The MX is a lovely thing. But for an easy to use straightforward no nonsense SLR, the P30N is a good, cheap, reliable option. No foam light seals to replace either. Will use DA lenses in Program mode (camera controls aperture and shutter speed for you).

The PZ70 is my favourite cheapo film SLR to use though. You can control the aperture on the body (front wheel, like on a DSLR) on A, FA and DA lenses. And it's autofocus. The PZ1 (Z1P) would be even better as it's better built, pentaprism viewfinder etc.

Ian, as you used a mist filter, I assume you were going for a misty, ethereal look - so I prefer your version to Matty's, which looks 'normal' to me. The mist filter is flat though, whereas mist can vary in density.

I made the image subtly more 'misty' - less contrast and lighter. Then I copied that layer and really increased the lightness and dropped the contrast, making it look like dense mist. I then erased the upper part of that layer (using a feathered selection tool). So the upper part of the trees as closer to the original, and look like they are poking above 'mist level'.

You did well there, Bill!

I think a little light cloud actually makes a more interesting photograph (unless your'e talking a total eclipse with a very long focal length lens, specialist filters etc)...

A nice sighting in Bristol!










No special filters, just f22 and 1/4000. We used a no. 13 welding glass to view the eclipse.

The cool thing I remember about the 1999 one was the shadows. We were in a wood near Edale and the little specks of light filtering through the leaves, and dancing on the woodland floor, were crescent shaped.

Currently BBC weather says there'll be a clear spell at around 9.00 on Friday morning but I'm not going to hold my breath. The sun peeping through hazy cloud would actually work well though.

Lovely, especially the unusual second viewpoint.

This well established, family run company have always processed and scanned my film superbly, way better than 'Snappy Snaps'. They're reasonably cheap, especially given the high resolution of the scans they offer (Snappy Snaps are terrible in this regard)....

http://www.snapsphotoservices.com/

I have not had prints from them, just high res scans for computer editing and home printing.

It was worth the effort. Much better on mobile now, all looks very good!

Great results Pa! I love it when flash shots come out well.