[mtux]

Thanks people for encouraging me to buy the DFA100mm macro lens, it is way better than my M100 macro lens, in terms of sharpness. and it is just as small as the M lens! even after focusing to 1:1 it is in the same size of the M lens at 1:2! I love the feel of it, and WR feature.

[baro-nite]

I'm out for the rest of the month. Too many missed days and half-hearted postings, and a busy week coming up. I remain in awe of those of you who can manage this month after month! I hope to rejoin before too long I might pop in again on Monday for self-portrait day, since I guess I ought to post at least one portrait having chosen what is generally considered a portrait lens for the month .

Mini-review:

SMC Pentax 1:1.8 85mm (AKA "K85/1.8")

A highly sought-after lens I finally got my hands on last month. Has the classic "K series" quality of build. Compact for a fast 85; takes a 52mm filter. As with many lenses in the original "K series" this one has the same optical formula as its most recent Takumar equivalent. With a MFD of .85m it is by no means a near-macro lens, but of course one of its main uses is for portraiture. I can't report on its performance as a portrait lens, having not really used it as such yet. Stopped down it is a good sharp lens, reputedly one of the sharper short telephotos in the Pentax lineup, and an excellent landscape lens. You can say that about lots of lenses, but some 85s are optimized for close focus and might not perform so well at infinity. This one does, even for astrophotography, where I used it between f/2.8 and f/4 with good results. I haven't done much other shooting at larger apertures yet, but so far the bokeh seems very smooth (well, it damn well better be for such a lens!).

[noelcmn]

Saddening news about Bruce, it has been a long battle and seemingly ended so quickly. My sincere condolences to Pam and the rest of the family. Wonderful man he was, friendly and helpful. RIP.

[Racer X 69]

Bruce Stephenson (Bramela) Final Update

Bruce passed away late last night, peacefully in hospital, with his wife Pam beside him. There was nothing more that the medicos could do, other than ease his final hours. When you think back to the blunt prognosis last year, he put up a great fight. Rest easy, mate.

Always sad to learn of the passing of a fellow in whatever circle one may be in.

Although I only had a few interactions with him here, it was clear that the man was a positive presence in this group. May he rest well, and may his family and friends find a way to ease their grief and sorrow.

[Sandy Hancock]

Like Jeff, I think it's time for me to stop pretending. My thoughts on the Helios 44-2 (58mm f/2.0):

This is my first time using an old fully-manual lens, so stop-down metering with the green button was a new experience for me. In general it worked very well, although the position of the green button on the K-01 makes it difficult to reach while keeping the subject framed. The preset feature of the lens (in combination with the K-01's focus peaking) certainly aided focussing, but again was a bit of a fiddle when preparing for the shot. While on the subject of focussing, the throw from its (nicely close) MFD to infinity is *really* long, which I guess aids precision but also makes the process quite slow.

Optically it is a quirky lens, which can produce some interesting, and occasionally pleasing effects. It is very soft wide open, but can put a nice glow into images and the bokeh is very smooth. Stopped down it is respectably sharp in the centre but the edges are poor even on a crop sensor. Again, with awareness, this can be used to good effect. I had limited success in producing the characteristic swirly bokeh this lens is renowned for when stopped down a little from wide open. I found the focal length a little tight for general use

To summarise: honestly, I can't imagine ever reaching for this lens when I have a DA*55 in the bag. On the other hand, if I can get my hands on a good A50/1.2 or A*85/1.4 I might be tempted to attempt another manual month....

[Racer X 69]

Of course. Here's an idea:

Kicked in the head by a train - YouTube

That video is making the rounds. I've seen it on a half dozen forums now.

[bigted]

This isn't the best quality as I tend to shake, but it's a video of the ice flows heading north on the Red River:

https://flic.kr/p/neZvQ4

[Tsuken]

This isn't the best quality as I tend to shake, but it's a video of the ice flows heading north on the Red River:



https://flic.kr/p/neZvQ4

Impressive, that ice.

[mattt]

Made a real try to catch up on commenting.. but I have to go get dinner now and a quick walk for some exercise - sitting for hours in one place is bad for my sciatica... I know.. cry me a river

[g026r]

My computer's been crashing a lot when I try to edit my shots, so I may have to bow out so that I can tear it apart and try to isolate the problem. We'll see how the week progresses.

[todd]

so, are we bothering with the selfie day? i have an idea but it will require a trip across town that I'm not sure I want to make if the group effort is not happening....maybe I'll just do it anyway... probably will but still, anybody else still in?

[OzzRod]

Yes Todd do it! I'll be posting shortly, and others re-iterated their intentions a few days back.

[Tsuken]

Mine's up already. Get to it

[OzzRod]

Just to keep people in the picture ..... yes, Adam is aware of Bruce's passing and he is preparing a Forum-wide post. I have no date for the funeral yet but expect it will be late this week. With Adam's endorsement I have prepared a card on behalf of all forum members. It will accompany a bright, brassy bunch of flowers that will be made up when our local florist re-opens after Easter tomorrow and I'll drop it over to Pam and Leanne.

[mtux]

Just to keep people in the picture ..... yes, Adam is aware of Bruce's passing and he is preparing a Forum-wide post. I have no date for the funeral yet but expect it will be late this week. With Adam's endorsement I have prepared a card on behalf of all forum members. It will accompany a bright, brassy bunch of flowers that will be made up when our local florist re-opens after Easter tomorrow and I'll drop it over to Pam and Leanne.

Thanks Rod, for the card, flowers and info.