redwatch

i got an opportunity to go to The Photographic & Digital Imaging Show in Toronto last Friday May 14th. I went to a couple of seminars and saw lots of stuff. The best part of the show was the Shooting Center & The Lens Center. The Shooting Center was a huge section of the hall which was set up to demonstrate different lighting set-ups and different subjects. For the stills, they had three custom motorcycles set up with different lighting systems on each one. You could rent lenses if you wanted to, and if you liked one, you could apply the rental cost to the purchase of the lens. For live action, they had a circus crew there doing different acts. The one I saw was a juggler who was juggling three flaming torches. Let me say, without a good, fast lens, it was a very difficult thing to shoot! It was a real eye-opener for me. With what I was travelling with, I had a difficult time taking good shots. I started off with my Nikon 70-210mm f/4.0 - 5.6. Without a flash it was all but useless. It just isn't fast enough to snap good photos in focus. It did make for some interesting blurry shots though: With a Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens, I was able to get some shot which were in better focus, but the distance was too far away. This is an un-cropped shot: Out of around 60 photos, that was the only one that was even half decent! I have some learning to do, but that was what made the show so helpful for me! I understand the practical applications and uses of different lenses, but in use, I still have some work to do Here's a couple of the motorcycles they had on display: This Vintage Harley was pretty interesting (and very dusty!). They let me try out the Bowen 400 Lighting system they had setup with a Pocket Wizard II Sync Transmitter which mounts onto the flash hotshoe of the camera. It was kind of interesting, but I don't know if I would have the patience to setup lights and back drops for photo shoots. The seminars were somewhat interesting. The first one I went to was about color management and the importance of calibrating your monitor so what you see on the screen is what should be printed. Also learned about ICC color maps and all the different ICC profiles that each manufacturer uses for printers and monitors. It was pretty interesting. It was hosted by Datacolor who make the Spyder 3 line of monitor and printer calibrators. Not badly priced and definitely seems like a pretty important tool for photo editing and printing. The second seminar was on Macro photography (which I am sure some of you have noticed I am really in to!). I must say I was a little disappointed. The presenter was interesting enough, and definitely good at macro photography. However, he spent 30 minutes showing us macro shots he had taken, and then had 15 minutes left to go over the equipment he used. Didn't really learn anything new or interesting at that one. The other thing that I saw at the photo show which was really cool was a Gary Fong Puffer Flash Diffuser. It's a $20.00 little diffuser which sits in front of the stock pop up flash of most D-SLR cameras. Here is what a picture would look like without the diffuser (the gentleman working at the booth was kind enough to pose for me) And here is the same subject but with the Puffer installed on my camera: A very nice, subtle difference that makes it look less "Flashy"! I definitely plan on picking up one of these little gems. In a pinch, without a decent flash, they make the on-camera flash very usable! Oh, and one other thing. I got to try out a bunch of lenses while I was there. The one that is definitely on my must have list is the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. This isn't the best example of what it is good at, but the following picture was taken standing about 2 feet away from the big poster that is on the right hand side of the shot:

I got a chance to go to the Digital Photography Show & Convention in Toronto last Friday May 14th and one of the coolest parts of the show was we were allowed to test out any lenses they had on display. I got to try out the 11-16mm from Tokina and I must say, this lens is a definite must have! It was very, very awesome! Nicely built and good wide angle. Speed was excellent in low light with out a flash too! Definite thumbs up!

haha! Very nice R! How's things in sunny Spain my friend?? It's a great tool, isn't it? I swear by it, but I was quite distressed when there wasn't much new yesterday! After looking through the GD, and a couple of other threads, I noticed there was, in fact, quite a bit new that I hadn't seen yet. Must of been a glitch in the system?

You may have a very difficult time finding a watchsmith in the LA area that can, or will be willing, to work on an Asian 7750. A lot of repair folk seem to shy away from that movement. You might be better off having it serviced by some of the members on the board here. Ziggymeister is a good, safe bet.

The scotchbrite pads work pretty well, but I would recommend the Brushed Titanium Refinishing Pad from Boston Watch Exchange. They work really, really well! Nicely done for a first time go!

Nice to have an update Lani! Good luck with the move and we look forward to seeing you around here more. Congrats on your tests! That is amazing news! I know you have been focusing a lot on getting back your strength so I am happy to hear all that hard work has quite obviously paid off! I'm sure you enjoyed your first Cigar eh?

Wow! I think I like that one even more than the AMG! Nicely done!

unfortunately no, I didn't. I was enjoying the conversation and the beers that HackR bought for us a little too much. Funny thing was I had my D90 and lenses with me in my daypack! I even took it out so that Toad could see it. Never even dawned on any of us to snap some pics!

The "View New Posts" link is supposed to show all the new postings you and others have posted since your last login. It's usually a very useful tool!

The Edition Laureus is just stunning! Congrats on a fine collection! You did well to pick up that 3717-12!

Hey guys. Back from my trip now. Had a great time chatting with you guys and thanks again R for the pints! I felt kind of bad I didn't bring any other watches with me other than the Tudor. I did get a little bit of slack for that, but that's ok. I didn't know if it was a good idea to travel across the border with a bunch of reps in my bags. Next time I will try and bring more! +1 Toad on the Naviitmer of Andrews! It's just stunning! I never thought I would like that style of watch, but it is really quite captivating! I may have to search one out (if I can find one that has a slide rule that lines up as nicely!) I'll definitely make sure to let you guys know the next time I'm in town. Of course, if guys you ever make your way down to LA, look me up!

Hi folks, So I went on vacation last week to Canada. Got to see my family, had an awesome GTG with Toad Torrent & Andreww, and had lots and lots of R & R. So, my question is......since i haven't logged in since Saturday, how is it that there is only 8 new postings? Is something up with the "View New Posts"? Thanks!

Nice find!!! It's in great shape too! Let's see where this one goes

Again, like stated in Chapter 1, this is simply awesome J!!! Did you make the bezel as well? Looking forward to what your scheming with Ubi produces!

Now why would you possibly think that the only watch I chose to wear to Toronto would be my tudor?? More importantly.....why on earth would you think I would even own an ascot, let alone wear one???

This is so incredibly awesome J! Thanks for taking the time to show the step by step process!! Looking forward to the following chapters!

Nice find O/S! I live right near them too! When I'm back from my vacation I will give them a call! They have new ETA 2784 movements, with Longines stamped on the rotor, for $100! Not a bad price at all for anyone looking to build a nice Tudor!

See you at 6pm at the Strathcona then guys! I'm going to hit up the Photographic, Video & Digital Imaging Show at the International Center in the morning & afternoon and then zip over to the Strathcona.

Happy Birthday R!! All the best! As Toad said, drinks to honor your special day will be in order on friday at the Toronto GTG!!!

Happy Birthday J!

The blue dial DJ is one of my favorites! That was the one that prompted me to buy a DateJust in the first place. It is a stunning dial!

So which shall it be? Just trying to plan my day for Friday

Beauty! Love the roulette date wheel! Sitting at a nice price currently, but will probably go up before it's done.

Wow! Looks awesome Ubi!!! Nicely done!

Looks great J! Nicely done! Another great looking Tudor in your family's collection