I'll second that, I had a Benbo and nicknamed it the Octopus because with just one control to lock things up, when released it collapsed everywhere!

I eventually sold it and replaced it with a Gitzo 2220 Explorer, which is a brilliant sturdy tripod with all the positional capability of the Benbo, but the Gitzo plus head(s) is both heavy and hugely expensive.

I've just replaced it as I found I just couldn't lug it around any more as I'm getting old and weak!

I replaced it with a Giottos 8350B and MH1301-652 ball head and am very pleased.

As it's traditional that we share experiences about new gear, I felt I had to post this.

I recently parted with my superb Gitzo 2220 Aluminium Explorer and my offset and geared heads as I just couldn't carry them around any more (approx 4kgs) and have been using my small Velbon Ultra Luxi F which is light and compact but isn't quite in the same league as the Gitzo!

I looked around at various carbon fibre options that could combine both the flexibility of the Gitzo and be closer to the weight of the Velbon (1.3kg) and be reasonably compact. Unfortunately I couldn't afford a Gitzo CF replacement plus head as that would have set me back a huge wad of cash, which just isn't available!

Eventually, after researching and trying many alternatives from Manfrotto, Velbon, Benro, Feisol and Slik (I've had a Benbo in the past), I finally settled on a Giottos 8350B adjustable column tripod and MH 1301-652 head. The tripod has similar positioning capabilities to my old Gitzo and the head is really nice with it's three separate controls for friction, positioning and rotation.

At just under 2kgs including the head, it's within my capability for transportation and with the head removed it can fit in aircraft cabin baggage (max length of 55cm) as it folds to 53cm.

Very well made and easy to use, I can recommend the combo to those looking for something with great positioning flexibility that's both strong, rigid and light with low financial impact.

Well pleased!

Faststone is my favourite "quick" browser. It also has a fairly decent, but basic Raw converter built in as well, based upon Dave Coffins DCRaw codes.

You select it's operation in the Settings menu (F12) under the Raw tab; select "Actual size (Slow)" in the "Batch-convert RAW files in:" pull down menu. If you select Actual size in the View RAW files pull down, it will considerably slow down the pre-views of your Raw images, but they will accurately reflect the conversion colours rather than the embedded JPEG's. You will need to restart Faststone when you make these changes.

Silkypix used to have a free version of their software with limited controls, but sadly they have suspended it.

Raw Therapee is a decent programme, although it's free to use, I think that if you like it sufficiently, it's a nice gesture to make a donation, as indeed you can with Faststone.

IrfanView is another program you could try that has some followers, again donation based.
link

I calibrate both my laptop and my 20.1" HP SIPS monitor using an EyeOne Display 2 link. Really easy to use with reminders at your choice of intervals.

I have my printers calibrated for the inks and papers I use by Fotospeed link and print via Photoshop CS2 from TIFF files.

I used to do everything by eye, but never had proper consistency. Since using the above, I get great, consistent results every time. One of the better investments I've made , I wouldn't dream of going back.

It's likely that we (SWMBO & I) can make it, especially as we are NT members.

I will PM you for your mobile #, any specific times in mind?

Sorry, I don't have an inverter or anything similar. Can't you beg a power socket from someone there?

I did it once before and came out as a Pentaxian.

Just done it again, 'cause my memory is so bad I can't remember my answers!

Answer - Pentaxian again.

Bugger! - I want a Ricoh GX200! :

I use an Acer 5920 (about £400), which I upgraded to 4GB Ram and changed the Sata 1 HD to a 320GB Sata 2 drive which sped things up immensely. I'm sure that anything similar from a respectable brand would be just as good, i.e. Toshiba, Dell, HP etc.,

Still running Blista Home Premium as originally installed, I have XP Pro, but haven't had any problems with Blista so haven't bothered re-installing the OS, I'm waiting for Windows 7 instead and I will probably do it then.

I find the screen okay, it profiles reasonably well, but like all cheaper laptops it has a narrow viewing angle. For my "serious" home use I have a 1600 x 1200 20.1" HP SIPS screen and I also run an external 1TB Sata 2 drive via a PCI card adaptor to maintain the 300GB transfer rate for all my archived photos, I keep my current (approx last 6 months) and best images on the laptop drive, I also use a proper keyboard and mouse (wireless) and a USB tablet.

In addition to the usual Microsoft Office suite, I run the full Adobe CS2 suite as I do literature and web design as well as photography, I use Silkypix and Capture One v4 for my Raw conversion and I use IDimager as my main cataloguing system. I also do 2D & 3D CAD and PCB design work.

So far I've had no issues at all, but I do daily system backups and after any serious work sessions to another 320GB hard drive via Casper, so if the drive or my laptop dies, I can very quickly get back into operation with very little loss.

I also backup all my archived material on another set of external HD's (2 x 200GB Sata 1 units, which I will replace with another 1TB drive when I run out of space).

I'm fairly computer savvy so I don't worry overly much about it all.

Not accepted.

Anyone else interested?

A very rare item!

Superb to quickly determine the sharpness of your slides, fully adjustable focus to ensure perfect image quality. The forerunner of pixel peeping!

Came out as the best loupe in a magazine test a few years ago and I can verify that, typical top quality Pentax product!

I think I paid around £100 for it, but I can see it's available from Amazon for £55 link.

Other stores list it for much more link, so I'm open to sensible offers.

It is in mint (as new) condition.

I also have a few other items of possible interest that I mistakenly posted up on eBay without thinking! link

One forum member did a buy now and said I should have put it up here first. Just habit I guess. Oh well, you live and learn!

Why not wait for a month or so when there is no stock at old prices left? Not many stores will have them at £349 for long.

The new on-line price is around £529! Look here link