So...you're experiencing the same issue I did a few months ago? I never did find out what the problem was, I still think it's a compression issue on the site, but there's no way I can prove it.
Torn. Without the foreground railing should be an obvious winner but it lacks charm compared to the second image. I really love the sunstar(s) magic on the second image.
serge07 wrote:
Siphiwe, thanks and you have a very good memory.
Siena Cathedral is one of those places that needs to e seen to fully appreciate the enormous talent of the builders and artists.
Serge
These photos are reminding me of my visit to Siena. The cathedral was truly breathtaking. The floors really were stunning and your photo takes me there. Thanks for the memories Serge. Alas, I'll never visit Siena again. What joy it would bring me to take my kit of manual focus Nikon lenses to Italy and revisit the many places that moved me so deeply!
I had to do a bit of exploring to remind myself what I experienced... 48 years ago. For anyone who may be interested, this YouTube video might help...
James Markus wrote:
Andy, These medallions are an "investment" my father made through an ad in National Geographic magazine. "FRANKLIN MINT 100 Greatest Masterpieces Silver Proof Coin Series - PRAYING HANDS". I can't remember if he paid $19.95 or $39.95 in the 1970s for each 0.925 pure silver 2.3-2.6 ounce coin. Current value is $17 - I almost sold the set to a coin dealer at "melt point", and at that time silver was $39 an ounce. I would have if this was about money, but the engraving quality - the sometimes rendering 3D out of a 2D source I found very impressive.
I shot this sitting in a chair holding one of the black velvet trays, and rotating a 3" square light panel around the coin a various angles looking for the best light. Focus is a bit off, and DOF could be better - dust and lint were everywhere. Some of the coins flat fields are getting a faint oxide - even though none of the coins were ever touched with bare hands.
This exchange reminds me of my trip to Italy in 1975 that I've alluded to in commenting on Serge's photos from Italy. At the end of my month long trip I decided to make a purchase in Florence before taking the train trip to Zurich and the return flight to the U.S. I was toying with the idea of buying a leather shoulder bag. Florence has amazing leather products. But I couldn't quite imagine wearing a leather shoulder bag back then... and so decided to buy a replica of the Florins used centuries ago. But these were not cheap knockoff... they were 24 carat gold replicas of coins at one in circulation. A few months ago I took them to a dealer and he confirmed that they are 24k gold... I had to snap a photo to share... taken with a lens I seldom use... the 55 f/2.8 AI-s.
Needless to say, these coins are worth a great deal more today that when I bought them... but I still have them. There is no added value in the fact they are stunning. Their beauty is still worth enough to me that I haven't sold them... yet...
rafaelcasd wrote:
It is very inexpensive, I bought a full set with all the auxiliary lenses, flash power supply, battery power supply, case for $200.
I remember when you bought the lens and first shared photos with all of us. It was a lens that no one was lusting after. But it demonstrated how serious you were in your kit building. You continued to inspire us my friend, even if we weren't prepared to invest either the time or the money to go there. Clearly, you spent more time searching E-Bay than I did...
I have to say that this thread is delicious... which is testament to the contributions of all the folks who are calling this thread home at the moment. This is the kind of exchange that will make any thread come alive. I tip my hat to everyone showing up with a photo or a comment. I know from my time here that there are many ways to engage with others who love these lenses. Sharing photos is important... talking about lenses and the purchases we've made is important.. but the real key is being willing to hang out with one another and going where our muses lead us... how sweet it is!
So...you're experiencing the same issue I did a few months ago? I never did find out what the problem was, I still think it's a compression issue on the site, but there's no way I can prove it.
Leighton, it might be a compression issue. Let's try an experiment; please forgive the duplication. In order top to bottom:
Another nighttime shot, a rarity for me. 85mm H. It's interesting to see reflections pop up in different spots due to the extreme dark plain background. The line was for the use the portable climbing wall for free.
I was mostly trying to see how close I could focus with the 25-50mm/4 on this one, but also decided to try my hand at duo-toning during post. I like the duo-tone look.
I think this may be my favourite sculpture of all time, Regina! They look like they might be sleeping off a post-chocolate sugar crash, with deep satisfaction.
pbraymond wrote:
Couple of 35mm"O" cityscapes at dusk. With of without the foreground dock railing?
*edit - wow, that's lost a lot of sharpness.
I am among those who prefer the one without the foreground railing, Ray.
Here are a few close-up front views of classic cars, including three (in two photos) of the many unintended selfies that are ultimately unavoidable when shooting chrome and other rounded and polygonal reflective metals. The lenses I used are identified in the captions.
