Well, yes I took some more photos yesterday, but somehow the Northern Lights display last night was far less distinct then the occurrence on Sunday (the first lot). The Northern Lights are quite uncommon here in the middle of Norway, so it is on the front page of the local newspaper, and on the local radio. I have read several places that the next few years will give us more solar activity (solar storms), resulting also in a higher frequency and stronger Northern Lights displays. Hopefully you Britons will also be able to see the Northern Lights more often in the future!

Bjørn

Thank you very much for your comments! It is very encouraging to get this kind of feedback. Yesterday evening/night there was also a major Northern Lights display over Norway (and Northern Europe). Even though this event was announced as the strongest solar storm to hit the Earth in six years, the Northern Lights were far less impressive here in Trondheim than the occurrence on the evening and night of Sunday 22. January.

Bjørn

Nice photo of you and your wife I am also looking forward to more of your photos!

Bjørn

"Dancing Light"

[IMG]http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/bjolester/NORDLYS12_11.jpg[/IMG]

Aurora Borealis over the Trondheimsfjorden, Norway, taken 22. January 2012.

Pentax K20D and Pentax FA*24mm f2.0
ISO400
f2.0
8 sek

Last night there was an amazing Northern Lights display over Norway. In Trondheim the Northern Lights could be seen in zenith. Most often the phenomenon can only be observed here low on the northern horizon. Luckily the sky was clear and the conditions were ideal for photography. Comments and critique are welcome!

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Thank you!
Bjørn

It seems like you made a very good deal with your 67II. I have browsed parts of your portfolio, the images from Weald Country Park taken with the 67II are really nice

Ian Cameron discusses his technique and answers some of the question raised earlier in this tread here:

http://www.transientlight.co.uk/page/about/

Thank you for your advice! The 645D must be a wonderful tool, but the price makes it only an utopian dream for a hobby photographer like myself. The 67II system, on the other hand, is within reach economically and makes sense for my intended use.

Pentaxophile: I have no experience with Velvia and medium format, but your explanation of the exposure characteristics of the Ian Cameron galleries makes sense.

I have also admired images taken with the 67II in two other galleries. The first one by forum member "mikeyscope", the second by Leping Zha. I have read some posts on the "other forum" where Leping Zha states that he uses exclusively the 67II.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30477065@N07/6199333802/in/photostream/


http://www.lepingzha.com/Mountainscapes/Mountainscapes-Gallery-One/506515_qdVQKf

Bjørn

Thank you for showing me this site. there are some stunning images there! I do agree with davidstorm that some of them do look slightly "over processed", I prefer landscapes that have a more "natural" tone. But the compositions and the motives are fabulous. It seems as if the Scottish Highlands are ALMOST as magnificent as the Norwegian mountainous areas

Grisha: I have also been looking at the 645 system, and this would probably also be a good choice for me. The problem is that I am intrigued with the "Arnold Schwazenegger of cameras" (as it is referred to here: http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/AsahiPentax67.html).

I am considering saving up money for a Pentax 67II. My main area of usage would be landscape and night shooting (attempts with star trails and Northern Lights etc). I would also like to print some of my images in A3 format. The main appeal to me is the more contemplative approach involved when shooting with these kinds of camera. At least this is my impression when reading about people who use medium format systems like the 67II (I have never even seen one in real life). I have read about many of the negative sides with the 67II: shutter shake, needs heavy tripod, expensive camera if in mint condition, expensive to develop film, expensive scanners for 6x7 format, etc. At the same time I have seen some wonderful images taken with the 67II.

As I mentioned above, I know that the contemplative approach would suit me fine. The question I need to find an answer to is: Does the 67II take images that are much better than my K20D.

What kind of price would I have to pay for a 67II in "like new"/mint condition?

I am grateful for all advice on this matter!

Bjørn