Hello Folks.

One of the things I have always liked about a forum is the opportunity to share things.

One of the most fun topics I used to enjoy on another forum was what might be called a "Holiday Shopping List" or "Wish List" or something like that.

At this time, I am putting together my own Wish List.

The fun part is thinking about the possibilities.

So, today (with plenty of time for Holiday shopping lists to be made and orders to Santa to be placed) I want to start a "Wish List."

Please add your "Wish List" items below. But, keep it real and focused on items that are currently for sale today. That means don't put down a theoretical device such as a 50 megapixel Canon 1Ds12 mk 5 that only costs $100.

To make this interesting, please think of things that are a little out of the ordinary. We all might like to have a Canon 1DSm3 or a Nikon D300s or something like that. Those are obvious. What I am interested in seeing are those things that are not so obvious and more unusual and perhaps unknown or little known.

Imagine these are things one could actually buy this year. Or something that is available for gift giving in December.

The dollar amount does not have to be high or low. Of course, you can post multiple items and even have a long list too. Or, just that one item you desire more than others.

The gear (assuming it is gear) does not have to be something just released either.

If you can, post a link to the location or somewhere we can see what the item looks like. Why? Because there is a lot of stuff mentioned on forums like this that I have never seen in my local camera stores.

My hope is to identify some nice stuff I may have missed and may find interesting. Something I might want to add to my own Wish List.

If we share these lists here, who knows what new and unexpected items may make it onto your own list this year.

Also, if you have any comment about the item, please add that too. Tell us why you want it or what you think is special about it or why it got your attention. Why? I always like to know what other photographers think about a product and why it is something desirable.

Thanks in advance for your imagination and contribution to this thread.

On My Wish List This Year:

1. I want to set up a new Dual Monitor Workstation with DUAL 24" high-end LCD or LED lit panels that can be calibrated together.

I currently have a workstation with Dual 19" monitors. It works, but I am eager to make some more room on my desktop and reduce the heat in my darkroom.

Do I have to have this? Nope. Would I like it. YES!

That is what I mean by a wish list item. At this time, I have not decided on brand or specs. I am still researching that bit.

2. I also want a new pen pad. I have been using Wacom tablets for years, but now my eyes are drawn to the wide version and larger versions of the Intuos tablets. I want one!

http://www.wacom.com/intuos/

Great idea! My wish list only includes items that are no more than $100 or so. Something my wife or the kids could get. Otherwise I'd have a 500 f/4 on there.

1. I only have a Rocket Blower for sensor cleaning. I'd like one of those Copperhill brushes, maybe a LensPen style sensor cleaner.

2. I could use a quality 77mm polarizer.

3. Maybe some new NR software - I'm still using Neat Image

4. Some CS4 training. I'm thinking of taking a Scott Kelby course that's in Boston on 10/26.

5. Extension tubes. I've been playing around with my 100-400 for butterflies and dragonflies, and I'd like to get closer.

6. A small (8x10 max) light table. I have a bunch of slides that I think I want to shoot with my macro lens as a quicker method to digitize than scanning. (Any suggestions?)

I'm sure I'll think of more.

Mark

msalvetti wrote:
Great idea! My wish list only includes items that are no more than $100 or so. Something my wife or the kids could get. Otherwise I'd have a 500 f/4 on there.

1. I only have a Rocket Blower for sensor cleaning. I'd like one of those Copperhill brushes, maybe a LensPen style sensor cleaner.

2. I could use a quality 77mm polarizer.

3. Maybe some new NR software - I'm still using Neat Image

4. Some CS4 training. I'm thinking of taking a Scott Kelby course that's in Boston on 10/26.

5. Extension tubes. I've been playing around with my 100-400 for butterflies and dragonflies, and I'd like to get closer.

6. A small (8x10 max) light table. I have a bunch of slides that I think I want to shoot with my macro lens as a quicker method to digitize than scanning. (Any suggestions?)

I'm sure I'll think of more.

Mark

Hi Mark,

I am glad you like the Wish List idea.

Thanks for contributing to the discussion.

I see a few things on your list that were on some of mine years ago. So I know the feeling.

I have a tip about those light tables/boxes. I wrote it up some time ago and will search for it and most likely post it in a few days (it will take some time to find). You might find the tip fun and interesting.

Here I go...

1. A shorter extension tube for my Bronica, should be cheap on ebay .
2. Since Mark mentioned it (ta for the good idea) a new light box.
3. The motivation and time to process the B+W films I have sitting on my dresser.
4. An Epson V750 Pro scanner.
5. Any half decent laptop to go with the scanner.
6. Some more time to scan my film archive.
7. Even more time to go out and shoot.
8. Maybe a nice loupe.
9. Screen calibration for the laptop.

I'll have to stop there, otherwise you'll just have an ever-growing list of Canon equipment

Pity I can't buy the time, will just have to try and make some.

Good idea Steady.

J

200231786 wrote:
Here I go...

1. A shorter extension tube for my Bronica, should be cheap on ebay .
2. Since Mark mentioned it (ta for the good idea) a new light box.
3. The motivation and time to process the B+W films I have sitting on my dresser.
4. An Epson V750 Pro scanner.
5. Any half decent laptop to go with the scanner.
6. Some more time to scan my film archive.
7. Even more time to go out and shoot.
8. Maybe a nice loupe.
9. Screen calibration for the laptop.

I'll have to stop there, otherwise you'll just have an ever-growing list of Canon equipment

Pity I can't buy the time, will just have to try and make some.

Good idea Steady.

J



Hi J.

Looking at your list took me back in time.

(Fade to Misty Memory Scene)

AHHHH....those days of film and transparencies on a box....me huddled over the lightbox...loupe to my eye (squint like a pirate now because of that! )....hands carefully clothed in white cotton gloves....wielding my radioactive anti-static horsehair brush....carefully, oh, so carefully....whisking those flecks of dust off the transparencies, prior to putting them oh so carefully into the tray and then into my film scanner.....

Ahhh....yes I remember those days.

Time is on your list. I understand. Scanning takes time. I remember many hours spent in my darkroom and lots of slides on the counter.....one at a time...

I hope my little memories here warm your heart. There is nothing like sitting there with a small bit of celluloid held up to your eye (loupe) and marveling at the little bit of the world you hold in your hand.

It is so MUCH more fun than popping a CF card into a reader.

See my note above about the lightbox. Don't buy one until you see my post in a few days, as it may give you some ideas to consider when choosing one.

Thanks Steady, I will indeed wait for your post, advice always welcome

I'll never get tired of seeing my slides, on a lightbox or projected, nothing comes close. My work requires digital, but when I venture off into the countryside it's always my film cameras I reach for.
My heart is thoroughly warmed it's funny to think of someone doing the exact same thing as me.

And now I think I have a number 10 for my list (nice round number):
10. Radioactive anti-static horse-hair brush


J

200231786 wrote:
Thanks Steady, I will indeed wait for your post, advice always welcome

I'll never get tired of seeing my slides, on a lightbox or projected, nothing comes close. My work requires digital, but when I venture off into the countryside it's always my film cameras I reach for.
My heart is thoroughly warmed it's funny to think of someone doing the exact same thing as me.

And now I think I have a number 10 for my list (nice round number):
10. Radioactive anti-static horse-hair brush


J



Hi Jay.

I am glad someone else feels the same "warm" feeling when looking at slides.

I have always enjoyed them.

In a way they are like a photographers "Pokemon" cards, tactile, full of meaning, small, and valuable.

When I was younger, I used to have one of those StereoViewers and loved looking at the scenes from around the world held in my hand and looking 3D to my eyes. Remember those anyone?

Also, that Radioactive anti-static brush really exists. I will send you a link in a few days once I find it.

1. Canon 35mm F2
2. Donations to a charity I am working with in Kenya, AFCiC (African Children in Conflict), pictures to come at some point.

The radioactive anti-static brush is a Staticmaster brand, and yes indeed they exist. They have been around for at least 40 years. They are useful for cleaning dry dust off of slides and negatives, what ever they are.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/50554-REG/Staticmaster_ST1C200_StaticMaster_Brush_for_Film.html#features

Yep...that's the one I bought and use.

The "Radioactive" part is what sold me.

I think this must have been developed in Hanford or Oak Ridge.

Here is a clip from the promotional writeup on this brush:

"This brush emits non-penetrating low-energy alpha particle."

______________

Gotta love the peaceful use of the atom, eh?

If this product has been around for 40 years, what is the half-life?

The brush has a replaceable element (cartridge) that loses effectiveness over a few years (don't recall how few).

My Advice: Don't take this to the airport for an airline flight.

rowan57 wrote:
1. Canon 35mm F2
2. Donations to a charity I am working with in Kenya, AFCiC (African Children in Conflict), pictures to come at some point.


I like both.

hehe, I heared of those brushes, but never seen one, I will track one down on my side of the pond

I not only have a stereo viewer, but also a stereo camera, which I use! Had my first film back from it recently, but making the little discs to put in the viewer is quite awkward.

You certainly get some funny looks when using a large brown plastic bakelite camera with two lenses from the Eastern Block

J

Flashy new Mac Pro, fastest procs, loaded with RAM, 4TB space, striped, with a daily backup.

A FF Canon, if they don't announce a 1Ds IV tomorrow, probably the 5D2.

Triple monitor setup (two for PS, one for entertainment).

35mm/50mm/85mm/200mm L's.

More elinchom lights, the studio packs. Or Brons.

Oh, oh, more modifiers. A para, a ring, and all the egg crate grids ever.

Gels, 4x8 panels, California sunbounce setup.

A studio! With a couch, a giant tv, and Rockband Beatles.

My sanity, or at least 2 more hours of sleep each night.

More later...

Cheers,
Thomas

Leica M9 + 28mm/f2.
5Dmk2.
24L.
16-35L mk2.
Big set of 4 x 6 inch Lee GND (.3 .6 .9 hard & soft).

200231786 wrote:
hehe, I heared of those brushes, but never seen one, I will track one down on my side of the pond

I not only have a stereo viewer, but also a stereo camera, which I use! Had my first film back from it recently, but making the little discs to put in the viewer is quite awkward.

You certainly get some funny looks when using a large brown plastic bakelite camera with two lenses from the Eastern Block

J




A Stereo Camera has been on my Wish List (back burner) for many years.

I wish I had one.

I wish I could see your photos too.

Tomagado wrote:
Flashy new Mac Pro, fastest procs, loaded with RAM, 4TB space, striped, with a daily backup.

A FF Canon, if they don't announce a 1Ds IV tomorrow, probably the 5D2.

Triple monitor setup (two for PS, one for entertainment).

35mm/50mm/85mm/200mm L's.

More elinchom lights, the studio packs. Or Brons.

Oh, oh, more modifiers. A para, a ring, and all the egg crate grids ever.

Gels, 4x8 panels, California sunbounce setup.

A studio! With a couch, a giant tv, and Rockband Beatles.

My sanity, or at least 2 more hours of sleep each night.

More later...

Cheers,
Thomas


Hello Thomas.


I hope Santa thinks you have been a good boy....because that is a "dream" list for many photographers!

Good luck.

And if you get that Triple Monitor working, send me a pm or a link to see.

I was thinking of a QUAD monitor setup (like a stock broker) but decided to reduce the weight, complexity and need for a rack.

justruss wrote:
Leica M9 + 28mm/f2.
5Dmk2.
24L.
16-35L mk2.
Big set of 4 x 6 inch Lee GND (.3 .6 .9 hard & soft).



Nice list.

Good luck on the wishes. I wish I got that too.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/824614/0#7651620

Once I get my scanner and the appropraite software I shall try to post some of my stereo shots in the way of the linked thread.

J

- radio flash triggers
- set of ND grad filters
- Contax 67-86 step-up ring for lens hood(s)
- Canon MT-24EX macro flash
- Oly Zuiko 50/2 macro
- Contax Distagon 21/2.8

and, most importantly, time and good light to go take photos with all the camera junk I've accumulated