLnQxr4Erz6cuDGnYa_Mz/s1600-h/CSC_8918.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307718689304075570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PbXVUEinytfkKxrHO3rCsbHJ6IBCtI2uffKB7LrrleLVrIk9JLz8CxIKD_CnL7eQG9Ia5KSl5SdF9Om4uo60GkktutC9YDknTvSXfNzUYmyYDH04By60lntiLnQxr4Erz6cuDGnYa_Mz/s320/CSC_8918.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 167px;" /></a>Well, a lot of sanding (I am not handy enough to have an electric sander) and scraping later, and a layer of stain, and some vinyl from Joann's, and I have a new bench.<br />
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Thanks, Arnon for seeing the diamond in the rough. It still needs a nip and a tuck on a few of the corners, but I think it looks pretty good from it's humble origins.<br />
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If nothing else it is sturdy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1