Technical Help Topics
In this section you will find topics that relate to common questions, help or tips on a variety of topics.
Photography has been a continuing learning experience for me. The topics of photography technical tips and help seem endless, but most are often easily solved by applying sound logic.
If there are questions you have which are not answered here, feel free to contact me by going to the Contact section.
In the Articles section there are broader photography topics that you may also find helpful.
In the About section there are articles about the specific equipment I use that may also be helpful to those with some general equipment questions.
Lessons from a trip to the Hunter Valley's Eaglereach wilderness resort.
7/12/07
"Life is a learning experience"; a well proven statement and even more so for keen photographers. In this story about my recent trip to New South Wales' wonderful Hunter Valley to stay at the Eaglereach Wilderness Resort, I discuss some of the lessons I learnt - tips and suggestions that may help amateur photographers who have taken up, or are considering medium format photography.
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Lens Reviews and Recommendations
5/10/06
Here I provide short reviews of specific lenses I use and why I recommend them.
This article will continue to build over time as I add more lens reviews.
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How to Clean Camera Lenses
3/09/06
Possibly the most often request I hear for help - even from quite experienced photographers. But, I am often horrified when I see camera store staff (who should know much better) resort to down-right stupid cleaning techniques. Added to that, I am appalled by some of the rip-off so called lens cleaning kits store staff push new camera buyers into buying. So, my first tip is: never buy lens cleaning kits - just buy the 3 cheap items I detail in this article. Read on to learn how to safely and effectively clean your lenses (and pentaprism mirrors and focus screens).
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UV Filters - To add or not to add?
10/07/06
So often this question is asked – should I or shouldn’t I add UV (or similar clear type filters) filters to help protect my lenses. The simple answer is – it depends / maybe not / sometimes! But, it’s also important to note that what you expect the filter to do may be meaningless and may also degrade your image quality as well.
I shoot 35mm, medium format, XPan panoramic and large format with a variety of lenses from as long ago as the 1930s to a current as 2005 – non-coated, single coated and very high-tech multi-coated optics.
The most important consideration when planning to add a UV (sky or haze filter) is to understand how that may or may not affect the image you plan to take – why you are even considering adding a filter.
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Polarising Filter & Rangefinder Cameras - A simple solution
22/06/06
To new users and even experienced users of rangefinder cameras, how to use a polarising filter seems an agonising question. I can't count how many times I have been asked the question... and I have a simple and 100% effective solution.
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Selecting a Medium Format System - A structured approach
20/06/06
So often I am asked questions like: "should I buy a Hasselblad, Mamiya XYZ or a Rollei ABC?" The answer depends.... depends upon so many variables. Therefore, taking a structured and logical approach to selection by elimination is the most effective guide to making a good long term decision. And very importantly, anyone who tells you straight out to "get a XYZ camera with..." probably owns one and is looking for you to justify his or her decision! The choice can ONLY be made by you and ONLY after a careful selection process based on the factors that are important to YOU. Other users can only confirm the system's reliability etc..
Importantly, keep in mind that there is no BEST system, just one that is BETTER for you. So, here is my suggested process that should help ensure you have no regrets or wasted money.
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The perfect panoramic companion - Hasselblad XPan II
20/06/06
The Hasselblad XPan II is one of the most compelling creative experiences I have had despite the fact that when The XPan I was first released, I dismissed it - I failed to understand what it really was.
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