GKPE: General Ramblings thread

[Wazza]

The fact they're short staff, and I was told on 16th Jan that a couple of their best repairers had just quit... So that doesn't help.

I blame the management. Always thinking of profit dollars, and not having enough staff for optimum customer service.

[weka2000]

Wonder why they quit over worked :rolleyes:

[Wazza]

I wonder why they don't hire more staff.

It's the same with all large multi national companies..
Banks, finance, Canon.. I bet they can all go along the same lines..

[tim]

Pain in the butt Wazza.

I need to have my cameras (2x20) and a couple of lenses (17-55, 50mm F1.4, maybe 70-200 2.8 IS) cleaned and calibrated. I have may available with no weddings. Should I send it to Canon or is there a risk they won't get it done in 4 weeks? I'd call ahead and try to book it in, can't join CPS without a 1 series body not buying one of those yet.

[Wazza]

When I put my camera in, on 16th Jan.. I knew I had a wedding 4 1/2 weeks later, and onwards.

Had they told me 3-4 weeks I wouldn't have risked it. But considering it's "2-3" and will be well over that..
I'm not having a good history with Canon repairs.

I think in May you'd be fine. It's because Canon close for 2 weeks over Christmas, and lots of summer broken cameras come in, and staff leaving. So I bet they've never been so busy! But if I'd been honestly quoted longer, I wouldn't have put it in.

[momentz]

You guys are way to easy. I would be on the phone "Hello I dont mean to be rude but could you put me through to the general manger RIGHT NOW"


This man speaketh the bizzo. Definitely get angry!

[lil_miss]

I'd still be ringing and asking to speak to a manager of some description.. Short of going in there and watching over it yourself while they do it... You're too nice Warren :D

Scott - would love to see the Queen Mary - gutted we'll be in Palmy.. sounds like it would be awesome.. even just the fireworks :D

[tim]

I got a call from a guy in Canon once, some bigshot in the UK liked my work, so he called to say hi, see if I was using Canon gear, and basically gave me his contact details in case I needed to talk to someone in Canon. Maybe i'll take him up on it.

I only used Canon service once, just before xmas last about 14 months ago, they fixed my grip and returned it inside two weeks.

[Moppie]

Is there a separate Canon Office in Welly?
Or does it all goto Auckland?



Warren, your being WAY to nice!
That letter was utter crap, anyone who sends that level of communication to a customer should not have any customer contact.

[Wazza]

I'm being nice?
:lol:

I haven't had a chance for any outburst yet. ;)

It was a simple email, to please give a definate estimate time.
I emailed Monday morning.. And then had a response saying 1-2 days, and on the 3rd day, politely asked on progress and received this later in day.

Yeah, now will be the stage of calling, however I've got a very busy day at work tomorrow.

Mmmmm

There's also just a single name on email end,
No "Regards" or the usual business lingo.

And no signature or contact numbers.

I don't think this guy normally sends outbound, but I was doing him the courteous thing of not mentioning who.

[tim]

All Canon service is in Auckland... insurance to send the $8K or so worth of equipment on the courier won't be cheap.

[Sweedishcarrot01]

Wire and black sheet. Looking at curtian rails and muslin black backdrops next.

cool, what that muslin stuff like you reckon?

[Sweedishcarrot01]

the 1 photo of mine that eveyone is talking about and it is technically speaking one of the worst from the day.
stupid camera focused on the fence, center point focus next time me thinks

Perhaps not tech accurate, but its a cool photograph, well done buddy

[FlyingPete]

Spooky :confused:

I'll be in Nelson for the day as well!

Need anything air freighted to Auckland? I am not leaving the airport though :( My work is at the Air Nelson Engineering Base.

[NordieBoy]

So Wazza, who should I fire an e-mail off to about my lens?
Sent on 21/11/2006.

[NordieBoy]

Need anything air freighted to Auckland? I am not leaving the airport though :( My work is at the Air Nelson Engineering Base.

Hmmm, there's a guitar in Aucks that Jenni needs freighting to Nelson...

[akiwi]

Wire and black sheet. Looking at curtian rails and muslin black backdrops next.

For black you should use Molton. Look for it in music or stage supply shops.
Muslin is pretty thin and wrinkles.

the 1 photo of mine that eveyone is talking about and it is technically speaking one of the worst from the day.




stupid camera focused on the fence, center point focus next time me thinks

Cool picture. Well caught. Being in the right place at the right time pays.

[tim]

So Wazza, who should I fire an e-mail off to about my lens?
Sent on 21/11/2006.

Emails are easy to ignore. Call, if that doesn't work go in.

[NordieBoy]

Emails are easy to ignore. Call, if that doesn't work go in.

Call who?
Go in where?

[DiscoLizard]

Wow... I'm so angry I'm actually shaking.

My recommendation; avoid http://www.globaldive.net/ like the plague.

And to keep it about photography, I'm getting a cokin filter holder today.

[Moppie]

Wow... I'm so angry I'm actually shaking.

My recommendation; avoid http://www.globaldive.net/ like the plague.

And to keep it about photography, I'm getting a cokin filter holder today.


Do we want to know what they did?


I have a contact for Johnchalmers off trademe, I got my Cokin holder and filter from, for a VERY good price.
PM if you want his details.

[DiscoLizard]

Do we want to know what they did?


I have a contact for Johnchalmers off trademe, I got my Cokin holder and filter from, for a VERY good price.
PM if you want his details.

Probably not... Some of the problem is certainly Liz and my fault - bad scheduling, but;

"Once you start your dive course, or if you advise us less than 48 hours before the start of your dive course, we are unable to provide refunds."

You could reasonably expect therefore, that if something came up and you were unable to attend the dive course, that you could ring up (as long as it was more than 48 hours from the course) and get a refund... right? Am I crazy to think that?

Anyway, even that wasn't the worst part, it was his attitude - now I guess without knowing me, you can't really get the picture, but I'm a pretty reasonable guy. I don't get angry with people who are just trying to do their job, I'm not argumentative or pushy... But this guy.... Anyway, I shouldn't say anymore.

p.s. PM sent :)

[Thornfield]

Just for all you CHCH people. Found out that Kens Camera have a filedump option for printing. 20"X40" print for $22.95 three day service. Did a 16X24 of my daughter and it looks great. They don't do any adjustments whatsoever so make sure you have it all sorted before getting it printed. If your into weddings should be a good mark up for large prints.

[weka2000]

Probably not... Some of the problem is certainly Liz and my fault - bad scheduling, but;

"Once you start your dive course, or if you advise us less than 48 hours before the start of your dive course, we are unable to provide refunds."

You could reasonably expect therefore, that if something came up and you were unable to attend the dive course, that you could ring up (as long as it was more than 48 hours from the course) and get a refund... right? Am I crazy to think that?

Anyway, even that wasn't the worst part, it was his attitude - now I guess without knowing me, you can't really get the picture, but I'm a pretty reasonable guy. I don't get angry with people who are just trying to do their job, I'm not argumentative or pushy... But this guy.... Anyway, I shouldn't say anymore.

p.s. PM sent :)

Heck I thought you were the Clark Kent type of guy :lol:

[Wazza]

You'll be please to know, that I didn't hear back from Canon.
I was ridiculously busy today myself, and didn't get a proper break, and finished work 1 hour late, after dealing with a complaint that lead nowhere.

I have 3 days off work now. Wedding tomorrow.
Just borrowed Matt's 580EX, and will borrow Kirst's camera tonight.

The idea is to have 2 flashes, 2 cameras next summer, and until then, just borrower Kirst's backup for now. But with my camera away... Mine BETTER be ready next week.

I have mOnday off, so will have to sort then.

[Mark Vuleta]

Hi all
First game of squash for the year earlier, sore sore legs!!!

Wazza, ring Canon first thing on Monday morning, make an appointment to see service manager &/or general manager, put together all of your facts & present them. DO NOT BACK DOWN. I am sure that between now and then, the group could orgainise an letter expressing overall dissapointment with their orgainisation, it appears to be their issue and they should be sorting it out. If they are short staffed, they shoud be outsourcing to AUS or other agencies. They certainly will be priorortising (excuse spelling, had a few beers after squash) there service work to perfered clients which is unacceptable to the likes of us. Give them a dead line. If they have given you a schedule/time line and have not stuck to it, they are in breach of contract under the Goods & Services Act. This does not have to be in writing, verbal communications are binding, remind them of this. If this does not work, go further up the chain, ask to be put in contact with the region director (Australian based I think) and express the above with all of our combined back-up.

Go for it!!!

[Wazza]

Will do on Monday.

What can I expect out of it? Apart from my camera put into priority queue, which it should already be now!

Free repair? Cheap 40D?
Free 1DSmkIII?

[Wazza]

Will do on Monday.

What can I expect out of it? Apart from my camera put into priority queue, which it should already be now!

Free repair? Cheap 40D?
Free 1DSmkIII?

[Mark Vuleta]

Will do on Monday.

What can I expect out of it?

Definatly priority repair & higly subsidised repair!! Free 1d would be nice but you would have to give it to me.. No, in all reality, getting your camera back ASAP is your main concern, having Canon live upto their promices is another aspect. An apology would also be nice.
Just because Canon are a large orgainisation does not mean that they can treat their customers like this. The people on this fourm would probalbly have spent an average of say NZ$6000.00 each (some considerably more). We are not a group of retail customers and they should be treating us all with the respect we deserve. Canon need to remember that they are not the only cab on the rank & the oposition make very good equipement as well.

I actually like dealing with big companys over issues like this, I left Fletchers because I could not stand their "big company physolophy". I write pretty good letters to CEO's & the like, letters &/or face to face gives results esp. if you can cc the letter to there superior.


Mark

[weka2000]

Ok I need some ideas to get models. 80 e-mails sent via myspace tonight.
How the hang do I advertise. Local rag?

Im listed on about 5 model sites, and there are a couple I check for new models.

With out been sexist or whatever I think the best place is super markets. Why? Well the are full of woman.

I have got a studio, camera, lights and website with samples. Im busy on trade me getting bits for my studio. Now I need to get clients.

Ideas please

[Mark Vuleta]

After reading back the last few dozen pages or so, it appears that another big issue with Canon service is their lack of communication with their clients.

Customer relationships is what business is all about, having good lines of commincation is very large componant of this, it does not cost anything for a phone call/email and everyone knows the state of play even though it may not live up to expectations. If you know what is going on, it goes a long way to alleviating tension. This aspect of business comes from the top and the top needs to be reminded of this from time to time.

[Mark Vuleta]

Cant help with the models Tony but I can give you a price for your hot water cylinder!!!

[weka2000]

Cant help with the models Tony but I can give you a price for your hot water cylinder!!!
And it is???

[Mark Vuleta]

I would need to visit to measure up, check wireing etc (mains pressure uses 3kW element etc)

Let us know if you wish.

Have you finished your studio? you've moved fast!!

Mark

[weka2000]

I would need to visit to measure up, check wireing etc (mains pressure uses 3kW element etc)

Let us know if you wish.

Have you finished your studio? you've moved fast!!

Mark

Im using what I have. Doing a few shoots then it will give me a better idea on how I will want it. I need a single bed and chairs and other props seen I no longer have the leather lounge suit and the models are not allowed in the house :lol: (wifes rules)

Will get back to you re HWC once the old house has sold.

[Mark Vuleta]

Cool, no problem. Are you making sure that your collecting late settlement interest, from memory, should be something like 1.75 - 2.0% per month, worth having!!

Let us know if you need any assistance in construction, have most tools that you could ever need (according to wife). Must be time to watch the cricket.

Mark

[forsaken]

crickets over. Only took the black caps 27 overs and 0 wickets to cream the aussies

[Mark Vuleta]

Outstanding

[tim]

Call who?
Go in where?

I once had a problem with Vodafone - minor, but annoying. I googled to find out the name of big boss, guessed at his email, and emailed him. I got a call from his PA the next day, he'd formed a working group to address my problem. Someone from the working group called a couple of days later. Problem solved.

For Canon problems they seem to be at:

Canon New Zealand Limited
Akoranga Business Park
Akoranga Drive, Northcote

[Wazza]

Tony: The only thing I find amusing is your desire to shoot only females.

There's some things I may not like to shoot, or shooting stuff too cheaply or for free, but overall all these areas, give greater awareness to my name and website.

Focusing only on females, and that sort of photography, could possibly have those boyfriends, tell their partners not to go along, for the fact you only want to shoot females. :p

But that's just me. And shooting weddings you must shoot all, male, female, short, tall, young and old.

First wedding in 15 hours at someones house. Pretty close.

[weka2000]

Tony: The only thing I find amusing is your desire to shoot only females.

There's some things I may not like to shoot, or shooting stuff too cheaply or for free, but overall all these areas, give greater awareness to my name and website.

Focusing only on females, and that sort of photography, could possibly have those boyfriends, tell their partners not to go along, for the fact you only want to shoot females. :p

But that's just me. And shooting weddings you must shoot all, male, female, short, tall, young and old.

First wedding in 15 hours at someones house. Pretty close.

Amusing or not it is not going to change. If I dont want to do something I dont. I have done some couples shoots. Didnt appeal.
I will take the boyfreind/hubby issue as part of it.

I stand firm...no kids boyfreinds or pets. Its my way or no way.

[Wazza]

I also realised last night in preparation for my wedding shoot, my 50mm 1.8 is on my 20D body, as they wanted a lens, coz I didn't have my lens cap...

[scotttnz]

Well while you lot were asleep this morning, I was out (with half of Auckland) getting this:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a310/scotttnz/IMG_2998.jpg

I've got 200 shots to go through, will post some more later.

[scotttnz]

Here is another quick edit.

You can see how many people were out on north head to welcome the QM2.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a310/scotttnz/IMG_3043.jpg

[weka2000]

Well while you lot were asleep this morning, I was out (with half of Auckland) getting this:



I've got 200 shots to go through, will post some more later.

Great work Scott. I would rather be asleep than deal with crowds. May head down late tonight.
How long is she here for?

[scotttnz]

Great work Scott. I would rather be asleep than deal with crowds. May head down late tonight.
How long is she here for?

She is leaving tonight at around 10:15 from memory. They are putting on a fireworks display as she goes.

Edit: All the info is here:

http://www.queenmary2.co.nz/html/schedule-of-events.cfm

[joeseph]

Well while you lot were asleep this morning, I was out (with half of Auckland) getting this:
Very nice - some of us were sleeping on account of not being asleep at 04:00
I checked the schedule and QM2 looks due to sail at 10pm tonight so will be dark by then :(

[Wazza]

Just back from Auckland Camera.

Added a 50mm f1.4 to my collection..
Thanks Canon, I know why you hold onto my 50mm 1.8 now! ;)

Wedding is in a couple of days.. Scorcher of a day!

[weka2000]

Just back from Auckland Camera.

Added a 50mm f1.4 to my collection..
Thanks Canon, I know why you hold onto my 50mm 1.8 now! ;)

Wedding is in a couple of days.. Scorcher of a day!

Was my 50mm F1.2 still there?

[Wazza]

Sure was, but I didn't have a spare $3000... Or close to.

When I sell my 2nd car, I'll have some more money again. Should put it all back on my credit card, rather than buy a new body. :lol:

[theflyingkiwi]

Well while you lot were asleep this morning, I was out (with half of Auckland) getting this:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a310/scotttnz/IMG_2998.jpg

I've got 200 shots to go through, will post some more later.

I have just seen this on 3 news, where it's seems the captain is from Little-miss home town, in fact some of us where there a week ago :)

BTW, that's a nice shot.

[weka2000]

Hey Scott the horizon on the first post is not straight :p

[theflyingkiwi]

You know I was taken away by the QM2 I didn't see that.

[weka2000]

So is anyone going down to night to see it off?

[dgcorner]

Nice shots Scott!!! For those of you who didn't dare venture near Jellicoe wharf -- you made the right decision!!! Bloody wall to wall people and the traffic was bad... not to mention that the sh@t containers were blocking the view!!!

[akiwi]

Ok I need some ideas to get models. 80 e-mails sent via myspace tonight.
How the hang do I advertise. Local rag?

Im listed on about 5 model sites, and there are a couple I check for new models.

With out been sexist or whatever I think the best place is super markets. Why? Well the are full of woman.

I have got a studio, camera, lights and website with samples. Im busy on trade me getting bits for my studio. Now I need to get clients.

Ideas please

Yep, I think a Supermarket would be a good place to advertise. In Germany Sun studios are pretty popular. I figure that that would be also a good place as the sort of people who go there are often young people wanting to look good. Might be the sort who want photos.
You could also try hairdressers, but might need to get the right one. you don't really want trucklods of 80 year olds with blue hair (unless they pay well)
;)

One gatget yyou have got to get is a smoke machine. That with some colour gels can make really cool pictures. Did a bunch last night & they are really cool.

crickets over. Only took the black caps 27 overs and 0 wickets to cream the aussies

Go Kiwi Go. Unfortunately I don't get any of that over here in Germany. (Just not cricket)

Tony: The only thing I find amusing is your desire to shoot only females.

There's some things I may not like to shoot, or shooting stuff too cheaply or for free, but overall all these areas, give greater awareness to my name and website.

Focusing only on females, and that sort of photography, could possibly have those boyfriends, tell their partners not to go along, for the fact you only want to shoot females. :p

But that's just me. And shooting weddings you must shoot all, male, female, short, tall, young and old.

First wedding in 15 hours at someones house. Pretty close.

I agree. I like photographing the human form, and I am not Gay, but a muscular Male can look damn good in photos with the right light.

Well while you lot were asleep this morning, I was out (with half of Auckland) getting this:



I've got 200 shots to go through, will post some more later.

That's a cool ship. Nice photo.

Just back from Auckland Camera.

Added a 50mm f1.4 to my collection..
Thanks Canon, I know why you hold onto my 50mm 1.8 now! ;)

Wedding is in a couple of days.. Scorcher of a day!

That's how they make their money! I think you need to mention that to them when you get to talk to someine.

You know I was taken away by the QM2 I didn't see that.

Me neither, & I am normally very sensitive to crooked horizons.

[akiwi]

Had a long photo session last night with a Pregnant model. Actually one of my colleagues. I'm lucky I don't have Tony's problem with shooting inside, as my living room has to be transformed into my studio. Takes about 1/2 an hour to set up and another to take down. I would love my own space.
Got some really great images.
Man I find model shoots exhausting. After a long session I even get sore muscles. I'm constantly walking around, changing perspective from low to high etc. Have to be careful that my models don't freeze whilst I sweat. Might take a while to get around to processing as I took about 500 shots, but I'll post some at some stage in G&N.
It's canrneval here at the moment. Sunday Is a children's carneval ball, and next Tuesday is a big procession in our town. Hope to get a few good pictures from that.

[scotttnz]

Hey Scott the horizon on the first post is not straight :p

Yes it is a little off isn't it.....I'll have to fix that:rolleyes:

[weka2000]

Had a long photo session last night with a Pregnant model. Actually one of my colleagues. I'm lucky I don't have Tony's problem with shooting inside, as my living room has to be transformed into my studio. Takes about 1/2 an hour to set up and another to take down. I would love my own space.
Got some really great images.
Man I find model shoots exhausting. After a long session I even get sore muscles. I'm constantly walking around, changing perspective from low to high etc. Have to be careful that my models don't freeze whilst I sweat. Might take a while to get around to processing as I took about 500 shots, but I'll post some at some stage in G&N.
It's canrneval here at the moment. Sunday Is a children's carneval ball, and next Tuesday is a big procession in our town. Hope to get a few good pictures from that.

I dont have a problem......I have a studio :lol: You are right about how much hard work is involved. People think its all fun. After 1 model shoot I had my back was killing me.

The weirdest thing I have found is when you hit a blank patch. Now what. I simply take a break.

[Wazza]

What a long day yesterday.
It appears that 50mm 1.4 is a killer - have yet to look at the images, don't exactly have hard drive space, so may look for an external drive today. From what I could see when I was chimping, focussing was spot on, silent and fast. :)

I also used it with the 85mm, shooting from Stanley Bay Beach.
Hopefully got something interesting there, and a few good fireworks shots.

Will post some up by tomorrow evening after my next couple of days off.

[Moppie]

Man, what a CRAP Weekend!

Fantastic weather, but Amanda has been feeling unwell, and Iv been trapped in front of Two PC's.
Built one, and did a clean install on the other.
Wouldn't you know it, got mine back up and running, connected to the net and picked up a nasty virus faster than you can say Avast.

It screwed my connection, and Xtra thought it was a problem at thier end.
Got hold of a tech at 9am this morning who did some searching on Google for me, and found that it was indeed a Trojan.
So, Iv just done another clean install.
This time with Avast and Spybot running at highest levels before I connected. So far so good :)

Have to reinstall office, CS2, a few more drivers etc yet.
Oh, it seems my M/B has some issues with the AGP slot, new graphics card is giving some of the same problems the old one did. I'll just have to stick with it for now, but it means a new M/B Chip, etc etc etc is a must do before the end of the year.

And don't even get me started on the new PC I built!
Ordered a TV card, that windows media center claims doesn't work with NZ TV (even though its a PAL card), and now it won't recognize the 2nd SATA drive.

At least Im back online, I can spend the next 4 hours playing with drivers and trouble shooting, then I have to deliver it to my parents.



Anyway sorry for the RANT :)


On a less happy note, Chris is going to be unable to make it up next weekend to shoot the Civil Union/Wedding with me.
I'm quite happy to do it on my own, but if anyone else is interested in helping then send me a PM.

[weka2000]

hi everyone - long time no visit. i've got a couple of questions: first of all, i'm looking to source a 580EX flash gun in about a month's time, anyone have any ideas where i can get one for less than standard retail? and second, where/when is the next auckland gkpe field trip?


Try Glam

He is from Trade me

PM sent

[weka2000]

Well wekas adventure for today.............

Take out a window frame from a second story on home made scafolding. Do this with out breaking the current glass.....

well almost 90% there getting a small window out it broke and part of the glass went into my wrist and the rest of the window pushing down at same time.

The nurse was out shopping..... so I had to patch myself up.


Get window frame out put new one in.....Should have measure befiore hand :rolleyes:
Out with skill saw. New window frame in and get the glass man tommorow to put glass in.

Oh have my first model shoot tonight in my studio :lol:

[Sweedishcarrot01]

good luck with your shoot tonight Tony

[Nzshrimper]

Man, what a CRAP Weekend!

Fantastic weather, but Amanda has been feeling unwell, and Iv been trapped in front of Two PC's.
Built one, and did a clean install on the other.
Wouldn't you know it, got mine back up and running, connected to the net and picked up a nasty virus faster than you can say Avast.

It screwed my connection, and Xtra thought it was a problem at thier end.
Got hold of a tech at 9am this morning who did some searching on Google for me, and found that it was indeed a Trojan.
So, Iv just done another clean install.
This time with Avast and Spybot running at highest levels before I connected. So far so good :)

Have to reinstall office, CS2, a few more drivers etc yet.
Oh, it seems my M/B has some issues with the AGP slot, new graphics card is giving some of the same problems the old one did. I'll just have to stick with it for now, but it means a new M/B Chip, etc etc etc is a must do before the end of the year.

And don't even get me started on the new PC I built!
Ordered a TV card, that windows media center claims doesn't work with NZ TV (even though its a PAL card), and now it won't recognize the 2nd SATA drive.

At least Im back online, I can spend the next 4 hours playing with drivers and trouble shooting, then I have to deliver it to my parents.



Anyway sorry for the RANT :)


On a less happy note, Chris is going to be unable to make it up next weekend to shoot the Civil Union/Wedding with me.
I'm quite happy to do it on my own, but if anyone else is interested in helping then send me a PM.

bugger that is a sh1te run.. and I am now a single parent for two weeks .. my wife has had to fly to the UK (death in the family) hence why i cant make the wedding.. :( - she flew out today and the kids were all upset. but chocolate and movies soon eased their pain.

So i may not be around as much for the next two weeks. with work and the house and the kids - cooking dinner doing the washing.. :rolleyes: a womans work is never done. :p

[weka2000]

a womans work is never done. :p

By men :p

[Nzshrimper]

By men :p
im looking through the yellow pages for a temporary house keeper.. :p

[Nzshrimper]

and the aussies get spanked again... lol ... and whats more they are no longer the number one cricket team in the world..

[lil_miss]

Why have they requested a backup camera? .. sorry can't help you there.. good luck

[akiwi]

ok im gonna get cheeky...

i have been asked to shoot for a couple i dont know (wedding on waiheke island) and they have requested that i bring a backup camera. uh-oh... don't have one... in fact never considered what i might do if i ever NEEDED one during a shoot before - how terribly short-sighted of me!

my friends only have nikons which would be incompatible with my lenses/flash unit/batteries - and bad for my image!

basically i would not be getting it out of the bag unless my camera went belly-up which it has so far in 18mth shown no signs of doing but you never know... (mine's a 350d and would be happy with anything similar)

i'm based on the north shore... does anyone have a camera body they wouldn't mind lending me for easter sunday?

pm me if you can help...
thanks!
steph

If you're shooting a wedding I find it to be an absolute necessity! What if you drop yours. It can also be handy having two setups, one with Tele & one with wide, or one with flash and a zoom, and one with a prime.
I shot a wedding in October and rented a 400d & 580ex and 2 gig CF for about 100 euros. It was very handy having 2 setups.

[weka2000]

ok im gonna get cheeky...

i have been asked to shoot for a couple i dont know (wedding on waiheke island) and they have requested that i bring a backup camera. uh-oh... don't have one... in fact never considered what i might do if i ever NEEDED one during a shoot before - how terribly short-sighted of me!

my friends only have nikons which would be incompatible with my lenses/flash unit/batteries - and bad for my image!

basically i would not be getting it out of the bag unless my camera went belly-up which it has so far in 18mth shown no signs of doing but you never know... (mine's a 350d and would be happy with anything similar)

i'm based on the north shore... does anyone have a camera body they wouldn't mind lending me for easter sunday?

pm me if you can help...
thanks!
steph

PM sent, and you thought you were checky :rolleyes:

[Cyborg Death Ninja]

I somehow got dust on the inside of the viewfinder lens. Can anyone tell me how to remove it? I searched for threads here and it seemed like a 'rocket-blower' is the ticket. Anyone know where I can buy one?

[DiscoLizard]

Heck I thought you were the Clark Kent type of guy :lol:

I don't wear my underwear on the outside :D

[Wazza]

Just a question for all those IT gurus around here.

My issue is storage. I've cut down on photos I'm taking, but as they're raw, still taking up plenty of space.

Already I have 700Gb in total, over 4 drives, but only 2 can be plugged in at once, due to old motherboard/IDE setup.

So what are my options? Are mass storage USB devices ok?
From what I've seen, a 500Gb USB drive is around $450.

[DiscoLizard]

Just a question for all those IT gurus around here.

My issue is storage. I've cut down on photos I'm taking, but as they're raw, still taking up plenty of space.

Already I have 700Gb in total, over 4 drives, but only 2 can be plugged in at once, due to old motherboard/IDE setup.

So what are my options? Are mass storage USB devices ok?
From what I've seen, a 500Gb USB drive is around $450.

USB drives are great. Just make sure you've got USB 2 connections, if not, you'll need a pci card (I have a new one that you can have if you need).

You don't need to buy one of those package deals either, just a usb enclosure (probably about $50) and whichever HDD (about $280-$330 for 500gb) you want to put into it.

[FlyingPete]

Just a question for all those IT gurus around here.

My issue is storage. I've cut down on photos I'm taking, but as they're raw, still taking up plenty of space.

Already I have 700Gb in total, over 4 drives, but only 2 can be plugged in at once, due to old motherboard/IDE setup.

So what are my options? Are mass storage USB devices ok?
From what I've seen, a 500Gb USB drive is around $450.

So what happens when one of those drives crashes (I say when not if)?

Perhaps it is time to look at something a little more serious and robust? You could build a disk array out of drives that could wear a single disk failure, and be a hell of a lot faster than USB drives, you will have to have enough space in your case though. You can get cards or motherboards that support up to 6 SATA drives now, that is up to 2.5TB of protected storage (you loose drives capacity to redundancy) using 500GB drives!

I have such a beast running with 250GB drives, however I only have 5 which gives me 1TB.

[weka2000]

I don't wear my underwear on the outside :D

But you do fly dont you....mild mannered that you are

[Wazza]

So what happens when one of those drives crashes (I say when not if)?

Perhaps it is time to look at something a little more serious and robust? You could build a disk array out of drives that could wear a single disk failure, and be a hell of a lot faster than USB drives, you will have to have enough space in your case though. You can get cards or motherboards that support up to 6 SATA drives now, that is up to 2.5TB of protected storage (you loose drives capacity to redundancy) using 500GB drives!

I have such a beast running with 250GB drives, however I only have 5 which gives me 1TB.

So you suggest a new motherboard, several SATA drives?

I do need a more serious approach at this, and know it will be costly. :(

[FlyingPete]

So you suggest a new motherboard, several SATA drives?

I do need a more serious approach at this, and know it will be costly. :(

Many of the current generation of Intel Core2 boards have 6 SATA ports and support a configuration known as RAID5. What RAID5 does is use one drive as a parity drive which it can use the information on it to rebuild all the data on the drives should one fail, this means that you loose one drives capacity for the array (group) but if a drive fails you loose no information. That drive can then be replaced and you are back to a protected state.

I have a Intel DG865OT motherboard that I got for around $200, it has 6 SATA ports and RAID5.

The main issue with this approach is having a case big enough to hold all the drives!

Also remember RAID5 does not protect you from non-hardware related data corruption or deleting files by accident.

EDIT: By the way, if you think this is expensive it can be, data protection is big business. To many data is life and death of a company.

[DiscoLizard]

Like Pete said, if you're getting serious about it, then a RAID array is a good idea - they're not even that expensive these days... You might want to use the opportunity to set up an offsite backup system too, RAID is great for hardware faults, but if your house gets robbed, then your data is gone.

[Wazza]

Exactly. Or if there's a fire.

I've got some DVD backups, but not quite enough.

And was considering putting absolute essentials, such as paid wedding shoots, onto a 2nd DVD backup, held at a family members home.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Will have to start saving..

[scotttnz]

I do need a more serious approach at this, and know it will be costly.

By the way, if you think this is expensive it can be, data protection is big business. To many data is life and death of a company.

Exactly.....just think how you would feel if you lost all you photos due to hardware failure, theft of the PC, the house burning down etc.....insurance can't repace your photos.

I regularly burn all my RAW files to 2 sets of DVDs and delete them from the Hard Drive, and backup my current data to a hard drive in another PC. But for the sort of volume of data you are talking about this is probably not practicle. RAID is probably a good option, and not all that expensive these days, but it only protects you against a single drive failure (which is by far the most common problem), it does nothing to help you in many data loss situations. I still say you should do a regular backup to DVD, tape, or another Hard Drive and store it off site.

[FlyingPete]

Exactly. Or if there's a fire.

I've got some DVD backups, but not quite enough.

And was considering putting absolute essentials, such as paid wedding shoots, onto a 2nd DVD backup, held at a family members home.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Will have to start saving..

I have the RAID array for my online stuff plus two 250GB drives for offsite. I also burn my RAW's to two DVD once they have been processed, lightens the disk load and you usually don't need them once the job is done.

[MattL]

Perhaps I should put a 2 or 3 tb server in my citylink rack.. You could have internet (ftp) access, and could courier me DVDs or a USB hdd once a month to take in for you. I'd have to charge to cover my costs, but for your money would get top rate data protection, plus the ability to access it remotly at any time..

Would anybody be interested in a setup like this? if so what would you be willing to pay?

[FlyingPete]

Perhaps I should put a 2 or 3 tb server in my citylink rack.. You could have internet (ftp) access, and could courier me DVDs or a USB hdd once a month to take in for you. I'd have to charge to cover my costs, but for your money would get top rate data protection, plus the ability to access it remotly at any time..

Would anybody be interested in a setup like this? if so what would you be willing to pay?

I thought about a sharing setup before, by replicating over DSL, I copy my stuff to someone else, they copy their to mine. THe inital copy is done with a USB HD, so it only is updates. There were even some DSL plans at the time that unlimited local traffic which would have been ideal. Scrapped the idea due to some finer technical issues that are hard to overcome.

[FlyingPete]

Actually an a side note on storage trends and photography. Due to the falling cost of flash a new trend is emerging in the point and shoot market.

People go and buy their nice Canon IXUS or what ever, buy a 1GB SD card with it fill up the card, mark it write protected, stick it in a drawer and buy another 1GB SD card!

They never reuse the cards as they are relatively so cheap. You can pick up a basic 1GB for under $30 (heck the supplier often talked about around here has them for $15!). The average P&S gets 500-800 shots on a 1GB card, so that is 3-6 cents a shot, the old "rule of thumb" for a film camera was a buck a shot. Take into account the odd print at 30cents (thanks Harvey Norman!) and they are still way better off!

[Wazza]

For the next year or two, my budget for these sort of things will be tight. So I won't be going overkill.

I should get a business only machine, and make my photography pay for it. Then I can add in GST, depreciation. I need a part time job, not full time!
At moment have full time + part time.. Glad I don't have a family! - I wouldn't be seeing them

[dgcorner]

I somehow got dust on the inside of the viewfinder lens. Can anyone tell me how to remove it? I searched for threads here and it seemed like a 'rocket-blower' is the ticket. Anyone know where I can buy one?

CDN, whereabouts do you live? I have a rocket blower that you can borrow. I bought mine off eBay.

[Wazza]

It's been a while since I've shared anything, so here goes some birds..

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=278796

[tim]

Wazza, I talked to the head of Canon sales NZ, will email you what he told me.

Re storage. The best price/size ratio at the moment seems to be 400GB, I just got one of them for around $250. I take around 1000 images per wedding (10GB), and about 10% of them I delete due to them being absolute crap. I present 300 proofs or so, the other 500 or so are marked as not good enough or duplicates, and stay on my file system until after the album is done, then they get deleted. I keep them around in case I need to take the eyes to put on another photo, in case someone blinked. Maybe 50 photos are marked as "keep but don't show to the customer", mainly for alternate poses or for eye transplants.

Once the album is done I delete all photos that weren't given to the customer, and weren't marked as to keep. This drops my storage from 10GB to 3GB or so. Album files take another GB or so. I archive the 4GB to another hard drive, which I store in a secure location. I also convert the images to JPG, burn them to DVD, and keep them in a different secure location.

In summary: keep only what you need to and archive wisely.

[tim]

I should get a business only machine, and make my photography pay for it. Then I can add in GST, depreciation. I need a part time job, not full time!
At moment have full time + part time.. Glad I don't have a family! - I wouldn't be seeing them

I don't think you can write off the cost of an asset, you can just claim back the GST, so not sure you need to buy a new machine especially. You can depreciate the existing PC if it's mainly used for business, even if you bought it with personal funds - like I did.

[Wazza]

Trigger happy Tim?
I took around 300 images at my last wedding.

But there'll be a LOT more this Saturday. Will be a near full day coverage, for someone I know. Kirst is coming along too, so should be interesting to see what we do together. :)

[Cyborg Death Ninja]

CDN, whereabouts do you live? I have a rocket blower that you can borrow. I bought mine off eBay.
I live in Waiuku, South South Auckland... Maybe if I came up to auckland I could just drop in and use it? I don't think I would need to take it with me.
PM me if you like.

[dgcorner]

I live in Waiuku, South South Auckland... Maybe if I came up to auckland I could just drop in and use it? I don't think I would need to take it with me.
PM me if you like.

PM sent.

[naqs]

Wazza Don't forget to check pricespy (www.pricespy.co.nz) before jumping into the first deal you come across.

[momentz]

I agree with what has been said about storage. Just be wary if you're replacing your mb - some 'home user' mb's are better than others. I have RAID on my Asus A8N SLI mb, but it's pants... I'm very unimpressed - the thing won't rebuild my array after replacing a disk (mirror).

[Wazza]

Pricespy is one of my regular visits.

Usually I've bought off Ascent for their free delivery or QMB, where I originally got my PC. - They're usually within 5-10% of the best price, and never had problems with them.

[tag141]

As we're talking tech stuff I have a question. I just scored a Netgear wireless router. I already have a Dlink wireless router with print server. Is Netgear stuff better than Dlink? Opinions...

[Nzshrimper]

As we're talking tech stuff I have a question. I just scored a Netgear wireless router. I already have a Dlink wireless router with print server. Is Netgear stuff better than Dlink? Opinions...
in general yes.. what model d link and netgear.

[tag141]

Netgear - WGR614 v6, Dlink - 524UP. Found I can get a print server for the Netgear router and also storage add-ons.

[tim]

Trigger happy Tim?

I take around 800-900 photos usually, over 8-9 hours, with many photos taken twice or more to guard against blinks - I don't delete on the day very often.

[Nzshrimper]

I took this along with many others last week. they all appear to be a bit flat to me. Can anyone share how to get the cars and indeed the images to pop.

[theflyingkiwi]

I take around 800-900 photos usually, over 8-9 hours, with many photos taken twice or more to guard against blinks - I don't delete on the day very often.

have you ever had a case where you had to merge two photos together to get one good one.

Just thinking if you are shooting a family for example, one person blinks first time around, and then another person blinks the 2nd time around.

[tim]

have you ever had a case where you had to merge two photos together to get one good one.

Just thinking if you are shooting a family for example, one person blinks first time around, and then another person blinks the 2nd time around.

Yes, happens reasonably regularly. I mix and match the shots to make the best one, which best represented how the people really were. Capturing 1/100th of a second isn't always representative.

[theflyingkiwi]

yea, that's not the best shutter speed in the world for stopping motion. I hope ya don't do it that offen as I would think it would take a lot of time to do.

[Wazza]

I took this along with many others last week. they all appear to be a bit flat to me. Can anyone share how to get the cars and indeed the images to pop.

That looks underexposed to myself, and very grainy, even though it's only ISO 250. You were on manual mode too.

F14... 1/125th.. The shutter speed is good, however I would have shot at ISO 100, giving around F7.1 for the same shutter speed. Could be the editing from the original has left it like that, but there's not much detail in all the whites.. Such as the shadow detail has been brought very flat (happens in RAW files if you take away too much of the darkness)

[joeseph]

As we're talking tech stuff I have a question. I just scored a Netgear wireless router. I already have a Dlink wireless router with print server. Is Netgear stuff better than Dlink? Opinions...
I have had issues with several models of Dlink routers not passing ipSec VPN's thru properly so have come to treat then with distain. For example I have a Dlink DSL-G604T wireless router that has never been plugged into an ADSL line - I use a Cisco 837 for that.
The clients with VPN issues have been fixed by binning the Dlink & installing a Netgear...

[Sweedishcarrot01]

Tony, how'd your first model shoot go?

[scotttnz]

Posted some more QM2 shots over here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2733828#post2733828

[momentz]

I took this along with many others last week. they all appear to be a bit flat to me. Can anyone share how to get the cars and indeed the images to pop.

What Wazza said - if I had to fix what you've posted there though without having a raw to work with, bump up the contrast a heap, or else duotone conversion using channel mixer and hue/sat:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/evobit/msport/Untitled-2.jpg

[theflyingkiwi]

hey everyone, if you had submitted any photos for the book, you can now check out if you made the public voting selection here

http://potn.smugmug.com/

[weka2000]

Here is the best shot from last night

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2733932#post2733932

[jasestu]

let us know what you sold them at. I would be interested to know price for size.

Finally got organised and sorted some sorted to sell. Even made my first sale last week too. :)

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o269/jasestu/McNaught/McNaughtPricing.jpg

[forsaken]

I took this along with many others last week. they all appear to be a bit flat to me. Can anyone share how to get the cars and indeed the images to pop.


its a subaru they don't pop in the visual sence only the engines go pop:cool:

[theflyingkiwi]

Finally got organised and sorted some sorted to sell. Even made my first sale last week too. :)

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o269/jasestu/McNaught/McNaughtPricing.jpg

that's cool. a couple of questions. How long did it take you to find my quote? :)

um are you going to print that out and put it somewhere? or is that just a online thing?

not to sure about adding the 10mp thing. not many people will care about that.

[jasestu]

Finding your quote was easy - I haven't posted a lot so a search for "jasestu" gave me what I wanted after a few seconds. :)

It's only a casual online thing - my pics got emailed far and wide and covered the local community fairly well, so hopefully the pdf of what you see there will get a little mileage too. I figure the images have the most appeal to people around the Eastern Bay who recognise the Mt.

Good call on the 10.1mp thing, I had space left at the end of the page and wanted to say something to the effect of "these aren't crappy little pics that will look pixelated at A4 upward".... I'm no marketer. :)

that's cool. a couple of questions. How long did it take you to find my quote? :)

um are you going to print that out and put it somewhere? or is that just a online thing?

not to sure about adding the 10mp thing. not many people will care about that.

[theflyingkiwi]

well your photos look really good. better than mine I think :(

Lets hope ya get some sales from it.

[jasestu]

If I felt I had enough material that would apeal to a global audience I'd set up smugmug or similar, but I think doing that I'd spend more money on registration etc than I recover with sales.

[Sweedishcarrot01]

Does anyone here have any experience with wireless flash meters?

[theflyingkiwi]

You know Aaron, I think you and Tony should just get together and just share information. it would be quicker :)

[tim]

Does anyone here have any experience with wireless flash meters?

Yes.

[NordieBoy]

I took this along with many others last week. they all appear to be a bit flat to me. Can anyone share how to get the cars and indeed the images to pop.

Wind the turbo boost up, that'll make it pop.
Or get them to paint their car.

[DiscoLizard]

hey everyone, if you had submitted any photos for the book, you can now check out if you made the public voting selection here

http://potn.smugmug.com/

Why is right-clicking disabled? ???

Makes it hard to view the exif

[akiwi]

Does anyone here have any experience with wireless flash meters?
A little, but as I can't afford one for my studio at the moment, I rely on the histogram for setting the exposure of my images.

[Wazza]

I'm on hold to Canon. I wonder how long this will take. 10minutes so far.

Tried calling Tim's contact, however was voicemail.

They apparently sent an email off on Friday, (obviously the repair is over $200), and they sent an estimate, however to two staff, Chris and Jessica, and I let them know I'll pay up to $400. I wonder how much they want to charge...

[Wazza]

20minutes...

[Wazza]

Ok, spoke with a Paul.

They confirmed had emailed on Friday, but nothing received.

Said will be done ASAP, $435 or so, and will be done this time next week. Asked if can have a loaner body, said no, as not a CPS member...

[Wazza]

So in total,

that will be 6 weeks day to day, if it's repaired on Tuesday next week. :rolleyes:

---

Thanks for the info , Pohutukawa Flower.
:)

[tag141]

Ok, spoke with a Paul.
as not a CPS member...

There is no CPS membership in NZ or Australia !! So how can you be one?

[theflyingkiwi]

Why is right-clicking disabled? ???

Makes it hard to view the exif

your right it does, but it's a function of the site. As part of the submission process the exif data had be included with the photo.

[DiscoLizard]

your right it does, but it's a function of the site. As part of the submission process the exif data had be included with the photo.

That's a shame. Some pretty impressive photos on there, I was interested in seeing what settings were used. Suppose I could check the browser cache, but that would be too much effort :p

Is there any guesstimate of how much the POTN book will cost? (to buy)

[theflyingkiwi]

1. How much will the book cost?
Our price point is $40 plus P&P

that's in US dollars I believe, so currently is about $57 NZ dollars.

All the questions I would hope have been answered in the FAQ

[DiscoLizard]

1. How much will the book cost?
Our price point is $40 plus P&P

that's in US dollars I believe, so currently is about $57 NZ dollars.

All the questions I would hope have been answered in the FAQ

Yup - I was more thinking how much all up... the P&P can be pretty big to NZ, as you know. I guess we'll find out soon!

[Wazza]

There is no CPS membership in NZ or Australia !! So how can you be one?

I think there is one available.. As when I was there dropping off my gear on 16th January they confirmed 2x 1 Series, and 3x L lens required.

With service like this, I'll be sticking to Sigma top end lens such as 300-800 ;)

[::John::]

There is no CPS membership in NZ or Australia !! So how can you be one?

Where did you get that idea?

http://www.canon.com.au/cps/home.aspx

Eligibility (http://www.canon.com.au/CPS/member_eligibility.html)

[tag141]

Where did you get that idea?

http://www.canon.com.au/cps/home.aspx

Eligibility (http://www.canon.com.au/CPS/member_eligibility.html)

If only you could see me now :o head bowed in shame. Indeed you can be a member...I was being a numbnuts and looking at the Canon Europe site, which obviously doesn't mention any country outside the EU. Humble apologies.

[DiscoLizard]

I think there is one available.. As when I was there dropping off my gear on 16th January they confirmed 2x 1 Series, and 3x L lens required.

With service like this, I'll be sticking to Sigma top end lens such as 300-800 ;)

I don't think you need 1 series - just "professional" cameras;

-1ds
-1d
-1dmk2
-1dmk2n
-1dsmk2
-5d
-10d
-20d

You just need two of the above

http://www.cps.canon-europa.com/membership/apply.do - under "qualifying equipment"



Altho, if they told you differently, they're probably right :p

[::John::]

The US and Europe run entirely different CPS memberships. The Australian version (and it may be similar for NZ) runs a much 'tighter' ship - fewer CPS sponsored events and fewer loan opportunities - but they do run a faster turn around. (3 days is about the 'worst case').

Tag - no worries, mate.

[weka2000]

Have to earn most of your income via photography

[naqs]

hey everyone, who here is a member of the NZIPP and how hard was it to be recognised by them if so?

This may make me sounds stupid but, What does NZIPP stand for? New Zealand... something... photography... something? ???

[weka2000]

sorry - i was torn between explaining the acronym and insulting everyone or not explaining it and sounding like a knowledge snob...

it's the new zealand institute of professional photographers

any comments on whether ppl think membership with this institute is desirable/necessary for business success in photography would be welcomed too...


Have you checked out on how to get into with this group......
Need a degree in whatever, or business, or really good (they deem that)

I will stick with been a fellow of GKPE :lol:

[weka2000]

Well the old house is settled it is ALL OVER and about bloody time :evil:

Now this causes an issue as I have some money :lol: a bit of money in fact. Trade me is looking really good. 50mmF1.2 300mm F4 umm so many choices.
Or I could wait till 24th Feb when Canon release ther new Cameras :rolleyes:


Ok enough of the wish list. The xtra I made will go into the studio.

Oh more good news...I have been offered $100hr to photograph a model :)

[theflyingkiwi]

Well the old house is settled it is ALL OVER and about bloody time :evil:

Now this causes an issue as I have some money :lol: a bit of money in fact. Trade me is looking really good. 50mmF1.2 300mm F4 umm so many choices.
Or I could wait till 24th Feb when Canon release ther new Cameras :rolleyes:


Ok enough of the wish list. The xtra I made will go into the studio.

Oh more good news...I have been offered $100hr to photograph a model :)

good news on the house front tony. it's good to see that's finialy being settled. Also good news on the model front. I guess you are going to take it? it's a sign that people think you know what your doing. :lol:

[Moppie]

All Fantastic news Tony!

Now you can get really rebuild that old Garage into a proper studio :D


Iv got some good news to, finnaly sorted out my internet woes.

Basicly since sunday, somethng has been busily useing my PC for its evil doings when ever I was online.
What ever it was doing, it was sending out as much data as was being downloaded.
Avast for all the good things said about it, didn't seem to mind this unusual behaviour, although it did report and delete a few Trojans, and SpyBot also did a little work getting rid of some nastys.
Now, however, I also have ZoneAlarms free firewall.
In the last hour, that I finally got it working, its managed to stop several inbound attacks, and also found and stopped a little nasty that was trying to make an outbound connection.

[weka2000]

Also good news on the model front. I guess you are going to take it? it's a sign that people think you know what your doing. :lol:

I HAVE to take it. Orders from my wife to prove to her that I really am shooting models for money not pleasure :lol:

[iKirst]

Congrats on the ends to a means, Tony. home and hosed and housed, as it were :)
And congrats on the model jobbie ;)


Save the extra pennies for a rainy day. I'd like to go buy any lenses better than the bog standard stuff I have, but I keep buying other goodies first. My priorities are all up the whoop by somes standards..

ps - Hi folks ;)

[TKRFAN]

Wow Tony - things are definitely looking up :) Have fun on the spending!!

Moppie, I agree about zonealarm firewall, it is a great little programme.

Now about photography - this is sorta connected to the convo about cars on the previous page, this car isn't a subie, and isn't blowing up, but still looks cool ;)

From Manfeild on the weekend:

[theflyingkiwi]

Congrats on the ends to a means, Tony. home and hosed and housed, as it were :)
And congrats on the model jobbie ;)


Save the extra pennies for a rainy day. I'd like to go buy any lenses better than the bog standard stuff I have, but I keep buying other goodies first. My priorities are all up the whoop by somes standards..

ps - Hi folks ;)

ohh my god who is this masked person ? :lol: good to see ya around.

I HAVE to take it. Orders from my wife to prove to her that I really am shooting models for money not pleasure :lol:

Tony is getting forced to take photos of women by his wife? if I understand that correctly ;)

[joeseph]

Now about photography -

careful, you'll have folks thinking this is a camera forum ;)

nice pic!

[iKirst]

ohh my god who is this masked person ? :lol: good to see ya around.
Lucky you said masked 'person', Mark. I'd hate to think you confused me with some caped wonder.
I'm around more often than you think, though, I tend to lurk more than post - infact, probably a ratio of 500:1 lurking v posting.

I never have much interesting info to share to fill up the forums, heh
Hi though!